bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Czimczik Receives 2017 Sulzman Award for Excellence in Education and Mentoring
Authors:   AGU
Published: October 2017

Claudia Czimczik will receive the 2017 Sulzman Award for Excellence in Education and Mentoring at the 2017 American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting, to be held 11–15 December in New Orleans, La. The award is given to “one mid-career female scientist…for significant contributions as a role model and mentor for the next generation of biogeoscientists.”
Lenaerts Receives 2017 Cryosphere Early Career Award
Authors:   AGU
Published: October 2017

Jan Lenaerts will receive the 2017 Cryosphere Early Career Award at the 2017 American Geophysical Fall Meeting, to be held 11–15 December in New Orleans, La. The award is for “a significant contribution to cryospheric science and technology.”
Geologic Map of Europa Highlights Targets for Future Exploration
Authors: Wendel JoAnna
Published: October 2017

The first such map of the icy moon puts its strange surface features into perspective.
Polluted Lakes in Disguise
Authors: Cartier Kimberly
Published: October 2017

Clear lake water under highly polluted conditions might necessitate a rethink of water management policies and pollutant mitigation.
Bacterial SBP56 identified as a Cu-dependent methanethiol oxidase widely distributed in the biosphere
Authors: Eyice Özge , Myronova Nataliia , Pol Arjan , Carrión Ornella , Todd Jonathan D , Smith Tom J , Gurman Stephen J , Cuthbertson Adam , Mazard Sophie , Mennink-Kersten Monique A S H , Bugg Timothy D H , Andersson Karl Kristoffer , Johnston Andrew W B , Op den Camp Huub J M , Schäfer Hendrik
Published: October 2017

Oxidation of methanethiol (MT) is a significant step in the sulfur cycle. MT is an intermediate of metabolism of globally significant organosulfur compounds including dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) and dimethylsulfide (DMS), which have key roles in marine carbon and sulfur cycling. In aerobic bacteria, MT is degraded by a MT oxidase (MTO). The enzymatic and genetic basis of MT oxidation have remained poorly characterized. Here, we identify for the first time the MTO enzyme and its encoding gene (mtoX) in the DMS-degrading bacterium Hyphomicrobium sp. VS. We show that MTO is a homotetrameric metalloenzyme that requires Cu for enzyme activity. MTO is predicted to be a soluble periplasmic enzyme and a member of a distinct clade of the Selenium-binding protein (SBP56) family for which no function has been reported. Genes orthologous to mtoX exist in many bacteria able to degrade DMS, other one-carbon compounds or DMSP, notably in the marine model organism Ruegeria pomeroyi DSS-3, a member of the Rhodobacteraceae family that is abundant in marine environments. Marker exchange mutagenesis of mtoX disrupted the ability of R. pomeroyi to metabolize MT confirming its function in this DMSP-degrading bacterium. In R. pomeroyi, transcription of mtoX was enhanced by DMSP, methylmercaptopropionate and MT. Rates of MT degradation increased after pre-incubation of the wild-type strain with MT. The detection of mtoX orthologs in diverse bacteria, environmental samples and its abundance in a range of metagenomic data sets point to this enzyme being widely distributed in the environment and having a key role in global sulfur cycling.
Two-dimensional lithium diffusion behavior and probable hybrid phase transformation kinetics in olivine lithium iron phosphate
Authors: Hong Liang , Li Linsen , Chen-Wiegart Yuchen-Karen , Wang Jiajun , Xiang Kai , Gan Liyang , Li Wenjie , Meng Fei , Wang Fan , Wang Jun , Chiang Yet-Ming , Jin Song , Tang Ming
Published: October 2017

Olivine lithium iron phosphate is a technologically important electrode material for lithium-ion batteries and a model system for studying electrochemically driven phase transformations. Despite extensive studies, many aspects of the phase transformation and lithium transport in this material are still not well understood. Here we combine operando hard X-ray spectroscopic imaging and phase-field modeling to elucidate the delithiation dynamics of single-crystal lithium iron phosphate microrods with long-axis along the [010] direction. Lithium diffusivity is found to be two-dimensional in microsized particles containing ~3% lithium-iron anti-site defects. Our study provides direct evidence for the previously predicted surface reaction-limited phase-boundary migration mechanism and the potential operation of a hybrid mode of phase growth, in which phase-boundary movement is controlled by surface reaction or lithium diffusion in different crystallographic directions. These findings uncover the rich phase-transformation behaviors in lithium iron phosphate and intercalation compounds in general and can help guide the design of better electrodes.
Common and cell-type specific responses to anti-cancer drugs revealed by high throughput transcript profiling
Authors: Niepel Mario , Hafner Marc , Duan Qiaonan , Wang Zichen , Paull Evan O. , Chung Mirra , Lu Xiaodong , Stuart Joshua M. , Golub Todd R. , Subramanian Aravind , Ma’ayan Avi , Sorger Peter K.
Published: October 2017

More effective use of targeted anti-cancer drugs depends on elucidating the connection between the molecular states induced by drug treatment and the cellular phenotypes controlled by these states, such as cytostasis and death. This is particularly true when mutation of a single gene is inadequate as a predictor of drug response. The current paper describes a data set of ~600 drug cell line pairs collected as part of the NIH LINCS Program (http://www.lincsproject.org/) in which molecular data (reduced dimensionality transcript L1000 profiles) were recorded across dose and time in parallel with phenotypic data on cellular cytostasis and cytotoxicity. We report that transcriptional and phenotypic responses correlate with each other in general, but whereas inhibitors of chaperones and cell cycle kinases induce similar transcriptional changes across cell lines, changes induced by drugs that inhibit intra-cellular signaling kinases are cell-type specific. In some drug/cell line pairs significant changes in transcription are observed without a change in cell growth or survival; analysis of such pairs identifies drug equivalence classes and, in one case, synergistic drug interactions. In this case, synergy involves cell-type specific suppression of an adaptive drug response.
Search for domain wall dark matter with atomic clocks on board global positioning system satellites
Authors: Roberts Benjamin M. , Blewitt Geoffrey , Dailey Conner , Murphy Mac , Pospelov Maxim , Rollings Alex , Sherman Jeff , Williams Wyatt , Derevianko Andrei
Published: October 2017

Cosmological observations indicate that dark matter makes up 85% of all matter in the universe yet its microscopic composition remains a mystery. Dark matter could arise from ultralight quantum fields that form macroscopic objects. Here we use the global positioning system as a ~ 50,000 km aperture dark matter detector to search for such objects in the form of domain walls. Global positioning system navigation relies on precision timing signals furnished by atomic clocks. As the Earth moves through the galactic dark matter halo, interactions with domain walls could cause a sequence of atomic clock perturbations that propagate through the satellite constellation at galactic velocities ~ 300 km s−1. Mining 16 years of archival data, we find no evidence for domain walls at our current sensitivity level. This improves the limits on certain quadratic scalar couplings of domain wall dark matter to standard model particles by several orders of magnitude.
DNA-Methylation and Body Composition in Preschool Children: Epigenome-Wide-Analysis in the European Childhood Obesity Project (CHOP)-Study
Authors: Rzehak Peter , Covic Marcela , Saffery Richard , Reischl Eva , Wahl Simone , Grote Veit , Weber Martina , Xhonneux Annick , Langhendries Jean-Paul , Ferre Natalia , Closa-Monasterolo Ricardo , Escribano Joaquin , Verduci Elvira , Riva Enrica , Socha Piotr , Gruszfeld Dariusz , Koletzko Berthold
Published: October 2017

Adiposity and obesity result from the interaction of genetic variation and environmental factors from very early in life, possibly mediated by epigenetic processes. Few Epigenome-Wide-Association-Studies have identified DNA-methylation (DNAm) signatures associated with BMI and body composition in children. Body composition by Bio-Impedance-Analysis and genome-wide DNAm in whole blood were assessed in 374 pre-school children from four European countries. Associations were tested by linear regression adjusted for sex, age, centre, education, 6 WBC-proportions according to Houseman and 30 principal components derived from control probes. Specific DNAm variants were identified to be associated with BMI (212), fat-mass (230), fat-free-mass (120), fat-mass-index (24) and fat-free-mass-index (15). Probes in genesSNED1(IRE-BP1),KLHL6,WDR51A(POC1A),CYTH4-ELFN2,CFLAR,PRDM14,SOS1,ZNF643(ZFP69B),ST6GAL1,C3orf70, CILP2,MLLT4and ncRNALOC101929268remained significantly associated after Bonferroni-correction ofP-values. We provide novel evidence linking DNAm with (i) altered lipid and glucose metabolism, (ii) diabetes and (iii) body size and composition in children. Both common and specific epigenetic signatures among measures were also revealed. The causal direction with phenotypic measures and stability of DNAm variants throughout the life course remains unclear and longitudinal analysis in other populations is required. These findings give support for potential epigenetic programming of body composition and obesity.
Free surfaces recast superconductivity in few-monolayer MgB2: Combined first-principles and ARPES demonstration
Authors: Bekaert J. , Bignardi L. , Aperis A. , van Abswoude P. , Mattevi C. , Gorovikov S. , Petaccia L. , Goldoni A. , Partoens B. , Oppeneer P. M. , Peeters F. M. , Milošević M. V. , Rudolf P. , Cepek C.
Published: October 2017

Two-dimensional materials are known to harbour properties very different from those of their bulk counterparts. Recent years have seen the rise of atomically thin superconductors, with a caveat that superconductivity is strongly depleted unless enhanced by specific substrates, intercalants or adatoms. Surprisingly, the role in superconductivity of electronic states originating from simple free surfaces of two-dimensional materials has remained elusive to date. Here, based on first-principles calculations, anisotropic Eliashberg theory, and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES), we show that surface states in few-monolayer MgB2 make a major contribution to the superconducting gap spectrum and density of states, clearly distinct from the widely known, bulk-like σ- and π-gaps. As a proof of principle, we predict and measure the gap opening on the magnesium-based surface band up to a critical temperature as high as ~30 K for merely six monolayers thick MgB2. These findings establish free surfaces as an unavoidable ingredient in understanding and further tailoring of superconductivity in atomically thin materials.
Helicobacter pylori colonization and obesity – a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: den Hollander Wouter J. , Broer Linda , Schurmann Claudia , Meyre David , den Hoed Caroline M. , Mayerle Julia , Hofman Albert , Homuth Georg , Uitterlinden André G. , Lerch Markus M. , Kuipers Ernst J.
Published: October 2017

Obesity is associated with substantial morbidity, costs, and decreased life expectancy, and continues to rise worldwide. While etiological understanding is needed for prevention, epidemiological studies indicated that colonization with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) may affect body mass index (BMI), but with inconsistent results. Here, we examine the relationship between H. pylori colonization and BMI/obesity. Cross-sectional analyses were performed in two independent population-based cohorts of elderly from the Netherlands and Germany (n = 13,044). Genetic risk scores were conducted based on genetic loci associated with either H. pylori colonization or BMI/obesity. We performed a bi-directional Mendelian randomization. Meta-analysis of cross-sectional data revealed no association between anti-H. pylori IgG titer and BMI, nor of H. pylori positivity and BMI. Anti-H. pylori IgG titer was negatively associated with obesity (OR 0.99972; 95% CI 0.99946-0.99997, p = 0.03) and with obesity classes (Beta −6.91 •10−5; 95% CI −1.38•10−4, −5.49•10−7, p = 0.048), but the magnitude of these effects was limited. Mendelian randomization showed no causal relation between H. pylori genetic risk score and BMI/obesity, nor between BMI or obesity genetic risk scores and H. pylori positivity. This study provides no evidence for a clinically relevant association between H. pylori and BMI/obesity.
A total transcriptome profiling method for plasma-derived extracellular vesicles: applications for liquid biopsies
Authors: Amorim Maria G. , Valieris Renan , Drummond Rodrigo D. , Pizzi Melissa P. , Freitas Vanessa M. , Sinigaglia-Coimbra Rita , Calin George A. , Pasqualini Renata , Arap Wadih , Silva Israel T. , Dias-Neto Emmanuel , Nunes Diana N.
Published: October 2017

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are key mediators of intercellular communication. Part of their biological effects can be attributed to the transfer of cargos of diverse types of RNAs, which are promising diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. EVs found in human biofluids are a valuable source for the development of minimally invasive assays. However, the total transcriptional landscape of EVs is still largely unknown. Here we develop a new method for total transcriptome profiling of plasma-derived EVs by next generation sequencing (NGS) from limited quantities of patient-derived clinical samples, which enables the unbiased characterization of the complete RNA cargo, including both small- and long-RNAs, in a single library preparation step. This approach was applied to RNA extracted from EVs isolated by ultracentrifugation from the plasma of five healthy volunteers. Among the most abundant RNAs identified we found small RNAs such as tRNAs, miRNAs and miscellaneous RNAs, which have largely unknown functions. We also identified protein-coding and long noncoding transcripts, as well as circular RNA species that were also experimentally validated. This method enables, for the first time, the full spectrum of transcriptome data to be obtained from minute patient-derived samples, and will therefore potentially allow the identification of cell-to-cell communication mechanisms and biomarkers.
Dimethyl diallyl ammonium chloride and diallylamin Co-polymer modified bio-film derived from palm dates for the adsorption of dyes
Authors: Jabli Mahjoub , Saleh Tawfik A. , Sebeia Nouha , Tka Najeh , Khiari Ramzi
Published: October 2017

For the first time, co-polymer of dimethyl diallyl ammonium chloride and diallylamin (PDDACD) was used to modify the films derived from the waste of palm date fruits, which were then investigated by the purification of colored aqueous solutions. The physico-chemical characteristics were identified using data color, FT-IR spectroscopy, and SEM features. The modified films were evaluated as adsorbents of Methylene Blue (MB), Direct Yellow 50 (DY50), Reactive Blue 198 (RB198) and Naphtol Blue Black (NBB). High retention capacities were achieved in the following order: The equilibrium da DY50 (14 mg g−1) < RB198 (16 mg g−1) < NBB (63.9 mg g−1) < MB (150 mg g−1). The kinetic modeling of the data revealed that the adsorption data follows the pseudo second order model. It was fitted to the Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, and Dubinin-Redushkevich equations, and the data best fit the Freundlich model indicating that the adsorption might occur in the heterogeneous adsorption sites. These results reveal that PDDACD modified films are valuable materials for the treatment of industrial wastewater. Moreover, the as-prepared adsorbent is economically viable and easily controllable for pollutant adsorption.
Computer-aided assessment of regional vascularity of thyroid nodules for prediction of malignancy
Authors: Baig Faisal N. , Lunenburg Jurgen T. J. van , Liu Shirley Y. W. , Yip Shea-Ping , Law Helen K. W. , Ying Michael
Published: October 2017

Color Doppler vascular index (VI) was assessed alone and in combination with grey-scale ultrasound (GSU) in regionally subdivided thyroid nodules in diagnosing thyroid cancer. Color Doppler sonograms of 111 thyroid nodules were evaluated by a home-developed algorithm that performed “offsetting” (algorithm for changing the area of a region of interest, ROI, without distorting the ROI’s contour) and assessed peripheral, central and overall VI of thyroid nodules. Results showed that the optimum offset for dividing peripheral and central regions of nodule was 22%. At the optimum offset, the mean VI of peripheral, central, and overall regions of malignant nodules were significantly higher than those of benign nodules (26.5 ± 16.2%, 21.7 ± 19.6%, 23.8 ± 4.6% v/s 18.2 ± 16.7%, 11.9 ± 15.1% and 16.6 ± 1.8% respectively, P < 0.05). The optimum cut-off of peripheral, central, and overall VI was 19.7%, 9.1% and 20.2% respectively. When compared to GSU alone, combination of VI assessment with GSU evaluation of thyroid nodules increased the diagnostic accuracy from 58.6% to 79.3% (P < 0.05). In conclusion, a novel algorithm for regional subdivision and quantification of thyroid nodular VI in ultrasound images was established, and the optimum offset and cut-off were derived. Assessment of intranodular VI in conjunction with GSU can increase the accuracy in ultrasound diagnosis of thyroid cancer.
Structural basis of nanobody-mediated blocking of BtuF, the cognate substrate-binding protein of the Escherichia coli vitamin B12 transporter BtuCD
Authors: Mireku S. A. , Sauer M. M. , Glockshuber R. , Locher K. P.
Published: October 2017

Bacterial ABC importers catalyze the uptake of essential nutrients including transition metals and metal-containing co-factors. Recently, an IgG antibody targeting the external binding protein of theStaphylococcus aureusMn(II) ABC importer was reported to inhibit transport activity and reduce bacterial cell growth. We here explored the possibility of using alpaca-derived nanobodies to inhibit the vitamin B12 transporter ofEscherichia coli, BtuCD-F, as a model system by generating nanobodies against the periplasmic binding protein BtuF. We isolated six nanobodies that competed with B12 for binding to BtuF, with inhibition constants between 10−6and 10−9 M. Kinetic characterization of the nanobody-BtuF interactions revealed dissociation half-lives between 1.6 and 6 minutes and fast association rates between 104and 106 M−1s−1. For the tightest-binding nanobody, we observed a reduction ofin vitrotransport activity of BtuCD-F when an excess of nanobody over B12 was used. The structure of BtuF in complex with the most effective nanobody Nb9 revealed the molecular basis of its inhibitory function. The CDR3 loop of Nb9 reached into the substrate-binding pocket of BtuF, preventing both B12 binding and BtuCD-F complex formation. Our results suggest that nanobodies can mediate ABC importer inhibition, providing an opportunity for novel antibiotic strategies.
Time dependent decomposition of ammonia borane for the controlled production of 2D hexagonal boron nitride
Authors: Babenko Vitaliy , Lane George , Koos Antal A. , Murdock Adrian T. , So Karwei , Britton Jude , Meysami Seyyed Shayan , Moffat Jonathan , Grobert Nicole
Published: October 2017

Ammonia borane (AB) is among the most promising precursors for the large-scale synthesis of hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) by chemical vapour deposition (CVD). Its non-toxic and non-flammable properties make AB particularly attractive for industry. AB decomposition under CVD conditions, however, is complex and hence has hindered tailored h-BN production and its exploitation. To overcome this challenge, we report in-depth decomposition studies of AB under industrially safe growth conditions. In situ mass spectrometry revealed a time and temperature-dependent release of a plethora of NxBy-containing species and, as a result, significant changes of the N:B ratio during h-BN synthesis. Such fluctuations strongly influence the formation and morphology of 2D h-BN. By means of in situ gas monitoring and regulating the precursor temperature over time we achieve uniform release of volatile chemical species over many hours for the first time, paving the way towards the controlled, industrially viable production of h-BN.
Mass occurrence of seep-specific bivalves in the oldest-known cold seep metazoan community
Authors: Jakubowicz Michal , Hryniewicz Krzysztof , Belka Zdzislaw
Published: October 2017

One of the most striking features of modern chemosynthesis-based ecosystems surrounding methane seeps is the presence of abundant chemosymbiotic bivalves. However, such accumulations have rarely been reported from Palaeozoic to mid-Mesozoic seeps, and it is widely thought that general trends in the evolution of chemosynthetic communities paralleled those typifying most marine environments, with the bivalve prevalence starting in the Mesozoic and with Palaeozoic seeps being dominated by brachiopods. Here, we report a discovery of bivalve clusters in the oldest-known methane seep that hosted metazoan fauna, dated to the late Silurian. We identify the bivalves, externally very similar to modern chemosymbiotic forms, as members of the extinct family Modiomorphidae, known previously from a younger, Devonian seep. The bivalves inhabited the seep at a stage of increased fluid flow, when they co-occurred with atrypid brachiopods, and display a set of morphological characteristics suggesting a seep-obligate lifestyle. We conclude that bivalves colonised chemosynthesis-based ecosystems at least as early as brachiopods and apparently first developed specialized lineages able to thrive in seep-related habitats for a prolonged period of time. Rather than being simple ecological successors of brachiopods, rich bivalve communities represent an ancient and recurring theme in the evolution of chemosynthetic assemblages.
Species traits and connectivity constrain stochastic community re-assembly
Authors: Holt Rebecca E. , Brown Christopher J. , Schlacher Thomas A. , Sheldon Fran , Balcombe Stephen R. , Connolly Rod M.
Published: October 2017

All communities may re-assemble after disturbance. Predictions for re-assembly outcomes are, however, rare. Here we model how fish communities in an extremely variable Australian desert river re-assemble following episodic floods and drying. We apply information entropy to quantify variability in re-assembly and the dichotomy between stochastic and deterministic community states. Species traits were the prime driver of community state: poor oxygen tolerance, low dispersal ability, and high fecundity constrain variation in re-assembly, shifting assemblages towards more stochastic states. In contrast, greater connectivity, while less influential than the measured traits, results in more deterministic states. Ecology has long recognised both the stochastic nature of some re-assembly trajectories and the role of evolutionary and bio-geographic processes. Our models explicitly test the addition of species traits and landscape linkages to improve predictions of community re-assembly, and will be useful in a range of different ecosystems.
Heterogeneous circRNA expression profiles and regulatory functions among HEK293T single cells
Authors: Zhong Chaofang , Yu Shaojun , Han Maozhen , Chen Jiahuan , Ning Kang
Published: October 2017

The single-cell analysis is becoming a powerful method for early detection of the abnormal variant in tissues, especially for profiling a small number of heterogeneous cells. With the advancement of sequencing technologies, many types of non-coding elements including miRNAs and lncRNAs which shed light on their heterogeneous patterns and functions among cells, have been profiled at the single-cell level. However, the complete picture of circRNA profile at single-cell level is still lacking. In this study, RNA-Seq data obtained from single HEK293T cells have been used to analyze expressions and functions of heterogeneous circRNA profiles. The enrichment patterns of circRNAs, interactions with miRNAs and pathways such as ErbB signaling pathway and protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum, have also been investigated. The results showed that circRNAs had a specific distribution pattern which was implicated with expression, miRNA and functional profiles at single-cell level. This assessment study of the expressions and functions of circRNAs at single-cell level shed light on heterogeneities among single cells.
Genetic footprint of population fragmentation and contemporary collapse in a freshwater cetacean
Authors: Chen Minmin , Fontaine Michael C. , Ben Chehida Yacine , Zheng Jinsong , Labbé Frédéric , Mei Zhigang , Hao Yujiang , Wang Kexiong , Wu Min , Zhao Qingzhong , Wang Ding
Published: October 2017

Understanding demographic trends and patterns of gene flow in an endangered species is crucial for devising conservation strategies. Here, we examined the extent of population structure and recent evolution of the critically endangered Yangtze finless porpoise (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis asiaeorientalis). By analysing genetic variation at the mitochondrial and nuclear microsatellite loci for 148 individuals, we identified three populations along the Yangtze River, each one connected to a group of admixed ancestry. Each population displayed extremely low genetic diversity, consistent with extremely small effective size (≤92 individuals). Habitat degradation and distribution gaps correlated with highly asymmetric gene-flow that was inefficient in maintaining connectivity between populations. Genetic inferences of historical demography revealed that the populations in the Yangtze descended from a small number of founders colonizing the river from the sea during the last Ice Age. The colonization was followed by a rapid population split during the last millennium predating the Chinese Modern Economy Development. However, genetic diversity showed a clear footprint of population contraction over the last 50 years leaving only ~2% of the pre-collapsed size, consistent with the population collapses reported from field studies. This genetic perspective provides background information for devising mitigation strategies to prevent this species from extinction.
On-demand optogenetic activation of human stem-cell-derived neurons
Authors: Klapper Simon D. , Sauter Evelyn J. , Swiersy Anka , Hyman Max A. E. , Bamann Christian , Bamberg Ernst , Busskamp Volker
Published: October 2017

The widespread application of human stem-cell-derived neurons for functional studies is impeded by complicated differentiation protocols, immaturity, and deficient optogene expression as stem cells frequently lose transgene expression over time. Here we report a simple but precise Cre-loxP-based strategy for generating conditional, and thereby stable, optogenetic human stem-cell lines. These cells can be easily and efficiently differentiated into functional neurons, and optogene expression can be triggered by administering Cre protein to the cultures. This conditional expression system may be applied to stem-cell-derived neurons whenever timed transgene expression could help to overcome silencing at the stem-cell level.
Central Blood Pressure Monitoring via a Standard Automatic Arm Cuff
Authors: Natarajan Keerthana , Cheng Hao-Min , Liu Jiankun , Gao Mingwu , Sung Shih-Hsien , Chen Chen-Huan , Hahn Jin-Oh , Mukkamala Ramakrishna
Published: October 2017

Current oscillometric devices for monitoring central blood pressure (BP) maintain the cuff pressure at a constant level to acquire a pulse volume plethysmography (PVP) waveform and calibrate it to brachial BP levels estimated with population average methods. A physiologic method was developed to further advance central BP measurement. A patient-specific method was applied to estimate brachial BP levels from a cuff pressure waveform obtained during conventional deflation via a nonlinear arterial compliance model. A physiologically-inspired method was then employed to extract the PVP waveform from the same waveform via ensemble averaging and calibrate it to the brachial BP levels. A method based on a wave reflection model was thereafter employed to define a variable transfer function, which was applied to the calibrated waveform to derive central BP. This method was evaluated against invasive central BP measurements from patients. The method yielded central systolic, diastolic, and pulse pressure bias and precision errors of −0.6 to 2.6 and 6.8 to 9.0 mmHg. The conventional oscillometric method produced similar bias errors but precision errors of 8.2 to 12.5 mmHg (p ≤ 0.01). The new method can derive central BP more reliably than some current non-invasive devices and in the same way as traditional cuff BP.
Plasticity of intrinsic excitability during LTD is mediated by bidirectional changes in h-channel activity
Authors: Gasselin Célia , Inglebert Yanis , Ankri Norbert , Debanne Dominique
Published: October 2017

The polarity of excitability changes associated with induction of Long-Term synaptic Depression (LTD) in CA1 pyramidal neurons is a contentious issue. Postsynaptic neuronal excitability after LTD induction is found to be reduced in certain cases (i.e. synergistic changes) but enhanced in others (i.e. compensatory or homeostatic). We examined here whether these divergent findings could result from the activation of two separate mechanisms converging onto a single learning rule linking synergistic and homeostatic plasticity. We show that the magnitude of LTD induced with low frequency stimulation (LFS) of the Schaffer collaterals determines the polarity of intrinsic changes in CA1 pyramidal neurons. Apparent input resistance (Rin) is reduced following induction of moderate LTD (<20–30%). In contrast, Rin is increased after induction of large LTD (>40%) induced by repetitive episodes of LFS. The up-regulation of Ih observed after moderate LTD results from the activation of NMDA receptors whereas the down-regulation of Ih is due to activation of mGluR1 receptors. These changes in Rin were associated with changes in intrinsic excitability. In conclusion, our study indicates that changes in excitability after LTD induction follow a learning rule describing a continuum linking synergistic and compensatory changes in excitability.
Mesiolingual root rotation for horizontal mandibular third molar extraction: position classification and surgical simulation
Authors: Ye Zhou-Xi , Yang Chi
Published: October 2017

Extracting horizontal mandibular 3rd molars face considerable difficulty due to the large bone and adjacent tooth resistances. This study aims at evaluating the effectiveness of a novel method-mesiolingual root rotation to extract wisdom teeth of this type. In this study, 73 horizontal teeth extracted using piezosurgery were reviewed and classified based on impaction depth: position I, II, III refers to the highest portion of the crown on a level with upper 1/3, middle 1/3, lower 1/3 of the 2rd molar’s root. Based on the surgical simulations on their 3D CBCT reconstructions, traditional method(crown distal rotation) and novel method(root mesiolingual rotation) are applied. 79.17% of teeth in position I and 57.89% of teeth in position II were designed using traditional method, 83.33% teeth in position III were designed using the novel method(p < 0.05). The surgeries were performed according to the designs. Two cases in position II using traditional method were found temporary inferior alveolar nerve(IAN) injury; while only one case in position III using novel method got temporary IAN and lingual nerve injury. Our study suggested that root mesiolingual rotation is an effective method to extract the horizontal mandibular 3rd molars, especially the deep impacted ones.
Fault-Tolerant Control of ANPC Three-Level Inverter Based on Order-Reduction Optimal Control Strategy under Multi-Device Open-Circuit Fault
Authors: Xu Shi-Zhou , Wang Chun-Jie , Lin Fang-Li , Li Shi-Xiang
Published: October 2017

The multi-device open-circuit fault is a common fault of ANPC (Active Neutral-Point Clamped) three-level inverter and effect the operation stability of the whole system. To improve the operation stability, this paper summarized the main solutions currently firstly and analyzed all the possible states of multi-device open-circuit fault. Secondly, an order-reduction optimal control strategy was proposed under multi-device open-circuit fault to realize fault-tolerant control based on the topology and control requirement of ANPC three-level inverter and operation stability. This control strategy can solve the faults with different operation states, and can works in order-reduction state under specific open-circuit faults with specific combined devices, which sacrifices the control quality to obtain the stability priority control. Finally, the simulation and experiment proved the effectiveness of the proposed strategy.
Personality in the chimpanzees of Gombe National Park
Authors: Weiss Alexander , Wilson Michael L. , Collins D. Anthony , Mjungu Deus , Kamenya Shadrack , Foerster Steffen , Pusey Anne E.
Published: October 2017

Researchers increasingly view animal personality traits as products of natural selection. We present data that describe the personalities of 128 eastern chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii) currently living in or who lived their lives in the Kasekela and Mitumba communities of Gombe National Park, Tanzania. We obtained ratings on 24 items from an established, reliable, well-validated questionnaire used to study personality in captive chimpanzee populations. Ratings were made by former and present Tanzanian field assistants who followed individual chimpanzees for years and collected detailed behavioral observations. Interrater reliabilities across items ranged from acceptable to good, but the personality dimensions they formed were not as interpretable as those from captive samples. However, the personality dimensions corresponded to ratings of 24 Kasekela chimpanzees on a different questionnaire in 1973 that assessed some similar traits. These correlations established the repeatability and construct validity of the present ratings, indicating that the present data can facilitate historical and prospective studies that will lead to better understanding of the evolution of personality in chimpanzees and other primates.
Quantitative and rapid detection of microcystin-LR using time-resolved fluorescence immunochromatographic assay based on europium nanospheres
Authors: Zhang Yi , Ding Xin-Liang , Guo Ming-Ming , Han Ting-Ting , Huang Zi-Jian , Shang Hong-Tao , Huang Biao
Published: October 2017

In the present study, a novel time-resolved fluorescence immunochromatographic assay was established for the rapid quantitative detection of microcystin-leucine arginine (MC-LR).
Introducing multiple bio-functional groups on the poly(ether sulfone) membrane substrate to fabricate an effective antithrombotic bio-interface
Authors: Wang Lingren , He Min , Gong Tao , Zhang Xiang , Zhang Lincai , Liu Tao , Ye Wei , Pan Changjiang , Zhao Changsheng
Published: October 2017

Multiple bio-functional groups and their biocompatible effect of surface modification.
Reversible optical switching memristors with tunable STDP synaptic plasticity: a route to hierarchical control in artificial intelligent systems
Authors: Jaafar Ayoub H. , Gray Robert J. , Verrelli Emanuele , O'Neill Mary , Kelly Stephen. M. , Kemp Neil T.
Published: October 2017

Optical control of memristors opens the route to new applications in optoelectronic switching and neuromorphic computing.
One-pot preparation of polylactic acid-ibuprofen conjugates and their performance characterization
Authors: Luo Shi-He , Wu Yan-Cheng , Cao Liang , Wang Qun-Fang , Chen Shui-Xia , Hao Zhi-Feng , Jing Le , Wang Zhao-Yang
Published: October 2017

Merging esterification modification, carrier preparation, and chemical conjugation into a one-pot reaction as a new strategy for developing the polylactic acid-ibuprofen conjugates is described.
Novel Ag2S quantum dot modified 3D flower-like SnS2 composites for photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical applications
Authors: Jing Liquan , Xu Yuanguo , Zhang Meng , Xie Meng , Xu Hui , He Minqiang , Liu Jie , Huang Shuquan , Li Huaming
Published: October 2017

Novel Ag2S quantum dot modified 3D flower-like SnS2 composites exhibit highly efficient photodegradation of MO and photocatalytic H2 production.
Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells inhibited bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis
Authors: Nan Jiang , Zhongyan Zhao
Published: October 2017

The present study was performed to evaluate the protective effect of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), TLR2-silencing BMSCs (BMSCTLR2−/−), on bleomycin (BLM)-induced lung fibrosis and elucidate the critical role of TLR2 during the process.
Fluoride doped SrTiO3/TiO2 nanotube arrays with a double layer walled structure for enhanced photocatalytic properties and bioactivity
Authors: Xue Chaorui , Hu Shengliang , Chang Qing , Li Ying , Liu Xi , Yang Jinlong
Published: October 2017

Fluoride doped double layer walled SrTiO3/TiO2 nanotube arrays were obtained and demonstrated enhanced photocatalytic properties and bioactivity.
Long non-coding RNA MEG3 regulates proliferation and apoptosis in non-small cell lung cancer via the miR-205-5p/LRP1 pathway
Authors: Wang Pei , Chen Dong , Ma Hongbing , Li Yong
Published: October 2017

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) MEG3 has been identified as a tumor suppressor in various cancers including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Flexible and high capacity lithium-ion battery anode based on a carbon nanotube/electrodeposited nickel sulfide paper-like composite
Authors: Fan Peng , Liu Hao , Liao Libing , Fu Jinzhou , Wang Zhen , Lv Guocheng , Mei Lefu , Hao Huiying , Xing Jie , Dong Jingjing
Published: October 2017

A flexible NS@CNT composite is synthesized by electrodeposition, showing a record specific capacity in terms of the entire electrode mass.
Titania-coated gold nanorods as an effective carrier for gambogic acid
Authors: Wan Hong-Ye , Chen Jian-Li , Yu Xiao-Yan , Zhu Xiao-Ming
Published: October 2017

Titania-coated gold nanorods were used as a carrier for gambogic acid, and the drug-loaded nanoparticles show an enhanced anticancer effect.
Improvement of NO2 sensing characteristic for mixed potential type gas sensor based on YSZ and Rh/Co3V2O8 sensing electrode
Authors: Wang Jing , Yu Zhangduo , Wang Lian , Wang Bin , Liu Fangmeng , Liang Xishuang , Sun Peng , Yan Xu , Chuai Xiaohong , Lu Geyu
Published: October 2017

This work may have potential significance to develop new sensor strategies and enrich the sensing mechanism for enhanced sensing characteristics.
Asymmetry-unit-dominated double slow-relaxation modes of 2,6-dimethyl-3,5-heptanedione dysprosium SMMs
Authors: Shi Chao , Nie Rong , Yao Xu , Fan Siqi , An Guanghui , Dong Yanping , Li Guangming
Published: October 2017

Two new β-diketone mononuclear dysprosium complexes exhibit two types of single and double relaxation modes under optimized DC field.
Guanine–oligothiophene conjugates: liquid-crystalline properties, photoconductivities and ion-responsive emission of their nanoscale assemblies
Authors: Gan Kian Ping , Yoshio Masafumi , Sugihara Yuki , Kato Takashi
Published: October 2017

Liquid-crystalline conjugated guanine–oligothiophene derivatives show electron or ambipolar carrier transport properties and ion-induced phase transition accompanied by a luminescence colour change.
Generation of defect clusters for 1O2 production for molecular oxygen activation in photocatalysis
Authors: Ding Jie , Dai Zan , Tian Fan , Zhou Bo , Zhao Bin , Zhao Huiping , Chen Zhiquan , Liu Yunling , Chen Rong
Published: October 2017

defect clusters facilitate 1O2 production for molecular oxygen activation in photocatalysis.
Characterization of Cu2SnS3polymorphism and its impact on optoelectronic properties
Authors: Oliva Florian , Arqués Laia , Acebo Laura , Guc Maxim , Sánchez Yudania , Alcobé Xavier , Pérez-Rodríguez Alejandro , Saucedo Edgardo , Izquierdo-Roca Victor
Published: October 2017

Temperature induced Cu2SnS3phase transition from a defective cubic to a monoclinic structure assessed by Raman spectroscopy and leading to higher photovoltaic efficiency.
Research progresses on the functional polypeptides in the detection and imaging of breast cancer
Authors: Zhao Jing , Chen Huinan , Tang Yingying , Chen Hong , Chen Guifang , Yin Yongmei , Li Genxi
Published: October 2017

Polypeptides as functional groups continue to garner significant interest in the detection and imaging of breast cancer, working as recognition elements, signal sources, building blocks and therapeutic reagents, etc.
Influence of surface coverage on the formation of 4,4′-bipyridinium (viologen) single molecular junctions
Authors: Osorio Henrry M. , Martín Santiago , Milan David C. , González-Orive Alejandro , Gluyas Josef B. G. , Higgins Simon J. , Low Paul J. , Nichols Richard J. , Cea Pilar
Published: October 2017

Bipyridinium-containing wires give rise to molecular junctions with distinct geometries and conductance values.
Multi-state memristive behavior in a light-emitting electrochemical cell
Authors: Shih Chien-Chung , Huang Chao-Wei , Gao Mengyao , Chueh Chu-Chen , Chen Wen-Chang
Published: October 2017

A new strategy to realize multi-state resistive memory by employing carbohydrate-based block copolymers, maltoheptaose-block-polyisoprene, as polyelectrolytes in a light-emitting electrochemical cell.
Carbon dots with efficient solid-state photoluminescence towards white light-emitting diodes
Authors: Zhu Jinyang , Bai Xue , Zhai Yue , Chen Xu , Zhu Yongsheng , Pan Gencai , Zhang Hanzhuang , Dong Biao , Song Hongwei
Published: October 2017

Bright WLEDs were fabricated based on a white light emitting CD–CTAB-K90 film.
Bulk Lorentz factors of gamma-ray bursts
Authors: Ghirlanda G. , Nappo F. , Ghisellini G. , Melandri A. , Marcarini G. , Nava L. , Salafia O. S. , Campana S. , Salvaterra R.
Published: October 2017

Knowledge of the bulk Lorentz factor Γ0 of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) allows us to compute their comoving frame properties shedding light on their physics. Upon collisions with the circumburst matter, the fireball of a GRB starts to decelerate, producing a peak or a break (depending on the circumburst density profile) in the light curve of the afterglow. Considering all bursts with known redshift and with an early coverage of their emission, we find 67 GRBs (including one short event) with a peak in their optical or GeV light curves at a time tp. For another 106 GRBs we set an upper limit tpUL. The measure of tp provides the bulk Lorentz factor Γ0 of the fireball before deceleration. We show that tp is due to the dynamics of the fireball deceleration and not to the passage of a characteristic frequency of the synchrotron spectrum across the optical band. Considering the tp of 66 long GRBs and the 85 most constraining upper limits, we estimate Γ0 or a lower limit Γ0LL. Using censored data analysis methods, we reconstruct the most likely distribution of tp. All tp are larger than the time Tp,γ when the prompt γ-ray emission peaks, and are much larger than the time Tph when the fireball becomes transparent, that is, tp>Tp,γ>Tph. The reconstructed distribution of Γ0 has median value ~300 (150) for a uniform (wind) circumburst density profile. In the comoving frame, long GRBs have typical isotropic energy, luminosity, and peak energy ⟨ Eiso ⟩ = 3(8) × 1050 erg, ⟨ Liso ⟩ = 3(15) × 1047 erg s-1, and ⟨ Epeak ⟩ = 1(2) keV in the homogeneous (wind) case. We confirm that the significant correlations between Γ0 and the rest frame isotropic energy (Eiso), luminosity (Liso), and peak energy (Ep) are not due to selection effects. When combined, they lead to the observed Ep−Eiso and Ep−Liso correlations. Finally, assuming a typical opening angle of 5 degrees, we derive the distribution of the jet baryon loading which is centered around a few 10-6M⊙.
BASIC (BLI Adenoma Serrated International Classification) classification for colorectal polyp characterization with blue light imaging
Authors: Bisschops Raf , Hassan Cesare , Bhandari Pradeep , Coron Emmanuel , Neumann Helmut , Pech Oliver , Correale Loredana , Repici Alessandro
Published: October 2017

Background and study aim Advanced endoscopic imaging has revolutionized the characterization of lesions during colonoscopy. The aim of this study was to create a new classification for differentiating subcentimetric hyperplastic and adenomatous polyps, and deeply invasive malignant lesions using blue-light imaging (BLI) with high definition, with and without optical magnification, as well as to assess its interobserver concordance.

Methods A video library consisting of 48 videos/still images (with/without optical magnification) from 24 histologically verified polyps/cancer with BLI was prospectively created. In the first step, seven endoscopists with experience in electronic chromoendoscopy reviewed 12 BLI videos/still images with/without magnification representative of the different histotypes, and individually identified possible descriptors. In the second step, these descriptors were categorized and summarized with a modified Delphi methodology. In the third step, the seven endoscopists independently reviewed the remaining 36 videos/still images with/without optical magnification, and the interobserver agreement for the new descriptors was assessed. The interobserver agreement between endoscopists was assessed using Gwet’s AC1.

Results By reviewing the initial 12 videos/still images, 43 descriptors were proposed. By a modified Delphi process, the endoscopists eventually agreed on summarizing 12 descriptors into three main domains. The main domains identified were: polyp surface (mucus, yes/no; regular/irregular; [pseudo]depressed, yes/no), pit appearance (featureless, yes/no; round/nonround with/without dark spots; homogeneous/heterogeneous distribution with/without focal loss), and vessels (present/absent, lacy, pericryptal, irregular). Interobserver agreement for the polyp surface domain appeared to be almost perfect for mucus (AC1 0.92 with and 0.88 without optical magnification), substantial for the regular/irregular surface (AC1 0.67 with and 0.66 without optical magnification). For the pit appearance domain, interobserver agreement was good for featureless (AC1 0.9 with and 0.8 without optical magnification), and round/nonround (AC1 0.77 with and 0.69 without optical magnification) descriptors, but less consistent for the homogeneity of distribution (AC1 with/without optical magnification 0.58). Agreement was almost perfect for the vessel domain (AC1 0.81 – 0.85).

Conclusions The new BASIC classification takes into account both morphological features of the polyp, as well as crypt and vessel characteristics. A high concordance among the observers was shown for most of the summarized descriptors. Optical magnification had a beneficial effect in terms of interobserver agreement for most of the descriptors.
Influence of electrolyte proportion on the performance of dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Gu Peng , Yang Dingyu , Zhu Xinghua , Sun Hui , Wangyang Peihua , Li Jitao , Tian Haibo
Published: October 2017

The performance of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) depends strongly on the electrolyte. In this paper, the electrolytes with various solvents and different potassium iodide (KI) & iodine (I2) concentration were prepared and their influence on the DSSC performance were investigated. The results revealed DSSC with electrolyte prepared by organic solvent show better performance than that of inorganic solvent. Meanwhile, the increasing of KI concentration from 0.1 to 0.6 mol/L can effectively improve the short-circuit current density (Jsc) from 0 2, correspondingly, the DSSC conversion efficiency (η) increased from 0.04% to 0.11%. On the other hand, the Jsc and η of DSSC increased firstly then decreased with the I2 concentration raised from 0.025 mol/L to 0.125 mol/L. It is worth to notice that the open-circuit voltage (Voc) of DSSC is almost unchanged with the concentration of KI and I2. In this paper, the best performance DSSC (Jsc=0.87 mA/cm2, Voc=0.57 mV, η=0.23%) can be obtained with electrolyte at a KI and I2 concentration of 0.6 mol/L and 0.075 mol/L respectively. Finally, the electrolytes used water and mixture of acetonitrile & ethylene glycol as solvents showed the latter presented better stability after setting at room temperature for 72 hours.