bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic wettability of polyethylene glycol-modified poly(dimethylsiloxane) surfaces in an aqueous/organic two-phase system
Authors: Fukuyama Mao , Tokeshi Manabu , Proskurnin Mikhail A. , Hibara Akihide
Published: December 2017

We herein report the preparation of a surface that behaves in a hydrophobic manner but does not undergo protein adsorption in an aqueous/organic two-phase system.
Arsenolipid biosynthesis by the unicellular alga Dunaliella tertiolecta is influenced by As/P ratio in culture experiments
Authors: Glabonjat Ronald A. , Ehgartner Josef , Duncan Elliott G. , Raber Georg , Jensen Kenneth B. , Krikowa Frank , Maher William A. , Francesconi Kevin A.
Published: December 2017

Culture experiments exposing unicellular algae to varying arsenate/phosphate regimes and determining their arsenometallomes by HPLC–MS shows the interconnection of arsenolipids and water-soluble arsenicals.
Fe3O4/PEG-SO3H as a heterogeneous and magnetically-recyclable nanocatalyst for the oxidation of sulfides to sulfones or sulfoxides
Authors: Mirfakhraei Saeideh , Hekmati Malak , Eshbala Fereshteh Hosseini , Veisi Hojat
Published: December 2017

We present below a sulfonated-polyethylene glycol-coated Fe3O4 nanocomposite (Fe3O4/PEG-SO3H) as a greatly effective and ecological nanocatalyst for the selective oxidation of sulfides to sulfoxides or sulfones with brilliant yields under solvent-free conditions by employing 30% hydrogen peroxide as the oxidant.
Particles with similar LET values generate DNA breaks of different complexity and reparability: a high-resolution microscopy analysis of γH2AX/53BP1 foci
Authors: Jezkova Lucie , Zadneprianetc Mariia , Kulikova Elena , Smirnova Elena , Bulanova Tatiana , Depes Daniel , Falkova Iva , Boreyko Alla , Krasavin Evgeny , Davidkova Marie , Kozubek Stanislav , Valentova Olga , Falk Martin
Published: December 2017

Different particles with similar LET and energy may generate different types of DNA damage with consequences for DNA double-strand break repair.
Teaching an old scaffold new recognition tricks: oligopyrrolamide antagonists of IAPP aggregation
Authors: Kumar Sunil , Vogel Maria C. , Hamilton Andrew D.
Published: December 2017

An oligopyrrolamide was identified as a potent antagonist of the aggregation of IAPP, a process associated with type 2 diabetes.
Cu-enhanced photoelectronic and ethanol sensing properties of Cu2O/Cu nanocrystals prepared by one-step controllable synthesis
Authors: Hu Yao , Ji Muwei , He Yiqing , Liu Ziyi , Yang Qinghua , Li Chaozheng , Liu Jiajia , Li Bo , Zhang Jiatao , Zhu Caizhen , Wang Jin
Published: December 2017

Cu2O/Cu hetero-nanostructures with obviously improved photoelectric and ethanol sensing properties compared to Cu2O are obtained by a one-step solution method.
Chemoselective direct reductive trifluoromethylation of amides: a flexible access to functionalized α-trifluoromethylamines
Authors: Chen Hang , Ye Jian-Liang , Huang Pei-Qiang
Published: December 2017

A one-pot method is reported for the direct transformation of secondary amides to α-trifluoromethylamines.
Multilayer core–shell MoS2/CdS nanorods with very high photocatalytic activity for hydrogen production under visible-light excitation and investigation of the photocatalytic mechanism by femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy
Authors: Yan Zhiping , Du Lili , Lee Phillips David
Published: December 2017

Understanding the structural features and the dynamics and properties of charge carriers in photocatalysts is critical to develop them for practical applications.
Lithium triethylborohydride-promoted generation of α,α-difluoroenolates from 2-iodo-2,2-difluoroacetophenones: an unprecedented utilization of lithium triethylborohydride
Authors: Peng Peng , Wu Jing-jing , Liang Jun-qing , Zhang Tian-yu , Huang Jin-wen , Wu Fan-hong
Published: December 2017

Lithium triethylborohydride was found to promote the generation of α,α-difluoroenolates from 2-iodo-2,2-difluoroacetophenones, and applied to the synthesis of polyfluorinated β-hydroxy ketones via self-condensation or aldol reaction.
Efficient prediction of reaction paths through molecular graph and reaction network analysis
Authors: Kim Yeonjoon , Kim Jin Woo , Kim Zeehyo , Kim Woo Youn
Published: December 2017

A minimal subnetwork is extracted from a very complex full network upon exploring the reaction pathways connecting reactants and products with minimum dissociation and formation of chemical bonds. Such a process reduces computational cost and correctly predicts the pathway for two representative reactions.
Machine learning for the structure–energy–property landscapes of molecular crystals
Authors: Musil Félix , De Sandip , Yang Jack , Campbell Joshua E. , Day Graeme M. , Ceriotti Michele
Published: December 2017

Polymorphism is common in molecular crystals, whose energy landscapes usually contain many structures with similar stability, but very different physical–chemical properties. Machine-learning techniques can accelerate the evaluation of energy and properties by side-stepping accurate but demanding electronic-structure calculations, and provide a data-driven classification of the most important molecular packing motifs.
Alkylative kinetic resolution of vicinal diols under phase-transfer conditions: a chiral ammonium borinate catalysis
Authors: Pawliczek Martin , Hashimoto Takuya , Maruoka Keiji
Published: December 2017

Alkylative kinetic resolution of vicinal alcohols is realized by a cooperative chiral ammonium borinate catalysis.
Optimal propulsion of an undulating slender body with anisotropic friction
Authors: Darbois Texier Baptiste , Ibarra Alejandro , Melo Francisco
Published: December 2017

We found numerically the optimal undulating motion for a slender body to propel through anisotropic friction forces.
Emulsion stabilisation by complexes of oppositely charged synthetic polyelectrolytes
Authors: Bago Rodriguez Ana Maria , Binks Bernard P. , Sekine Tomoko
Published: December 2017

We investigate the possibility of stabilising oil–water emulsions from the polyelectrolyte complexes (PEC) obtained in mixtures of a strong cationic polyelectrolyte (poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride), PDADMAC) and a weak anionic one (poly(acrylic acid)sodium salt, PAANa).
Intracranial pulsatility in patients with cerebral small vessel disease: a systematic review
Authors: Shi Yulu , Thrippleton Michael J. , Marshall Ian , Wardlaw Joanna M.
Published: December 2017

Growing evidence suggests that increased intracranial pulsatility is associated with cerebral small vessel disease (SVD). We systematically reviewed papers that assessed intracranial pulsatility in subjects with SVD. We included 27 cross-sectional studies (n=3356): 20 used Doppler ultrasound and 7 used phase-contrast MRI. Most studies measured pulsatility in the internal carotid or middle cerebral arteries (ICA, MCA), whereas few assessed veins or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Methods to reduce bias and risk factor adjustment were poorly reported. Substantial variation between studies in assessment of SVD and of pulsatility indices precluded a formal meta-analysis. Eight studies compared pulsatility by SVD severity (n=26–159, median = 74.5): arterial pulsatility index was generally higher in more severe SVD (e.g. MCA: standardized mean difference = 3.24, 95% confidence interval [2.40, 4.07]), although most did not match for age. Seventeen studies (n=9–700; median = 110) performed regression or correlation analysis, of which most showed that increased pulsatility was associated with SVD after adjustment for age. In conclusion, most studies support a cross-sectional association between higher pulsatility in large intracranial arteries and SVD. Future studies should minimize bias, adjust for potential confounders, include pulsatility in veins and CSF, and examine longitudinal relationship between pulsatility and SVD. Agreement on reliable measures of intracranial pulsatility would be helpful.
Understanding and exploiting autophagy signaling in plants
Authors: Batoko Henri , Dagdas Yasin , Baluska Frantisek , Sirko Agnieszka
Published: December 2017

Autophagy is an essential catabolic pathway and is activated by various endogenous and exogenous stimuli. In particular, autophagy is required to allow sessile organisms such as plants to cope with biotic or abiotic stress conditions. It is thought that these various environmental signaling pathways are somehow integrated with autophagy signaling. However, the molecular mechanisms of plant autophagy signaling are not well understood, leaving a big gap of knowledge as a barrier to being able to manipulate this important pathway to improve plant growth and development. In this review, we discuss possible regulatory mechanisms at the core of plant autophagy signaling.
Regulation of selective autophagy: the p62/SQSTM1 paradigm
Authors: Lamark Trond , Svenning Steingrim , Johansen Terje
Published: December 2017

In selective autophagy, cytoplasmic components are selected and tagged before being sequestered into an autophagosome by means of selective autophagy receptors such as p62/SQSTM1. In this review, we discuss how selective autophagy is regulated. An important level of regulation is the selection of proteins or organelles for degradation. Components selected for degradation are tagged, often with ubiquitin, to facilitate recognition by autophagy receptors. Another level of regulation is represented by the autophagy receptors themselves. For p62, its ability to co-aggregate with ubiquitinated substrates is strongly induced by post-translational modifications (PTMs). The transcription of p62 is also markedly increased during conditions in which selective autophagy substrates accumulate. For other autophagy receptors, the LC3-interacting region (LIR) motif is regulated by PTMs, inhibiting or stimulating the interaction with ATG8 family proteins. ATG8 proteins are also regulated by PTMs. Regulation of the capacity of the core autophagy machinery also affects selective autophagy. Importantly, autophagy receptors can induce local recruitment and activation of ULK1/2 and PI3KC3 complexes at the site of cargo sequestration.
Host–pathogen interactions and subversion of autophagy
Authors: McEwan David G.
Published: December 2017

Macroautophagy (‘autophagy’), is the process by which cells can form a double-membraned vesicle that encapsulates material to be degraded by the lysosome. This can include complex structures such as damaged mitochondria, peroxisomes, protein aggregates and large swathes of cytoplasm that can not be processed efficiently by other means of degradation. Recycling of amino acids and lipids through autophagy allows the cell to form intracellular pools that aid survival during periods of stress, including growth factor deprivation, amino acid starvation or a depleted oxygen supply. One of the major functions of autophagy that has emerged over the last decade is its importance as a safeguard against infection. The ability of autophagy to selectively target intracellular pathogens for destruction is now regarded as a key aspect of the innate immune response. However, pathogens have evolved mechanisms to either evade or reconfigure the autophagy pathway for their own survival. Understanding how pathogens interact with and manipulate the host autophagy pathway will hopefully provide a basis for combating infection and increase our understanding of the role and regulation of autophagy. Herein, we will discuss how the host cell can identify and target invading pathogens and how pathogens have adapted in order to evade destruction by the host cell. In particular, we will focus on interactions between the mammalian autophagy gene 8 (ATG8) proteins and the host and pathogen effector proteins.
Interplay of autophagy, receptor tyrosine kinase signalling and endocytic trafficking
Authors: Fraser Jane , Cabodevilla Ainara G. , Simpson Joanne , Gammoh Noor
Published: December 2017

Vesicular trafficking events play key roles in the compartmentalization and proper sorting of cellular components. These events have crucial roles in sensing external signals, regulating protein activities and stimulating cell growth or death decisions. Although mutations in vesicle trafficking players are not direct drivers of cellular transformation, their activities are important in facilitating oncogenic pathways. One such pathway is the sensing of external stimuli and signalling through receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs). The regulation of RTK activity by the endocytic pathway has been extensively studied. Compelling recent studies have begun to highlight the association between autophagy and RTK signalling. The influence of this interplay on cellular status and its relevance in disease settings will be discussed here.
ER homeostasis and autophagy
Authors: Smith Matthew , Wilkinson Simon
Published: December 2017

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a key site for lipid biosynthesis and folding of nascent transmembrane and secretory proteins. These processes are maintained by careful homeostatic control of the environment within the ER lumen. Signalling sensors within the ER detect perturbations within the lumen (ER stress) and employ downstream signalling cascades that engage effector mechanisms to restore homeostasis. The most studied signalling mechanism that the ER employs is the unfolded protein response (UPR), which is known to increase a number of effector mechanisms, including autophagy. In this chapter, we will discuss the emerging role of autophagy as a UPR effector pathway. We will focus on the recently discovered selective autophagy pathway for ER, ER-phagy, with particular emphasis on the structure and function of known mammalian ER-phagy receptors, namely FAM134B, SEC62, RTN3 and CCPG1. Finally, we conclude with our view of where the future of this field can lead our understanding of the involvement of ER-phagy in ER homeostasis.
Optimal selection of joint impoundment schemes of Xiluodu–Xiangjiaba–Three Gorges cascade reservoirs at the end of flood season
Authors: Jun Lu , Hongjie Yu , Jiajie Wu , Xiaoran Yan , Changming Ji
Published: December 2017

To address conflicts between flood control and utilisation benefits in reservoir operation, this study takes Xiluodu–Xiangjiaba–Three Gorges cascade reservoirs as an example and selects their optimal impoundment schemes at the end of flood season by means of multi‐objective assessment and decision making. Firstly, on the basis of analysing the cascade reservoirs’ impoundment situation, this study sets an impounding operation target and draws up preliminary impoundment schemes. Then each scheme is operated with typical flood data and a long series of runoff data. Secondly, based on the operation results, structural equation model is used to analyse flood control and benefit objectives, among which the mutual feedback relationship is revealed. Finally, given the correlation among different objectives and indexes, grey target model with positive and negative bull's‐eyes based on Mahalanobis distance is applied to assess each scheme, obtaining satisfactory solutions and thus picking out the optimal scheme, which can provide scientific reference for the actual operation of cascade reservoirs at the end of flood season.
Equilibrium chemistry down to 100 K
Authors: Woitke P. , Helling Ch. , Hunter G. H. , Millard J. D. , Turner G. E. , Worters M. , Blecic J. , Stock J. W.
Published: December 2017

We have introduced a fast and versatile computer code, GGCHEM, to determine the chemical composition of gases in thermo-chemical equilibrium down to 100 K, with or without equilibrium condensation. We have reviewed the data for molecular equilibrium constants, kp(T), from several sources and discussed which functional fits are most suitable for low temperatures. We benchmarked our results against another chemical equilibrium code. We collected Gibbs free energies, ΔGf⊖, for about 200 solid and liquid species from the NIST-JANAF database and the geophysical database SUPCRTBL. We discussed the condensation sequence of the elements with solar abundances in phase equilibrium down to 100 K. Once the major magnesium silicates Mg2SiO4[s] and MgSiO3[s] have formed, the dust to gas mass ratio jumps to a value of about 0.0045 which is significantly lower than the often assumed value of 0.01. Silicate condensation is found to increase the carbon to oxygen ratio (C/O) in the gas from its solar value of ~0.55 up to ~0.71, and, by the additional intake of water and hydroxyl into the solid matrix, the formation of phyllosilicates at temperatures below ~400 K increases the gaseous C/O further to about 0.83. Metallic tungsten (W) is the first condensate found to become thermodynamically stable around 1600–2200 K (depending on pressure), several hundreds of Kelvin before subsequent materials such as zirconium dioxide (ZrO2) or corundum (Al2O3) can condense. We briefly discuss whether tungsten, despite its low abundance of ~2 × 10−7 times the silicon abundance, could provide the first seed particles for astrophysical dust formation.
Reductive N-Arylethylation of Aromatic Amines and N-Heterocycles with Enol Ethers
Authors: Bracher Franz , Vögerl Katharina , Ong Duc
Published: December 2017

A convenient method for N-arylethylation of aromatic amines and heterocycles under mild reductive conditions was developed using (2-methoxyvinyl)(hetero)arenes as building blocks and triethylsilane/trifluoroacetic acid as reducing agent. This protocol is compatible with numerous functional groups, and aliphatic amines are inert due to protonation.
Synthesis and Radiosynthesis of Prospective 2-Nitroimidazole Hypoxia­ PET Tracers via Thiazolidine Ligation with 5-Fluorodeoxyribose (FDR)
Authors: Musolino M. , Dall’Angelo S. , Zanda M.
Published: December 2017

The first prospective fluorinated PET tracers for imaging hypoxia obtained via thiazolidine-ligation are reported. Three 1,2-thiol-amine linkers were combined with four different 2-nitroimidazole spacers via amide or urea bond formation. The resulting compounds were submitted to thiazolidine-ring-forming ligation reaction with the fluorinated carbohydrate l-5-fluoro-5-deoxy-ribose (FDR), affording the desired candidate PET tracers in variable yields. The same ligation reactions performed on l-ribose – a by-product of [18F]FDR radiosynthesis – under conditions mimicking a radiochemical production showed that the fluorinated adducts can be efficiently purified and isolated by HPLC. Finally, one of the prospective hypoxia tracers was successfully produced in radiolabelled form in 29.2% radiochemical yield from [18F]FDR.
The Immunoregulatory Activities of Activated Protein C in Inflammatory Disease
Authors: McDonnell Cormac , Soule Erin , Walsh Patrick , O'Donnell James , Preston Roger
Published: December 2017

Tissue injury prompts the initiation of host defense responses to limit blood loss, restrict pathogen entry, and promote repair. Biochemical and cellular pathways that lead to blood coagulation serve a fundamental role in generating a physical barrier at the wound site, but have also evolved to promote immune response to injury. Similarly, anticoagulant pathways that attenuate clot formation also regulate innate and adaptive immune responses. Of particular importance is activated protein C (APC) which serves as a principal regulator of thrombin generation, shapes the innate immune response to infection, and has been shown to contribute to the adaptive immune response in several preclinical models of autoimmune disease. APC controls blood coagulation by proteolytic degradation of procoagulant activated cofactors essential for fibrin clot development, but also cleaves multiple additional substrates and interacts with cell surface receptors to exert additional physiologically important roles. In this review, we focus on the molecular mechanisms utilized by APC to limit inflammation and, in particular, current understanding of the basis for APC anticoagulant and signaling activities. In particular, we provide an overview of established and emerging signaling pathways initiated by APC on endothelial cells, monocytes, neutrophils, dendritic cells, and T cells to control and regulate immune cell physiology. Finally, we consider the impact of APC activity in the context of both acute and chronic inflammatory disease, and the continuing efforts to harness the immunoregulatory properties of recombinant APC for therapeutic use.
Inhibitors in Hemophilia: Treatment Challenges and Novel Options
Authors: Barg Assaf , Livnat Tami , Kenet Gili
Published: December 2017

Hemophilia A (HA) and hemophilia B (HB) are rare congenital severe bleeding disorders, that may be controlled by proper administration of adequate prophylaxis with factor VIII (FVIII), and factor IX (FIX) concentrates, respectively, to prevent joint damage due to recurrent bleeding. However, approximately 30% of patients develop inhibitory antibodies that render factor replacement therapy ineffective. Due to the high variability of patients' bleeding tendency, there is a need to “individually tailor treatment” for this unique group of patients. While replacement therapy with FVIII or FIX can be used for treating HA or HB patients with low responding inhibitors, hemophilia patients with high-responding inhibitors are treated with bypassing agents. Unfortunately, the Bethesda assay applied for inhibitor measurement in most laboratories does not fully predict either bleeding tendency or therapy response. Immune tolerance induction (ITI) may eradicate most inhibitors, yet treatment is challenging during bleeding episodes. The role of bypassing agents and their various treatment strategies still deserves attention. Recently, new nonreplacement therapies have emerged for patients with hemophilia including patients with inhibitors. Adequate monitoring of bypassing therapy and of the new nonreplacement therapies in inhibitor patients is extremely challenging, thus global hemostatic assays are increasingly used to assess clot formation. This review aims to summarize the current treatment and monitoring challenges for inhibitor patients; in this perspective, we will discuss our institutional approach for optimal decision-making and individual therapy tailoring.
Einsatz von Notärzten in Ländern mit Paramedic-System
Authors: Gretenkort Peter , Beneker Jörg , Dörges Volker , Sefrin Peter , Fischer Lutz , Riebandt Frank
Published: December 2017

In manchen Nachbarländern mit ursprünglich Paramedic-basiertem Rettungssystem wurde in den letzten Jahrzehnten der Bedarf nach einer prähospitalen notärztlichen Kompetenz erkannt. Ausgangsbedingungen und Lösungen waren dabei durchaus unterschiedlich. Dieser Beitrag beschreibt die Entwicklung in Großbritannien, Dänemark und den Niederlanden. Der Vergleich der Systeme kann bei der Bestimmung der aktuellen und zukünftigen Stellung des Notarztes in unserem deutschen Rettungssystem helfen.
Mikrobiologische Therapie bei rezidivierenden Harnwegsinfekten
Authors: Schnitzer Susanne
Published: December 2017

Eine Patientin kommt als Notfall mit starken Symptomen eines Harnwegsinfekts in die Praxis. Sie leidet seit 9 Monaten unter rezidivierenden, immer schwerer verlaufenden Harnwegsinfektionen, die bisher nur antibiotisch beherrscht werden konnten. In der mikroökologischen Diagnostik werden gravierende Milieustörungen festgestellt. Noch während der bereits laufenden Antibiose wird die mikrobiologische Therapie mit Bakterienpräparaten begonnen. Im weiteren Verlauf kommen insbesondere Autovaccine zum Einsatz. Durch die gezielte, dem Verlauf angepasste Anwendung mikrobiologischer Arzneimittel sowie der Vermeidung von Milchprodukten und glutenhaltigen Getreideprodukten stabilisiert sich die Situation, die Patientin erholt sich zusehends. Die Therapie wird später noch durch die lokale Anwendung naturidentischer Hormone ergänzt. Im Langzeitverlauf können weitere antibiotische Behandlungen nun vermieden werden.
Prähospitale Versorgung des Schädel-Hirn-Traumas
Authors: Freude Gregor , Mauer Uwe , Gässler Holger , Datzmann Thomas
Published: December 2017

Nach einem Schädel-Hirn-Trauma (SHT) soll zügig eine Computertomografie des Schädels (CCT) durchgeführt werden, um das Ausmaß einer intrakraniellen Verletzung zu beurteilen. Bei Vorliegen einer posttraumatischen Bewusstlosigkeit ist der direkte Transport in ein Traumazentrum mit neurochirurgischer Versorgungsmöglichkeit zu empfehlen. Kritische Blutungen am Kopf müssen gestillt werden. Bei einem Wert unter 9 auf der Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) soll intubiert und beatmet werden.
Plasmodium brasilianum ist Plasmodium malariae: Malaria-quartana-Parasiten im venezolanischen Amazonas
Authors: Metzger Wolfram , Vivas-Martínez Sarai
Published: December 2017

Wir untersuchten Malariaproben aus weit entlegenen Yanomamidörfern des venezolanischen Amazonas und sequenzierten Teile der kleinen ribosomalen Untereinheit (18S) und des Circumsporozoitenantigens (CSP). Zwölf Patienten waren Träger von Malaria-quartana-Plasmodien, deren 18S-Sequenz zu 100 % identisch war mit P. brasilianum des Roten Brüllaffen (Alouatta seniculus). Auch das CSP-Antigen zeigte identische Repeatregionen. Zum ersten Mal wurden als P. brasilianum bezeichnete Plasmodien in einer natürlich erworbenen Infektion des Menschen nachgewiesen. Wir stellen die Hypothese auf, dass Malaria-quartana-Parasiten zwischen Affe und Mensch leicht hin und her wechseln und keine Spezifizität für Säugerwirte zeigen. Quartane Malaria sollte als echte Anthropozoonose betrachtet werden. Da der Name P. brasilianum eine eigenständige Spezies suggeriert, schlagen wir eine nomenklatorische Revision vor. Das große Wirtsreservoir unterscheidet quartane Malaria von anderen Malariaarten und erfordert spezifische Forschungsansätze und Kontrollstrategien im Sinne des One-Health-Konzepts.
Solvent Extraction and GC-MS Analysis of Sesame Seeds for Determination of Bioactive Antioxidant Fatty Acid/Fatty Oil Components
Authors: Qadir Abdul , Ali Athar , Arif Muhammad , Al-Rohaimi Abdulmohsen , Singh Satya , Ahmad Usama , Khalid Mohd , Kumar Arun
Published: December 2017

The seed kernels of Sesamum indicum L. (family: Pedaliaceae) were extracted with ethanol and yield of components determined by Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS). The free radical scavenging activities of ethanolic extract against1, 1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) were determined by UV spectrophotometer at 517 nm. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of numerous bioactive compounds including steroids, phenolic, terpenoids, fatty acids and different types of ester compounds. The ethanolic extract was purified and analyzed by GC MS.The prevailing compounds found in ethanolic extract were Carvacrol (0.04%),Sesamol (0.11%), 4-Allyl-2-methoxy-phenol(0.04%),Palmitic acid (1.08%), cis-9-Hexadecenal (85.40%), Lineoleoyl chloride (0.52%), Palmitic acid β-monoglyceride (0.40%), Dihydro-aplotaxene (0.61%), Oleoyl chloride (1.11%), (+)-Sesamin (4.73%), 1,3-Benzodioxole, 5-[4-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yloxy)tetrahydro-1 H,3 H-furo [3,4-c]furan-1-yl], [1 S-(1,3,4,6α.), (2.01%)], 6-Nitrocholest-5-en-3-yl acetate (0.22%), Ergost-5-en-3β-ol (2.35%) and 24-Propylidenecholesterol (0.16%). The presence ofsaturated and unsaturated fatty acids in ethanolicextract justifies the use of this plant to treat many ailments in folk and traditional medicine. Ethanolic extract have shown significant antioxidant activity(IC50120.38±2.8 µg/ml). The presence of phenolic (Sesamol), lignin (Sesamin) compounds and unsaturated fatty acids are reported as possible contributor for antioxidantactivity of seed extract.
Inverse spin-valve effect in nanoscale Si-based spin-valve devices
Authors: Hiep Duong Dinh , Tanaka Masaaki , Hai Pham Nam
Published: December 2017

We investigated the spin-valve effect in nano-scale silicon (Si)-based spin-valve devices using a Fe/MgO/Ge spin injector/detector deposited on Si by molecular beam epitaxy. For a device with a 20 nm Si channel, we observed clear magnetoresistance up to 3% at low temperature when a magnetic field was applied in the film plane along the Si channel transport direction. A large spin-dependent output voltage of 20 mV was observed at a bias voltage of 0.9 V at 15 K, which is among the highest values in lateral spin-valve devices reported so far. Furthermore, we observed that the sign of the spin-valve effect is reversed at low temperatures, suggesting the possibility of a spin-blockade effect of defect states in the MgO/Ge tunneling barrier.
Defect sensitive etching of hexagonal boron nitride single crystals
Authors: Edgar J. H. , Liu S. , Hoffman T. , Zhang Yichao , Twigg M. E. , Bassim Nabil D. , Liang Shenglong , Khan Neelam
Published: December 2017

Defect sensitive etching (DSE) was developed to estimate the density of non-basal plane dislocations in hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) single crystals. The crystals employed in this study were precipitated by slowly cooling (2–4 °C/h) a nickel-chromium flux saturated with hBN from 1500 °C under 1 bar of flowing nitrogen. On the (0001) planes, hexagonal-shaped etch pits were formed by etching the crystals in a eutectic mixture of NaOH and KOH between 450 °C and 525 °C for 1–2 min. There were three types of pits: pointed bottom, flat bottom, and mixed shape pits. Cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy revealed that the pointed bottom etch pits examined were associated with threading dislocations. All of these dislocations had an a-type burgers vector (i.e., they were edge dislocations, since the line direction is perpendicular to the [211¯0]-type direction). The pit widths were much wider than the pit depths as measured by atomic force microscopy, indicating the lateral etch rate was much faster than the vertical etch rate. From an Arrhenius plot of the log of the etch rate versus the inverse temperature, the activation energy was approximately 60 kJ/mol. This work demonstrates that DSE is an effective method for locating threading dislocations in hBN and estimating their densities.
Improving lumen maintenance by nanopore array dispersed quantum dots for on-chip light emitting diodes
Authors: Chen Quan , Yang Fan , Wan Renzhuo , Fang Dong
Published: December 2017

The temperature stability of quantum dots (QDs), which is crucial for integrating into high power light-emitting diodes (LEDs) in the on-chip configuration, needs to be further improved. In this letter, we report warm white LEDs, where CdSe/ZnS nanoparticles were incorporated into a porous anodic alumina (PAA) matrix with a chain structure by the self-assembly method. Experiments demonstrate that the QD concentration range in toluene solvent from 1% mg/μl to 1.2% mg/μl in combination with the PAA matrix shows the best luminous property. To verify the reliability of the as-prepared device, a comparison experiment was conducted. It indicates excellent lumen maintenance of the light source and less chromaticity coordinate shift under accelerated life testing conditions. Experiments also prove that optical depreciation was only up to 4.6% of its initial value after the 1500 h aging test at the junction temperature of 76 °C.
Tailoring magnetic skyrmions by geometric confinement of magnetic structures
Authors: Zhang Steven S.-L. , Phatak C. , Petford-Long A. K. , Heinonen O. G.
Published: December 2017

Nanoscale magnetic skyrmions have interesting static and transport properties that make them candidates for future spintronic devices. Control and manipulation of the size and behavior of skyrmions is thus of crucial importance. Using a Ginzburg-Landau approach, we show theoretically that skyrmions and skyrmion lattices can be stabilized by a spatial modulation of the uniaxial magnetic anisotropy in a thin film of a centro-symmetric ferromagnet. Remarkably, the skyrmion size is determined by the ratio of the exchange length and the period of the spatial modulation of the anisotropy, at variance with conventional skyrmions stabilized by dipolar and Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interactions.
Dielectric broadband meta-vector-polarizers based on nematic liquid crystal
Authors: Liu Gui-Geng , Lee Yun-Han , Huang Yuge , Zhu Zheyuan , Tan Guanjun , Cai Meng-Qiang , Li Ping-Ping , Wang Dan , Li Yongnan , Pang Shuo , Tu Chenghou , Wu Shin-Tson , Wang Hui-Tian
Published: December 2017

Polarizer, as an indispensable optical element, has been widely used in various optical systems, which splits a beam into two beams of orthogonal linear polarizations. Due to the appearance of the vector optical field (VOF) and its unique properties, the vector polarizer also meets the requirement in a wide variety of applications. Here we present and demonstrate the realization of dielectric broadband vector polarizer, being in fact a liquid-crystal-based space-variant uniaxial crystal (LC-SV-UAC), which is made by a wedged thin cell adhered with space-variant photo-aligned dichroic dye films and filled with the nematic liquid crystal with a thickness of tens of microns. The vector polarizer works based on the birefringent mechanism to spatially separate the orthogonally polarized ordinary and extraordinary beams. The vector polarizers via a LC-SV-UAC have the advantages of mass-production and easy fabrication of large-size and complex structures. In particular, the high-performance broadband vector polarizers we presented and fabricated can not only flexibly tailor the polarization structures and the intensity patterns of optical fields but also act as a high-efficiency generator of VOF, and a key element for realizing the VOF laser and for fabricating the novel photon states in the future.
Magnetisation switching of ECC grains in microwave-assisted magnetic recording
Authors: Greaves Simon John , Muraoka Hiroaki , Kanai Yasushi
Published: December 2017

Microwave-assisted magnetic recording was investigated using a planar write head and exchange-coupled composite (ECC) media. When recording on ECC media using a planar head field distribution and the high frequency field generated by a spin torque oscillator it was possible to switch the media magnetisation into the opposite direction to the head field, i.e. the media effectively had a negative coercive field. The conditions for this effect to occur are discussed.
Efficient micromagnetic modelling of spin-transfer torque and spin-orbit torque
Authors: Abert Claas , Bruckner Florian , Vogler Christoph , Suess Dieter
Published: December 2017

While the spin-diffusion model is considered one of the most complete and accurate tools for the description of spin transport and spin torque, its solution in the context of dynamical micromagnetic simulations is numerically expensive. We propose a procedure to retrieve the free parameters of a simple macro-spin like spin-torque model through the spin-diffusion model. In case of spin-transfer torque the simplified model complies with the model of Slonczewski. A similar model can be established for the description of spin-orbit torque. In both cases the spin-diffusion model enables the retrieval of free model parameters from the geometry and the material parameters of the system. Since these parameters usually have to be determined phenomenologically through experiments, the proposed method combines the strength of the diffusion model to resolve material parameters and geometry with the high performance of simple torque models.
Enhanced magnetoelectric coupling in a composite multiferroic system via interposing a thin film polymer
Authors: Xiao Zhuyun , Mohanchandra Kotekar P. , Lo Conte Roberto , Ty Karaba C. , Schneider J. D. , Chavez Andres , Tiwari Sidhant , Sohn Hyunmin , Nowakowski Mark E. , Scholl Andreas , Tolbert Sarah H. , Bokor Jeffrey , Carman Gregory P. , Candler Rob N.
Published: December 2017

Enhancing the magnetoelectric coupling in a strain-mediated multiferroic composite structure plays a vital role in controlling magnetism by electric fields. An enhancement of magnetoelastic coupling between ferroelectric single crystal (011)-cut [Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3](1-x)-[PbTiO3]x (PMN-PT, x≈ 0.30) and ferromagnetic polycrystalline Ni thin film through an interposed benzocyclobutene polymer thin film is reported. A nearly twofold increase in sensitivity of remanent magnetization in the Ni thin film to an applied electric field is observed. This observation suggests a viable method of improving the magnetoelectric response in these composite multiferroic systems.
Single shot all optical switching of intrinsic micron size magnetic domains of a Pt/Co/Pt ferromagnetic stack
Authors: Vomir M. , Albrecht M. , Bigot J.-Y.
Published: December 2017

We demonstrate that magnetization reversal in a ferromagnetic Pt/Co/Pt stack can be induced by a single femtosecond laser pulse. We find that the size of the switched spot is comparable to the size of the intrinsic magnetic domains. It requires an absorbed energy density of ∼4 mJ cm−2, beyond which the excited spot fragments into a multidomain structure. The switching process can be toggled with sequential laser pulses and is helicity-independent. Furthermore, the dynamics of the magnetization reversal occurs in a timescale less than one microsecond. These results suggest that all-optical switching in ferromagnetic films requires that the laser spot matches with the specific domain sizes.
Nanocalorimeter platform for in situ specific heat measurements and x-ray diffraction at low temperature
Authors: Willa K. , Diao Z. , Campanini D. , Welp U. , Divan R. , Hudl M. , Islam Z. , Kwok W.-K. , Rydh A.
Published: December 2017

Recent advances in electronics and nanofabrication have enabled membrane-based nanocalorimetry for measurements of the specific heat of microgram-sized samples. We have integrated a nanocalorimeter platform into a 4.5 T split-pair vertical-field magnet to allow for the simultaneous measurement of the specific heat and x-ray scattering in magnetic fields and at temperatures as low as 4 K. This multi-modal approach empowers researchers to directly correlate scattering experiments with insights from thermodynamic properties including structural, electronic, orbital, and magnetic phase transitions. The use of a nanocalorimeter sample platform enables numerous technical advantages: precise measurement and control of the sample temperature, quantification of beam heating effects, fast and precise positioning of the sample in the x-ray beam, and fast acquisition of x-ray scans over a wide temperature range without the need for time-consuming re-centering and re-alignment. Furthermore, on an YBa2Cu3O7−δ crystal and a copper foil, we demonstrate a novel approach to x-ray absorption spectroscopy by monitoring the change in sample temperature as a function of incident photon energy. Finally, we illustrate the new insights that can be gained from in situ structural and thermodynamic measurements by investigating the superheated state occurring at the first-order magneto-elastic phase transition of Fe2P, a material that is of interest for magnetocaloric applications.
Estimation of aboveground herbaceous biomass using visually ranked digital photographs
Authors: Morgan Helen R. , Reid Nick , Hunter John T.
Published: December 2017

Methods for estimating aboveground herbaceous biomass in the field have generally involved calibrating visual estimates against clipped, dried and weighed biomass samples, requiring lengthy periods of estimation and destructive sampling in the field. Here we developed and tested a photographic estimation technique (PET) that minimises field time and provides accurate estimates of aboveground herbaceous biomass. Photographs of the biomass to be estimated taken in the field are ranked against calibration images of known biomass in the laboratory. The study was conducted in New South Wales, Australia, in grassy forest dells and grasslands at Booroolong Nature Reserve in the temperate New England Tablelands Bioregion and in semi-arid grassy shrubland on Naree Station in the arid Mulga Lands Bioregion. Photographs of quadrats containing the herbaceous biomass to be estimated were taken in successive years at both sites. Calibration and validation quadrats were also photographed, and the vegetation clipped, bagged, dried and weighed. The calibration and validation photographs were rank-ordered independently by three observers in terms of estimated dry weight, and the validation quadrats assigned a putative dry weight by reference to the known weights of the calibration images in the rank order. The accuracy of each observer’s estimates was assessed by regressing the estimated weight of each validation quadrat against the actual weight, which was withheld from the observer during the estimation procedure. Regression analysis of visually estimated weights on actual weights of validation quadrats yielded regression coefficients (R2) of 0.80–0.98 and 0.81–0.97 in the temperate-zone and arid-zone sites, respectively. PET was reliably used to visually estimate aboveground herbaceous biomass across a range of communities in two different climatic zones. The benefits of PET include reduced field time, minimisation of destructive sampling and avoidance of observer drift in estimating biomass in the field.
ATG-dependent phagocytosis in dendritic cells drives myelin-specific CD4
+
T cell pathogenicity during CNS inflammation
Authors: Keller Christian W. , Sina Christina , Kotur Monika B. , Ramelli Giulia , Mundt Sarah , Quast Isaak , Ligeon Laure-Anne , Weber Patrick , Becher Burkhard , Münz Christian , Lünemann Jan D.
Published: December 2017

Significance

How autoreactive CD4
+
T cells recognize their target antigen and induce sustained inflammation in organ-specific autoimmune diseases is incompletely understood. In an experimental model of multiple sclerosis, we show that accumulation of myelin-specific CD4
+
T cells within the CNS and subsequent clinical disease development requires autophagy protein (ATG)-dependent phagocytosis in dendritic cells (DCs). Absence of ATG-dependent phagocytosis in DCs abrogates myelin presentation to CD4
+
T cells following phagocytosis of oligodendroglial cells, and its pharmacological inhibition delays the onset and reduces the clinical severity of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Thus, DCs use ATG-dependent phagocytosis for enhanced presentation of myelin antigen during autoimmune CNS inflammation, thereby linking oligodendrocyte injury with antigen processing and autoimmune T cell pathogenicity.
Resource limitation prevents the emergence of drug resistance by intensifying within-host competition
Authors: Wale Nina , Sim Derek G. , Jones Matthew J. , Salathe Rahel , Day Troy , Read Andrew F.
Published: December 2017

Significance

Antimicrobial drug resistance is set to kill millions in the coming decades. Finding new drugs is one solution, but might it also be possible to prevent the emergence of drug resistance in the first place? We show that the emergence of drug resistance can be prevented by reducing the availability of a nutrient for which drug-resistant parasites are especially hungry. Rather than killing parasites, this intervention works by harnessing ecological interactions: With resistant parasites struggling to replicate, susceptible parasites outcompete them before they can emerge. Since resource-limiting drugs can be rationally designed and do not need to be lethal, it may be easier to find them than new, traditional drugs.
Harnessing Citizenry Awareness and Technology to Improve Fisheries Information: The Power of Data
Authors: Gutierrez Nicolas L.
Published: December 2017

Fisheries sustainability is imperative if we aim to feed an ever-growing population and sustain the livelihoods that depend on them. Despite substantial progress in the science behind fisheries management, more than 90% of the world's fisheries remain unassessed due mostly to data deficiencies. Here, I illustrate the importance of data collection and accessibility in driving fisheries sustainability and propose some innovative solutions to address data deficiencies needed to provide informed management decisions and policy making.
From collective representations to social imaginaries: How society represents itself to itself
Authors: Gilleard Chris
Published: December 2017

This paper aims to reconsider the relevance of Cornelius Castoriadis’ concept of the social imaginary as a way of re-invigorating the study of ‘collective representations’ within the social sciences. The paper begins with a review of how social thought has been understood, from Durkheim's writing on collective representations onwards. A case is made for the utility of Castoriadis’ concept of social imaginary significations in restoring their centrality within the social sciences. In contrast to viewing social thought as ‘super-structural’ ideology, or as a constellation of social attitudes and opinions commonly shared, Castoriadis’ view of social imaginary significations articulates a view of social representations as under-determined by, though never articulated without reference to, social morphology. However the imaginative capacity of individuals and society to generate this surplus of signifiers is understood, Castoriadis’ thinking allies the study of social imaginary significations with the study of social morphology without reducing either to mere representations of the other. What is needed now is a methodology suited to the empirical exploration of the network of significations that constitute the ‘imaginary institution of society’.
Bupivacaine Indirectly Potentiates Glutamate-induced Intracellular Calcium Signaling in Rat Hippocampal Neurons by Impairing Mitochondrial Function in Cocultured Astrocytes
Authors: Xing Yuan , Zhang Nan , Zhang Wei , Ren Lei-Ming
Published: December 2017

Background

Bupivacaine induces central neurotoxicity at lower blood concentrations than cardiovascular toxicity. However, central sensitivity to bupivacaine is poorly understood. The toxicity mechanism might be related to glutamate-induced excitotoxicity in hippocampal cells.

Methods

The intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i), mitochondrial membrane potential, and reactive oxygen species generation were measured by fluorescence and two-photon laser scanning microscopy in fetal rat hippocampal neurons and astrocytes.

Results

In astrocyte/neuron cocultures, 300 μM bupivacaine inhibited glutamate-induced increases in [Ca2+]i in astrocytes by 40% (P < 0.0001; n = 20) but significantly potentiated glutamate-induced increases in [Ca2+]i in neurons by 102% (P = 0.0007; n = 10). Ropivacaine produced concentration-dependent effects similar to bupivacaine (0.3 to 300 μM). Tetrodotoxin did not mimic bupivacaine’s effects. In pure cell cultures, bupivacaine did not affect glutamate-induced increases in [Ca2+]i in neurons but did inhibit increased [Ca2+]i in astrocytes. Moreover, bupivacaine produced a 61% decrease in the mitochondrial membrane potential (n = 20) and a 130% increase in reactive oxygen species generation (n = 15) in astrocytes. Cyclosporin A treatment suppressed bupivacaine’s effects on [Ca2+]i, mitochondrial membrane potential, and reactive oxygen species generation. When astrocyte/neuron cocultures were incubated with 500 μM dihydrokainic acid (a specific glutamate transporter–1 inhibitor), bupivacaine did not potentiate glutamate-induced increases in [Ca2+]i in neurons but still inhibited glutamate-induced increases in [Ca2+]i in astrocytes.

Conclusions

In primary rat hippocampal astrocyte and neuron cocultures, clinically relevant concentrations of bupivacaine selectively impair astrocytic mitochondrial function, thereby suppressing glutamate uptake, which indirectly potentiates glutamate-induced increases in [Ca2+]i in neurons.