bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EZH2 is highly expressed in pituitary adenomas and associated with proliferation
Authors: Schult David , Hölsken Annett , Siegel Sonja , Buchfelder Michael , Fahlbusch Rudolf , Kreitschmann-Andermahr Ilonka , Buslei Rolf
Published: November 2015

Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is a core epigenetic regulator, playing a crucial role in cell cycle regulation. The protein is known to be associated with proliferation and worse outcome in several tumor entities. In this study, we immunohistochemically investigated the expression pattern of EZH2 in a large cohort of pituitary tumors. These results were correlated with clinical features and double immunofluorescence stainings (DIS) were conducted to evaluate co-expression of EZH2 and proliferation marker Ki-67. Furthermore, we analyzed the effect of EZH2 inhibition on cell proliferation in vitro using the pituitary cell line AtT-20. While in the normal anterior pituitary EZH2 was almost absent, the cohort of tumors showed enhanced expression levels (p ≤ 0.0005). This was positively associated with Ki-67 indices (r = 0.834, p ≤ 0.0005) and DIF confirmed a predominant co-expression of both markers. In vitro experiments revealed a significant (p ≤ 0.05) decrease of tumor cell proliferation using the EZH2 inhibitor GSK126. Our results further support that epigenetic events are involved in the pathogenesis and biology of pituitary adenomas (PA). Therefore, EZH2 may function as a new potential target for therapeutic interventions in PA.
Covariability of western tropical Pacific-North Pacific atmospheric circulation during summer
Authors: Yun Kyung-Sook , Yeh Sang-Wook , Ha Kyung-Ja
Published: November 2015

North Pacific subtropical high (NPSH) is permanent high-pressure system over the Northern Pacific Ocean and it extends to the western North Pacific during the boreal summer (June-July-August), which is so called the western North Pacific subtropical high (WNPSH). Here, we examine the covariability of the NPSH-WNPSH during summer using both observation and Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 5 (CMIP5) model data. The statistical analyses indicate that the NPSH-WNPSH covariability shows significant decadal variability in the observations, in addition, the in-phase relationship of NPSH-WNPSH is enhanced after the mid-to-late 1990s. A dipole-like sea surface temperature (SST) pattern, i.e., a warming in the western Pacific and a cooling in the eastern Pacific, is dominant after the mid-to-late 1990s, which acts to enhance the covariability of NPSH-WNPSH by modulating the atmospheric teleconnections. However, the covariability of NPSH-WNPSH in the future climate is not much influenced by the anthropogenic forcing but it is largely characterized by the natural decadal-to-interdecadal variability, implying that the enhancement of NPSH-WNPSH covariability after the mid-to-late 1990s could be considered as part of decadal-to-interdecadal variability.
Identification of novel, therapy-responsive protein biomarkers in a mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy by aptamer-based serum proteomics
Authors: Coenen-Stass Anna M. L. , McClorey Graham , Manzano Raquel , Betts Corinne A. , Blain Alison , Saleh Amer F. , Gait Michael J. , Lochmüller Hanns , Wood Matthew J. A. , Roberts Thomas C.
Published: November 2015

There is currently an urgent need for biomarkers that can be used to monitor the efficacy of experimental therapies for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) in clinical trials. Identification of novel protein biomarkers has been limited due to the massive complexity of the serum proteome and the presence of a small number of very highly abundant proteins. Here we have utilised an aptamer-based proteomics approach to profile 1,129 proteins in the serum of wild-type and mdx (dystrophin deficient) mice. The serum levels of 96 proteins were found to be significantly altered (P < 0.001, q < 0.01) in mdx mice. Additionally, systemic treatment with a peptide-antisense oligonucleotide conjugate designed to induce Dmd exon skipping and recover dystrophin protein expression caused many of the differentially abundant serum proteins to be restored towards wild-type levels. Results for five leading candidate protein biomarkers (Pgam1, Tnni3, Camk2b, Cycs and Adamts5) were validated by ELISA in the mouse samples. Furthermore, ADAMTS5 was found to be significantly elevated in human DMD patient serum. This study has identified multiple novel, therapy-responsive protein biomarkers in the serum of the mdx mouse with potential utility in DMD patients.
Noncontact conductivity and dielectric measurement for high throughput roll-to-roll nanomanufacturing
Authors: Orloff Nathan D. , Long Christian J. , Obrzut Jan , Maillaud Laurent , Mirri Francesca , Kole Thomas P. , McMichael Robert D. , Pasquali Matteo , Stranick Stephan J. , Alexander Liddle J.
Published: November 2015

Advances in roll-to-roll processing of graphene and carbon nanotubes have at last led to the continuous production of high-quality coatings and filaments, ushering in a wave of applications for flexible and wearable electronics, woven fabrics and wires. These applications often require specific electrical properties and hence precise control over material micro- and nanostructure. While such control can be achieved, in principle, by closed-loop processing methods, there are relatively few noncontact and nondestructive options for quantifying the electrical properties of materials on a moving web at the speed required in modern nanomanufacturing. Here, we demonstrate a noncontact microwave method for measuring the dielectric constant and conductivity (or geometry for samples of known dielectric properties) of materials in a millisecond. Such measurement times are compatible with current and future industrial needs, enabling real-time materials characterization and in-line control of processing variables without disrupting production.
An Autogenously Regulated Expression System for Gene Therapeutic Ocular Applications
Authors: Sochor Matthew A. , Vasireddy Vidyullatha , Drivas Theodore G. , Wojno Adam , Doung Thu , Shpylchak Ivan , Bennicelli Jeannette , Chung Daniel , Bennett Jean , Lewis Mitchell
Published: November 2015

The future of treating inherited and acquired genetic diseases will be defined by our ability to introduce transgenes into cells and restore normal physiology. Here we describe an autogenous transgene regulatory system (ARES), based on the bacterial lac repressor and demonstrate its utility for controlling the expression of a transgene in bacteria, eukaryotic cells and in the retina of mice. This ARES system is inducible by the small non-pharmacologic molecule, Isopropyl β-D-1-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG) that has no off-target effects in mammals. Following subretinal injection of an adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector encoding ARES, luciferase expression can be reversibly controlled in the murine retina by oral delivery of IPTG over three induction-repression cycles. The ability to induce transgene expression repeatedly via administration of an oral inducer in vivo, suggests that this type of regulatory system holds great promise for applications in human gene therapy.
Simonsenia aveniformis sp. nov. (Bacillariophyceae), molecular phylogeny and systematics of the genus and a new type of canal raphe system
Authors: Witkowski Andrzej , Gomes Ana , Mann David G. , Trobajo Rosa , Li Chunlian , Barka Frederik , Gusev Evgeniy , Dąbek Przemysław , Grzonka Justyna , Kurzydłowski Krzysztof J. , Zgłobicka Izabela , Harrison Michael , Boski Tomasz
Published: November 2015

The genus Simonsenia is reviewed and S. aveniformis described as new for science by light and electron microscopy. The new species originated from estuarine environments in southern Iberia (Atlantic coast) and was isolated into culture. In LM, Simonsenia resembles Nitzschia, with bridges (fibulae) beneath the raphe, which is marginal. It is only electron microscope (EM) examination that reveals the true structure of the raphe system, which consists of a raphe canal raised on a keel (wing), supported by rib like braces (fenestral bars) and tube-like portulae; between the portulae the keel is perforated by open windows (fenestrae). Based on the presence of portulae and a fenestrated keel, Simonsenia has been proposed to be intermediate between Bacillariaceae and Surirellaceae. However, an rbcL phylogeny revealed that Simonsenia belongs firmly in the Bacillariaceae, with which it shares a similar chloroplast arrangement, rather than in the Surirellaceae. Lack of homology between the surirelloid and simonsenioid keels is reflected in subtle differences in the morphology and ontogeny of the portulae and fenestrae. The diversity of Simonsenia has probably been underestimated, particularly in the marine environment.
Source analysis of P3a and P3b components to investigate interaction of depression and anxiety in attentional systems
Authors: Li Yuezhi , Wang Wuyi , Liu Tiebang , Ren Lijie , Zhou Yunfei , Yu Changhong , Qu Xingda , Hu Yong
Published: November 2015

This study examined the impact of depressive disorders, anxiety disorders and the comorbidity of these disorders on the regional electrophysiological features of brain activity. Sixty-four-channel event-related potentials (ERP) were acquired during a visual oddball task in patients with depressive disorder, patients with anxiety disorders, patients with comorbid depressive and anxiety disorders and healthy subjects. An fMRI-constrained source model was applied to ERP to identify different cortical activities in the patient and control groups. Comorbid patients showed an abnormal frontal-greater-than-parietal P3b topography in the right hemisphere and the highest P3a amplitude at frontal and central sites at the scalp midline. For P3b, depressed patients showed decreased right-lateralized activity in the precentral sulcus (PrCS) and posterior parietal cortex (PPC). Anxious patients demonstrated hyperactive prefrontal cortices (PFC). Comorbid patients presented decreased activity in the cingulate gyrus, right PrCS and right PPC and increased activity in the left PFC and left insular (INS). For P3a, hyperactive left PrCS was found in comorbid patients. Comorbid patients showed both anxiety-related and depression-related activity. A superimposition effect of depression and anxiety was identified with (1) aggravated hypo-function of the right-lateralized dorsal attention and salience networks and (2) complicated anxiety-related hyper-function of the left-lateralized ventral attention and salience networks.
Site Specific Genetic Incorporation of Azidophenylalanine in Schizosaccharomyces pombe
Authors: Shao Nan , Singh N. Sadananda , Slade Susan E. , Jones Alexandra M. E. , Balasubramanian Mohan K.
Published: November 2015

The diversity of protein functions is impacted in significant part by the chemical properties of the twenty amino acids, which are used as building blocks for nearly all proteins. The ability to incorporate unnatural amino acids (UAA) into proteins in a site specific manner can vastly expand the repertoire of protein functions and also allows detailed analysis of protein function. In recent years UAAs have been incorporated in a site-specific manner into proteins in a number of organisms. In nearly all cases, the amber codon is used as a sense codon and an orthogonal tRNA/aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase (RS) pair is used to generate amber suppressing tRNAs charged with the UAA. In this work, we have developed tools to incorporate the cross-linking amino acid azido-phenylalanine (AzF) through the use of bacterial tRNATyr and a modified version of TyrRS, AzFRS, in Schizosaccharomyces pombe, which is an attractive model organism for the study of cell behavior and function. We have incorporated AzF into three different proteins. We show that the majority of AzF is modified to amino-phenyl alanine, but protein cross-linking was still observed. These studies set the stage for exploitation of this new technology for the analysis of S. pombe proteins.
MAE4, an eLtaS monoclonal antibody, blocks Staphylococcus aureus virulence
Authors: Liu Yu , Feng Jiannan , Lu Qiang , Zhang Xin , Gao Yaping , Yan Jun , Mu Chunhua , Hei Yan , Lv Ming , Han Gencheng , Chen Guojiang , Jin Peng , Hu Weiguo , Shen Beifen , Yang Guang
Published: November 2015

Staphylococcus aureus causes a wide range of infectious diseases. Treatment of these infections has become increasingly difficult due to the widespread emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains; therefore, it is essential to explore effective alternatives to antibiotics. A secreted protein of S. aureus, known as eLtaS, is an extracellular protein released from the bacterial membrane protein, LtaS. However, the role of eLtaS in S. aureus pathogenesis remains largely unknown. Here we show eLtaS dramatically aggravates S. aureus infection by binding to C3b and then inhibiting the phagocytosis of C3b-deposited S. aureus. Furthermore, we developed a monoclonal antibody against eLtaS, MAE4, which neutralizes the activity of eLtaS and blocks staphylococcal evasion of phagocytosis. Consequently, MAE4 is capable of protecting mice from lethal S. aureus infection. Our findings reveal that targeting of eLtaS by MAE4 is a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of infectious diseases caused by S. aureus.
Live detection and purification of cells based on the expression of a histone chaperone, HIRA, using a binding peptide
Authors: Kochurani K. J. , Suganya Annie A. , Nair Madhumathy G. , Louis Jiss Maria , Majumder Aditi , Kumar K. Santhosh , Abraham Parvin , Dutta Debasree , Maliekal Tessy T.
Published: November 2015

Flowcytometry is a reliable method for identification and purification of live cells from a heterogeneous population. Since permeabilized cells cannot be sorted live in a FACS sorter, its application in isolation of functional cells largely depends on antibodies for surface markers. In various fields of biology we find intracellular markers that reveal subpopulations of biological significance. Cell cycle stage specific molecules, metastatic signature molecules, stemness associated proteins etc. are examples of potential markers that could improve the research and therapy enormously. Currently their use is restricted by lack of techniques that allow live detection. Even though a few methods like aptamers, droplet-based microfluidics and smartflares are reported, their application is limited. Here, for the first time we report a simple, cost-effective and efficient method of live sorting of cells based on the expression of an intracellular marker using a fluorophore-tagged binding peptide. The target molecule selected was a histone chaperone, HIRA, the expression of which can predict the fate of differentiating myoblast. Our results confirm that the peptide shows specific interaction with its target; and it can be used to separate cells with differential expression of HIRA. Further, this method offers high purity and viability for the isolated cells.
Benefits of using BODIPY–porphyrin dyads for developing deep-red lighting sources
Authors: Weber M. D. , Nikolaou V. , Wittmann J. E. , Nikolaou A. , Angaridis P. A. , Charalambidis G. , Stangel C. , Kahnt A. , Coutsolelos A. G. , Costa R. D.
Published: November 2015

The syntheses, as well as the photophysical and electrochemical characterization, of two novel BODIPY–porphyrin dyads and their first application in lighting schemes are provided.
Even the normal is abnormal: N-heterocyclic carbene C2 binding to a phosphaalkene without breaking the PC π-bond
Authors: Majhi Paresh Kumar , Chow Keith C. F. , Hsieh Tom H. H. , Bowes Eric G. , Schnakenburg Gregor , Kennepohl Pierre , Streubel Rainer , Gates Derek P.
Published: November 2015

The reaction of MesPCPh2 with the least sterically demanding N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC = IMe) results in formation of the ‘abnormal’ (C4-substituted) 4-phosphino-NHC (1).
Cobalt(iii) catalyzed C-8 selective C–H and C–O coupling of quinoline N-oxide with internal alkynes via C–H activation and oxygen atom transfer
Authors: Barsu Nagaraju , Sen Malay , Premkumar J. Richard , Sundararaju Basker
Published: November 2015

An efficient, scalable, atom-economical, regio-selective air stable Cp*Co(iii) catalyzed C–H and C–O couplingviaa C–H activation/oxygen atom transfer reaction of quinolineN-oxide and an internal alkyne is reported.
trans–cis Configuration regulated supramolecular polymer gels and chirality transfer based on a bolaamphiphilic histidine and dicarboxylic acids
Authors: Chen Chunfeng , Wang Tianyu , Fu Yunzhi , Liu Minghua
Published: November 2015

Supramolecular polymer gels based on the co-assembly of bolaamphiphilic l-histidine(BolaHis) and dicarboxylic acids are dependent on the molar ratios, flexibility and cis–trans configuration of acid molecules.
The templated synthesis of a unique type of tetra-nuclear uranyl-mediated two-fold interpenetrating uranyl–organic framework
Authors: An Shu-wen , Mei Lei , Hu Kong-qiu , Xia Chuan-qin , Chai Zhi-fang , Shi Wei-qun
Published: November 2015

A novel type of tetra-nuclear uranyl-mediated two-fold interpenetrating uranyl–organic framework has been hydrothermally synthesized as a couple of supramolecular isomers from a semi-rigid carboxylate in the presence of an organic base as the template.
Correction: Electronic vs. structural ordering in a manganese(iii) spin crossover complex
Authors: Fitzpatrick Anthony J. , Trzop Elzbieta , Müller-Bunz Helge , Dîrtu Marinela M. , Garcia Yann , Collet Eric , Morgan Grace G.
Published: November 2015

Correction for ‘Electronic vs. structural ordering in a manganese(iii) spin crossover complex’ by Anthony J. Fitzpatrick et al., Chem. Commun., 2015, DOI: 10.1039/c5cc05129k.
The first two-fold interpenetrating polyoxometalate-based coordination polymer with helical channels: structure and catalytic activities
Authors: Sha Jing-Quan , Sun Long-Jiang , Zhu Pei-Pei , Jiang Jianzhuang
Published: November 2015

A polyoxometalate-based coordination polymer POMCP-1 with a [helix + interpenetration] double configuration was successfully isolated, which shows effective catalytic activities for the esterification reaction and the photodecomposition of Rhodamine-B.
Hybrid materials of ZnO nanostructures with reduced graphene oxide and gold nanoparticles: enhanced photodegradation rates in relation to their composition and morphology
Authors: Bramhaiah K. , Singh Vidya N. , John Neena S.
Published: November 2015

Binary and ternary systems of rGO, Au and ZnO with nanoparticle and nanorod morphologies are explored as photocatalysts and their photodegradation performance in relation to adsorption capacity and photoluminescence is presented.
Endohedrally doped gold nanocages: efficient catalysts for O2 activation and CO oxidation
Authors: Manzoor Dar , Krishnamurty Sailaja , Pal Sourav
Published: November 2015

Gold nanocages are the most attractive catalytic materials as all the atoms in the cage type clusters reside on the surface, making them available for chemisorption by reacting molecules.
Excited-state deactivation in 8-oxo-deoxyguanosine: comparison between anionic and neutral forms
Authors: Tuna Deniz , Domcke Wolfgang
Published: November 2015

Ab initio explorations of excited-state potential-energy surfaces show that a radiationless deactivation mechanism via intramolecular excited-state proton transfer is available in neutral 8-oxo-deoxyguanosine, whereas it is not available in the anionic form.
Stability and properties of the Ru–H system at high pressure
Authors: Liu Yunxian , Duan Defang , Tian Fubo , Wang Chao , Ma Yanbin , Li Da , Huang Xiaoli , Liu Bingbing , Cui Tian
Published: November 2015

The calculated formation enthalpies of RuHn (n = 1–8) with respect to Ru and H at different pressures.
The challenges for cancer chemoprevention
Authors: Penny Lewis K. , Wallace Heather M.
Published: November 2015

The incidence of cancer is rising in parallel with an ageing populous thus increasing the strain on both treatment options and budgets for healthcare providers worldwide. Agents which can prevent cancers are therefore needed as a therapeutic alternative.
Assessment of biocompatibility of 3D printed photopolymers using zebrafish embryo toxicity assays
Authors: Macdonald N. P. , Zhu F. , Hall C. J. , Reboud J. , Crosier P. S. , Patton E. E. , Wlodkowic D. , Cooper J. M.
Published: November 2015

3D printing enables the rapid and cost-efficient manufacturing of bespoke, complex prototypes. We show that biocompatibility needs to be considered carefully and provide a specific assay to that effect.
ReactomePA: an R/Bioconductor package for reactome pathway analysis and visualization
Authors: Yu Guangchuang , He Qing-Yu
Published: November 2015

ReactomePA is an R package providing functional analyses at the gene and sequence levels, with several visualization functions provided.
Plasma polyacrylic acid and hollow TiO2 spheres modified with rhodamine B for sensitive electrochemical sensing Cu(ii)
Authors: Zhang Zhihong , Ji Hongfei , Zhang Shuai , Peng Donglai , Fu Qixuan , Wang Minghua , He Linghao , Yue Lingyu
Published: November 2015

A rhodamine B-modified nanocomposite-based electrochemical sensor was fabricated for selectively and sensitively detecting Cu(ii) in environmental fields.
Antimalarial diterpenoid dimers of a new carbon skeleton from Aphanamixis grandifolia
Authors: Zhang Hua , Liu Jia , Gan Li-She , Dalal Seema , Cassera Maria B. , Yue Jian-Min
Published: November 2015

Five new diterpenoid dimers of a rare structure class were discovered from Aphanamixis grandifolia. These compounds showed moderate antimalarial activities.
Electron transport through electrically conductive nanofilaments in Rhodopseudomonas palustris strain RP2
Authors: Venkidusamy Krishnaveni , Megharaj Mallavarapu , Schröder Uwe , Karouta Fouad , Mohan S. Venkata , Naidu Ravi
Published: November 2015

The study demonstrates the physiological induction of electrically conductive nanofilaments from a metabolically versatile, iron(iii) respiring, photosynthetic bacteriumRhodopseudomonas palustrisstrain RP2.
Single and double intramolecular proton transfers in the electronically excited state of flavone derivatives
Authors: Serdiuk I. E. , Roshal A. D.
Published: November 2015

3,7-Dihydroxyflavone derivatives containing carbonyl fragments were synthesized. Results of the fluorescent spectroscopy investigations indicate that one of them undergoes Excited State Intramolecular Double Proton Transfer (ESIDPT).
Local structural evolution of Fe54C18Cr16Mo12 bulk metallic glass during tensile deformation and a temperature elevation process: a molecular dynamics study
Authors: Chen Hui-Lung , Su Chia-Hao , Ju Shin-Pon , Liu Shih-Hao , Chen Hsin-Tsung
Published: November 2015

Mechanical and thermal properties of Fe54C18Cr16Mo12 bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) were investigated by molecular dynamics simulation with the 2NN MEAM potential. Local strain distribution results show a shear band develops homogeneously with the tensile fracture angle.
Synthesis, crystal structure, fluorescence and antimicrobial activity of a series of rare-earth complexes based on indolebutyric acid
Authors: Wang Zhi-Nan , Xu Xue-Ting , Lv Xiao , Bai Feng-Ying , Liu Shu-Qing , Xing Yong-Heng
Published: November 2015

The antimicrobial activity of a series of rare earth complexes was investigated in detail.
Characterization and lubrication performance of diesel soot nanoparticles as oil lubricant additives
Authors: Guo Meng-fei , Cai Zhen-bing , Zhang Zu-chuan , Zhu Min-hao
Published: November 2015

Diesel soot, a complex product of incomplete combustion, enters lubricant oils and acts as an additive.
Europium(iii) β-diketone complex as portable luminescent chemosensor for naked eye Cu2+ detection and recyclable on–off–on vapor response
Authors: Cao Fangyi , Yuan Zheng , Liu Junhua , Ling Jun
Published: November 2015

A novel Eu3+ complex coordinated by polymers with β-diketone pendant groups (Eu3+–PDKMA) has been synthesized for Cu2+ cation and acid–base vapor detections.
Mechanism for catalytic ozonation of p-nitrophenol in water with titanate nanotube supported manganese oxide
Authors: Xing Shengtao , Lu Xiaoyang , Zhang Xinjian , Zhang Yiyao , Ma Zichuan , Wu Yinsu
Published: November 2015

A support with acid sites favored the adsorption of ozone, while the supported MnOx accelerated the decomposition of ozone into hydroxyl radicals for the mineralization of organic pollutants.
Alginate surfactant derivatives as an ecofriendly corrosion inhibitor for carbon steel in acidic environments
Authors: Tawfik Salah M.
Published: November 2015

Biopolymer alginate surfactant derivatives were synthesized and their influences as a novel corrosion inhibitor on carbon steel in 1 M HCl were studied using gravimetric, electrochemical, EDX and SEM techniques.
Carbon-coated SnO2thin films developed by magnetron sputtering as anode material for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Zhang Yu , Zhang Hong , Zhang Jia , Wang Jiaxi , Li Zhicheng
Published: November 2015

Carbon coating on an SnO2thin film reduced the electrode deterioration, and improved the conductivity and electrochemical stability.
First preparation of a triterpenoid-based supramolecular hydrogel in physiological phosphate buffered saline
Authors: Gao Yuxia , Li Ying , Zhao Xia , Hu Jun , Ju Yong
Published: November 2015

A glycyrrhetinic acid-based supramolecular hydrogel was attained in physiological phosphate buffered saline for the first time.
Spectroscopic study on the impact of methylammonium iodide loading time on the electronic properties in perovskite thin films
Authors: Cheng Yuanhang , Li Ho-Wa , Zhang Jinfeng , Yang Qing-Dan , Liu Taili , Guan Zhiqiang , Qing Jian , Lee Chun-Sing , Tsang Sai-Wing
Published: November 2015

The loading time of MAI during perovskite film formation determines the chemical composition, hysteresis, and photovoltaic performance.
High biocompatibility and improved osteogenic potential of amorphous calcium carbonate/vaterite
Authors: Tolba Emad , Müller Werner E. G. , Abd El-Hady Bothaina M. , Neufurth Meik , Wurm Frederik , Wang Shunfeng , Schröder Heinz C. , Wang Xiaohong
Published: November 2015

Metastable amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC), formed as a precursor of crystalline carbonated apatite/hydroxyapatite in human bone, can be stabilized by inorganic polyphosphate. The resulting CaCO3/polyP, containing small amounts of vaterite, has osteogenic potential and potential application as a scaffold material for bone implants.
The peptide agonist-binding site of the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor based on site-directed mutagenesis and knowledge-based modelling
Authors: Dods Rachel L. , Donnelly Dan
Published: November 2015

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (7–36)amide (GLP-1) plays a central role in regulating blood sugar levels and its receptor, GLP-1R, is a target for anti-diabetic agents such as the peptide agonist drugs exenatide and liraglutide. In order to understand the molecular nature of the peptide–receptor interaction, we used site-directed mutagenesis and pharmacological profiling to highlight nine sites as being important for peptide agonist binding and/or activation. Using a knowledge-based approach, we constructed a 3D model of agonist-bound GLP-1R, basing the conformation of the N-terminal region on that of the receptor-bound NMR structure of the related peptide pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating protein (PACAP21). The relative position of the extracellular to the transmembrane (TM) domain, as well as the molecular details of the agonist-binding site itself, were found to be different from the model that was published alongside the crystal structure of the TM domain of the glucagon receptor, but were nevertheless more compatible with published mutagenesis data. Furthermore, the NMR-determined structure of a high-potency cyclic conformationally-constrained 11-residue analogue of GLP-1 was also docked into the receptor-binding site. Despite having a different main chain conformation to that seen in the PACAP21 structure, four conserved residues (equivalent to His-7, Glu-9, Ser-14 and Asp-15 in GLP-1) could be structurally aligned and made similar interactions with the receptor as their equivalents in the GLP-1-docked model, suggesting the basis of a pharmacophore for GLP-1R peptide agonists. In this way, the model not only explains current mutagenesis and molecular pharmacological data but also provides a basis for further experimental design.
Adjustable robust optimal power flow with the price of robustness for large‐scale power systems
Authors: Ding Tao , Bie Zhaohong , Bai Linquan , Li Fangxing
Published: November 2015

DC optimal power flow (DCOPF) has been widely used in modern power system operation and planning. With the consideration of the stochastic renewable resources integration, an adjustable robust DCOPF is studied in this work in combination with generator participation factors to obtain an optimal solution that can immunise against all realisations of the renewable resource output variability. However, the robust optimisation may lead to an extreme conservative optimal solution compared to the traditional deterministic optimisation. Therefore, the price of robustness is taken into account which provides a tradeoff between the robust optimal solution and the traditional optimal solution for decision makers. According to the duality theory, the robust DCOPF is transformed into a convex quadratic program, which has a large number of linear constraints. In order to efficiently solve the robust DCOPF for applications in large‐scale power systems, an inactive constraints reduction technique is introduced to identify the inactive security constraints before solving the proposed model, which greatly improves the computational performance. Numerical results on the IEEE 14‐bus, 118‐bus and other six large Polish test systems validate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Effect of the solenoid in various conditions of the laser ion source at Brookhaven National Laboratory
Authors: Ikeda S. , Kumaki M. , Kanesue T. , Okamura M.
Published: November 2015

In the laser ion source (LIS) at the Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL), a solenoid is used to guide the laser ablation plasma and modulate the extracted beam current. Many types of ion species are guided. In some cases, the plasma plume is injected into the solenoid away from the solenoidal axis. To investigate the effects of the solenoid on the beam extracted from the plasma that has different properties, the beam current was measured in the setup of the LIS at the BNL. The beam current of Li, Al, Si, Fe, and Au increased when the magnetic field was applied. For most of the species the peak current and the total charge within a single beam pulse increased around 10 times with a magnetic field less than 100 G. In addition, for some species the rate of increase of the peak currents became smaller when the magnetic flux densities were larger than certain values depending on the species. In this case, the current waveforms were distorted. At the same magnetic field value, the field was more effective on lighter species than on heavier ones. When plasma was injected offset from the axis of the solenoid, peak current and total charge became half of those without offset. The experimental data are useful for the operation of the LIS at the BNL.
Quantum-mechanical study of energies, structures, and vibrational spectra of the H(D)Cl complexed with dimethyl ether
Authors: Boda Łukasz , Boczar Marek , Gług Maciej , Wójcik Marek J.
Published: November 2015

Interaction energies, molecular structure and vibrational frequencies of the binary complex formed between H(D)Cl and dimethyl ether have been obtained using quantum-chemical methods. Equilibrium and vibrationally averaged structures, harmonic and anharmonic wavenumbers of the complex and its deuterated isotopomer were calculated using harmonic and anharmonic second-order perturbation theory procedures with Density Functional Theory B3LYP and B2PLYP-D and ab initio Møller-Plesset second-order methods, and a 6-311++G(3d,3p) basis set. A phenomenological model describing anharmonic-type vibrational couplings within hydrogen bonds was developed to explain the unique broadening and fine structure, as well as the isotope effect of the Cl–H and Cl–D stretching IR absorption bands in the gaseous complexes with dimethyl ether, as an effect of hydrogen bond formation. Simulations of the rovibrational structure of the Cl–H and Cl–D stretching bands were performed and the results were compared with experimental spectra.
Three-dimensional morphology of CuInS2:P3HT hybrid blends for photovoltaic applications
Authors: Krause Christopher , Scheunemann Dorothea , Parisi Jürgen , Borchert Holger
Published: November 2015

Despite potential advantages, the performance of hybrid solar cells with colloidal nanocrystals remains low compared to pure organic solar cells, in particular, when Cd- and Pb-free nanocrystals are employed. To understand this discrepancy, we analyzed possible limiting factors of the performance of hybrid solar cells with CuInS2 nanoparticles and the polymer poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT). Optimizing the thickness of the active layer indicated that charge transport limits the performance of the solar cells. Since charge transport is among others influenced by the morphology of the bulk heterojunction layer, we performed a detailed analysis of the blend morphology. Therefore, we used electron tomography which provides three-dimensional information on the interpenetrating network formed by the hybrid CuInS2:P3HT system. Using statistical methods, we analyzed the distribution of the nanoparticles inside the polymer matrix and the structure of the percolation paths. We found that the morphology appears well suited for application in hybrid solar cells, meaning that other factors must be the bottleneck. Therefore, we investigated in a second step the influence of a post-deposition ligand exchange with acetic acid. This strategy resulted in a strong relative improvement of the solar cell performance, although absolute performance parameters remain low in comparison to hybrid solar cells with colloidal cadmium or lead chalcogenide nanocrystals.
Intrinsic and extrinsic defects in a family of coal-derived graphene quantum dots
Authors: Singamaneni Srinivasa Rao , van Tol Johan , Ye Ruquan , Tour James M.
Published: November 2015

In this letter, we report on the high frequency (239.2 and 336 GHz) electron spin resonance (ESR) studies performed on graphene quantum dots (GQDs), prepared through a wet chemistry route from three types of coal: (a) bituminous, (b) anthracite, and (c) coke; and from non-coal derived GQDs. The microwave frequency-, power-, and temperature-dependent ESR spectra coupled with computer-aided simulations reveal four distinct magnetic defect centers. In bituminous- and anthracite-derived GQDs, we have identified two of them as intrinsic carbon-centered magnetic defect centers (a broad signal of peak to peak width = 697 (10−4 T), g = 2.0023; and a narrow signal of peak to peak width = 60 (10−4 T), g = 2.003). The third defect center is Mn2+ (6S5/2, 3d5) (signal width = 61 (10−4 T), g = 2.0023, Aiso = 93(10−4 T)), and the fourth defect is identified as Cu2+ (2D5/2, 3d9) (g⊥ = 2.048 and g‖ = 2.279), previously undetected. Coke-derived and non-coal derived GQDs show Mn2+ and two-carbon related signals, and no Cu2+ signal. The extrinsic impurities most likely originate from the starting coal. Furthermore, Raman, photoluminescence, and ESR measurements detected no noticeable changes in the properties of the bituminous GQDs after one year. This study highlights the importance of employing high frequency ESR spectroscopy in identifying the (magnetic) defects, which are roadblocks for spin relaxation times of graphene-based materials. These defects would not have been possible to probe by other spin transport measurements.
Tunable on chip optofluidic laser
Authors: Bakal Avraham , Vannahme Christoph , Kristensen Anders , Levy Uriel
Published: November 2015

A chip scale tunable laser in the visible spectral band is realized by generating a periodic droplet array inside a microfluidic channel. Combined with a gain medium within the droplets, the periodic structure provides the optical feedback of the laser. By controlling the pressure applied to two separate inlets we can change the period of the droplet array. As a result, the lasing frequency is tuned over a broad spectral range. Using this configuration, we demonstrate wavelength tunability of about 70 nm and lasing threshold of about  15 μJ/mm2.
Resonant plasmonic terahertz detection in vertical graphene-base hot-electron transistors
Authors: Ryzhii V. , Otsuji T. , Ryzhii M. , Mitin V. , Shur M. S.
Published: November 2015

We analyze dynamic properties of vertical graphene-base hot-electron transistors (GB-HETs) and consider their operation as detectors of terahertz (THz) radiation using the developed device model. The GB-HET model accounts for the tunneling electron injection from the emitter, electron propagation across the barrier layers with the partial capture into the GB, and the self-consistent oscillations of the electric potential and the hole density in the GB (plasma oscillations), as well as the quantum capacitance and the electron transit-time effects. Using the proposed device model, we calculate the responsivity of GB-HETs operating as THz detectors as a function of the signal frequency, applied bias voltages, and the structural parameters. The inclusion of the plasmonic effect leads to the possibility of the GB-HET operation at the frequencies significantly exceeding those limited by the characteristic RC-time. It is found that the responsivity of GB-HETs with a sufficiently perfect GB exhibits sharp resonant maxima in the THz range of frequencies associated with the excitation of plasma oscillations. The positions of these maxima are controlled by the applied bias voltages. The GB-HETs can compete with and even surpass other plasmonic THz detectors.
Reduction of Schottky barrier height at metal/n-Ge interface by introducing an ultra-high Sn content Ge1−xSnx interlayer
Authors: Suzuki Akihiro , Nakatsuka Osamu , Shibayama Shigehisa , Sakashita Mitsuo , Takeuchi Wakana , Kurosawa Masashi , Zaima Shigeaki
Published: November 2015

We investigated the impact of introducing an ultra-high Sn content Ge1−xSnx interlayer on the electrical properties at the metal/Ge interface. We achieved epitaxial growth of a Ge1−xSnx thin layer with an ultra-high substitutional Sn content of up to 46% on a Ge(001) substrate by considering the misfit strain between Ge1−xSnx and Ge. From the current-voltage characteristics of Al/Ge1−xSnx/n-Ge Schottky diodes, we found an increase in the forward current density of the thermionic emission current with increasing Sn content in the Ge1−xSnx interlayer. The Schottky barrier height estimated in Al/Ge1−xSnx/n-Ge diodes decreases to 0.49 eV with an increase in the Sn content up to 46% of the Ge1−xSnx interlayer. The reduction of the barrier height may be due to the shift of the Fermi level pinning position at the metal/Ge interface with a Ge1−xSnx interlayer whose valence band edge is higher than that of Ge. This result enables the effective reduction of the contact resistivity by introducing a group-IV semiconductor alloy interlayer of Ge1−xSnx into the metal/n-Ge interface.
Enhanced absorption in tandem solar cells by applying hydrogenated In2O3 as electrode
Authors: Yin Guanchao , Steigert Alexander , Manley Phillip , Klenk Reiner , Schmid Martina
Published: November 2015

To realize the high efficiency potential of perovskite/chalcopyrite tandem solar cells in modules, hydrogenated In2O3 (IO:H) as electrode is investigated. IO:H with an electron mobility of 100 cm2 V−1 s−1 is demonstrated. Compared to the conventional Sn doped In2O3 (ITO), IO:H exhibits a decreased electron concentration and leads to almost no sub-bandgap absorption up to the wavelength of 1200 nm. Without a trade-off between transparency and lateral resistance in the IO:H electrode, the tandem cell keeps increasing in efficiency as the IO:H thickness increases and efficiencies above 22% are calculated. In contrast, the cells with ITO as electrode perform much worse due to the severe parasitic absorption in ITO. This indicates that IO:H has the potential to lead to high efficiencies, which is otherwise constrained by the parasitic absorption in conventional transparent conductive oxide electrode for tandem solar cells in modules.
The effect of residual gas scattering on Ga ion beam patterning of graphene
Authors: Thissen Nick F. W. , Vervuurt R. H. J. , Mulders J. J. L. , Weber J. W. , Kessels W. M. M. , Bol A. A.
Published: November 2015

The patterning of graphene by a 30 kV Ga+ focused ion beam (FIB) is studied by in-situ and ex-situ Raman spectroscopy. It is found that the graphene surrounding the patterned target area can be damaged at remarkably large distances of more than 10 μm. We show that scattering of the Ga ions in the residual gas of the vacuum system is the main cause of the large range of lateral damage, as the size and shape of the tail of the ion beam were strongly dependent on the system background pressure. The range of the damage was therefore greatly reduced by working at low pressures and limiting the total amount of ions used. This makes FIB patterning a feasible alternative to electron beam lithography as long as residual gas scattering is taken into account.
Compositions and isotopic differences of iso- and anteiso-alkanes in black mangroves (Avicennia germinans) across a salinity gradient in a subtropical estuary
Authors: He Ding , Simoneit Bernd R. T. , Jara Blanca , Jaffé Rudolf
Published: November 2015

Environmental contextMangroves dominate at the interface between land and sea, especially along tropical and subtropical coasts. To gain a better understanding of how mangroves respond to various environmental stress factors, we investigated the use of monomethylalkanes as potential chemical tracers for black mangroves. The application of these chemical tracers could elucidate how black mangroves respond to environmental stress such as sea level rise in mixed mangrove environments.
AbstractA series of iso- and anteiso-monomethylalkanes (MMAs) with carbon numbers from C23 to C35 and C14 to C34 respectively were detected in Avicennia germinans. These compounds were present in varying amounts up to 54.1, 1.0 and 3.4µg g–1 dry weight in the leaves, bark and the crustose lichens attached to the bark of A. germinans respectively. These MMAs were not detected in the leaf waxes of Rhizophora mangle and Laguncularia racemosa, but were detected in significantly lower abundances (2–6% of that in A. germinans leaf wax) in the bark and lichen of R. mangle. Significant odd-carbon number distributions and even-carbon number distributions were observed for long chain (C ≥ 25) iso- (maximising at C31) and anteiso-MMAs (maximising at C32) respectively in A. germinans leaf wax. However, no obvious carbon number preferences were detected for bark and lichen. The long chain (LC) iso- and anteiso-MMAs in A. germinans leaf waxes were found to be enriched in 13C by 0.3–4.3 and 0.7–4.2 per mille (‰) compared to the n-alkanes with the same carbon numbers respectively across the salinity gradient of 19.7–32.0 practical salinity units (psu). In comparison, the LC iso- and anteiso-MMAs were found to be more depleted in D by 6.1–55.1 and 7.3–57.0 ‰ compared to the n-alkanes with same carbon numbers respectively. The results imply that A. germinans could be another important source of iso- and anteiso-alkanes in sediments and soils, and that these compounds could potentially be used as biomarkers for this species in mixed mangrove environments.
Estrogen receptor-α directly regulates the hypoxia-inducible factor 1 pathway associated with antiestrogen response in breast cancer
Authors: Yang Jun , AlTahan Alaa , Jones Dylan T. , Buffa Francesca M. , Bridges Esther , Interiano Rodrigo B. , Qu Chunxu , Vogt Nathan , Li Ji-Liang , Baban Dilair , Ragoussis Jiannis , Nicholson Robert , Davidoff Andrew M. , Harris Adrian L.
Published: November 2015

Significance

About 1.7 million new cases of breast cancer occur every year, 70% of which are estrogen receptor-α (ERα) positive. Antiestrogen therapy to block ERα function is the most important approach in treatment of ERα
+
patients. However, resistance eventually will develop for various reasons. Here we demonstrate that hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) is a direct transcriptional target of ERα, which may compensate for ERα function loss because many other ERα targets are also HIF-1α targets. We further show that HIF-1α is able to confer cancer cell resistance to ERα antagonists tamoxifen and fulvestrant, and the expression of HIF-1α is associated with poor survival to endocrine therapy in ERα
+
patients. Our findings thus have revealed a previously unidentified mechanism for antiestrogen resistance.
Tracking the origins of Yakutian horses and the genetic basis for their fast adaptation to subarctic environments
Authors: Librado Pablo , Der Sarkissian Clio , Ermini Luca , Schubert Mikkel , Jónsson Hákon , Albrechtsen Anders , Fumagalli Matteo , Yang Melinda A. , Gamba Cristina , Seguin-Orlando Andaine , Mortensen Cecilie D. , Petersen Bent , Hoover Cindi A. , Lorente-Galdos Belen , Nedoluzhko Artem , Boulygina Eugenia , Tsygankova Svetlana , Neuditschko Markus , Jagannathan Vidhya , Thèves Catherine , Alfarhan Ahmed H. , Alquraishi Saleh A. , Al-Rasheid Khaled A. S. , Sicheritz-Ponten Thomas , Popov Ruslan , Grigoriev Semyon , Alekseev Anatoly N. , Rubin Edward M. , McCue Molly , Rieder Stefan , Leeb Tosso , Tikhonov Alexei , Crubézy Eric , Slatkin Montgomery , Marques-Bonet Tomas , Nielsen Rasmus , Willerslev Eske , Kantanen Juha , Prokhortchouk Egor , Orlando Ludovic
Published: November 2015

Significance

Yakutia is among the coldest regions in the Northern Hemisphere, showing ∼40% of its territory above the Arctic Circle. Native horses are particularly adapted to this environment, with body sizes and thick winter coats minimizing heat loss. We sequenced complete genomes of two ancient and nine present-day Yakutian horses to elucidate their evolutionary origins. We find that the contemporary population descends from domestic livestock, likely brought by early horse-riders who settled in the region a few centuries ago. The metabolic, anatomical, and physiological adaptations of these horses therefore emerged on very short evolutionary time scales. We show the relative importance of regulatory changes in the adaptive process and identify genes independently selected in cold-adapted human populations and woolly mammoths.
Myeloid differentiation architecture of leukocyte transcriptome dynamics in perceived social isolation
Authors: Cole Steven W. , Capitanio John P. , Chun Katie , Arevalo Jesusa M. G. , Ma Jeffrey , Cacioppo John T.
Published: November 2015

Significance

Perceived social isolation (PSI) (loneliness) is linked to increased risk of chronic disease and mortality, and previous research has implicated up-regulated inflammation and down-regulated antiviral gene expression (the conserved transcriptional response to adversity; CTRA) as a potential mechanism for such effects. The present studies used integrative analyses of transcriptome regulation in high-PSI humans and rhesus macaques to define the basis for such effects in neuroendocrine-related alterations in myeloid immune cell population dynamics. CTRA up-regulation also preceded increases in PSI, suggesting a reciprocal mechanism by which CTRA gene expression may both propagate PSI and contribute to its related disease risks.
Acceleration of diabetic wound healing using a novel protease–anti-protease combination therapy
Authors: Gao Ming , Nguyen Trung T. , Suckow Mark A. , Wolter William R. , Gooyit Major , Mobashery Shahriar , Chang Mayland
Published: November 2015

Significance

Chronic wounds in diabetic patients are a devastating complication of diabetes that can lead to amputations or even death. Our work in
db/db
mice shows that matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 contributes to delayed or impaired wound healing and that MMP-8 is involved in repairing the wound. A combination of a selective inhibitor of MMP-9 (a small molecule) and exogenously applied active recombinant MMP-8 (an enzyme) accelerates diabetic wound healing in mice.