bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gravity and Magnetic Surveys and Interpretation in the Northern Part of the K-G Basin
Authors: Rao D. Bhaskara , Annapurna T.
Published: May 2016

The gravity and magnetic data along three profiles across the northern part of the K-G basin have been collected and the data is interpreted for basement depths. The first profile is taken from Gadarada to Yanam covering a distance of 60 km and the second starts from Zangareddiguddem to Samathkur covering a distance of 110 km and the third is from Kotturu to Biyyapuppa covering a distance of 100 km. The gravity lows and highs have clearly indicated various sub-basins and ridges. The density logs from ONGC, Chennai, show that the density contrast decreases with depth in the sedimentary basin, and hence, the gravity profiles are interpreted using variable density contrast with depth. From the Bouguer gravity anomaly, the residual anomaly is constructed by graphical method correlating with well data, sub-surface geology and seismic information. The residual anomaly profiles are interpreted using polygon model. The maximum depths to the khondalitic basement are obtained as 5.61km, 6.46 km and 7.45 km for the first, second and third profiles respectively. The regional anomaly is interpreted as Moho rise towards coast. The aeromagnetic anomaly profiles are also interpreted for charnockite basement below the khondalitic group of rocks using prismatic models.
Thermal tracing of retained meltwater in the lower accumulation area of the Southwestern Greenland ice sheet
Authors: Charalampidis Charalampos , Van As Dirk , Colgan William T. , Fausto Robert S. , Macferrin Michael , Machguth Horst
Published: May 2016

We present in situ firn temperatures from the extreme 2012 melt season in the southwestern lower accumulation area of the Greenland ice sheet. The upper 2.5 m of snow and firn was temperate during the melt season, when vertical meltwater percolation was inefficient due to a ~5.5 m thick ice layer underlying the temperate firn. Meltwater percolation and refreezing beneath 2.5 m depth only occurred after the melt season. Deviations from temperatures predicted by pure conductivity suggest that meltwater refroze in discrete bands at depths of 2.0–2.5, 5.0–6.0 and 8.0–9.0 m. While we find no indication of meltwater percolation below 9 m depth or complete filling of pore volume above, firn at 10 and 15 m depth was respectively 4.2–4.5°C and 1.7°C higher than in a conductivity-only simulation. Even though meltwater percolation in 2012 was inefficient, firn between 2 and 15 m depth the following winter was on average 4.7°C warmer due to meltwater refreezing. Our observations also suggest that the 2012 firn conditions were preconditioned by two warm summers and ice layer formation in 2010 and 2011. Overall, firn temperatures during the years 2009–13 increased by 0.6°C.
Family Violence and its Elimination: The Search for New Ways
Authors: Sanders Rachael , Lehmann Jennifer
Published: May 2016

As a significant social problem at the foreground of social and political commentary violence, and violence against women (VAW) in particular, is receiving a great deal of local and global attention (Hooker, Kaspiew, & Taft, 2016). Following years of campaigning by women's groups, there appears to be substantial will and determination to redress this social problem both here and abroad. The movement started back in the late 1960s, with Scotland being one of the countries that led the way and ‘Much of this work was undertaken by women's units, equalities units, and later, community safety units.’ Various efforts were made to address violence towards women and sexual abuse; and ‘Undoubtedly the most high profile example of this was the development in 1992/1993 of the Zero Tolerance poster campaign by Edinburgh District Council Women's Unit’ (The Scottish Government, 2005).
The Crab nebula energy origin and its high frequency radiation spectra
Authors: Machabeli George Z. , Rogava A. , Chkheidze N. , Osmanov Z. , Shapakidze D.
Published: May 2016

In the present work there is presented a model describing transfer of the Crab pulsar’s spin-down energy into the powerful synchrotron emission of the nebula. The process of the energy transfer consists of several consecutive stages. The physical processes underlying the theoretical model provide us with the synchrotron emission spectrum, which fits well with the observed one.
Surgical repair of an aneurysm-like fistula connecting the left main coronary artery with the right atrium
Authors: Tong Guang , Sun Zhongchan , Zhang Weida
Published: May 2016

Coronary fistula is defined as an anomalous connection between a coronary artery and any of the four chambers of the heart or any of its great vessels. A coronary fistula connecting the left main coronary artery to the right atrium is the most uncommon. In the present study, we report the surgical management of a very uncommon case of an aneurysm-like fistula connecting the left main coronary artery to the right atrium in a 2-year-old boy.
MLL1 and MLL1 fusion proteins have distinct functions in regulating leukemic transcription program
Authors: Xu Jing , Li Li , Xiong Jie , denDekker Aaron , Ye Andrew , Karatas Hacer , Liu Liu , Wang He , Qin Zhaohui S , Wang Shaomeng , Dou Yali
Published: May 2016

Mixed lineage leukemia protein-1 (MLL1) has a critical role in human MLL1 rearranged leukemia (MLLr) and is a validated therapeutic target. However, its role in regulating global gene expression in MLLr cells, as well as its interplay with MLL1 fusion proteins remains unclear. Here we show that despite shared DNA-binding and cofactor interacting domains at the N terminus, MLL1 and MLL-AF9 are recruited to distinct chromatin regions and have divergent functions in regulating the leukemic transcription program. We demonstrate that MLL1, probably through C-terminal interaction with WDR5, is recruited to regulatory enhancers that are enriched for binding sites of E-twenty-six (ETS) family transcription factors, whereas MLL-AF9 binds to chromatin regions that have no H3K4me1 enrichment. Transcriptome-wide changes induced by different small molecule inhibitors also highlight the distinct functions of MLL1 and MLL-AF9. Taken together, our studies provide novel insights on how MLL1 and MLL fusion proteins contribute to leukemic gene expression, which have implications for developing effective therapies in the future.
Biogeography of sulfur-oxidizing Acidithiobacillus populations in extremely acidic cave biofilms
Authors: Jones Daniel S , Schaperdoth Irene , Macalady Jennifer L
Published: May 2016

Extremely acidic (pH 0–1.5) Acidithiobacillus-dominated biofilms known as snottites are found in sulfide-rich caves around the world. Given the extreme geochemistry and subsurface location of the biofilms, we hypothesized that snottite Acidithiobacillus populations would be genetically isolated. We therefore investigated biogeographic relationships among snottite Acidithiobacillus spp. separated by geographic distances ranging from meters to 1000s of kilometers. We determined genetic relationships among the populations using techniques with three levels of resolution: (i) 16S rRNA gene sequencing, (ii) 16S–23S intergenic transcribed spacer (ITS) region sequencing and (iii) multi-locus sequencing typing (MLST). We also used metagenomics to compare functional gene characteristics of select populations. Based on 16S rRNA genes, snottites in Italy and Mexico are dominated by different sulfur-oxidizing Acidithiobacillus spp. Based on ITS sequences, Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans strains from different cave systems in Italy are genetically distinct. Based on MLST of isolates from Italy, genetic distance is positively correlated with geographic distance both among and within caves. However, metagenomics revealed that At. thiooxidans populations from different cave systems in Italy have different sulfur oxidation pathways and potentially other significant differences in metabolic capabilities. In light of those genomic differences, we argue that the observed correlation between genetic and geographic distance among snottite Acidithiobacillus populations is partially explained by an evolutionary model in which separate cave systems were stochastically colonized by different ancestral surface populations, which then continued to diverge and adapt in situ.
Physiological constraints to climate warming in fish follow principles of plastic floors and concrete ceilings
Authors: Sandblom Erik , Clark Timothy D. , Gräns Albin , Ekström Andreas , Brijs Jeroen , Sundström L. Fredrik , Odelström Anne , Adill Anders , Aho Teija , Jutfelt Fredrik
Published: May 2016

Understanding the resilience of aquatic ectothermic animals to climate warming has been hindered by the absence of experimental systems experiencing warming across relevant timescales (for example, decades). Here, we examine European perch (Perca fluviatilis, L.) from the Biotest enclosure, a unique coastal ecosystem that maintains natural thermal fluctuations but has been warmed by 5–10 °C by a nuclear power plant for over three decades. We show that Biotest perch grow faster and display thermally compensated resting cardiorespiratory functions compared with reference perch living at natural temperatures in adjacent waters. However, maximum cardiorespiratory capacities and heat tolerance limits exhibit limited or no thermal compensation when compared with acutely heated reference perch. We propose that while basal energy requirements and resting cardiorespiratory functions (floors) are thermally plastic, maximum capacities and upper critical heat limits (ceilings) are much less flexible and thus will limit the adaptive capacity of fishes in a warming climate.
Decimetre-scale multicellular eukaryotes from the 1.56-billion-year-old Gaoyuzhuang Formation in North China
Authors: Zhu Shixing , Zhu Maoyan , Knoll Andrew H. , Yin Zongjun , Zhao Fangchen , Sun Shufen , Qu Yuangao , Shi Min , Liu Huan
Published: May 2016

Fossils of macroscopic eukaryotes are rarely older than the Ediacaran Period (635–541 million years (Myr)), and their interpretation remains controversial. Here, we report the discovery of macroscopic fossils from the 1,560-Myr-old Gaoyuzhuang Formation, Yanshan area, North China, that exhibit both large size and regular morphology. Preserved as carbonaceous compressions, the Gaoyuzhuang fossils have statistically regular linear to lanceolate shapes up to 30 cm long and nearly 8 cm wide, suggesting that the Gaoyuzhuang fossils record benthic multicellular eukaryotes of unprecedentedly large size. Syngenetic fragments showing closely packed ∼10 μm cells arranged in a thick sheet further reinforce the interpretation. Comparisons with living thalloid organisms suggest that these organisms were photosynthetic, although their phylogenetic placement within the Eukarya remains uncertain. The new fossils provide the strongest evidence yet that multicellular eukaryotes with decimetric dimensions and a regular developmental program populated the marine biosphere at least a billion years before the Cambrian Explosion.
Negative magnetoresistance without well-defined chirality in the Weyl semimetal TaP
Authors: Arnold Frank , Shekhar Chandra , Wu Shu-Chun , Sun Yan , dos Reis Ricardo Donizeth , Kumar Nitesh , Naumann Marcel , Ajeesh Mukkattu O. , Schmidt Marcus , Grushin Adolfo G. , Bardarson Jens H. , Baenitz Michael , Sokolov Dmitry , Borrmann Horst , Nicklas Michael , Felser Claudia , Hassinger Elena , Yan Binghai
Published: May 2016

Weyl semimetals (WSMs) are topological quantum states wherein the electronic bands disperse linearly around pairs of nodes with fixed chirality, the Weyl points. In WSMs, nonorthogonal electric and magnetic fields induce an exotic phenomenon known as the chiral anomaly, resulting in an unconventional negative longitudinal magnetoresistance, the chiral-magnetic effect. However, it remains an open question to which extent this effect survives when chirality is not well-defined. Here, we establish the detailed Fermi-surface topology of the recently identified WSM TaP via combined angle-resolved quantum-oscillation spectra and band-structure calculations. The Fermi surface forms banana-shaped electron and hole pockets surrounding pairs of Weyl points. Although this means that chirality is ill-defined in TaP, we observe a large negative longitudinal magnetoresistance. We show that the magnetoresistance can be affected by a magnetic field-induced inhomogeneous current distribution inside the sample.
Uniaxial ferroelectric quantum criticality in multiferroic hexaferrites BaFe12O19 and SrFe12O19
Authors: Rowley S. E. , Chai Yi-Sheng , Shen Shi-Peng , Sun Young , Jones A. T. , Watts B. E. , Scott J. F.
Published: May 2016

BaFe12O19 is a popular M-type hexaferrite with a Néel temperature of 720 K and is of enormous commercial value ($3 billion/year). It is an incipient ferroelectric with an expected ferroelectric phase transition extrapolated to lie at 6 K but suppressed due to quantum fluctuations. The theory of quantum criticality for such uniaxial ferroelectrics predicts that the temperature dependence of the electric susceptibility χ diverges as 1/T3, in contrast to the 1/T2 dependence found in pseudo-cubic materials such as SrTiO3 or KTaO3. In this paper we present evidence of the susceptibility varying as 1/T3, i.e. with a critical exponent γ = 3. In general γ = (d + z – 2)/z, where the dynamical exponent for a ferroelectric z = 1 and the dimension is increased by 1 from deff = 3 + z to deff = 4 + z due to the effect of long-range dipole interactions in uniaxial as opposed to multiaxial ferroelectrics. The electric susceptibility of the incipient ferroelectric SrFe12O19, which is slightly further from the quantum phase transition is also found to vary as 1/T3.
Hyperosmosis and its combination with nutrient-limitation are novel environmental stressors for induction of triacylglycerol accumulation in cells of Chlorella kessleri
Authors: Hirai Kazuho , Hayashi Taihei , Hasegawa Yuri , Sato Atsushi , Tsuzuki Mikio , Sato Norihiro
Published: May 2016

Triacylglycerols of oleaginous algae are promising for production of food oils and biodiesel fuel. Air-drying of cells induces triacylglycerol accumulation in a freshwater green alga, Chlorella kessleri, therefore, it seems that dehydration, i.e., intracellular hyperosmosis, and/or nutrient-limitation are key stressors. We explored this possibility in liquid-culturing C. kessleri cells. Strong hyperosmosis with 0.9 M sorbitol or 0.45 M NaCl for two days caused cells to increase the triacylglycerol content in total lipids from 1.5 to 48.5 and 75.3 mol%, respectively, on a fatty acid basis, whereas nutrient-limitation caused its accumulation to 41.4 mol%. Even weak hyperosmosis with 0.3 M sorbitol or 0.15 M NaCl, when nutrient-limitation was simultaneously imposed, induced triacylglycerol accumulation to 61.9 and 65.7 mol%, respectively. Furthermore, culturing in three-fold diluted seawater, the chemical composition of which resembled that of the medium for the combinatory stress, enabled the cells to accumulate triacylglycerol up to 24.7 weight% of dry cells in only three days. Consequently, it was found that hyperosmosis is a novel stressor for triacylglycerol accumulation, and that weak hyperosmosis, together with nutrient-limitation, exerts a strong stimulating effect on triacylglycerol accumulation. A similar combinatory stress would contribute to the triacylglycerol accumulation in air-dried C. kessleri cells.
Catheter-based Intramyocardial Injection of FGF1 or NRG1-loaded MPs Improves Cardiac Function in a Preclinical Model of Ischemia-Reperfusion
Authors: Garbayo Elisa , Gavira Juan José , de Yebenes Manuel Garcia , Pelacho Beatriz , Abizanda Gloria , Lana Hugo , Blanco-Prieto María José , Prosper Felipe
Published: May 2016

Cardiovascular protein therapeutics such as neuregulin (NRG1) and acidic-fibroblast growth factor (FGF1) requires new formulation strategies that allow for sustained bioavailability of the drug in the infarcted myocardium. However, there is no FDA-approved injectable protein delivery platform due to translational concerns about biomaterial administration through cardiac catheters. We therefore sought to evaluate the efficacy of percutaneous intramyocardial injection of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) microparticles (MPs) loaded with NRG1 and FGF1 using the NOGA MYOSTAR injection catheter in a porcine model of ischemia-reperfusion. NRG1- and FGF1-loaded MPs were prepared using a multiple emulsion solvent-evaporation technique. Infarcted pigs were treated one week after ischemia-reperfusion with MPs containing NRG1, FGF1 or non-loaded MPs delivered via clinically-translatable percutaneous transendocardial-injection. Three months post-treatment, echocardiography indicated a significant improvement in systolic and diastolic cardiac function. Moreover, improvement in bipolar voltage and decrease in transmural infarct progression was demonstrated by electromechanical NOGA-mapping. Functional benefit was associated with an increase in myocardial vascularization and remodeling. These findings in a large animal model of ischemia-reperfusion demonstrate the feasibility and efficacy of using MPs as a delivery system for growth factors and provide strong evidence to move forward with clinical studies using therapeutic proteins combined with catheter-compatible biomaterials.
Correlative near-infrared light and cathodoluminescence microscopy using Y2O3:Ln, Yb (Ln = Tm, Er) nanophosphors for multiscale, multicolour bioimaging
Authors: Fukushima S. , Furukawa T. , Niioka H. , Ichimiya M. , Sannomiya T. , Tanaka N. , Onoshima D. , Yukawa H. , Baba Y. , Ashida M. , Miyake J. , Araki T. , Hashimoto M.
Published: May 2016

This paper presents a new correlative bioimaging technique using Y2O3:Tm, Yb and Y2O3:Er, Yb nanophosphors (NPs) as imaging probes that emit luminescence excited by both near-infrared (NIR) light and an electron beam. Under 980 nm NIR light irradiation, the Y2O3:Tm, Yb and Y2O3:Er, Yb NPs emitted NIR luminescence (NIRL) around 810 nm and 1530 nm, respectively and cathodoluminescence at 455 nm and 660 nm under excitation of accelerated electrons, respectively. Multimodalities of the NPs were confirmed in correlative NIRL/CL imaging and their locations were visualized at the same observation area in both NIRL and CL images. Using CL microscopy, the NPs were visualized at the single-particle level and with multicolour. Multiscale NIRL/CL bioimaging was demonstrated through in vivo and in vitro NIRL deep-tissue observations, cellular NIRL imaging and high-spatial resolution CL imaging of the NPs inside cells. The location of a cell sheet transplanted onto the back muscle fascia of a hairy rat was visualized through NIRL imaging of the Y2O3:Er, Yb NPs. Accurate positions of cells through the thickness (1.5 mm) of a tissue phantom were detected by NIRL from the Y2O3:Tm, Yb NPs. Further, locations of the two types of NPs inside cells were observed using CL microscopy.
Crystalline-Amorphous-Crystalline Transformation in a Highly Brilliant Luminescent System with Trigonal-Planar Gold(I) Centers
Authors: Igawa Kosuke , Yoshinari Nobuto , Okumura Mitsutaka , Ohtsu Hiroyoshi , Kawano Masaki , Konno Takumi
Published: May 2016

Photoluminescent compounds showing emission color changes in response to external stimuli have received considerable attention because of their wide range of applications. Here, we report the unique photoluminescence behavior of a digold(I) coordination system with trigonal-planar AuI centers, [Au2(dppm)3]2+ (dppm = bis(diphenylphosphino)methane). This system shows an extremely intense phosphorescence, with a quantum yield of >95% in the solid state. Both the emission color and thermal stability vary due to changing counter ions (Cl− vs. OTf−). Of particular note is the thermal crystalline-amorphous-crystalline transformation for the chloride salt, which is accompanied by drastic emission color changes. Single-crystal and powder X-ray diffractions demonstrate that the two-step transformation is induced by the loss of water molecules of crystallization with the subsequent removal of a dppm ligand to form [Au2(dppm)2]2+, which is mechanically reverted back to [Au2(dppm)3]2+.
Revealing martensitic transformation and α/β interface evolution in electron beam melting three-dimensional-printed Ti-6Al-4V
Authors: Tan Xipeng , Kok Yihong , Toh Wei Quan , Tan Yu Jun , Descoins Marion , Mangelinck Dominique , Tor Shu Beng , Leong Kah Fai , Chua Chee Kai
Published: May 2016

As an important metal three-dimensional printing technology, electron beam melting (EBM) is gaining increasing attention due to its huge potential applications in aerospace and biomedical fields. EBM processing of Ti-6Al-4V as well as its microstructure and mechanical properties were extensively investigated. However, it is still lack of quantitative studies regarding its microstructural evolution, indicative of EBM thermal process. Here, we report α′ martensitic transformation and α/β interface evolution in varied printing thicknesses of EBM-printed Ti-6Al-4V block samples by means of atom probe tomography. Quantitative chemical composition analysis suggests a general phase transformation sequence. By increasing in-fill hatched thickness, elemental partitioning ratios arise and β volume fraction is increased. Furthermore, we observe kinetic vanadium segregation and aluminum depletion at interface front and the resultant α/β interface widening phenomenon. It may give rise to an increased α/β lattice mismatch and weakened α/β interfaces, which could account for the degraded strength as printing thickness increases.
Differential investment in visual and olfactory brain areas reflects behavioural choices in hawk moths
Authors: Stöckl Anna , Heinze Stanley , Charalabidis Alice , el Jundi Basil , Warrant Eric , Kelber Almut
Published: May 2016

Nervous tissue is one of the most metabolically expensive animal tissues, thus evolutionary investments that result in enlarged brain regions should also result in improved behavioural performance. Indeed, large-scale comparative studies in vertebrates and invertebrates have successfully linked differences in brain anatomy to differences in ecology and behaviour, but their precision can be limited by the detail of the anatomical measurements, or by only measuring behaviour indirectly. Therefore, detailed case studies are valuable complements to these investigations and have provided important evidence linking brain structure to function in a range of higher-order behavioural traits, such as foraging experience or aggressive behaviour. Here, we show that differences in the size of both lower and higher-order sensory brain areas reflect differences in the relative importance of these senses in the foraging choices of hawk moths, as suggested by previous anatomical work in Lepidopterans. To this end we combined anatomical and behavioural quantifications of the relative importance of vision and olfaction in two closely related hawk moth species. We conclude that differences in sensory brain volume in these hawk moths can indeed be interpreted as differences in the importance of these senses for the animal’s behaviour.
Synergetic enhancement of gold nanoparticles and 2-mercaptobenzothiazole as highly-sensitive sensing strategy for tetrabromobisphenol A
Authors: Chen Xuerong , Ji Liudi , Zhou Yikai , Wu Kangbing
Published: May 2016

Various gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were in-situ prepared on the electrode surface through electrochemical reduction under different potentials such as −0.60, −0.50, −0.40, −0.30 and −0.20 V. The reduction potentials heavily affect the surface morphology and electrochemical activity of AuNPs such as effective area and catalytic ability, as confirmed using atomic force microscopy and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The electrochemical behaviors of tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), a widely-existed pollutant with severe adverse health effects, were studied. The oxidation activity of TBBPA enhances obviously on the surface of AuNPs and the signal improvements of TBBPA show difference on the prepared AuNPs. Interestingly, the existence of 2-mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT) further improves the oxidation signals of TBBPA on AuNPs. The synergetic enhancement effects of AuNPs and MBT were studied using cyclic voltammetry and chronocoulometry. The numerous nano-scaled gold particles together with the strong hydrophobic interaction between TBBPA and the assembled MBT on AuNPs jointly provide highly-effective accumulation for TBBPA. As a result, a sensitive and simple electrochemical method was developed for the direct determination of TBBPA, with detection limit of 0.12 μg L−1 (0.22 nM). The practical applications in water samples manifest that this new sensing system is accurate and feasible.
Balancing intestinal and systemic inflammation through cell type-specific expression of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor repressor
Authors: Brandstätter Olga , Schanz Oliver , Vorac Julia , König Jessica , Mori Tetsushi , Maruyama Toru , Korkowski Markus , Haarmann-Stemmann Thomas , von Smolinski Dorthe , Schultze Joachim L. , Abel Josef , Esser Charlotte , Takeyama Haruko , Weighardt Heike , Förster Irmgard
Published: May 2016

As a sensor of polyaromatic chemicals the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) exerts an important role in immune regulation besides its requirement for xenobiotic metabolism. Transcriptional activation of AhR target genes is counterregulated by the AhR repressor (AhRR) but the exact function of the AhRR in vivo is currently unknown. We here show that the AhRR is predominantly expressed in immune cells of the skin and intestine, different from other AhR target genes. Whereas AhRR antagonizes the anti-inflammatory function of the AhR in the context of systemic endotoxin shock, AhR and AhRR act in concert to dampen intestinal inflammation. Specifically, AhRR contributes to the maintenance of colonic intraepithelial lymphocytes and prevents excessive IL-1β production and Th17/Tc17 differentiation. In contrast, the AhRR enhances IFN-γ-production by effector T cells in the inflamed gut. Our findings highlight the physiologic importance of cell-type specific balancing of AhR/AhRR expression in response to microbial, nutritional and other environmental stimuli.
Regulation of Irregular Neuronal Firing by Autaptic Transmission
Authors: Guo Daqing , Wu Shengdun , Chen Mingming , Perc Matjaž , Zhang Yangsong , Ma Jingling , Cui Yan , Xu Peng , Xia Yang , Yao Dezhong
Published: May 2016

The importance of self-feedback autaptic transmission in modulating spike-time irregularity is still poorly understood. By using a biophysical model that incorporates autaptic coupling, we here show that self-innervation of neurons participates in the modulation of irregular neuronal firing, primarily by regulating the occurrence frequency of burst firing. In particular, we find that both excitatory and electrical autapses increase the occurrence of burst firing, thus reducing neuronal firing regularity. In contrast, inhibitory autapses suppress burst firing and therefore tend to improve the regularity of neuronal firing. Importantly, we show that these findings are independent of the firing properties of individual neurons and as such can be observed for neurons operating in different modes. Our results provide an insightful mechanistic understanding of how different types of autapses shape irregular firing at the single-neuron level and they highlight the functional importance of autaptic self-innervation in taming and modulating neurodynamics.
High-performance flexible energy storage and harvesting system for wearable electronics
Authors: Ostfeld Aminy E. , Gaikwad Abhinav M. , Khan Yasser , Arias Ana C.
Published: May 2016

This paper reports on the design and operation of a flexible power source integrating a lithium ion battery and amorphous silicon solar module, optimized to supply power to a wearable health monitoring device. The battery consists of printed anode and cathode layers based on graphite and lithium cobalt oxide, respectively, on thin flexible current collectors. It displays energy density of 6.98 mWh/cm2 and demonstrates capacity retention of 90% at 3C discharge rate and ~99% under 100 charge/discharge cycles and 600 cycles of mechanical flexing. A solar module with appropriate voltage and dimensions is used to charge the battery under both full sun and indoor illumination conditions and the addition of the solar module is shown to extend the battery lifetime between charging cycles while powering a load. Furthermore, we show that by selecting the appropriate load duty cycle, the average load current can be matched to the solar module current and the battery can be maintained at a constant state of charge. Finally, the battery is used to power a pulse oximeter, demonstrating its effectiveness as a power source for wearable medical devices.
Brain Tumor Genetic Modification Yields Increased Resistance to Paclitaxel in Physical Confinement
Authors: Bui Loan , Hendricks Alissa , Wright Jamie , Chuong Cheng-Jen , Davé Digant , Bachoo Robert , Kim Young-tae
Published: May 2016

Brain tumor cells remain highly resistant to radiation and chemotherapy, particularly malignant and secondary cancers. In this study, we utilized microchannel devices to examine the effect of a confined environment on the viability and drug resistance of the following brain cancer cell lines: primary cancers (glioblastoma multiforme and neuroblastoma), human brain cancer cell lines (D54 and D54-EGFRvIII) and genetically modified mouse astrocytes (wild type, p53−/−, p53−/− PTEN−/−, p53−/− Braf and p53−/− PTEN−/− Braf). We found that loss of PTEN combined with Braf activation resulted in higher viability in narrow microchannels. In addition, Braf conferred increased resistance to the microtubule-stabilizing drug Taxol in narrow confinement. Similarly, survival of D54-EGFRvIII cells was unaffected following treatment with Taxol, whereas the viability of D54 cells was reduced by 75% under these conditions. Taken together, our data suggests key targets for anticancer drugs based on cellular genotypes and their specific survival phenotypes during confined migration.
One-pot hydrothermal synthesis of Nitrogen-doped graphene as high-performance anode materials for lithium ion batteries
Authors: Xing Zheng , Ju Zhicheng , Zhao Yulong , Wan Jialu , Zhu Yabo , Qiang Yinghuai , Qian Yitai
Published: May 2016

Nitrogen-doped (N-doped) graphene has been prepared by a simple one-step hydrothermal approach using hexamethylenetetramine (HMTA) as single carbon and nitrogen source. In this hydrothermal process, HMTA pyrolyzes at high temperature and the N-doped graphene subsequently self-assembles on the surface of MgO particles (formed by the Mg powder reacting with H2O) during which graphene synthesis and nitrogen doping are simultaneously achieved. The as-synthesized graphene with incorporation of nitrogen groups possesses unique structure including thin layer thickness, high surface area, mesopores and vacancies. These structural features and their synergistic effects could not only improve ions and electrons transportation with nanometer-scale diffusion distances but also promote the penetration of electrolyte. The N-doped graphene exhibits high reversible capacity, superior rate capability as well as long-term cycling stability, which demonstrate that the N-doped graphene with great potential to be an efficient electrode material. The experimental results provide a new hydrothermal route to synthesize N-doped graphene with potential application for advanced energy storage, as well as useful information to design new graphene materials.
Defective excitation-contraction coupling is partially responsible for impaired contractility in hindlimb muscles of Stac3 knockout mice
Authors: Cong Xiaofei , Doering Jonathan , Grange Robert W. , Jiang Honglin
Published: May 2016

The Stac3 gene is exclusively expressed in skeletal muscle, and Stac3 knockout is perinatal lethal in mice. Previous data from Stac3-deleted diaphragms indicated that Stac3-deleted skeletal muscle could not contract because of defective excitation-contraction (EC) coupling. In this study, we determined the contractility of Stac3-deleted hindlimb muscle. In response to frequent electrostimulation, Stac3-deleted hindlimb muscle contracted but the maximal tension generated was only 20% of that in control (wild type or heterozygous) muscle (P < 0.05). In response to high [K+], caffeine, and 4-chloro-m-cresol (4-CMC), the maximal tensions generated in Stac3-deleted muscle were 29% (P < 0.05), 58% (P = 0.08), and 55% (P < 0.05) of those in control muscle, respectively. In response to 4-CMC or caffeine, over 90% of myotubes formed from control myoblasts contracted, but only 60% of myotubes formed from Stac3-deleted myoblasts contracted (P = 0.05). However, in response to 4-CMC or caffeine, similar increases in intracellular calcium concentration were observed in Stac3-deleted and control myotubes. Gene expression and histological analyses revealed that Stac3-deleted hindlimb muscle contained more slow type-like fibers than control muscle. These data together confirm a critical role of STAC3 in EC coupling but also suggest that STAC3 may have additional functions in skeletal muscle, at least in the hindlimb muscle.
Gaseous NH3 Confers Porous Pt Nanodendrites Assisted by Halides
Authors: Lu Shuanglong , Eid Kamel , Li Weifeng , Cao Xueqin , Pan Yue , Guo Jun , Wang Liang , Wang Hongjing , Gu Hongwei
Published: May 2016

Tailoring the morphology of Pt nanocrystals (NCs) is of great concern for their enhancement in catalytic activity and durability. In this article, a novel synthetic strategy is developed to selectively prepare porous dendritic Pt NCs with different structures for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) assisted by NH3 gas and halides (F−, Cl−, Br−). The NH3 gas plays critical roles on tuning the morphology. Previously, H2 and CO gas are reported to assist the shape control of metallic nanocrystals. This is the first demonstration that NH3 gas assists the Pt anisotropic growth. The halides also play important role in the synthetic strategy to regulate the formation of Pt NCs. As-made porous dendritic Pt NCs, especially when NH4F is used as a regulating reagent, show superior catalytic activity for ORR compared with commercial Pt/C catalyst and other previously reported Pt-based NCs.
Surface-modified Ba(Zr0.3Ti0.7)O3 nanofibers by polyvinylpyrrolidone filler for poly(vinylidene fluoride) composites with enhanced dielectric constant and energy storage density
Authors: Liu Shaohui , Xue Shuangxi , Xiu Shaomei , Shen Bo , Zhai Jiwei
Published: May 2016

Ferroelectric-relaxor behavior of Ba(Zr0.3Ti0.7)O3 nanofibers (BZT NF) with a large aspect ratio were prepared via electrospinning and surface modified by PVP as dielectric fillers. The nanocomposite flexible films based on surface modified BZT NF and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) were fabricated via a solution casting. The results show that the surface-modified BZT NF fillers are highly dispersed and well integrated in the PVDF nanocomposites. The nanocomposites exhibit enhanced dielectric constant and reduced loss tangents at a low volume fraction of surface-modified BZT NF. The polymer nanocomposites maintain a relatively high breakdown strength, which is favorable for enhancing energy storage density in the nanocomposites. The nanocomposite containing of 2.5 vol. % of PVP modified BZT NF exhibits energy density as high as 6.3 J/cm3 at 3800 kV/cm, which is more than doubled that of the pure PVDF of 2.8 J/cm3 at 4000 kV/cm. Such significant enhancement could be attributed to the combined effects of the surface modification and large aspect ratio of the BZT NF. This work may provide a route for using the surface modified ferroelectric-relaxor behavior of ceramic nanofibers to enhance the dielectric energy density in ceramic-polymer nanocomposites.
Exciton Recombination, Energy-, and Charge Transfer in Single- and Multilayer Quantum-Dot Films on Silver Plasmonic Resonators
Authors: Shin Taeho , Cho Kyung-Sang , Yun Dong-Jin , Kim Jinwoo , Li Xiang-Shu , Moon Eui-Seong , Baik Chan-Wook , Il Kim Sun , Kim Miyoung , Choi Jun Hee , Park Gyeong-Su , Shin Jai-Kwang , Hwang Sungwoo , Jung Tae-Sung
Published: May 2016

We examine exciton recombination, energy-, and charge transfer in multilayer CdS/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) on silver plasmonic resonators using photoluminescence (PL) and excitation spectroscopy along with kinetic modeling and simulations. The exciton dynamics including all the processes are strongly affected by the separation distance between QDs and silver resonators, excitation wavelength, and QD film thickness. For a direct contact or very small distance, interfacial charge transfer and tunneling dominate over intrinsic radiative recombination and exciton energy transfer to surface plasmons (SPs), resulting in PL suppression. With increasing distance, however, tunneling diminishes dramatically, while long-range exciton-SP coupling takes place much faster (>6.5 ns) than intrinsic recombination (~200 ns) causing considerable PL enhancement. The exciton-SP coupling strength shows a strong dependence on excitation wavelengths, suggesting the state-specific dynamics of excitons and the down-conversion of surface plasmons involved. The overlayers as well as the bottom monolayer of QD multilayers exhibit significant PL enhancement mainly through long-range exciton-SP coupling. The overall emission behaviors from single- and multilayer QD films on silver resonators are described quantitatively by a photophysical kinetic model and simulations. The present experimental and simulation results provide important and useful design rules for QD-based light harvesting applications using the exciton-surface plasmon coupling.
In vivo organ specific drug delivery with implantable peristaltic pumps
Authors: Speed Joshua S. , Hyndman Kelly A.
Published: May 2016

Classic methods for delivery of agents to specific organs are technically challenging and causes superfluous stress. The current study describes a method using programmable, implantable peristaltic pumps to chronically deliver drugs in vivo, while allowing animals to remain undisturbed for accurate physiological measurements. In this study, two protocols were used to demonstrate accurate drug delivery to the renal medulla. First, the vasopressin receptor-2 agonist, dDAVP, was delivered to the renal medulla resulting in a significant increase in water retention, urine osmolality and aquaporin-2 expression and phosphorylation. Second, in a separate group of rats, the histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, MS275, was delivered to the renal medulla. HDAC inhibition resulted in a significant increase in histone H3-acetylation, the hallmark for histone deacetylase inhibition. However, this was confined to the medulla, as the histone H3-acetylation was similar in the cortex of vehicle and MS275 infused rats, suggesting targeted drug delivery without systemic spillover. Thus, implantable, peristaltic pumps provide a number of benefits compared to externalized chronic catheters and confer specific delivery to target organs.
Effects of applied potential and the initial gap between electrodes on localized electrochemical deposition of micrometer copper columns
Authors: Wang Fuliang , Xiao Hongbin , He Hu
Published: May 2016

Micrometer copper columns were fabricated via a technology named localized electrochemical deposition (LECD). This paper studies the effects of applied potential and the initial gap between electrodes on the LECD process. The surface and cross sectional morphologies, as well as the average deposition rate were investigated to evaluate the quality of the deposited copper columns. Results demonstrated that the copper columns tended to be cylinder-shape with few voids inside at lower potential (<2.4 V). Whereas,the copper columns tended to be dendriform-shape with lots of voids inside at larger potential (>2.8 V). The average deposition rate increased with the raise of potential. In addition, the copper columns tended to be cylinder-shape with the initial gap between electrodes to be 10 μm or below. However, the copper columns tended to be cone-shape when the initial gap between electrodes became larger (35 μm or above). The number of voids inside the copper column and the average deposition rate both decreased with the increase of the initial gap. Moreover, the process of LECD under varied electric field has also been simulated using COMSOL software and the formation of cylindrical and conical copper columns was further explained based on the electric field distribution at the cathode.
Cognitive and oculomotor performance in subjects with low and high schizotypy: implications for translational drug development studies
Authors: Koychev I , Joyce D , Barkus E , Ettinger U , Schmechtig A , Dourish C T , Dawson G R , Craig K J , Deakin J F W
Published: May 2016

The development of drugs to improve cognition in patients with schizophrenia is a major unmet clinical need. A number of promising compounds failed in recent clinical trials, a pattern linked to poor translation between preclinical and clinical stages of drug development. Seeking proof of efficacy in early Phase 1 studies in surrogate patient populations (for example, high schizotypy individuals where subtle cognitive impairment is present) has been suggested as a strategy to reduce attrition in the later stages of drug development. However, there is little agreement regarding the pattern of distribution of schizotypal features in the general population, creating uncertainty regarding the optimal control group that should be included in prospective trials. We aimed to address this question by comparing the performance of groups derived from the general population with low, average and high schizotypy scores over a range of cognitive and oculomotor tasks. We found that tasks dependent on frontal inhibitory mechanisms (N-Back working memory and anti-saccade oculomotor tasks), as well as a smooth-pursuit oculomotor task were sensitive to differences in the schizotypy phenotype. In these tasks the cognitive performance of ‘low schizotypes’ was significantly different from ‘high schizotypes’ with ‘average schizotypes’ having an intermediate performance. These results indicate that for evaluating putative cognition enhancers for treating schizophrenia in early-drug development studies the maximum schizotypy effect would be achieved using a design that compares low and high schizotypes.
Thermosensitive antibacterial Ag nanocomposite hydrogels made by a one-step green synthesis strategy
Authors: Jiang Haoyang , Zhang Gongzheng , Xu Bo , Feng Xianqi , Bai Quanming , Yang Guoli , Li Huanjun
Published: May 2016

Clay nanosheets act as a catalyst and stabilizing agent for rapidin situsynthesis of silver nanoparticles in a hydrogel matrix.
Application of isothermal titration calorimetry as a tool to study natural product interactions
Authors: Callies O. , Hernández Daranas A.
Published: May 2016

The study of molecular interactions of natural products by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) is a potent tool to get new insights of the underpinning driving forces.
Fe3O4–PVAc nanocomposites: surface modification of sonochemically prepared magnetite nanoparticles via chemical grafting of poly(vinyl acetate)
Authors: Mansoori Yagoub , Khodayari Ali , Banaei Alireza , Mirzaeinejad Masoumeh , Azizian-Kalandaragh Yashar , Pooresmaeil Malihe
Published: May 2016

In the present study, magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) were synthesized at room temperature under ultrasonic irradiation.
Real-time determination of carcinoembryonic antigen by using a contactless electrochemical immunosensor
Authors: Jin Yan , Mao Hongju , Jin Qinghui , Zhao Jianlong
Published: May 2016

A sensitive label-free and contactless impedance immunosensor is developed for the real-time interaction investigation between a cancer biomarker carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and its antibody CEA 5909. The immunosensor is proved to have a specific binding process between CEA and CEA 5909 with a detection limit of 100 fg mL−1in PBS.
Templated assembly of medium cyclic ethers via exo-trig nucleophilic cyclization of cyclopropenes
Authors: Alnasleh Bassam K. , Rubina Marina , Rubin Michael
Published: May 2016

A novel method for the assembly of medium heterocycles via an intramolecular nucleophilic addition to cyclopropenes is described. The exo-trig nucleophilic cyclizations were shown to proceed very efficiently and in a highly diastereoselective fashion affording cis-fused bicyclic products possessing 7 to 10-membered medium rings; starting from a diastereomeric mixtures of bromocyclopropanes.
A MOF-derived Co–CoO@N-doped porous carbon for efficient tandem catalysis: dehydrogenation of ammonia borane and hydrogenation of nitro compounds
Authors: Ma Xiao , Zhou Yu-Xiao , Liu Hang , Li Yang , Jiang Hai-Long
Published: May 2016

A metal–organic framework-derived Co–CoO@N-doped porous carbon exhibits excellent catalytic activity, chemoselectivity and magnetic recyclability for the tandem dehydrogenation of NH3BH3 and hydrogenation of nitro compounds.
Mixed-linker approach in designing porous zirconium-based metal–organic frameworks with high hydrogen storage capacity
Authors: Naeem Ayesha , Ting Valeska P. , Hintermair Ulrich , Tian Mi , Telford Richard , Halim Saaiba , Nowell Harriott , Hołyńska Małgorzata , Teat Simon J. , Scowen Ian J. , Nayak Sanjit
Published: May 2016

New zirconium based metal–organic framework (UBMOF-31) synthesised using mixed-linker strategy showing permanent porosity, excellent hydrogen uptake, and high selectivity for adsorption of CO2 over N2.
Tracing the origins of transient overshoots for binary mixture diffusion in microporous crystalline materials
Authors: Krishna Rajamani
Published: May 2016

Due to thermodynamic coupling overshoots in the loading of the more mobile species are observed during transient uptake.
Solvent-induced desorption of alkanethiol ligands from Au nanoparticles
Authors: Huang Yuanyuan , Liu Wei , Cheng Hao , Yao Tao , Yang Lina , Bao Jie , Huang Ting , Sun Zhihu , Jiang Yong , Wei Shiqiang
Published: May 2016

Removing surfactants from a colloidal metal nanoparticle surface is necessary for their realistic applications, and how they could be stripped is a subject of active investigation.
Single-particle to single-particle transformation of an active type organic μ-tubular homo-structure photonic resonator into a passive type hetero-structure resonator
Authors: Venkataramudu Uppari , Venkatakrishnarao Dasari , Chandrasekhar Naisa , Mohiddon Mahamad Ahamad , Chandrasekar Rajadurai
Published: May 2016

We report an original “laser burning” technique to create organic hetero-structures displaying passive type whispering-gallery-mode resonance in the Vis-NIR region.
Tailoring ruthenium exposure to enhance the performance of fcc platinum@ruthenium core–shell electrocatalysts in the oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: AlYami Noktan M. , LaGrow Alec P. , Joya Khurram S. , Hwang Jinyeon , Katsiev Khabiboulakh , Anjum Dalaver H. , Losovyj Yaroslav , Sinatra Lutfan , Kim Jin Young , Bakr Osman M.
Published: May 2016

Stable and active core–shell bimetallic nanoparticles for the oxygen evolution reaction are rapidly tailored in a scalable continuous-flow reactor.
Designed construction and validation of carbon-free porous MnO spheres with hybrid architecture as anodes for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Remith Pongilat , Kalaiselvi Nallathamby
Published: May 2016

A simple, cost-effective solution mediated oxidation strategy requiring no compositing additive has been used to engineer hierarchically formed carbon-free porous MnO spheres, validated as high capacity and high rate lithium-ion battery anode.
Modern ab initio valence bond theory calculations reveal charge shift bonding in protic ionic liquids
Authors: Patil Amol Baliram , Bhanage Bhalchandra Mahadeo
Published: May 2016

Modern ab initio valence bond theory investigation of protic ionic liquids reveals that charge shift bonding is a typical characteristic of ionic liquid cation–anion interaction.