bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Upregulation of kinesin family member 4A enhanced cell proliferation via activation of Akt signaling and predicted a poor prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Huang Yanlin , Wang Hongbo , Lian Yifan , Wu Xiaojuan , Zhou Liang , Wang Jialiang , Deng Meihai , Huang Yuehua
Published: February 2018

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third most frequent cause of cancer-related death worldwide, and the molecular pathogenesis and development of HCC are largely unknown. In the present study, we found that KIF4A expression was upregulated in HCC (678 samples, P = 2.03E-8) based on a meta-analysis of Oncomine database. We further confirmed that both KIF4A mRNA and protein expressions were overexpressed in human HCC tumour tissues as well as cancer cell lines. Higher KIF4A expression was correlated with poorer overall survival (P < 0.0001) and disease-free survival (P < 0.0337) in HCC patients. We constructed in vitro KIF4A overexpression and depletion HCC cell models. KIF4A overexpression significantly enhanced cellular proliferation and clonogenic abilities, whereas KIF4A depletion caused a dramatic increase of cells with abnormal chromosome segregation and subsequently resulted in augmentation of apoptosis in HCC cells. In addition, we demonstrated that KIF4A depletion was related to inhibition of Akt kinase activity and induction of intrinsic apoptosis signaling pathway. Taken together, KIF4A may act as a prognostic biomarker and potential therapeutic target in human HCC.
IL-6 potentiates BMP-2-induced osteogenesis and adipogenesis via two different BMPR1A-mediated pathways
Authors: Huang Ru-Lin , Sun Yangbai , Ho Chia-Kang , Liu Kai , Tang Qi-Qun , Xie Yun , Li Qingfeng
Published: February 2018

Recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) is widely used in the clinic for bone defect reconstruction because of its powerful osteoinductive capacity. However, commercially available rhBMP-2 requires a high concentration in the clinical setting for consistent bone formation. A high dose of rhBMP-2 induces a promising bone formation yield but also leads to inflammation-related events, deteriorated bone quality, and fatty tissue formation. We hypothesize that the seemingly contradictory phenomenon of coformation of new bone and excessive adipose tissue in rhBMP-2-induced bone voids may be associated with interleukin-6 (IL-6), which is significantly elevated after application of rhBMP-2/absorbable collagen sponge (rhBMP-2/ACS). Here, we show that IL-6 injection enhances new bone regeneration and induces excessive adipose tissue formation in an rhBMP-2/ACS-induced ectopic bone formation model in rats. In vitro data further show that IL-6 and its soluble receptor sIL-6R synergistically augment rhBMP-2-induced osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation of human BMSCs (hBMSCs) by promoting cell surface translocation of BMPR1A and then amplifying BMPR1A-mediated BMP/Smad and p38 MAPK pathways, respectively. Our study suggests elevated IL-6 may be responsible for coformation of new bone and excessive adipose tissue in rhBMP-2-induced bone voids.
Mixed lineage kinase ZAK promotes epithelial–mesenchymal transition in cancer progression
Authors: Li Linna , Su Ning , Zhou Ting , Zheng Dayong , Wang Zheng , Chen Haoyu , Yuan Shoujun , Li Wenliang
Published: February 2018

ZAK, a mixed lineage kinase, is often described as a positive or negative regulator of cell growth. We identified it as one of the top hits in our kinome cDNA screen for potent regulators of epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT). Ectopic expression of ZAK promoted EMT phenotypes and apoptosis resistance in multiple epithelial cell lines, while having different impacts on cell growth in different cell lines. Conversely, depletion of ZAK in aggressive mesenchymal cancer cells reversed EMT phenotypes, increased sensitivity to conventional cytotoxic drugs, and attenuated bone metastasis potential, with little impact on primary tumor growth. Mechanistically, ZAK-mediated EMT is associated with activation of ZEB1 and suppression of epithelial splicing regulatory proteins (ESRPs), which results in a switch in CD44 expression from the epithelial CD44v8–9 isoform to the mesenchymal CD44s isoform. Of note, transcriptomic analysis showed that ZAK overexpression is significantly associated with poor survival in a number of human cancer types. Tissue microarray analysis on breast invasive carcinoma further supported that ZAK overexpression is an independent poor prognostic factor for overall survival in breast cancer. Through combination with ZAK, prognostic accuracy of other common clinicopathological markers in breast cancer is improved by up to 21%. Taken together, these results suggest that promoting EMT is the primary role for ZAK in cancer progression. They also highlight its potential as a biomarker to identify high-risk patients, and suggest its promise as a therapeutic target for inhibiting metastasis and overcoming drug resistance.
CD24–p53 axis suppresses diethylnitrosamine-induced hepatocellular carcinogenesis by sustaining intrahepatic macrophages
Authors: Li Dongling , Hu Minling , Liu Ying , Ye Peiying , Du Peishuang , Li Chi-Shan , Cheng Liang , Liu Ping , Jiang Jing , Su Lishan , Wang Shengdian , Zheng Pan , Liu Yang
Published: February 2018

It is generally assumed that inflammation following diethylnitrosamine (DEN) treatment promotes development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) through the activity of intrahepatic macrophages. However, the tumor-promoting function of macrophages in the model has not been confirmed by either macrophage depletion or selective gene depletion in macrophages. Here we show that targeted mutation of Cd24 dramatically increased HCC burden while reducing intrahepatic macrophages and DEN-induced hepatocyte apoptosis. Depletion of macrophages also increased HCC burden and reduced hepatocyte apoptosis, thus establishing macrophages as an innate effector recognizing DEN-induced damaged hepatocytes. Mechanistically, Cd24 deficiency increased the levels of p53 in macrophages, resulting in their depletion in Cd24−/− mice following DEN treatment. These data demonstrate that the Cd24–p53 axis maintains intrahepatic macrophages, which can remove hepatocytes with DNA damage. Our data establish a critical role for macrophages in suppressing HCC development and call for an appraisal of the current dogma that intrahepatic macrophages promote HCC development.
High-throughput immune repertoire analysis with IGoR
Authors: Marcou Quentin , Mora Thierry , Walczak Aleksandra M.
Published: February 2018

High-throughput immune repertoire sequencing is promising to lead to new statistical diagnostic tools for medicine and biology. Successful implementations of these methods require a correct characterization, analysis, and interpretation of these data sets. We present IGoR (Inference and Generation Of Repertoires)—a comprehensive tool that takes B or T cell receptor sequence reads and quantitatively characterizes the statistics of receptor generation from both cDNA and gDNA. It probabilistically annotates sequences and its modular structure can be used to investigate models of increasing biological complexity for different organisms. For B cells, IGoR returns the hypermutation statistics, which we use to reveal co-localization of hypermutations along the sequence. We demonstrate that IGoR outperforms existing tools in accuracy and estimate the sample sizes needed for reliable repertoire characterization.
Cx26 drives self-renewal in triple-negative breast cancer via interaction with NANOG and focal adhesion kinase
Authors: Thiagarajan Praveena S. , Sinyuk Maksim , Turaga Soumya M. , Mulkearns-Hubert Erin E. , Hale James S. , Rao Vinay , Demelash Abeba , Saygin Caner , China Arnab , Alban Tyler J. , Hitomi Masahiro , Torre-Healy Luke A. , Alvarado Alvaro G. , Jarrar Awad , Wiechert Andrew , Adorno-Cruz Valery , Fox Paul L. , Calhoun Benjamin C. , Guan Jun-Lin , Liu Huiping , Reizes Ofer , Lathia Justin D.
Published: February 2018

Tumors adapt their phenotypes during growth and in response to therapies through dynamic changes in cellular processes. Connexin proteins enable such dynamic changes during development, and their dysregulation leads to disease states. The gap junction communication channels formed by connexins have been reported to exhibit tumor-suppressive functions, including in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). However, we find that connexin 26 (Cx26) is elevated in self-renewing cancer stem cells (CSCs) and is necessary and sufficient for their maintenance. Cx26 promotes CSC self-renewal by forming a signaling complex with the pluripotency transcription factor NANOG and focal adhesion kinase (FAK), resulting in NANOG stabilization and FAK activation. This FAK/NANOG-containing complex is not formed in mammary epithelial or luminal breast cancer cells. These findings challenge the paradigm that connexins are tumor suppressors in TNBC and reveal a unique function for Cx26 in regulating the core self-renewal signaling that controls CSC maintenance.
Publisher Correction: Ballistic geometric resistance resonances in a single surface of a topological insulator
Authors: Maier Hubert , Ziegler Johannes , Fischer Ralf , Kozlov Dmitriy , Kvon Ze Don , Mikhailov Nikolay , Dvoretsky Sergey A. , Weiss Dieter
Published: February 2018

In the original version of this Article, the second and third sentences of the first paragraph of the “Gate voltage and antidot period dependencies” section of the Results originally incorrectly read “The characteristic evolution of the sheet resistance ρ□=ρ□ (B=0) with Vg shown for three antidot samples and an unpatterned reference sample in Fig. 3a. The maxima of ρxx, located between Vg~0.5 and 1 V, reflect the charge neutrality point (CNP), corresponding to an EF position located slightly in the valence band (see band structure in Fig. 3b).” In the corrected version, “$${\mathrm{\rho }}_\square = {\mathrm{\rho }}_\square (B = 0)$$

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Microstructure and phases of deposited metal of SUPER304H steel under high temperature Persistent stress
Authors: Qi Yanchang , Wu Zhiquan , Zhang Xin , Ma Chengyong
Published: February 2018

In order to investigate the high temperature rupture property of deposited metal of SUPER304H steel, the high temperature tensile test was carried out, and the microstructure transformation of deposited metal of SUPER304H steel under high temperature persistent stress were studied. Most of the solidification subgrain boundaries dissolve. The effect of the high temperature enduring on the microstructure is not obvious. Temperature and time are the main factors that influence the change of microstructure. Under the action of high temperature stress, the corrosion resistance of austenite decreases significantly due to the occurrence of chromium deficiency. With the persistent stress of 200 MPa, the precipitated phase of deposited metal is Nb (C, N), M23C6, NbCrN phase, and a certain amount of alpha phase is precipitated in the deposited metal with a persistent stress of 78 MPa. The precipitation of M23C6phase is the main reason for the decrease of the corrosion resistance, especially the decrease of the corrosion resistance.
Clinical Translation of Tethered Confocal Microscopy Capsule for Unsedated Diagnosis of Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Authors: Tabatabaei Nima , Kang DongKyun , Kim Minkyu , Wu Tao , Grant Catriona N. , Rosenberg Mireille , Nishioka Norman S. , Hesterberg Paul E. , Garber John , Yuan Qian , Katz Aubrey J. , Tearney Guillermo J.
Published: February 2018

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is a widely used procedure, posing significant financial burden on both healthcare systems and patients. Moreover, EGD is time consuming, sometimes difficult to tolerate, and suffers from an imperfect diagnostic yield as the limited number of collected biopsies does not represent the whole organ. In this paper, we report on technological and clinical feasibility of a swallowable tethered endomicroscopy capsule, which is administered without sedation, to image large regions of esophageal and gastric mucosa at the cellular level. To demonstrate imaging capabilities, we conducted a human pilot study (n = 17) on Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) patients and healthy volunteers from which representative cases are presented and discussed. Results indicate that, compared to endoscopic biopsy, unsedated tethered capsule endomicroscopy obtains orders of magnitude more cellular information while successfully resolving characteristic tissue microscopic features such as stratified squamous epithelium, lamina propria papillae, intraepithelial eosinophils, and gastric cardia and body/fundic mucosa epithelia. Based on the major import of whole organ, cellular-level microscopy to obviate sampling error and the clear cost and convenience advantages of unsedated procedure, we believe that this tool has the potential to become a simpler and more effective device for diagnosing and monitoring the therapeutic response of EoE and other esophageal diseases.
Evaluation of the Heshang Cave stalagmite calcium isotope composition as a paleohydrologic proxy by comparison with the instrumental precipitation record
Authors: Li Xiuli , Cui Xueping , He Dong , Liao Jin , Hu Chaoyong
Published: February 2018

With their merits of precise dating and sensitivity to climate changes, laminated stalagmites are an important terrestrial archive for reconstructions of paleohydrological changes. In particular, the Ca isotope composition (δ44/42Ca) of the Heshang Cave stalagmite has been documented to record a precipitation decrease during the 8.2 ka event in central China. As an extension, this study directly compares near-annual resolution δ44/42Ca data with an instrumental precipitation record to evaluate the fidelity of δ44/42Ca as a paleohydrologic proxy on annual to decade timescales. Over the period 1881–2001 AD, the δ44/42Ca values correlate significantly with both precipitation from a nearby weather station and the dryness/wetness index in the middle Yangtze River, with a stronger correlation on decadal smoothed data. These results clearly show that the δ44/42Ca ratio from stalagmites is an effective proxy for paleohydrological changes on a decadal timescale. More study is encouraged to refine understanding of stalagmite Ca isotope ratios and hydrological conditions and their application in paleohydrologic reconstructions.
A critical role of E2F transcription factor 2 in proinflammatory cytokines-dependent proliferation and invasiveness of fibroblast-like synoviocytes in rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Zhang Rui , Wang Lin , Pan Ji-hong , Han Jinxiang
Published: February 2018

As a transcription factor, E2F2 participates in regulation of numerous genes. To investigate the role and mechnism of E2F2 in RA, expression of E2F2 in synovial tissue was detected. Proliferation, invasion, and secretion of inflammatory cytokines were measured after E2F2 was knocked-down in RASFs by siRNA transfection. Induction of TNF-α, IL-6, and LPS on expression and nuclear translocation of E2F2, and signal pathways involved in the process were tested. ChIP was used to investigate direct binding of NF-кB to the promoter of E2F2, and E2F2 to the promoter of IL-6. The correlation between mRNA levels of E2F2 and IL-6 or TNF-α in secreted in supernatant of RASFs were also investigated. As a result, silencing E2F2 could inhibit the proliferation and invasion of RASFs. LPS, IL-6 can stimulate the expression of E2F2 in RASFs both via the NF-кB pathway, while TNF-α via the ERK pathway. TNF-α can facilitate the nuclear translocation of E2F2 and TNF-α can bind to promoter of E2F2, and then E2F2 can bind to the promoter of IL-6 directly. Significant correlations was found between levels of E2F2 and IL-6/TNF-α in synoviocytes of RA patients. Our findings indicate that E2F2 may play an important role in pathogenesis of RA.
Lizards ran bipedally 110 million years ago
Authors: Lee Hang-Jae , Lee Yuong-Nam , Fiorillo Anthony R. , Lü Junchang
Published: February 2018

Four heteropod lizard trackways discovered in the Hasandong Formation (Aptian-early Albian), South Korea assigned to Sauripes hadongensis, n. ichnogen., n. ichnosp., which represents the oldest lizard tracks in the world. Most tracks are pes tracks (N = 25) that are very small, average 22.29 mm long and 12.46 mm wide. The pes tracks show “typical” lizard morphology as having curved digit imprints that progressively increase in length from digits I to IV, a smaller digit V that is separated from the other digits by a large interdigital angle. The manus track is 19.18 mm long and 19.23 mm wide, and shows a different morphology from the pes. The predominant pes tracks, the long stride length of pes, narrow trackway width, digitigrade manus and pes prints, and anteriorly oriented long axis of the fourth pedal digit indicate that these trackways were made by lizards running bipedally, suggesting that bipedality was possible early in lizard evolution.
Isolating, characterising and identifying a Cry1Ac resistance mutation in field populations of Helicoverpa punctigera
Authors: Walsh Tom , James Bill , Chakroun Maissa , Ferré Juan , Downes Sharon
Published: February 2018

Transgenic cotton expressing insecticidal proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) has been grown in Australia for over 20 years and resistance remains the biggest threat. The native moth, Helicoverpa punctigera is a significant pest of cotton. A genotype causing resistance to Cry1Ac in H. punctigera was isolated from the field and a homozygous line established. The phenotype is recessive and homozygous individuals possess 113 fold resistance to Cry1Ac. Individuals that carry Cry1Ac resistance genes are rare in Australia with a frequency of 0.033 being detected in field populations. RNAseq, RT-PCR and DNA sequencing reveals a single nucleotide polymorphism at a splice site in the cadherin gene as the causal mutation, resulting in the partial transcription of the intron and a premature stop codon. Analysis of Cry1Ac binding to H. punctigera brush border membrane vesicles showed that it is unaffected by the disrupted cadherin gene. This suggests that the major Cry1Ac target is not cadherin but that this molecule plays a key role in resistance and therefore the mode of action. This work adds to our knowledge of resistance mechanisms in H. punctigera and the growing literature around the role of cadherin in the mode of action of Cry1 type Bt proteins.
Dibutyl phthalate alters the metabolic pathways of microbes in black soils
Authors: Xu Weihui , You Yimin , Wang Zhigang , Chen Wenjing , Zeng Jin , Zhao Xiaosong , Su Yunpeng
Published: February 2018

Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) is well known as a high-priority pollutant. This study explored the impacts of DBP on the metabolic pathways of microbes in black soils in the short term (20 days). The results showed that the microbial communities were changed in black soils with DBP. In nitrogen cycling, the abundances of the genes were elevated by DBP. DBP contamination facilitated 3′-phosphoadenosine-5′-phosphosulfate (PAPS) formation, and the gene flux of sulfate metabolism was increased. The total abundances of ABC transporters and the gene abundances of the monosaccharide-transporting ATPasesMalKandMsmKwere increased by DBP. The total abundance of two-component system (TCS) genes and the gene abundances of malate dehydrogenase, histidine kinase and citryl-CoA lyase were increased after DBP contamination. The total abundance of phosphotransferase system (PTS) genes and the gene abundances of phosphotransferase,CrrandBglFwere raised by DBP. The increased gene abundances of ABC transporters, TCS and PTS could be the reasons for the acceleration of nitrogen, carbon and sulfate metabolism. The degrading-genes of DBP were increased markedly in soil exposed to DBP. In summary, DBP contamination altered the microbial community and enhanced the gene abundances of the carbon, nitrogen and sulfur metabolism in black soils in the short term.
Patterns of sexual size dimorphism in horseshoe bats: Testing Rensch’s rule and potential causes
Authors: Wu Hui , Jiang Tinglei , Huang Xiaobin , Feng Jiang
Published: February 2018

Rensch’s rule, stating that sexual size dimorphism (SSD) becomes more evident and male-biased with increasing body size, has been well supported for taxa that exhibit male-biased SSD. Bats, primarily having female-biased SSD, have so far been tested for whether SSD allometry conforms to Rensch’s rule in only three studies. However, these studies did not consider phylogeny, and thus the mechanisms underlying SSD variations in bats remain unclear. Thus, the present study reviewed published and original data, including body size, baculum size, and habitat types in 45 bats of the family Rhinolophidae to determine whether horseshoe bats follow Rensch’s rule using a phylogenetic comparative framework. We also investigated the potential effect of postcopulatory sexual selection and habitat type on SSD. Our findings indicated that Rensch’s rule did not apply to Rhinolophidae, suggesting that SSD did not significantly vary with increasing size. This pattern may be attributable interactions between weak sexual selection to male body size and strong fecundity selection for on female body size. The degree of SSD among horseshoe bats may be attributed to a phylogenetic effect rather than to the intersexual competition for food or to baculum length. Interestingly, we observed that species in open habitats exhibited greater SSD than those in dense forests, suggesting that habitat types may be associated with variations in SSD in horseshoe bats.
Electrical terahertz modulator based on photo-excited ferroelectric superlattice
Authors: Ji Jie , Zhou Siyan , Zhang Jingcheng , Ling Furi , Yao Jianquan
Published: February 2018

The transmission and dielectric spectra of ferroelectric STO/PT superlattice on Si substrate under simultaneous external optical and electric field were investigated and compared at room temperature. Results found that when with an optical field, the electric field realized an effective modulation on the transmission, which displayed a diode property. In addition, a comprehensive model combined with Debye relaxation and Lorentz model was used to analyze the dielectric spectra, variation of the soft mode with external field was put emphasis on exploring.
Correction: Corrigendum: Experimental Certification of Random Numbers via Quantum Contextuality
Authors: Um Mark , Zhang Xiang , Zhang Junhua , Wang Ye , Shen Yangchao , Deng D.-L. , Duan Lu-Ming , Kim Kihwan
Published: February 2018

Scientific Reports 3: Article number: 1627; published online: 09 April 2013; updated: 02 February 2018. The original version of this Article contained an error in the spelling of the author Yangchao Shen, which was incorrectly given as Shen Yangchao. This error has now been corrected in the PDF and HTML versions of the Article.
A simplified protocol for the usage of new immuno-SERS probes for the detection of casein, collagens and ovalbumin in the cross-sections of artworks
Authors: Kuckova Stepanka , Hamidi-Asl Ezat , Sofer Zdeněk , Marvan Petr , de Wael Karolien , Sanyova Jana , Janssens Koen
Published: February 2018

Although it is now relatively simple to identify protein binders in works of art, their proper localization within the corresponding layer still represents a significant analytical challenge.
Green polymerizable deep eutectic solvent (PDES) type conductive paper for origami 3D circuits
Authors: Ren’ai Li , Zhang Kaili , Chen Guangxue , Su Bin , Tian Junfei , He Minghui , Lu Fachuang
Published: February 2018

We report a green fabrication of conductive paper based on polymerizable deep eutectic solvents and its flexibility to origami electronics.
Self-propulsion of catalytic nanomotors synthesised by seeded growth of asymmetric platinum–gold nanoparticles
Authors: Santiago Ibon , Jiang Luyun , Foord John , Turberfield Andrew J.
Published: February 2018

Asymmetric bimetallic nanomotors are synthesised by seeded growth in solution, providing a convenient and high-throughput alternative to the usual top-down lithographic fabrication of self-propelled catalytic nanoparticles.
A self-assembled nanoprobe for long-term cancer cell nucleus-specific staining and two-photon breast cancer imaging
Authors: Gao Tang , Wang Shuanglian , Lv Wuwu , Liu Mian , Zeng Hongliang , Chen Zhu , Dong Jie , Wu Ziping , Feng Xueping , Zeng Wenbin
Published: February 2018

A novel self-assembled nanoprobe has been developed for the long-term lighting up of cancer cell nuclei, and differentiating between clinical breast cancer andpara-carcinoma tissues.
Influences of the molecular fuel structure on combustion reactions towards soot precursors in selected alkane and alkene flames
Authors: Ruwe Lena , Moshammer Kai , Hansen Nils , Kohse-Höinghaus Katharina
Published: February 2018

Flame-sampling molecular beam mass spectrometry enables valuable insights into the fuel-structure-dependent formation kinetics of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and their precursors.
Chemistry through cocrystals: pressure-induced polymerization of C2H2·C6H6to an extended crystalline hydrocarbon
Authors: Ward Matthew D. , Huang Haw-Tyng , Zhu Li , Biswas Arani , Popov Dmitry , Badding John V. , Strobel Timothy A.
Published: February 2018

The 1 : 1 acetylene–benzene cocrystal, C2H2·C6H6, was synthesized under pressure in a diamond anvil cell (DAC) and its evolution under pressure was studied with single-crystal X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy.
Ionic liquids and derived materials for lithium and sodium batteries
Authors: Yang Qiwei , Zhang Zhaoqiang , Sun Xiao-Guang , Hu Yong-Sheng , Xing Huabin , Dai Sheng
Published: February 2018

A comprehensive review of various applications of ionic liquids and derived materials in lithium and sodium batteries with an emphasis on recent advances.
Bromination and iodination of diphosphane dichalcogenides
Authors: Upmann Daniel , Jones Peter G.
Published: February 2018

Diphosphine dichalcogenides form a variety of adducts with elemental bromine and iodine.
A sulfur vacancy rich CdS based composite photocatalyst with g-C3N4 as a matrix derived from a Cd–S cluster assembled supramolecular network for H2 production and VOC removal
Authors: Wang Yaqin , Xu Xinxin , Lu Wei , Huo Yuqiu , Bian Lijun
Published: February 2018

A sulfur vacancy rich CdS based composite photocatalyst with g-C3N4 as a matrix has been synthesized from a tetranuclear Cd–S cluster assembled supramolecular network.
Toward aplyronine payloads for antibody–drug conjugates: total synthesis of aplyronines A and D
Authors: Anžiček Nika , Williams Simon , Housden Michael P. , Paterson Ian
Published: February 2018

We report an expedient total synthesis of aplyronines A and D, together with a linker-modified analogue for bioconjugation studies.
Multicolor monitoring of cellular organelles by single wavelength excitation to visualize the mitophagy process
Authors: Hu Fang , Cai Xiaolei , Manghnani Purnima Naresh , Kenry Kenry , Wu Wenbo , Liu Bin
Published: February 2018

Two AIEgens are designed for tracking mitochondria and lysosomes with different emission colors using single wavelength excitation to visualize the mitophagy process.
Enhancement of metal–metal interactions inside a large-cavity synthetic host in water
Authors: Kuang Shengjian , Hu Zhixiong , Zhang Hao , Zhang Xiongzhi , Liang Feng , Zhao Zhiyong , Liu Simin
Published: February 2018

A new host–guest strategy is developed to enhance metal–metal interactions between metal–terpyridyl complexes in aqueous solution.
Inorganic mixed phase templated by a fatty acid monolayer at the air–water interface: the Mn and Mg case
Authors: El Haitami Alae , Goldmann Michel , Fontaine Philippe , Fauré Marie-Claude , Cantin Sophie
Published: February 2018

A first-order phase transition with a peculiar feature is evidenced by means of in situ grazing incidence X-ray diffraction in the 2D organic phase-mediated nucleation of an inorganic layer.
Carbon dot–Au(i)Ag(0) assembly for the construction of an artificial light harvesting system
Authors: Jana Jayasmita , Aditya Teresa , Pal Tarasankar
Published: February 2018

Significant transfer of energy from a carbon dot, GCD, to a fluorescent assembly, AuAgFA, paves the way to construct an artificial light harvesting system out of a GCD–AuAgFA pair.
Dietary lipophilic iron alters amyloidogenesis and microglial morphology in Alzheimer's disease knock-in APP mice
Authors: Peters Douglas G. , Pollack Alexis N. , Cheng Keith C. , Sun Dongxiao , Saido Takaomi , Haaf Michael P. , Yang Qing X. , Connor James R. , Meadowcroft Mark D.
Published: February 2018

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized pathologically by amyloid beta (Aβ) deposition, microgliosis, and iron dyshomeostasis.
Targeted VEGF-triggered release of an anti-cancer drug from aptamer-functionalized metal–organic framework nanoparticles
Authors: Chen Wei-Hai , Yang Sung Sohn , Fadeev Michael , Cecconello Alessandro , Nechushtai Rachel , Willner Itamar
Published: February 2018

Drug-loaded DNA-capped metal–organic framework nanoparticles are unlocked by the VEGF biomarker, resulting in the targeted release of the drug.
Nucleophilic trifluoromethylthiolation of bromoalkynones with AgSCF3: C(sp)–SCF3 bond formation towards ynonyl trifluoromethyl sulfides
Authors: Jiang Huanfeng , Zhu Rui , Zhu Chuanle , Chen Fulin , Wu Wanqing
Published: February 2018

C(sp)–SCF3 bond formation via the AgSCF3 mediated nucleophilic trifluoromethylthiolation of bromoalkynones, delivering various ynonyl trifluoromethyl sulfides in high yields.
Copper(ii)-mediated, carbon degradation-based amidation of phenylacetic acids toward N-substituted benzamides
Authors: Deng Leiling , Huang Bin , Liu Yunyun
Published: February 2018

The carbon degradation-based amidation of phenylacetic acids with aryl amides has been realized in the presence of Cu(OAc)2, which provides a practical route in the synthesis of N-aryl secondary benzamides.
Asymmetric ring-opening of cyclopropyl ketones with β-naphthols catalyzed by a chiral N,N′-dioxide–scandium(iii) complex
Authors: Xia Yong , Chang Fenzhen , Lin Lili , Xu Yali , Liu Xiaohua , Feng Xiaoming
Published: February 2018

An efficient asymmetric ring-opening reaction of cyclopropyl ketones with 2-naphthols has been realized using a chiral N,N′-dioxide–ScIII complex catalyst. A variety of chiral β-naphthol derivatives were obtained in excellent outcomes (up to 99% yield, 97% ee).
Listeners Experience Linguistic Masking Release in Noise-Vocoded Speech-in-Speech Recognition
Authors: Viswanathan Navin , Kokkinakis Kostas , Williams Brittany T.
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether listeners with normal hearing perceiving noise-vocoded speech-in-speech demonstrate better intelligibility of target speech when the background speech was mismatched in language (linguistic release from masking [LRM]) and/or location (spatial release from masking [SRM]) relative to the target. We also assessed whether the spectral resolution of the noise-vocoded stimuli affected the presence of LRM and SRM under these conditions.

Method

In Experiment 1, a mixed factorial design was used to simultaneously manipulate the masker language (within-subject, English vs. Dutch), the simulated masker location (within-subject, right, center, left), and the spectral resolution (between-subjects, 6 vs. 12 channels) of noise-vocoded target–masker combinations presented at +25 dB signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). In Experiment 2, the study was repeated using a spectral resolution of 12 channels at +15 dB SNR.

Results

In both experiments, listeners' intelligibility of noise-vocoded targets was better when the background masker was Dutch, demonstrating reliable LRM in all conditions. The pattern of results in Experiment 1 was not reliably different across the 6- and 12-channel noise-vocoded speech. Finally, a reliable spatial benefit (SRM) was detected only in the more challenging SNR condition (Experiment 2).

Conclusion

The current study is the first to report a clear LRM benefit in noise-vocoded speech-in-speech recognition. Our results indicate that this benefit is available even under spectrally degraded conditions and that it may augment the benefit due to spatial separation of target speech and competing backgrounds.
Age Differences in Voice Evaluation: From Auditory-Perceptual Evaluation to Social Interactions
Authors: Lortie Catherine L. , Deschamps Isabelle , Guitton Matthieu J. , Tremblay Pascale
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The factors that influence the evaluation of voice in adulthood, as well as the consequences of such evaluation on social interactions, are not well understood. Here, we examined the effect of listeners' age and the effect of talker age, sex, and smoking status on the auditory-perceptual evaluation of voice, voice-related psychosocial attributions, and perceived speech tempo. We also examined the voice dimensions affecting the propensity to engage in social interactions.

Method

Twenty-five younger (age 19–37 years) and 25 older (age 51–74 years) healthy adults participated in this cross-sectional study. Their task was to evaluate the voice of 80 talkers.

Results

Statistical analyses revealed limited effects of the age of the listener on voice evaluation. Specifically, older listeners provided relatively more favorable voice ratings than younger listeners, mainly in terms of roughness. In contrast, the age of the talker had a broader impact on voice evaluation, affecting auditory-perceptual evaluations, psychosocial attributions, and perceived speech tempo. Some of these talker differences were dependent upon the sex of the talker and his or her smoking status. Finally, the results also show that voice-related psychosocial attribution was more strongly associated with the propensity of the listener to engage in social interactions with a person than auditory-perceptual dimensions and perceived speech tempo, especially for the younger adults.

Conclusions

These results suggest that age has a broad influence on voice evaluation, with a stronger impact for talker age compared with listener age. While voice-related psychosocial attributions may be an important determinant of social interactions, perceived voice quality and speech tempo appear to be less influential.

Supplemental Materials

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.5844102
Method for bearing estimation of target for amplitude modulation radio‐based passive radar application
Authors: Li Yang , Ma Hong , Cheng Li , Yu De
Published: February 2018

In a passive radar system, the bearing of the target is difficult to measure for the signal‐to‐noise ratio of the target's echo signal is generally very low in practise. A novel method to estimate the echo signal's angle is proposed. The cross‐ambiguity function of direct‐path signal and each antenna's receiving signal is calculated to form a virtual array signal, in which the desired echo signal can be enhanced at a certain time delay and Doppler shift, so it is able to estimate its angle. We make the theoretical analysis about how the desired echo signal is enhanced. Some experimental results of an amplitude modulation (AM) radio‐based passive radar are presented to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Design of an initial condition‐index chaos shift keying modulation
Authors: Soujeri E. , Kaddoum G. , Herceg M.
Published: February 2018

An initial condition‐index chaos shift keying modulation is proposed. This design aims to increase the spectral and energy efficiencies to unprecedented levels. The proposed scheme exploits the initial conditions to generate different chaotic sequences to convey extra bits per transmission. In the proposed design, the input data stream is formed in blocks of bits. In this architecture, n bits are mapped into predetermined initial conditions that are used to generate unique chaotic sequences at the transmitter. At the receiver side, the predetermined initial conditions are used to generate a set of N chaotic sequences that are correlated with the received signal. The index of the initial condition for which the chaotic sequence produces a maximum correlation with the received signal is selected to recover the mapped bits, and the corresponding sequence is used to despread the transmitted modulated bit. To validate the proposed scheme, the bit error rate over fading channels is analysed and formulated and the proposed system performance is compared with other conventional and index modulation schemes. In comparison to rival modulation schemes, the results obtained in the proposed work show a competitive performance.
Feasible space boundary search for improved optimisation‐based miniaturisation of antenna structures
Authors: Johanesson David O. , Koziel Slawomir
Published: February 2018

This study describes an enhanced procedure for electromagnetic‐simulation‐based miniaturisation of antenna structures. The proposed methodology utilises formulation of the antenna design as non‐linear minimisation problem oriented towards explicit size reduction with constraints imposed on the reflection response of the structure at hand. The primary idea is to explore the boundary of the feasible region so as to allow efficient identification of a constrained optimum that ensures satisfaction of the prescribed matching requirements for the structure at hand. The proposed algorithm overcomes the issues related to the standard formulation involving a penalty function approach, where high non‐linearity of the objective function in the vicinity of the optimum may lead to finding a sub‐optimal design. For the sake of demonstration and verification, three examples of ultra‐wideband antennas are considered. In all cases, the proposed methodology leads to smaller footprints and better control of the in‐band matching compared to the benchmark algorithm, i.e. gradient‐based search with implicit reflection response control through a penalty function approach.
History and destiny of an emerging early-type galaxy
Authors: Weaver J. , Husemann B. , Kuntschner H. , Martín-Navarro I. , Bournaud F. , Duc P.-A. , Emsellem E. , Krajnović D. , Lyubenova M. , McDermid R. M.
Published: February 2018

Context. The merging of galaxies is one key aspect in our favourite hierarchical ΛCDM Universe and is an important channel leading to massive quiescent elliptical galaxies. Understanding this complex transformational process is ongoing.

Aims. We aim to study NGC 7252, which is one of the nearest major-merger galaxy remnants, observed ~1 Gyr after the collision of presumably two gas-rich disc galaxies. It is therefore an ideal laboratory to study the processes inherent to the transformation of disc galaxies to ellipticals.

Methods. We obtained wide-field IFU spectroscopy with the VLT-VIMOS integral-field spectrograph covering the central 50′′ × 50′′ of NGC 7252 to map the stellar and ionised gas kinematics, and the distribution and conditions of the ionised gas, revealing the extent of ongoing star formation and recent star formation history.

Results. Contrary to previous studies, we find the inner gas disc not to be counter-rotating with respect to the stars. In addition, the stellar kinematics appear complex with a clear indication of a prolate-like rotation component which suggests a polar merger configuration. The ongoing star formation rate is 2.2 ± 0.6 M⊙ yr−1 and implies a typical depletion time of ~2 Gyr given the molecular gas content. Furthermore, the spatially resolved star formation history suggests a slight radial dependence, moving outwards at later times. We confirm a large AGN-ionised gas cloud previously discovered ~5 kpc south of the nucleus, and find a higher ionisation state of the ionised gas at the galaxy centre relative to the surrounding gas disc. Although the higher ionisation towards the centre is potentially degenerate within the central star forming ring, it may be associated with a low-luminosity AGN.

Conclusions. Although NGC 7252 has been classified as post-starburst galaxy at the centre, the elliptical-like major-merger remnant still appears very active. A central kpc-scale gas disc has presumably re-formed quickly within the last 100 Myr after final coalescence. The disc features ongoing star formation, implying Gyr long timescale to reach the red sequence through gas consumption alone. While NGC 7252 is useful to probe the transformation from discs to ellipticals, it is not well-suited to study the transformation from blue to red at this point.
Recent heavy-flavour results from ATLAS
Authors: Chen Jing
Published: February 2018

The ATLAS heavy-ion program utilizes heavy-flavour hadrons to probe the hot, dense matter formed at the LHC. Quarkonium measurements have been performed in pp, p+Pb and Pb+Pb systems to study medium effects. The Pb+Pb results show a strong suppression of charmonium productions in more central events. Proton-lead interactions show little modification of the 1S charmonium state, but seem to indicate a centrality dependence of the 2S state. Upsilons have been studied in p+Pb and are found to show decreasing behaviour in more central collisions. Inclusive muons with pT above 4 GeV have been studied to provide insight on open-flavour production, and are found to be strongly suppressed in Pb+Pb collisions with a substantial and significant elliptic flow signal. Muon-hadron correlations have also been studied in the 2016 [see formula in PDF] = 8.16 TeV p+Pb data. There are clear indications of a near-side ridge, suggesting that similar mechanisms may be relevant for both the small and large systems.
Highlights from LHCb
Authors: Bursche Albert
Published: February 2018

The recent highlights from LHCb in soft QCD and Heavy Ion physics are presented. This includes measurements from collisions of proton and lead [see formula in PDF] ion beams with other beams as well as noble gas targets. An outlook on future analyses of [see formula in PDF] collisions is presented.
Heavy flavour production at RHIC and LHC
Authors: Innocenti Gian Michele
Published: February 2018

In this proceedings, I present selected experimental results on heavy-flavour production at RHIC and at the LHC, which were presented at the Strangeness in Quark Matter 2017 conference. I will present a brief introduction to the heavy-flavour physics in heavy ion collisions and I will focus on recents measurements of in-medium energy loss and and collective properties of heavy-flavour particles, which provided important information on the mechanisms of heavy flavour interaction with the hot and dense medium created in ultra-relativistic heavy-ion collisions.
Heavy-quark dynamics in a hydrodynamically evolving medium
Authors: Nahrgang Marlene , Aichelin Jörg , Gossiaux Pol Bernard , Werner Klaus
Published: February 2018

In this talk we will discuss the recent advances in describing heavy-quark dynamics in the quark-gluon plasma (QGP), which evolves hydrodynamically. Special emphasis is put on the collective flow of the heavy-quarks with the medium constituents, for which we present our latest results obtained within the MC@sHQ+EPOS2 model at √s = 5 TeV.
Resonance Production in Heavy-Ion Collisions
Authors: Knospe Anders G.
Published: February 2018

Hadronic resonances are unique probes that allow the properties of heavyion collisions to be studied. Topics that can be studied include modification of spectral shapes, in-medium energy loss of parsons, vector-meson spin alignment, hydrodynamic flow, recombination, strangeness production, and the properties of the hadronic phase. Measurements of resonances in p+p, p+A, and d+A collisions serve as baselines for heavy-ion studies and also permit searches for possible collective effects in these smaller systems. These proceedings present a selection of results related to these topics from experiments at RHIC, LHC, and other facilities, as well as comparisons to theoretical models.
Medium modification of strange hadronic resonances at SIS, RHIC and LHC energies
Authors: Tolos Laura
Published: February 2018

The properties of strange pseudoscalar and vectors mesons as well as strange baryon resonances in dense matter are reviewed. Some open questions on the properties of strange hadrons in medium are addressed, such as the experimental signatures of inmedium effects coming from the hadronic phase on the final observables in heavy-ion collisions for the experimental conditions at SIS, RHIC and LHC energies.
BM@N and MPD experiments at NICA
Authors: Kekelidze Vladimir , Kolesnikov Vadim , Sorin Alexander
Published: February 2018

The project NICA (Nuclotron-based Ion Collider fAcility) aims to study hot and baryon rich QCD matter in heavy ion collisions in the energy range [see formula in PDF] = 4 − 11 GeV. The rich heavy-ion physics program will be performed at two experiments, BM@N (Baryonic Matter at Nuclotron) at beams extracted from the Nuclotron, and at MPD (Multi-Purpose Detector) at the NICA collider. This program covers a variety of phenomena in strongly interacting matter of the highest baryonic density, which includes study of collective effects, production of hyperon and hypernuclei, in-medium modification of meson properties, and event-by-event fluctuations.
Baryon spectra and antiparticle-to-particle ratios from the improved AMPT model
Authors: He Yuncun , Lin Zi-Wei
Published: February 2018

The current version of a multi-phase transport (AMPT) model with string melting can reasonably describe the dN/dy yields, pT spectra and anisotropic flows of pions and kaons at low pT in heavy ion collisions at RHIC and LHC energies, although it failed to reproduce the dN/dy and pT spectra of baryons. In this work, we improve the quark coalescence mechanism in AMPT by removing the forced separate number conservations of mesons, baryons and antibaryons in each event. We find that the improved AMPT model can better describe the yields at midrapidity, the pT spectra and elliptic flow of low-pT baryons in comparison with the experimental data. Antiparticle-to-particle ratios of strange baryons are also significantly improved.
Production of (anti-)(hyper-)nuclei at LHC energies with ALICE
Authors: Puccio Maximiliano
Published: February 2018

The ALICE experiment at the LHC has measured a variety of (anti-)(hyper-)nuclei produced in Pb–Pb collisions at [see formula in PDF] = 5.02 TeV and at 2.76 TeV. In addition, a large sample of high quality data was collected in pp collisions at √s = 7 TeV and 13 TeV and in p-Pb collisions at [see formula in PDF] = 5.02 TeV. These data are used to study the production of different (anti-)(hyper-)nuclei in the collisions, namely (anti-)deuteron, (anti-)3He, (anti-)alpha and (anti-)3ΛH. The identification of these (anti-)(hyper-)nuclei is based on the energy loss measurement in the Time Projection Chamber and the velocity measurement in the Time-Of-Flight detector. In addition, the Inner Tracking System is used to distinguish secondary vertices originating from weak decays from the primary vertex. New results on deuteron production as a function of multiplicity in pp, p–Pb and Pb–Pb collisions will be presented, as well as the measurement of 3He in p–Pb and Pb– Pb collisions. Special emphasis will be given to the new results of the (anti-)3ΛH in its charged-two-body decay mode. The large variety of measurements at different energies and system sizes constrains the production models of light flavour baryon clusters, in particular those based on coalescence and the statistical hadronisation approaches.
Beam energy and system dependence of rapidity-even dipolar flow
Authors: Magdy Niseem
Published: February 2018

New measurements of rapidity-even dipolar flow, veven1, are presented for several transverse momenta, pT, and centrality intervals in Au+Au collisions at [see formula in PDF] = 200, 39 and 19.6 GeV, U+U collisions at [see formula in PDF] = 193 GeV, and Cu+Au, Cu+Cu, d+Au and p+Au collisions at [see formula in PDF] = 200 GeV. The veven1 shows characteristic dependencies on pT, centrality, collision system and [see formula in PDF], consistent with the expectation from a hydrodynamic-like expansion to the dipolar fluctuation in the initial state. These measurements could serve as constraints to distinguish between different initialstate models, and aid a more reliable extraction of the specific viscosity η/s.