bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-resolution multimodal photoacoustic microscopy and optical coherence tomography image-guided laser induced branch retinal vein occlusion in living rabbits
Authors: Nguyen Van Phuc , Li Yanxiu , Zhang Wei , Wang Xueding , Paulus Yannis M.
Published: July 2019

Joint high-resolution multimodal photoacoustic microscopy (PAM) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) was developed to improve the efficiency for visualizing newly developed retinal neovascularization (RNV) and to monitor the dynamic changes of retinal vein occlusion (RVO) in living rabbits. The RNV and RVO models were created in New Zealand rabbits by Rose Bengal laser-induced RVO. Dual modalities imaging equipment, including color fundus photography, fluorescein angiography (FA), OCT, and PAM, was used to image and assess the changes of retinal vasculature. In vivo experimental results exhibited that not only the treatment boundaries and the position of the occluded vasculature but also the structure of individual RNV were markedly observed using PAM platform with great resolution and high image contrast. The laser light energy of 80 nJ was used to induce photoacoustic signal, which is approximately half the energy of the American National Standards Institute safety limit. A cross-sectional structure of RNV was identified with the OCT modality. Furthermore, vibrant transformations in the RNV and the retinal morphology were examined at different times after laser occlusion: days 4, 28, 35, 49, and 90. PAM revealed high contrast and high resolution vascular imaging of the retina and choroid with amplified penetration depth. Through the present custom-built imaging system, both RNV and RVO can be reconstructed and observed in two and three dimensions. A unique dual modality A unique dual modality PAM and OCT can help precisely visualize and distinguish individual microvessels, microvessel depth, and the surrounding anatomy. Thus, the proposed multimodal ocular imaging platform may offer a potential equipment to enhance classification of microvasculature in a reliable and proficient manner in larger rabbit eyes.
Transcriptome profiling-based identification of prognostic subtypes and multi-omics signatures of glioblastoma
Authors: Park Junseong , Shim Jin-Kyoung , Yoon Seon-Jin , Kim Se Hoon , Chang Jong Hee , Kang Seok-Gu
Published: July 2019

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a lethal tumor, but few biomarkers and molecular subtypes predicting prognosis are available. This study was aimed to identify prognostic subtypes and multi-omics signatures for GBM. Using oncopression and TCGA-GBM datasets, we identified 80 genes most associated with GBM prognosis using correlations between gene expression levels and overall survival of patients. The prognostic score of each sample was calculated using these genes, followed by assigning three prognostic subtypes. This classification was validated in two independent datasets (REMBRANDT and Severance). Functional annotation revealed that invasion- and cell cycle-related gene sets were enriched in poor and favorable group, respectively. The three GBM subtypes were therefore named invasive (poor), mitotic (favorable), and intermediate. Interestingly, invasive subtype showed increased invasiveness, and MGMT methylation was enriched in mitotic subtype, indicating need for different therapeutic strategies according to prognostic subtypes. For clinical convenience, we also identified genes that best distinguished the invasive and mitotic subtypes. Immunohistochemical staining showed that markedly higher expression of PDPN in invasive subtype and of TMEM100 in mitotic subtype (P < 0.001). We expect that this transcriptome-based classification, with multi-omics signatures and biomarkers, can improve molecular understanding of GBM, ultimately leading to precise stratification of patients for therapeutic interventions.
PIN1 transcript variant 2 acts as a long non-coding RNA that controls the HIF-1-driven hypoxic response
Authors: Choi Yong-Joon , Kim Iljin , Lee Jae Eun , Park Jong-Wan
Published: July 2019

The transcription factor HIF-1 induces the expression of genes that are essential for cell survival and oxygen homeostasis in hypoxic conditions. The prolyl isomerase Pin1 plays a role in the regulation of HIF-1α. However, the mechanism by which Pin1 controls HIF-1α remains controversial. Surprisingly, we here show that a PIN1 transcript downregulates HIF-1α as a long non-coding RNA. Pin1-silencing siRNAs augmented the hypoxia-induced expression of HIF-1α, thereby upregulating the expression of HIF-1 target genes. However, the overexpression of Pin1 protein did not inhibit the hypoxic expression of HIF-1α. Pin1 restoration in Pin1-depleted cells also failed to reverse the induction of HIF-1α by Pin1 knockdown. Unexpectedly, HIF-1α was found to be induced by both siRNAs for PIN1 transcript variants 1/2 and that for PIN1 transcript variants 2/3, indicating that the PIN1 transcript variant 2 (PIN1-v2) is responsible for HIF-1α induction. Mechanistically, PIN1-v2, which is classified as a long non-coding RNA due to early termination of translation, was evaluated to inhibit the transcription of HIF1A gene. In conclusion, PIN1-v2 may function in balancing the HIF-1-driven gene expression under hypoxia.
Higher soil fauna abundance accelerates litter carbon release across an alpine forest-tundra ecotone
Authors: Liu Yang , Wang Lifeng , He Runlian , Chen Yamei , Xu Zhenfeng , Tan Bo , Zhang Li , Xiao Jiujin , Zhu Peng , Chen Lianghua , Guo Li , Zhang Jian
Published: July 2019

Upward shifts of alpine treelines and shrub expansion are occurring under climate change, and Abies faxoniana (AF) and Rhododendron lapponicum (RL) may become distributed at higher altitudes. How do abiotic factors and litter quality modulate the effects of soil fauna on carbon release in this context? A field decomposition experiment involving the foliar litter of AF and RL was conducted along an elevation gradient encompassing coniferous forest, alpine shrubland and alpine meadow by using litterbags with different mesh sizes (3 and 0.04 mm). The objective was to determine the influences of soil fauna, litter quality and abiotic factors on species-specific carbon release and their contributions during litter decomposition. Our findings demonstrated that higher soil fauna abundance and diversity facilitated litter carbon release. The contribution rates of soil fauna to carbon release (Cfau) decreased with elevation increasing and decomposition time. Cfau are influenced by soil faunal diversity, dominant fauna groups (Collembola, Oribatida, Mesostigmata), and abiotic factors (temperature). Soil fauna significantly and directly regulated carbon release, abiotic factors indirectly regulated carbon release via altering soil fauna community composition and litter quality. This study improve our understanding in the mechanisms of decomposer contributions to carbon cycling in the context of global climate change.
Asynchronous generation of oil droplets using a microfluidic flow focusing system
Authors: Thurgood Peter , Baratchi Sara , Arash Aram , Pirogova Elena , Jex Aaron R. , Khoshmanesh Khashayar
Published: July 2019

Here, we show that long-term exposure of PDMS based microfluidic droplet generation systems to water can reverse their characteristics such that they generate oil-in-water droplets instead of water-in-oil droplets. The competition between two oil columns entering via the two side channels leads to asynchronous generation of oil droplets. We identify various modes of droplet generation, and study the size, gap and generation rate of droplets under different combinations of oil and water pressures. Oil droplets can also be generated using syringe pumps, various oil viscosities, and different combinations of immiscible liquids. We also demonstrate the ability to dynamically change the gap between the oil droplets from a few hundred microns to just a few microns in successive cycles using a latex balloon pressure pump. This method requires no special equipment or chemical treatments, and importantly can be reversed by long-term exposure of the PDMS surfaces to the ambient air.
β-cyclocitral synergizes the response of adult Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae) to fruit juices and isoamyl acetate in a sex-dependent manner
Authors: Piñero Jaime C. , Barrett Bruce A. , Bolton Leland Grant , Follett Peter A.
Published: July 2019

Semiochemicals play a pivotal role in the location, evaluation, and utilization of hosts by herbivorous insects. Mixtures of host plant-derived compounds are often required to elicit appropriate levels of response to olfactory stimuli. In multiple-choice bioassays, we characterized the response of adult Drosophila suzukii to foliage- and fruit-based synthetic compounds tested alone and in association with grape and tart cherry juices, and assessed whether synergistic interactions among olfactory stimuli are involved in the olfactory-driven behavior of D. suzukii. Our results established (1) significant attraction of females (but not males) to β-cyclocitral and isoamyl acetate when tested singly, (2) the presence of a synergistic interaction between β-cyclocitral and cherry juice only for females, and (3) the presence of a synergistic interaction between β-cyclocitral and isoamyl acetate but only in the case of males. Our findings increase our understanding of male and female D. suzukii olfactory responses to synthetic compounds and fruit juices as sources of attractants. Combinations of foliage- and fruit-based compounds may be needed to increase SWD attraction.
Systems biology and network pharmacology of frailty reveal novel epigenetic targets and mechanisms
Authors: Gomez-Verjan J. C. , Ramírez-Aldana R. , Pérez-Zepeda M. U. , Quiroz-Baez R. , Luna-López A. , Gutierrez Robledo L. M.
Published: July 2019

Frailty is an age-associated condition, characterized by an inappropriate response to stress that results in a higher frequency of adverse outcomes (e.g., mortality, institutionalization and disability). Some light has been shed over its genetic background, but this is still a matter of debate. In the present study, we used network biology to analyze the interactome of frailty-related genes at different levels to relate them with pathways, clinical deficits and drugs with potential therapeutic implications. Significant pathways involved in frailty: apoptosis, proteolysis, muscle proliferation, and inflammation; genes as FN1, APP, CREBBP, EGFR playing a role as hubs and bottlenecks in the interactome network and epigenetic factors as HIST1H3 cluster and miR200 family were also involved. When connecting clinical deficits and genes, we identified five clusters that give insights into the biology of frailty: cancer, glucocorticoid receptor, TNF-α, myostatin, angiotensin converter enzyme, ApoE, interleukine-12 and −18. Finally, when performing network pharmacology analysis of the target nodes, some compounds were identified as potentially therapeutic (e.g., epigallocatechin gallate and antirheumatic agents); while some other substances appeared to be toxicants that may be involved in the development of this condition.
Investigating fouling at the pore-scale using a microfluidic membrane mimic filtration system
Authors: Debnath Nandini , Kumar Aloke , Thundat Thomas , Sadrzadeh Mohtada
Published: July 2019

The work investigates fouling in a microfluidic membrane mimic (MMM) filtration system for foulants such as polystyrene particles and large polymeric molecules. Our MMM device consists of a staggered arrangement of pillars which enables real-time visualization and analysis of pore-scale phenomena. Different fouling scenarios are investigated by conducting constant-pressure experiments. Fouling experiments are performed with three different types of foulants: polystyrene particle solution (colloidal fouling), polyacrylamide polymer solution (organic fouling) and a mixture of these two solutions (combined fouling). Four major categories of microscopic fouling are observed: cake filtration (upstream), pore blocking (inside the pores), colloidal aggregation (downstream) and colloidal streamer fouling (downstream). Our microfluidic experiments show that downstream colloidal aggregation and streamer fouling have a significant effect on overall membrane fouling which were not studied before.
Parvalbumin expression in oligodendrocyte-like CG4 cells causes a reduction in mitochondrial volume, attenuation in reactive oxygen species production and a decrease in cell processes’ length and branching
Authors: Lichvarova Lucia , Blum Walter , Schwaller Beat , Szabolcsi Viktoria
Published: July 2019

Forebrain glial cells - ependymal cells and astrocytes -acquire upon injury- a “reactive” phenotype associated with parvalbumin (PV) upregulation. Since free radicals, e.g. reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a role in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis, and that PV-upregulation in glial cells is inversely correlated with the level of oxidative stress, we hypothesized that PV-upregulation might also protect oligodendrocytes by decreasing ROS production. Lentiviral transduction techniques allowed for PV overexpression in CG4 oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs). Depending on the growth medium CG4 cells can be maintained in an OPC-like state, or induced to differentiate into an oligodendrocyte (OLG)-like phenotype. While increased levels of PV had no effect on cell proliferation and invasiveness in vitro, PV decreased the mitochondria volume in CG4 cell bodies, as well as the mitochondrial density in CG4 processes in both OPC-like and OLG-like states. In line with the PV-induced global decrease in mitochondrial volume, elevated PV levels reduced transcript levels of mitochondrial transcription factors involved in mitochondria biogenesis. In differentiated PV-overexpressing CG4 cells with a decreased mitochondrial volume, UV-induced ROS production was lower than in control CG4 cells hinting towards a possible role of PV in counteracting oxidative stress. Unexpectedly, PV also decreased the length of processes in undifferentiated CG4 cells and moreover diminished branching of differentiated CG4 cell processes, strongly correlated with the decreased density of mitochondria in CG4 cell processes. Thus besides conferring a protective role against oxidative stress, PV in a cell autonomous fashion additionally affects process’ growth and branching in CG4 cells.
Three-dimensional HepaRG spheroids as a liver model to study human genotoxicity in vitro with the single cell gel electrophoresis assay
Authors: Mandon Marion , Huet Sylvie , Dubreil Estelle , Fessard Valérie , Le Hégarat Ludovic
Published: July 2019

Many efforts have been made in the last 30 years to develop more relevant in vitro models to study genotoxic responses of drugs and environmental contaminants. While 2D HepaRG cells are one of the most promising models for liver toxicology, a switch to 3D cultures that integrate both in vivo architecture and cell-cell interactions has occurred to achieve even more predictive models. Preliminary studies have indicated that 3D HepaRG cells are suitable for liver toxicity screening. Our study aimed to evaluate the response of HepaRG spheroids exposed to various genotoxic compounds using the single cell gel electrophoresis assay. HepaRG spheroids were used at 10 days after seeding and exposed for 24 and 48 hours to certain selected chemical compounds (methylmethansulfonate (MMS), etoposide, benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), cyclophosphamide (CPA), 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA), 2-acetylaminofluorene (2-AAF), 4-nitroquinoline (4-NQO), 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP), 2-amino-3-methylimidazo[4,5-f]quinolone (IQ), acrylamide, and 2-4-diaminotoluene (2,4-DAT)). After treatment, the comet assay was performed on single cell suspensions and cytotoxicity was determined by the ATP assay. Comet formation was observed for all compounds except IQ, etoposide and 2,4-DAT. Treatment of spheroids with rifampicin increased CYP3A4 activity, demonstrating the metabolic capacity of HepaRG spheroids. These data on genotoxicity in 3D HepaRG spheroids are promising, but further experiments are required to prove that this model can improve the predictivity of in vitro models to detect human carcinogens.
Trip Centrality: walking on a temporal multiplex with non-instantaneous link travel time
Authors: Zaoli Silvia , Mazzarisi Piero , Lillo Fabrizio
Published: July 2019

In complex networks, centrality metrics quantify the connectivity of nodes and identify the most important ones in the transmission of signals. In many real world networks, especially in transportation systems, links are dynamic, i.e. their presence depends on time, and travelling between two nodes requires a non-vanishing time. Additionally, many networks are structured on several layers, representing, e.g., different transportation modes or service providers. Temporal generalisations of centrality metrics based on walk-counting, like Katz centrality, exist, however they do not account for non-zero link travel times and for the multiplex structure. We propose a generalisation of Katz centrality, termed Trip Centrality, counting only the walks that can be travelled according to the network temporal structure, i.e. “trips”, while also differentiating the contributions of inter- and intra-layer walks to centrality. We show an application to the US air transport system, specifically computing airports’ centrality losses due to delays in the flight network.
Mammographic casting-type calcification is an independent prognostic factor in invasive breast cancer
Authors: Li Yan , Cao Jian , Zhou Yidong , Mao Feng , Shen Songjie , Sun Qiang
Published: July 2019

This study aimed to determine whether there is an association between mammographic casting-type calcification and other prognostic factors for invasive breast cancer. We also assessed whether casting-type calcification could be an independent prognostic factor. Invasive breast cancer patient information from January 2010 and January 2013 was retrospectively reviewed. The associations between mammographic casting-type calcification and other clinicopathological factors, including tumor size, node status, grade, progesterone receptor (PR) status, estrogen receptor (ER) status, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) status, were analyzed. The Kaplan–Meier method and a Cox proportional hazards model were used for survival analyses of disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). A total of 1155 invasive breast cancer patients who underwent definitive surgery were included, and 136 cases (11.8%) had casting-type calcification on mammography. In multivariate logistic regression, casting-type calcification was significantly associated with axillary node metastasis, ER-negativity, and HER2 overexpression. Casting-type calcification significantly decreased OS and DFS after a median follow-up of 60 months. This result remained after adjusting other prognostic factors in the multivariate analysis. Casting-type calcification is significantly linked to axillary node metastasis, ER-negativity and HER2 overexpression. Casting-type calcification is therefore an independent prognostic factor for breast cancer patients.
Monte-Carlo dosimetry and real-time imaging of targeted irradiation consequences in 2-cell stage Caenorhabditis elegans embryo
Authors: Torfeh Eva , Simon Marina , Muggiolu Giovanna , Devès Guillaume , Vianna François , Bourret Stéphane , Incerti Sébastien , Barberet Philippe , Seznec Hervé
Published: July 2019

Charged-particle microbeams (CPMs) provide a unique opportunity to investigate the effects of ionizing radiation on living biological specimens with a precise control of the delivered dose, i.e. the number of particles per cell. We describe a methodology to manipulate and micro-irradiate early stage C. elegans embryos at a specific phase of the cell division and with a controlled dose using a CPM. To validate this approach, we observe the radiation-induced damage, such as reduced cell mobility, incomplete cell division and the appearance of chromatin bridges during embryo development, in different strains expressing GFP-tagged proteins in situ after irradiation. In addition, as the dosimetry of such experiments cannot be extrapolated from random irradiations of cell populations, realistic three-dimensional models of 2 cell-stage embryo were imported into the Geant4 Monte-Carlo simulation toolkit. Using this method, we investigate the energy deposit in various chromatin condensation states during the cell division phases. The experimental approach coupled to Monte-Carlo simulations provides a way to selectively irradiate a single cell in a rapidly dividing multicellular model with a reproducible dose. This method opens the way to dose-effect investigations following targeted irradiation.
An ICCD camera-based time-domain ultrasound-switchable fluorescence imaging system
Authors: Yu Shuai , Yao Tingfeng , Yuan Baohong
Published: July 2019

Fluorescence imaging in centimeter-deep tissues with high resolution is highly desirable for many biomedical applications. Recently, we have developed a new imaging modality, ultrasound-switchable fluorescence (USF) imaging, for achieving this goal. In our previous work, we successfully achieved USF imaging with several types of USF contrast agents and imaging systems. In this study, we introduced a new USF imaging system: an intensified charge-coupled device (ICCD) camera-based, time-domain USF imaging system. We demonstrated the principle of time-domain USF imaging by using two USF contrast agents. With a series of USF imaging experiments, we demonstrated the tradeoffs among different experimental parameters (i.e., data acquisition time, including CCD camera recording time and intensifier gate delay; focused ultrasound (FU) power; and imaging depth) and the image qualities (i.e., signal-to-noise ratio, spatial resolution, and temporal resolution). In this study, we also discussed several imaging strategies for achieving a high-quality USF image via this time-domain system.
Cortical-wide functional correlations are associated with stress-induced cardiac dysfunctions in individual rats
Authors: Nakayama Ryota , Ikegaya Yuji , Sasaki Takuya
Published: July 2019

Mental stress-induced biological responses considerably differ across animals, which may be explained by intrinsic brain activity patterns. To address this hypothesis, we recorded local field potential signals from six cortical areas, electrocardiograms, and electromyograms from freely moving rats. Based on their stress-induced changes in cardiac signals, individual defeated rats were classified into stress susceptible and resilient groups. Rats with lower correlations in theta power across wide ranges of cortical regions before the stress challenge had higher probability to be stress-susceptible rats as defined based on the irregularity of heartbeat signals. A combination of principal component analysis and the support vector machine algorithm revealed that functional connections across cortical regions could be predictive factors accounting for individual differences in future stress susceptibility. These results suggest that individual differences in cortical activity may be a mechanism that causes abnormal activity of peripheral organs in response to mental stress episodes. This evidence will advance the understanding of the neurophysiological correlates of mind-body associations during mental stress exposure.
Vps10-mediated targeting of Pep4 determines the activity of the vacuole in a substrate-dependent manner
Authors: Boutouja Fahd , Stiehm Christian M. , Mastalski Thomas , Brinkmeier Rebecca , Reidick Christina , El Magraoui Fouzi , Platta Harald W.
Published: July 2019

The vacuole is the hydrolytic compartment of yeast cells and has a similar function as the lysosome of higher eukaryotes in detoxification and recycling of macromolecules. We analysed the contribution of single vacuolar enzymes to pexophagy and identified the phospholipase Atg15, the V-ATPase factor Vma2 and the serine-protease Prb1 along with the already known aspartyl-protease Pep4 (Proteinase A) to be required for this pathway. We also analysed the trafficking receptor Vps10, which is required for an efficient vacuolar targeting of the precursor form of Pep4. Here we demonstrate a novel context-dependent role of Vps10 in autophagy. We show that reduced maturation of Pep4 in a VPS10-deletion strain affects the proteolytic activity of the vacuole depending on the type and amount of substrate. The VPS10-deletion has no effect on the degradation of the cytosolic protein Pgk1 via bulk autophagy or on the degradation of ribosomes via ribophagy. In contrast, the degradation of an excess of peroxisomes via pexophagy as well as mitochondria via mitophagy was significantly hampered in a VPS10-deletion strain and correlated with a decreased maturation level of Pep4. The results show that Vps10-mediated targeting of Pep4 limits the proteolytic capacity of the vacuole in a substrate-dependent manner.
Mobility assessment using wearable technology in patients with late-onset Pompe disease
Authors: Hamed Alaa , Curran Christopher , Gwaltney Chad , DasMahapatra Pronabesh
Published: July 2019

Late-onset Pompe disease (LOPD) is a rare genetic disorder due to the absence or deficiency of acid alpha-glucosidase enzyme resulting in slowly progressing reduction of muscle strength, causing difficulties with mobility and respiration. Wearable technologies offer novel options to evaluate mobility in a real-world setting. LOPD patients self-reporting LOPD, ≥18 years, US residents, walking (with or without aid), and not on invasive ventilation were recruited for a 6- to 8-week wearable study via patient organizations. Eligible patients were shipped a wearable tracker (Fitbit One™) and completed self-assessment questionnaires. Mobility outcome measures were median step count and peak 1-min activity. In the analyses cohort (N = 29), engagement in data sharing was high (94% of patients uploaded data for more than half the study days). Mean age was 43 years, 90% were females, and 93% were diagnosed in adulthood. Mean delay in diagnosis was 10 years; most had disease onset for ≥10 years (55%); some required walking aid (17%) and breathing assistance (38%). Mean step count differed by age (20–39 years: 4071 vs. 40–69 years: 2394,p < 0.01), diagnostic delay (<10 years: 3584 vs. ≥10 years: 2232,p < 0.05), disease duration (<10 years: 4219 vs. ≥10 years: 2462,p < 0.05), and ambulatory status (aided: 1883 vs. unaided: 3408,p < 0.05). Patient-reported “fatigue and pain” score was inversely correlated with step count (Pearson’sr = −0.42,p < 0.05) and peak 1-min activity (Pearson’sr = −0.49,p < 0.01). This study illustrates a new approach to measure mobility in LOPD patients and establishes a framework for future outcomes data collection.
Wearable sensors for monitoring the physiological and biochemical profile of the athlete
Authors: Seshadri Dhruv R. , Li Ryan T. , Voos James E. , Rowbottom James R. , Alfes Celeste M. , Zorman Christian A. , Drummond Colin K.
Published: July 2019

Athletes are continually seeking new technologies and therapies to gain a competitive edge to maximize their health and performance. Athletes have gravitated toward the use of wearable sensors to monitor their training and recovery. Wearable technologies currently utilized by sports teams monitor both the internal and external workload of athletes. However, there remains an unmet medical need by the sports community to gain further insight into the internal workload of the athlete to tailor recovery protocols to each athlete. The ability to monitor biomarkers from saliva or sweat in a noninvasive and continuous manner remain the next technological gap for sports medical personnel to tailor hydration and recovery protocols per the athlete. The emergence of flexible and stretchable electronics coupled with the ability to quantify biochemical analytes and physiological parameters have enabled the detection of key markers indicative of performance and stress, as reviewed in this paper.
Optimization of the extraction, preliminary characterization, and anti-inflammatory activity of crude polysaccharides from the stems of Trapa quadrispinosa
Authors: Li Feng , Liu Xinhu , Yu Xiaofeng , Xu Xiuquan , Yang Huan
Published: July 2019

The high-yield TQCPS extracted by PAE presented good anti-inflammatory activity.
Magnetite nanoparticles coated with surfactant Sylgard 309 and its application as an adsorbent for paraben extraction from pharmaceutical and water samples
Authors: Ariffin Marinah Mohd , Sohaimi Norseyrihan Mohd , Yih Beh Shiuan , Saleh Noorashikin Md
Published: July 2019

In this paper, the extraction of parabens using a newly developed sorbent, Sylgard 309@MNP, is presented.
A hexagonal Ni6 cluster protected by 2-phenylethanethiol for catalytic conversion of toluene to benzaldehyde
Authors: Pembere Anthony M. S. , Cui Chaonan , Anumula Rajini , Wu Haiming , An Pan , Liang Tongling , Luo Zhixun
Published: July 2019

A hexagonal Ni6 cluster protected by 2-phenylethanethiol was synthesized and achieved a high performance for catalytic conversion of toluene to benzaldehyde.
A three-dimensional porous Co–P alloy supported on a copper foam as a new catalyst for sodium borohydride electrooxidation
Authors: Zhang Junjun , Zhang Dongming , Cui Can , Wang Haoyu , Jiao Weizhou , Gao Jing , Liu Youzhi
Published: July 2019

The doping of the P element produces more Co active sites on the electrode.
Polymorph nickel titanate nanofibers as bifunctional electrocatalysts towards hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions
Authors: Sachin Kumar B. , Tarafder Kartick , Shetty Akshatha R. , Hegde A. Chitharanjan , Gudla Visweswara C. , Ambat Rajan , Kalpathy Sreeram K. , Anandhan S.
Published: July 2019

Rationality between the morphology and composition of spinel and ilmenite polymorphs helps in the design of electrodes from nickel titanate nanofibers for bifunctional electrocatalytic water-splitting.
Ligand ratio/solvent-influenced syntheses, crystal structures, and magnetic properties of polydentate Schiff base ligand-Dy(iii) compounds with β-diketonate ligands as co-ligands
Authors: Zhang Sheng , Mo Wenjiao , Zhang Zengqi , Gao Fei , Wang Lei , Hu Dengwei , Chen Sanping
Published: July 2019

Tuning the synthesis conditions and further regulating the magnetic dynamics of single-molecule magnets (SMMs) are crucial challenges for chemists.
Spatial and temporal variability of perfluoroalkyl substances in the Laurentian Great Lakes
Authors: Remucal Christina K.
Published: July 2019

Concentrations and distributions of perfluoroalkyl substances vary widely in water, sediments, and biota in the Laurentian Great Lakes.
Transepithelial transport mechanisms of 7,8-dihydroxyflavone, a small molecular TrkB receptor agonist, in human intestinal Caco-2 cells
Authors: Chen Yufeng , Xue Fan , Xia Guobin , Zhao Zhenlei , Chen Chun , Li Yunhong , Zhang Ying
Published: July 2019

7,8-DHF was transported across Caco-2 cell monolayers by passive transport with carrier-mediated influx and efflux transporters.
Discovery of new non-acidic lonazolac analogues with COX-2 selectivity as potent anti-inflammatory agents
Authors: Harras Marwa F. , Sabour Rehab , Alkamali Omkulthom Mohamed
Published: July 2019

Novel non-acidic lonazolac analogues with high COX-2 selectivity and good safety profile, having potential anti-inflammatory activity.
Exploiting hydrophobicity and hydrophilicity in nanopores as a design principle for “smart” MOF microtanks for methane storage
Authors: Anderson Ryther , Seong Bomsaerah , Peterson Zöe , Stevanak Molly , Carreon Moises A. , Gómez-Gualdrón Diego A.
Published: July 2019

First computational screening to unveil the chemistry and structure combinations for MOF materials that could make microtanks for methane storage possible.
Microscopic hollow hydrogel springs, necklaces and ladders: a tubular robot as a potential vascular scavenger
Authors: Liang Shumin , Tu Yaqing , Chen Qing , Jia Wei , Wang Wenhan , Zhang Lidong
Published: July 2019

A non-coaxial microfluidic method is presented to generate hollow hydrogel microfibers for potential application as a tubular vascular scavenger.
Versatile route to core–shell reinforced network nanostructures
Authors: Rusch Pascal , Niemeyer Fabian , Pluta Denis , Schremmer Björn , Lübkemann Franziska , Rosebrock Marina , Schäfer Malte , Jahns Mandy , Behrens Peter , Bigall Nadja C.
Published: July 2019

Nanocrystal based networks are surrounded and reinforced by a continuous metal oxide shell.
Crystal phase effect upon O2 activation on gold surfaces through intrinsic strain
Authors: Zhong Lixiang , Li Shuzhou
Published: July 2019

Different crystal phases have remarkably different surface reactivities due to their distinct intrinsic surface strains even for close-packed surfaces.
Strong coupling of emitters to single plasmonic nanoparticles: exciton-induced transparency and Rabi splitting
Authors: Pelton Matthew , Storm S. David , Leng Haixu
Published: July 2019

This Feature Article reviews theory and experiments for quantum-mechanical strong coupling between excitons and plasmons in single metal nanostructures.
Mono- and hexa-palladium doped silver nanoclusters stabilized by dithiolates
Authors: Barik Subrat Kumar , Chiu Tzu-Hao , Liu Yu-Chiao , Chiang Ming-Hsi , Gam Franck , Chantrenne Isaac , Kahlal Samia , Saillard Jean-Yves , Liu C. W.
Published: July 2019

Structurally precise palladium doped silver-nanoclusters [PdAg20] and [Pd6Ag14(S)] stabilized by twelve dithiophosphate ligands have been isolated. The latter is the first example where a hexa-palladium(0) core is embodied within a silver(i) cluster.
Direct cation exchange of CdSe nanocrystals into ZnSe enabled by controlled binding between guest cations and organic ligands
Authors: Lee Sooho , Yoon Da-Eun , Kim Dahin , Shin Do Joong , Jeong Byeong Guk , Lee Dongkyu , Lim Jaehoon , Bae Wan Ki , Lim Hyung-Kyu , Lee Doh C.
Published: July 2019

Direct cation exchange from CdSe to ZnSe is possible by controlling the complexation energy between Zn halides and organic ligands.
Surface pre-optimization of a mixed halide perovskite toward high photoluminescence quantum yield in the blue spectrum range
Authors: Luo Chao , Li Wen , Xiong Da , Fu Ji , Yang Weiqing
Published: July 2019

The photoluminescence quantum yields (PLQYs) of all-inorganic halide perovskites in the green and red spectral ranges have approached over 90%, overwhelmingly arousing burgeoning interests for next-generation high-definition displays.
Visible-light photocatalytic aerobic oxidation of sulfides to sulfoxides with a perylene diimide photocatalyst
Authors: Gao Yueying , Xu Huan , Zhang Shiwei , Zhang Yan , Tang Chunlei , Fan Weizheng
Published: July 2019

Under visible light, a metal-free aerobic selective sulfoxidation photosensitized by a perylene diimide photocatalyst has been developed.
A cocktail of vitamins for aqueous RAFT polymerization in an open-to-air microtiter plate
Authors: Zhang Tong , Yeow Jonathan , Boyer Cyrille
Published: July 2019

We report a highly biocompatible photoinitiation strategy based on Vitamin B2 and Vitamin C. This two-component photoinitiator enables RAFT polymerization to be conducted in high throughput in an open-to-air microtiter plate.
Copper(ii) facilitated decarboxylation for the construction of pyridyl–pyrazole skeletons
Authors: Xiang Shiqun , Zhang Xiaofeng , Chen Hui , Li Yinghua , Fan Weibin , Huang Deguang
Published: July 2019

Pyridyl–pyrazole carboxylic compounds were synthesized in one step by Cu(ii) facilitated decarboxylation of H3pdc and activation of pyridine in water.
Trioxotriangulene with carbazole: a donor–acceptor molecule showing strong near-infrared absorption exceeding 1000 nm
Authors: Murata Tsuyoshi , Kariyazono Kazuki , Ukai Shusaku , Ueda Akira , Kanzaki Yuki , Shiomi Daisuke , Sato Kazunobu , Takui Takeji , Morita Yasushi
Published: July 2019

A donor–acceptor type trioxotriangulene neutral radical derivative having three carbazolyl groups as electron-donors was newly synthesized, and exhibited a strong near-infrared photo absorption over 1000 nm.
Highly convergent total synthesis of (+)-anaferine and (−)-dihydrocuscohygrine
Authors: Torres Javier , Escolano Marcos , Rabasa-Alcañiz Fernando , Sanz-Vidal Alvaro , Sánchez-Roselló María , del Pozo Carlos
Published: July 2019

The total synthesis of (+)-anaferine and (−)-dihydrocuscohygrine is described. Bidirectional cross metathesis/double intramolecular aza-Michael reactions were the key steps.
Preparation of terpolymer capsules containingRosmarinus officinalisessential oil and evaluation of its antifungal activity
Authors: Neves Juliete Silva , Lopes-da-Silva Zita , de Sousa Brito Neta Maria , Chaves Sacha Braun , Karla de Medeiros Nóbrega Yanna , Henrique de Lira Machado Angelo , Machado Fabricio
Published: July 2019

The essential oil fromRosmarinus officinalispresents antifungal activity and is used in industry as a natural preserving agent. However, essential oils are unstable compounds.
Efficient and chromaticity-stable flexible white organic light-emitting devices based on organic–inorganic hybrid color-conversion electrodes
Authors: Peng Cuiyun , Liu Kangping , Wang Shuanglong , Yu Nanjie , Tang Zhenyu , Ling Zhitian , Lian Hong , Chen Guo , Liao Yingjie , Lan Weixia , Wei Bin
Published: July 2019

We have developed a novel color conversion electrode composed of Ag NWs/MEH-PPV via a solution process, which is the first report on a color conversion electrode for applications in flexible optoelectronics.
Improving optoelectronic and charge transport properties of D–π–D type diketopyrrolopyrrole-pyrene derivatives as multifunctional materials for organic solar cell applications
Authors: Jin Ruifa , Li Kexin , Han Xueli
Published: July 2019

A series of novel diketopyrrolopyrrole-pyrene-based molecules have been designed as donor materials with suitable FMOs to match those of typical acceptors PC61BM and PC71BM and ambipolar charge transport materials in SMOSCs applications.
Preparation of new adsorbent-supported Fe/Ni particles for the removal of crystal violet and methylene blue by a heterogeneous Fenton-like reaction
Authors: Liu Jiwei , Du Yufeng , Sun Wuyang , Chang Quanchao , Peng Changsheng
Published: July 2019

Possible reaction mechanism for CV and MB removal by the PM-Fe/Ni with H2O2 system.
Dispersing transition metal vacancies in layered double hydroxides by ionic reductive complexation extraction for efficient water oxidation
Authors: Xie Yang-Shan , Wang Zheng , Ju Min , Long Xia , Yang Shihe
Published: July 2019

NiCu LDH with atomic vacancies created via a facile IRCE method shows advanced electrocatalytic performance towards water oxidation.
Carrier-gas assisted vapor deposition for highly tunable morphology of halide perovskite thin films
Authors: Clark Catherine P. , Voigt Bryan , Aydil Eray S. , Holmes Russell J.
Published: July 2019

Detailed analysis of material transport in CGAVD enables highly tunable morphology and robust growth of metal halide perovskite thin films.
A single layer of Fe3O4@TiO2 submicron spheres as a high-performance electrode for lithium-ion microbatteries
Authors: Kim Jung-Min , Hwang Jun-Ki , Sun Yang-Kook , Hassoun Jusef
Published: July 2019

High-capacity electrodes with an ultrathin layer configuration represent a suitable component for modern microbatteries.
Elucidation of photovoltage origin and charge transport in Cu2O heterojunctions for solar energy conversion
Authors: Cendula Peter , Mayer Matthew T. , Luo Jingshan , Grätzel Michael
Published: July 2019

Easy (green) and difficult (red) electron thermionic transport over heterointerfaces determines the photovoltage of TiO2/Ga2O3/Cu2O and TiO2/ZnO/Cu2O heterojunctions for solar energy conversion.
Bacteria-assisted biogreen synthesis of radical scavenging exopolysaccharide–iron complexes: an oral nano-sized nutritional supplement with high in vivo compatibility
Authors: Niknezhad Seyyed Vahid , Najafpour Darzi Ghasem , Kianpour Sedigheh , Jafarzadeh Sina , Mohammadi Hamidreza , Ghasemi Younes , Heidari Reza , Shahbazi Mohammad-Ali
Published: July 2019

Microbial exopolysaccharides have recently served as an efficient substrate for the production of biocompatible metal nanoparticles given their favorable stabilizing and reducing properties given their favorable stabilizing and reducing properties.
Making Sense of Sentences: Top-Down Processing of Speech by Adult Cochlear Implant Users
Authors: Moberly Aaron C. , Reed Jessa
Published: July 2019

Purpose

Speech recognition relies upon a listener's successful pairing of the acoustic–phonetic details from the bottom-up input with top-down linguistic processing of the incoming speech stream. When the speech is spectrally degraded, such as through a cochlear implant (CI), this role of top-down processing is poorly understood. This study explored the interactions of top-down processing, specifically the use of semantic context during sentence recognition, and the relative contributions of different neurocognitive functions during speech recognition in adult CI users.

Method

Data from 41 experienced adult CI users were collected and used in analyses. Participants were tested for recognition and immediate repetition of speech materials in the clear. They were asked to repeat 2 sets of sentence materials, 1 that was semantically meaningful and 1 that was syntactically appropriate but semantically anomalous. Participants also were tested on 4 visual measures of neurocognitive functioning to assess working memory capacity (Digit Span;
Wechsler, 2004
), speed of lexical access (Test of Word Reading Efficiency;
Torgeson, Wagner, & Rashotte, 1999
), inhibitory control (Stroop;
Stroop, 1935
), and nonverbal fluid reasoning (Raven's Progressive Matrices;
Raven, 2000
).

Results

Individual listeners' inhibitory control predicted recognition of meaningful sentences when controlling for performance on anomalous sentences, our proxy for the quality of the bottom-up input. Additionally, speed of lexical access and nonverbal reasoning predicted recognition of anomalous sentences.

Conclusions

Findings from this study identified inhibitory control as a potential mechanism at work when listeners make use of semantic context during sentence recognition. Moreover, speed of lexical access and nonverbal reasoning were associated with recognition of sentences that lacked semantic context. These results motivate the development of improved comprehensive rehabilitative approaches for adult patients with CIs to optimize use of top-down processing and underlying core neurocognitive functions.
Neighborhood Density and Word Production in Delayed and Advanced Learners
Authors: Jones Samuel David , Brandt Silke
Published: July 2019

Purpose

This study reexamines the claim that difficulty forming memories of words comprising uncommon sound sequences (i.e., low phonological neighborhood density words) is a determinant of delayed expressive vocabulary development (e.g.,
Stokes, 2014
).

Method

We modeled communicative development inventory data from (
N
= 442) 18-month-old children, with expressive lexicon sizes between 0 and 517 words (
Mdn
= 84). We fitted a Bayesian regression model in which the production of each communicative inventory word (
N
= 680) by each child was predicted by interactions between that child's expressive lexicon size and the word's (a) phonological neighborhood density, (b) frequency in child-directed speech, (c) length, (d) babiness, and (e) concreteness.

Results

Children with larger expressive lexicons were more likely to produce words comprising uncommon sound sequences than age-matched children with smaller lexicons. However, the magnitude of the interaction between expressive lexicon size and phonological neighborhood density was modest relative to interactions between expressive lexicon size and word frequency, length, babiness, and concreteness.

Conclusion

Emphasis on a difficulty with the memorization of low–neighborhood density words as a determinant of slow vocabulary growth may be unwarranted, and the current evidence base in this direction is not robust enough to strongly support the development of possible interventions for late talkers.
Finite‐time trajectory tracking control for autonomous airships with uncertainties and external disturbances
Authors: Cui Liu , Wei Yan , Wang Yueying
Published: July 2019

This study addresses the finite‐time tracking control problem for autonomous airships with uncertainties and external disturbances. Six‐degree‐of‐freedom kinematics and dynamics equations are established by considering the model uncertainties and external disturbances. To handle the model uncertainties and external disturbances, a finite‐time sliding mode disturbance observer (DOB) is designed. To have a good tracking performance, a finite‐time command‐filtered backstepping‐supertwisting controller is proposed with DOB. By using Lyapunov theory, the finite‐time convergence of tracking errors and the stability of the control method is proved. Finally, the simulation results show that the controller can track the desired trajectory well in spite of model uncertainties and external disturbances.
Detection & tracking method for radar target based on plot‐track quality evaluation
Authors: Xia Yonghong , Zhang Ning , Kuang Huaxing , Zhang Yutao
Published: July 2019

A joint target detection and tracking method based on plot‐track quality evaluation (PTQE‐D&T) is proposed here. The presented method consists of three consecutive steps. First, a set of candidate plots is extracted from the Detector and Plot‐Extractor, where the plot quality is calculated simultaneously based on multi‐dimensional echoes constituting the plot. Then, a track‐before‐detect (TBD) processor based on dynamic programming (DP) is utilised to jointly elaborate the observations from multiple scans and outputs potential tracks to be confirmed. Finally, a confirmation strategy is introduced via plot‐track quality evaluation. Experimental results are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method, where two data sets collected from a ground‐based surface‐search radar and a ship borne 3D radar are used. Moreover, the proposed PTQE‐D&T structure is totally consistent with conventional radar data processing architecture, meaning that it is promising in engineering applications.
Signature of solargmodes in first-orderp-mode frequency shifts
Authors: Böning Vincent G. A. , Hu Huanchen , Gizon Laurent
Published: July 2019

Context.Solar gravity modes (gmodes) are buoyancy waves that are trapped in the solar radiative zone and have been very difficult to detect at the surface. Solargmodes would complement solar pressure modes (pmodes) in probing the central regions of the Sun, for example the rotation rate of the core.

Aims.A detection ofgmodes using changes in the large frequency separation ofpmodes has recently been reported. However, it is unclear howpandgmodes interact. The aim of this study is to evaluate to what extentgmodes can perturb the frequencies ofpmodes.

Methods.We computed the first-order perturbation to globalp-mode frequencies due to a flow field and perturbations to solar structure (e.g. density and sound speed) caused by agmode. We focused on long-periodgmodes and assumed that theg-mode perturbations are constant in time. The surface amplitude ofgmodes is assumed to be 1 mm s−1, which is close to the observational limit set by Doppler observations.

Results.Gravity modes do perturbp-mode frequencies to first order if the harmonic degree of thegmode is even and if its azimuthal order is zero. The effect is extremely small. For dipole and quadrupolepmodes, all frequency shifts are smaller than 0.1 nHz, or 2 × 10−8in relative numbers. This is because the relative perturbation to solar structure quantities caused by agmode of realistic amplitude is of the order of 10−6–10−5. Additionally, we find that structural changes dominate over advection. Surprisingly, the interaction ofgandpmodes takes place to a large part near the surface, wherepmodes spend most of their propagation times andgmodes generate the largest relative changes to solar structure. This is due to the steep density stratification, which compensates the evanescent behaviour ofgmodes in the convection zone.

Conclusions.It appears to be impossible to detectgmodes solely through their signature inp-mode frequency shifts. Whethergmodes leave a detectable signature inp-mode travel times under a given observational setup remains an open question.