bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Direct Approach to In-Plane Stress Separation using Photoelastic Ptychography
Authors: Anthony Nicholas , Cadenazzi Guido , Kirkwood Henry , Huwald Eric , Nugent Keith , Abbey Brian
Published: August 2016

The elastic properties of materials, either under external load or in a relaxed state, influence their mechanical behaviour. Conventional optical approaches based on techniques such as photoelasticity or thermoelasticity can be used for full-field analysis of the stress distribution within a specimen. The circular polariscope in combination with holographic photoelasticity allows the sum and difference of principal stress components to be determined by exploiting the temporary birefringent properties of materials under load. Phase stepping and interferometric techniques have been proposed as a method for separating the in-plane stress components in two-dimensional photoelasticity experiments. In this paper we describe and demonstrate an alternative approach based on photoelastic ptychography which is able to obtain quantitative stress information from far fewer measurements than is required for interferometric based approaches. The complex light intensity equations based on Jones calculus for this setup are derived. We then apply this approach to the problem of a disc under diametrical compression. The experimental results are validated against the analytical solution derived by Hertz for the theoretical displacement fields for an elastic disc subject to point loading.
Intraperitoneal injection (IP), Intravenous injection (IV) or anal injection (AI)? Best way for mesenchymal stem cells transplantation for colitis
Authors: Wang Min , Liang Cong , Hu Hao , Zhou Lin , Xu Bing , Wang Xin , Han Ying , Nie Yongzhan , Jia Shuyun , Liang Jie , Wu Kaichun
Published: August 2016

Stem cell transplantation showed promising results in IBD management. However, the therapeutic impacts of cell delivery route that is critical for clinical translation are currently poorly understood. Here, three different MSCs delivery routes: intraperitoneal (IP), intravenous (IV) and anal injection (AI) were compared on DSS-induced colitic mice model. The overall therapeutic factors, MSCs migration and targeting as well as local immunomodulatory cytokines and FoxP3+ cells infiltration were analyzed. Colitis showed varying degrees of alleviation after three ways of MSCs transplantation and the IP injection showed the highest survival rate of 87.5% and displayed the less weight loss and quick weight gain. The fecal occult blood test on the day 3 also showed nearly complete absence of occult blood in IP group. The fluorescence imaging disclosed higher intensity of engrafted cells in inflamed colon and the corresponding mesentery lymph nodes (MLNs) in IP and AI groups than the IV group. Real time-PCR and ELISA also demonstrate lower TNF-α and higher IL-10, TSG-6 levels in IP group. The immunohistochemistry indicated higher repair proliferation (Ki-67) and more FoxP3+ cells accumulation of IP group. IP showed better colitis recovery and might be the optimum MSCs delivery route for the treatment of DSS-induced colitis.
Assembly of Bak homodimers into higher order homooligomers in the mitochondrial apoptotic pore
Authors: Mandal Tirtha , Shin Seungjin , Aluvila Sreevidya , Chen Hui-Chen , Grieve Carter , Choe Jun-Yong , Cheng Emily H. , Hustedt Eric J. , Oh Kyoung Joon
Published: August 2016

In mitochondrial apoptosis, Bak is activated by death signals to form pores of unknown structure on the mitochondrial outer membrane via homooligomerization. Cytochromecand other apoptotic factors are released from the intermembrane space through these pores, initiating downstream apoptosis events. Using chemical crosslinking and double electron electron resonance (DEER)-derived distance measurements between specific structural elements in Bak, here we clarify how the Bak pore is assembled. We propose that previously described BH3-in-groove homodimers (BGH) are juxtaposed via the ‘α3/α5’ interface, in which the C-termini of helices α3 and α5 are in close proximity between two neighboring Bak homodimers. This interface is observed concomitantly with the well-known ‘α6:α6’ interface. We also mapped the contacts between Bak homodimers and the lipid bilayer based on EPR spectroscopy topology studies. Our results suggest a model for the lipidic Bak pore, whereby the mitochondrial targeting C-terminal helix does not change topology to accommodate the lining of the pore lumen by BGH.
Bessel beams with spatial oscillating polarization
Authors: Fu Shiyao , Zhang Shikun , Gao Chunqing
Published: August 2016

Bessel beams are widely used in optical metrology mainly because of their large Rayleigh range (focal length). Radial/azimuthal polarization of such beams is of interest in the fields of material processing, plasma absorption or communication. In this paper an experimental set-up is presented, which generates a Bessel-type vector beam with a spatial polarization, oscillating along the optical axis, when propagating in free space. A first holographic axicon (HA) HA1 produces a normal, linearly polarized Bessel beam, which by a second HA2 is converted into the spatial oscillating polarized beam. The theory is briefly discussed, the set-up and the experimental results are presented in detail.
The association of three promoter polymorphisms in interleukin-10 gene with the risk for colorectal cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma: A meta-analysis
Authors: Shi Yan-Hui , Zhao Dong-Mei , Wang Yue-Fei , Li Xue , Ji Man-Ru , Jiang Dan-Na , Xu Bai-Ping , Zhou Li , Lu Chang-Zhu , Wang Bin
Published: August 2016

Mounting evidence supports a potent inhibitory role of interleukin-10 (IL-10) in tumor carcinogenesis, angiogenesis and metastasis. This meta-analysis was designed to examine the association of three promoter polymorphisms (−592C > A, −819C > T and −1082G > A) in IL-10 gene with the risk for colorectal cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma. Qualification assessment and data collection were completed by two authors independently. The random-effects model using the DerSimonian and Laird method was fitted by the STATA software. Twenty-five articles involving 5933 cases and 9724 controls were meta-analyzed. Overall comparisons of the mutant alleles (−592A, −819T and −1082A) of three promoter polymorphisms with alternative wild alleles failed to reveal any statistical significance for both colorectal cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma (P > 0.05), and the likelihood of heterogeneity was low (I2 < 50%). For −592C > A polymorphism, a significant risk for colorectal cancer was identified when analysis was restricted to East Asians (odds ratio or OR = 1.41, 95% confidence interval or CI: 1.18–1.68, P < 0.001) and retrospective studies (OR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.09–1.39, P = 0.001). As weighed by the Egger’s test and the fill-and-trim method, there was a low probability of publication bias for all studied polymorphisms. Our findings collectively suggest that the −592C > A polymorphism in IL-10 gene might be a susceptibility locus for colorectal cancer in East Asians.
Crystal structure of the human Tip41 orthologue, TIPRL, reveals a novel fold and a binding site for the PP2Ac C-terminus
Authors: Scorsato Valéria , Lima Tatiani B. , Righetto Germanna L. , Zanchin Nilson I. T. , Brandão-Neto José , Sandy James , Pereira Humberto D’Muniz , Ferrari Állan J. R. , Gozzo Fabio C. , Smetana Juliana H. C. , Aparicio Ricardo
Published: August 2016

TOR signaling pathway regulator-like (TIPRL) is a regulatory protein which inhibits the catalytic subunits of Type 2A phosphatases. Several cellular contexts have been proposed for TIPRL, such as regulation of mTOR signaling, inhibition of apoptosis and biogenesis and recycling of PP2A, however, the underlying molecular mechanism is still poorly understood. We have solved the crystal structure of human TIPRL at 2.15 Å resolution. The structure is a novel fold organized around a central core of antiparallel beta-sheet, showing an N-terminal α/β region at one of its surfaces and a conserved cleft at the opposite surface. Inside this cleft, we found a peptide derived from TEV-mediated cleavage of the affinity tag. We show by mutagenesis, pulldown and hydrogen/deuterium exchange mass spectrometry that this peptide is a mimic for the conserved C-terminal tail of PP2A, an important region of the phosphatase which regulates holoenzyme assembly, and TIPRL preferentially binds the unmodified version of the PP2A-tail mimetic peptide DYFL compared to its tyrosine-phosphorylated version. A docking model of the TIPRL-PP2Ac complex suggests that TIPRL blocks the phosphatase’s active site, providing a structural framework for the function of TIPRL in PP2A inhibition.
Ethanol modulates facial stimulation-evoked outward currents in cerebellar Purkinje cells in vivo in mice
Authors: Wu Mao-Cheng , Bing Yan-Hua , Chu Chun-Ping , Qiu De-Lai
Published: August 2016

Acute ethanol overdose can induce dysfunction of cerebellar motor regulation and cerebellar ataxia. In this study, we investigated the effect of ethanol on facial stimulation-evoked inhibitory synaptic responses in cerebellar Purkinje cells (PCs) in urethane-anesthetized mice, usingin vivopatch-clamp recordings. Under voltage-clamp conditions, ethanol (300 mM) decreased the amplitude, half-width, rise time and decay time of facial stimulation-evoked outward currents in PCs. The ethanol-induced inhibition of facial stimulation-evoked outward currents was dose-dependent, with an IC50of 148.5 mM. Notably, the ethanol-induced inhibition of facial stimulation-evoked outward currents were significantly abrogated by cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) antagonists, AM251 and O-2050, as well as by the CB1 agonist WIN55212-2. Moreover, the ethanol-induced inhibition of facial stimulation-evoked outward currents was prevented by cerebellar surface perfusion of the PKA inhibitors H-89 and Rp-cAMP, but not by intracellular administration of the PKA inhibitor PKI. Our present results indicate that ethanol inhibits the facial stimulation-evoked outward currents by activating presynaptic CB1 receptors via the PKA signaling pathway. These findings suggest that ethanol overdose impairs sensory information processing, at least in part, by inhibiting GABA release from molecular layer interneurons onto PCs.
Epidemiological and Evolutionary Inference of the Transmission Network of the 2014 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N2 Outbreak in British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Xu Wanhong , Berhane Yohannes , Dubé Caroline , Liang Binhua , Pasick John , VanDomselaar Gary , Alexandersen Soren
Published: August 2016

The first North American outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) involving a virus of Eurasian A/goose/Guangdong/1/1996 (H5N1) lineage began in the Fraser Valley of British Columbia, Canada in late November 2014. A total of 11 commercial and 1 non-commercial (backyard) operations were infected before the outbreak was terminated. Control measures included movement restrictions that were placed on a total of 404 individual premises, 150 of which were located within a 3 km radius of an infected premise(s) (IP). A complete epidemiological investigation revealed that the source of this HPAI H5N2 virus for 4 of the commercial IPs and the single non-commercial IP likely involved indirect contact with wild birds. Three IPs were associated with the movement of birds or service providers and localized/environmental spread was suspected as the source of infection for the remaining 4 IPs. Viral phylogenies, as determined by Bayesian Inference and Maximum Likelihood methods, were used to validate the epidemiologically inferred transmission network. The phylogenetic clustering of concatenated viral genomes and the median-joining phylogenetic network of the viruses supported, for the most part, the transmission network that was inferred by the epidemiologic analysis.
Inkjet Printing Based Mono-layered Photonic Crystal Patterning for Anti-counterfeiting Structural Colors
Authors: Nam Hyunmoon , Song Kyungjun , Ha Dogyeong , Kim Taesung
Published: August 2016

Photonic crystal structures can be created to manipulate electromagnetic waves so that many studies have focused on designing photonic band-gaps for various applications including sensors, LEDs, lasers, and optical fibers. Here, we show that mono-layered, self-assembled photonic crystals (SAPCs) fabricated by using an inkjet printer exhibit extremely weak structural colors and multiple colorful holograms so that they can be utilized in anti-counterfeit measures. We demonstrate that SAPC patterns on a white background are covert under daylight, such that pattern detection can be avoided, but they become overt in a simple manner under strong illumination with smartphone flash light and/or on a black background, showing remarkable potential for anti-counterfeit techniques. Besides, we demonstrate that SAPCs yield different RGB histograms that depend on viewing angles and pattern densities, thus enhancing their cryptographic capabilities. Hence, the structural colorations designed by inkjet printers would not only produce optical holograms for the simple authentication of many items and products but also enable a high-secure anti-counterfeit technique.
Impact of preoperative antithrombotic therapy on blood management after implantation of primary total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Leitner Lukas , Musser Ewald , Kastner Norbert , Friesenbichler Jörg , Hirzberger Daniela , Radl Roman , Leithner Andreas , Sadoghi Patrick
Published: August 2016

Red blood cell concentrates (RCC) substitution after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is correlated with multifold of complications and an independent predictor for higher postoperative mortality. TKA is mainly performed in elderly patients with pre-existing polymorbidity, often requiring permanent preoperative antithrombotic therapy (PAT). The aim of this retrospective analysis was to investigate the impact of demand for PAT on inpatient blood management in patients undergoing TKA. In this study 200 patients were retrospectively evaluated after TKA for differences between PAT and non-PAT regarding demographic parameters, preoperative ASA score > 2, duration of operation, pre- and intraoperative hemoglobin level and postoperative parameters including amount of wound drainage, RCC requirement and inpatient time. In a multivariate logistic regression analysis the independent influences of PAT, demographic parameters, ASA score > 2 and duration of the operation on RCC demand following TKA were analyzed. Patients with PAT were significantly older, more often had an ASA > 2 at surgery, needed a higher number of RCCs units and more frequently and had lower perioperative hemoglobin levels. Multivariate logistic regression revealed PAT was an independent predictor for RCC requirement. PAT patients are more likely to require RCC following TKA and should be accurately monitored with respect to postoperative blood loss.
Soluble egg antigens of Schistosoma japonicum induce senescence in activated hepatic stellate cells by activation of the STAT3/p53/p21 pathway
Authors: Chen Jinling , Pan Jing , Wang Jianxin , Song Ke , Zhu Dandan , Huang Caiqun , Duan Yinong
Published: August 2016

Liver fibrosis is characterized by the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Recent findings suggest that senescence of activated HSCs might limit the development of liver fibrosis. Based on previously observed anti-fibrotic effects of soluble egg antigens from Schistosoma japonicum in vitro, we hypothesized that SEA might play a crucial role in alleviating liver fibrosis through promoting senescence of activated HSCs. We show here that SEA inhibited expression of α-SMA and pro-collagen I and promoted senescence of activated HSCs in vitro. In addition, SEA induced an increased expression of P-p53 and p21. Knockdown of p53 inhibited the expression of p21 and failed to induce senescence of activated-HSCs. Phosphorylated STAT3 was elevated upon SEA stimulation, while loss of STAT3 decreased the level of p53 and senescence of HSCs. Results from immunoprecipitation analysis demonstrated that SOCS3 might be involved in the SEA-induced senescence in HSCs through its interaction with p53. This study demonstrates the potential capacity of SEA in restricting liver fibrosis through promoting senescence in HSCs. Furthermore, a novel STAT3-p53-p21 pathway might participate in the observed SEA-mediated senescence of HSCs. Our results suggest that SEA might carry potential therapeutic effects of restraining liver fibrosis through promoting senescence.
First genetic linkage map of Taraxacum koksaghyz Rodin based on AFLP, SSR, COS and EST-SSR markers
Authors: Arias Marina , Hernandez Monica , Remondegui Naroa , Huvenaars Koen , van Dijk Peter , Ritter Enrique
Published: August 2016

Taraxacum koksaghyz Rodin (TKS) has been studied in many occasions as a possible alternative source for natural rubber production of good quality and for inulin production. Some tire companies are already testing TKS tire prototypes. There are also many investigations on the production of bio-fuels from inulin and inulin applications for health improvement and in the food industry. A limited amount of genomic resources exist for TKS and particularly no genetic linkage map is available in this species. We have constructed the first TKS genetic linkage map based on AFLP, COS, SSR and EST-SSR markers. The integrated linkage map with eight linkage groups (LG), representing the eight chromosomes of Russian dandelion, has 185 individual AFLP markers from parent 1, 188 individual AFLP markers from parent 2, 75 common AFLP markers and 6 COS, 1 SSR and 63 EST-SSR loci. Blasting the EST-SSR sequences against known sequences from lettuce allowed a partial alignment of our TKS map with a lettuce map. Blast searches against plant gene databases revealed some homologies with useful genes for downstream applications in the future.
PACSIN1 regulates the dynamics of AMPA receptor trafficking
Authors: Widagdo Jocelyn , Fang Huaqiang , Jang Se Eun , Anggono Victor
Published: August 2016

Dynamic trafficking of AMPA receptors (AMPARs) into and out of synapses plays an important role in synaptic plasticity. We previously reported that the protein kinase C and casein kinase II substrate in neurons (PACSIN) forms a complex with AMPARs through its interaction with the protein interacting with C-kinase 1 (PICK1) to regulate NMDA receptor (NMDAR)-induced AMPAR endocytosis and cerebellar long-term depression. However, the molecular mechanism by which PACSIN regulates the dynamics of AMPAR trafficking remains unclear. Using a pH-sensitive green fluorescent protein, pHluorin, tagged to the extracellular domain of the GluA2 subunit of AMPARs, we demonstrate dual roles for PACSIN1 in controlling the internalization and recycling of GluA2 after NMDAR activation. Structure and function analysis reveals a requirement for the PACSIN1 F-BAR and SH3 domains in controlling these NMDAR-dependent processes. Interestingly, the variable region, which binds to PICK1, is not essential for NMDAR-dependent GluA2 internalization and is required only for the correct recycling of AMPARs. These results indicate that PACSIN is a versatile membrane deformation protein that links the endocytic and recycling machineries essential for dynamic AMPAR trafficking in neurons.
Downregulation of the long noncoding RNA GAS5-AS1 contributes to tumor metastasis in non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Wu Ying , Lyu Hui , Liu Hongbing , Shi Xuefei , Song Yong , Liu Bolin
Published: August 2016

Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) plays pivotal roles in cancer development. To date, only a small number of lncRNAs have been characterized at functional level. Here, we discovered a novel lncRNA termed GAS5-AS1 as a tumor suppressor in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The expression of GAS5-AS1 in NSCLC tumors was much lower than that in the adjacent normal lung tissues. The reduced GAS5-AS1 was significantly correlated with larger tumors, higher TNM stages and lymph node metastasis in NSCLC patients. While ectopic expression or specific knockdown of GAS5-AS1 had no effect on proliferation, cell cycle progression and apoptosis, it dramatically decreased or increased, respectively, NSCLC cell migration and invasion. Overexpression of GAS5-AS1 in NSCLC cells reduced a cohort of molecules (ZEB1, N-cadherin, Vimentin, and/or Snail1) critical for epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Furthermore, the DNA demethylating agent 5-aza-2-deoxycytidine failed to upregulate GAS5-AS1 in NSCLC cells, whereas the pan-HDAC inhibitors panobinostat and SAHA significantly induced GAS5-AS1 in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, GAS5-AS1 can be upregulated by specific knockdown of HDAC1 or HDAC3. Collectively, our data suggest that histone modifications play a major role leading to epigenetic silencing of GAS5-AS1 in NSCLC and subsequently promote tumor metastasis via upregulation of several key EMT markers.
Quantitative assessment of a spatial multicriteria model for highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 in Thailand, and application in Cambodia
Authors: Paul Mathilde C. , Goutard Flavie L. , Roulleau Floriane , Holl Davun , Thanapongtharm Weerapong , Roger François L. , Tran Annelise
Published: August 2016

The Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 (HPAI) virus is now considered endemic in several Asian countries. In Cambodia, the virus has been circulating in the poultry population since 2004, with a dramatic effect on farmers’ livelihoods and public health. In Thailand, surveillance and control are still important to prevent any new H5N1 incursion. Risk mapping can contribute effectively to disease surveillance and control systems, but is a very challenging task in the absence of reliable disease data. In this work, we used spatial multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA) to produce risk maps for HPAI H5N1 in poultry. We aimed to i) evaluate the performance of the MCDA approach to predict areas suitable for H5N1 based on a dataset from Thailand, comparing the predictive capacities of two sources of a priori knowledge (literature and experts), and ii) apply the best method to produce a risk map for H5N1 in poultry in Cambodia. Our results showed that the expert-based model had a very high predictive capacity in Thailand (AUC = 0.97). Applied in Cambodia, MCDA mapping made it possible to identify hotspots suitable for HPAI H5N1 in the Tonlé Sap watershed, around the cities of Battambang and Kampong Cham, and along the Vietnamese border.
Following a potential epileptogenic insult, prolonged high rates of nonlinear dynamical regimes of intermittency type is the hallmark of epileptogenesis
Authors: Rizzi Massimo , Weissberg Itai , Milikovsky Dan Z. , Friedman Alon
Published: August 2016

The lack of a marker of epileptogenesis is an unmet medical need, not only from the clinical perspective but also from the point of view of the pre-clinical research. Indeed, the lack of this kind of marker affects the investigations on the mechanisms of epileptogenesis as well as the development of novel therapeutic approaches aimed to prevent or to mitigate the severity of the incoming epilepsy in humans. In this work, we provide evidence that in an experimental model of epileptogenesis that mimics the alteration of the blood-brain barrier permeability, a key-mechanism that contributes to the development of epilepsy in humans and in animals, the prolonged occurrence in the electrocorticograms (ECoG) of high rates of a nonlinear dynamical regimes known as intermittency univocally characterizes the population of experimental animals which develop epilepsy, hence it can be considered as the first biophysical marker of epileptogenesis.
Emotion dynamics and tinnitus: Daily life data from the “TrackYourTinnitus” application
Authors: Probst Thomas , Pryss Rüdiger , Langguth Berthold , Schlee Winfried
Published: August 2016

It is well established that emotions influence tinnitus, but the role of emotion dynamics remains unclear. The present study investigated emotion dynamics in N = 306 users of the “TrackYourTinnitus” application who completed the Mini-Tinnitus Questionnaire (Mini-TQ) at one assessment point and provided complete data on at least five assessment points for the following state variables: tinnitus loudness, tinnitus distress, arousal, valence. The repeated arousal and valence ratings were used for two operationalizations of emotion dynamics: intra-individual variability of affect intensity (pulse) as well as intra-individual variability of affect quality (spin). Pearson correlation coefficients showed that the Mini-TQ was positively correlated with pulse (r = 0.19; p < 0.05) as well as with spin (r = 0.12; p < 0.05). Multilevel models revealed the following results: increases in tinnitus loudness were more strongly associated with increases in tinnitus distress at higher levels of pulse as well as at higher levels of spin (both p < 0.05), whereby increases in tinnitus loudness correlated even stronger with increases in tinnitus distress when both pulse as well as spin were high (p < 0.05). Moreover, increases in spin were associated with a less favorable time course of tinnitus loudness (p < 0.05). To conclude, equilibrating emotion dynamics might be a potential target in the prevention and treatment of tinnitus.
Characterization of Capacitance, Transport and Recombination Parameters in Hybrid Perovskite and Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Bisquert Juan , Garcia-Belmonte Germà , Mora-Sero Ivan
Published: August 2016

The application of small perturbation frequency techniques to solar cells provides a great deal of information in terms of capacitive and resistive processes that are related to the photophysical mechanisms that lie at the basis of the photovoltaic operation. These methods can be exhaustively exploited to determine bulk and contact effects in the solar cells, and henceforth improve and optimize materials and interfaces. For photovoltaic devices, the main effects of interest in impedance spectroscopy are the capacitive charge storage and the resistive processes of transport and recombination. The combination of these parameters provides important information about properties such as conductivity, diffusion length and carrier lifetime. In this chapter, we provide an extensive review of the present status of knowledge about these aspects of solar cell operation for organic solar cells and hybrid organic–inorganic perovskite solar cells. We describe an exhaustive characterization of capacitive processes, including dielectric relaxation processes, and examine the interpretation of transport and recombination based on a variety of experimental techniques.
Fully synthetic self-adjuvanting MUC1-fibroblast stimulating lipopeptide 1 conjugates as potential cancer vaccines
Authors: Liu Yonghui , Zhang Wenpeng , He Qianqian , Yu Fan , Song Tianbang , Liu Tingting , Zhang Zhenqing , Zhou Jun , Wang Peng George , Zhao Wei
Published: August 2016

We have designed and synthesized MUC1-fibroblast stimulating lipopeptide 1 conjugates as potential self-adjuvanting cancer vaccines using a linear solid phase peptide synthesis strategy.
CO from CO2and fluctuating renewable energy via formic-acid derivatives
Authors: Jens Christian M. , Nowakowski Kristina , Scheffczyk Jan , Leonhard Kai , Bardow André
Published: August 2016

Hydrogen from excess, fluctuating renewable energy is stored in formic acid derivatives, before continuous reforming to CO. This energy storage and conversion is optimized through the integrated selection of formic-acid derivative, solvent and process employed.
Correction: Design, synthesis and antiproliferative activity studies of 1,2,3-triazole–chalcones
Authors: Fu Dong-Jun , Zhang Sai-Yang , Liu Ying-Chao , Yue Xiao-Xin , Liu Jun-Ju , Song Jian , Zhao Ruo-Han , Li Feng , Sun Hui-Hui , Zhang Yan-Bing , Liu Hong-Min
Published: August 2016

Correction for ‘Design, synthesis and antiproliferative activity studies of 1,2,3-triazole–chalcones’ by Dong-Jun Fu et al., Med. Chem. Commun., 2016, DOI: 10.1039/c6md00169f.
An element of atomic number zero?
Authors: Labarca Martín
Published: August 2016

The element zero or “neutronium” was a suggestion proposed by the German chemist Andreas von Antropoff in 1925. Can it really be thought of as an element at the present time?
Defining the origins of electron transfer at screen-printed graphene-like and graphite electrodes: MoO2nanowire fabrication on edge plane sites reveals electrochemical insights
Authors: Rowley-Neale Samuel J. , Brownson Dale A. C. , Banks Craig E.
Published: August 2016

The electrochemical fabrication of MoO2nanowires onto the edge plane like-sites/defects of graphitic screen-printed electrodes reveals fundamental insights concerning the origin of electron transfer on carbon based materials.
Pd-catalyzed cascade allylic alkylation and dearomatization reactions of indoles with vinyloxirane
Authors: Gao Run-Duo , Xu Qing-Long , Dai Li-Xin , You Shu-Li
Published: August 2016

Pd-catalyzed cascade reactions provide rapid construction of structurally diverse tetrahydrocarboline and spiroindolenine derivatives.
Improving fiber alignment by increasing the planar conformation of isoindigo-based conjugated polymers
Authors: Chen Liang , Zhao Kefeng , Chi Shuaijie , Liu Jiangang , Yu Xinhong , Han Yanchun
Published: August 2016

The weak interaction of the side-chain and the coplanar conformation in IID–TT were beneficial for the molecules forming parallel fibers.
A simple and effective crystal growth inhibitor for high performance solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Wang Xiangguo , Su Ying , Wang Yun , Sun Hao , Zhao Jie , Zou Guifu
Published: August 2016

Three simple imidazolium-type ionic liquids with benzene cores (abbreviated as [TMImB][Br] and [TMImB][TFSI]) have been successfully designed, synthesized and characterized.
A marine algal polyphenol, dieckol, attenuates blood glucose levels by Akt pathway in alloxan induced hyperglycemia zebrafish model
Authors: Kim Eun-A , Lee Seung-Hong , Lee Ji-Hyeok , Kang Nalae , Oh Jae-Young , Seun-heui Seun-heui , Ahn Ginnae , Ko Seok Chun , Fernando Shanura P. , Kim Seo-Young , Park Sun-Joo , Kim Young-Tae , Jeon You-Jin
Published: August 2016

The effect of the administering of DK (dieckol) isolated fromEcklonia cavaon the blood glucose level in hyperglycemia zebrafish. Thus, hyperglycemia zebrafish could be efficiently used to evaluate a wide range of anti-diabetic activities.
Bio-based plant oil polymers from ROMP of norbornene modified with triglyceride from crude red palm olein
Authors: Fernandes H. , Souza Filho R. M. , Silva Sá J. L. , Lima-Neto B. S.
Published: August 2016

The obtained plant oil-based copolymers were insoluble in water and in various slightly polar solvents, and swelling up to 800% in chloroform.
A spectroscopic study on surface and structural transitions of carbon nanotubes under different atmospheres
Authors: Moon S. Y.
Published: August 2016

The structural transitions of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) demonstrated under air, Ar, and mixed H2/Ar atmospheres using Raman spectroscopy, which related to C–C stretching on graphene layers.
Employing cobalt sulfide/noble metal composites bi-functional ability for degradation and monitoring by SERS in real time
Authors: Lu Shunkai , Ma Shuzhen , Wang Hui , Shao Mingwang
Published: August 2016

CoS/Au and CoS2/Au composites, via a facile hydrothermal approach combined with in situ reduction, exhibited excellent peroxidase-like catalytic activity and promising SERS performance with satisfactory sensitivity and high reproducibility.
Correction: Molecularly imprinted and nanoengineered camphor soot functionalized PAN-nanofibers for effluent treatment
Authors: Sharma Surabhi , Balasubramanian K.
Published: August 2016

Correction for ‘Molecularly imprinted and nanoengineered camphor soot functionalized PAN-nanofibers for effluent treatment’ by Surabhi Sharma and K. Balasubramanian, RSC Adv., 2015, 5, 31732–31741.
All-thiophene-substituted N-heteroacene electron-donor materials for efficient organic solar cells
Authors: Zhang Yubao , Shi Jiulin , He Xingdao , Tu Guoli
Published: August 2016

N-Heteroacenes could be employed as efficient electron-donor materials when substituted with thiophene groups.
Vapor-enhanced covalently bound ultra-thin films on oxidized surfaces for enhanced resolution imaging
Authors: Jiao Kexin , Zhou Chuanhong , Becerra-Mora Nathalie , Fiske Jared , Kohli Punit
Published: August 2016

Vapor-phase covalently bound siloxane thin films of various functionalities on a variety of surfaces, including glass, aluminum, and polyester, were demonstrated in a one-step process.
Phosphorylation of the dimeric cytoplasmic domain of the phytosulfokine receptor, PSKR1
Authors: Muleya Victor , Marondedze Claudius , Wheeler Janet I. , Thomas Ludivine , Mok Yee-Fong , Griffin Michael D.W. , Manallack David T. , Kwezi Lusisizwe , Lilley Kathryn S. , Gehring Christoph , Irving Helen R.
Published: August 2016

Phytosulfokines (PSKs) are plant peptide hormones that co-regulate plant growth, differentiation and defense responses. PSKs signal through a plasma membrane localized leucine-rich repeat receptor-like kinase (phytosulfokine receptor 1, PSKR1) that also contains a functional cytosolic guanylate cyclase with its cyclase catalytic center embedded within the kinase domain. To functionally characterize this novel type of overlapping dual catalytic function, we investigated the phosphorylation of PSKR1 in vitro. Tandem mass spectrometry of the cytoplasmic domain of PSKR1 (PSKR1cd) revealed at least 11 phosphorylation sites (8 serines, 2 threonines and 1 tyrosine) within the PSKR1cd. Phosphomimetic mutations of three serine residues (Ser686, Ser696 and Ser698) in tandem at the juxta-membrane position resulted in enhanced kinase activity in the on-mutant that was suppressed in the off-mutant, but both mutations reduced guanylate cyclase activity. Both the on and off phosphomimetic mutations of the phosphotyrosine (Tyr888) residue in the activation loop suppressed kinase activity, while neither mutation affected guanylate cyclase activity. Size exclusion and analytical ultracentrifugation analysis of the PSKR1cd suggest that it is reversibly dimeric in solution, which was further confirmed by biflourescence complementation. Taken together, these data suggest that in this novel type of receptor domain architecture, specific phosphorylation and dimerization are possibly essential mechanisms for ligand-mediated catalysis and signaling.
Appropriate RLL coding scheme for effective dimming control in VLC
Authors: Kim K. , Lee K. , Lee K.
Published: August 2016

In visible light communication (VLC), on–off keying (OOK) is able to achieve the best BER performance as compared with variable pulse position modulation. However, OOK has a significant defect that the dimming levels (i.e. brightness) of illumination are greatly affected by the input ratio of 0 and 1 bits. To overcome this drawback, OOK with run length limited (RLL) line codes such as Manchester code or 8B10B block code has been studied in IEEE 802.15.7 VLC standard. However, those mechanisms cannot support the dimming levels more than 50%. Also, spectral efficiency of those mechanisms is reduced and then it is causative of BER performance degradation. An effective RLL line coding scheme is proposed in order to enhance the brightness and BER performance as compared with conventional RLL coding schemes. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed coding scheme is superior to Manchester code and 8B10B block code in terms of the brightness and BER performance.
Preparation and characterisation of single‐crystalline structure Sb/Bi2Te3 superlattice nanowires
Authors: Fu Junli , Shen Jinbo , Shi Honglong , Liang Yujie , Qu Zhen , Wang Wenzhong
Published: August 2016

High figures of merit is important and necessary for thermoelectric materials in a particular engineering application of thermoelectric generation. Crystalline is an important factor for the high figures of merit of thermoelectric materials. Single‐crystalline structure Sb/Bi2Te3 supperlattice nanowires (SLNWs) were synthesised in large quantity by pulsed electrodeposition technology using porous anodic alumina oxide as a template. The X‐ray diffraction result indicates that the as‐prepared compound consists of rhombohedral phase Bi2Te3 and monoclinic phase Sb. Transmission electron microscope images demonstrate that the segments of SLNWs are built by Bi2Te3 and Sb alternately and exhibit the distinguished interface between two segments. The average diameter and length of each segment are about 80 and 90 nm, respectively. The composition of neighbouring segments was investigated by selected area electron diffraction (SAED), further verifying that the neighbouring segments of SLNWs are comprised of Bi2Te3 and Sb. Meanwhile, the spot pattern of SAED indicates these segments are crystallised well.
Reversing CdS and ZnS preparation order on electrospun TiO2 and its effects on photoelectrochemical property
Authors: Li Yue , Gao Fengxian , Zhao Longtao , Ye Yingjie , Liu Jian , Tao Yanzhong
Published: August 2016

CdS and ZnS co‐sensitised one‐dimensional TiO2 nanofibres were successfully prepared by a combination of electrospinning and successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) process because both electrospinning and SILAR method are inexpensive and scalable techniques. The composites of CdS‐ZnS/TiO2 heterojunctions were compared with electrode containing only CdS being superior in terms of photoelectrochemical tests. The results showed that the photocurrent of CdS‐ZnS/TiO2 nanofibres was seven times than that of CdS/TiO2 nanofibres and seven times than that of pure TiO2 nanofibres. The increased photocurrent is depended on the preparation order of ZnS and CdS on TiO2 nanofibres.
Amplification of ultra-short laser pulses via resonant backward Raman amplification in plasma
Authors: Mishra S. K. , Andreev A.
Published: August 2016

In this paper, we have examined the possibility of using resonant backward Raman amplification (BRA) as an efficient mechanism in amplifying the low intensity ultra-short (≤fs) pulses using plasma as intermediate amplifying medium; such pulses are anticipated to get produced in the form of the secondary sources at ALPS (Attosecond Light Pulse Source) center of ELI (Extreme Light Infrastructure). In preliminary assessment of the scheme, the analytical expressions for the pump/seed laser pulses and plasma characteristic features are obtained which concisely describe the parameter regime of resonant BRA applicability in achieving significant amplification. The consistency of the scheme in the context of ELI-ALPS sources has been validated through particle in cell (PIC) simulations. The peak intensity of the amplified seed pulse predicted via simulation results is found in reasonable agreement with the analytical estimates. Utilizing these analytical expressions as a basis in perspective of ELI-ALPS parameter access, a specific example displaying the key plasma and laser parameters for amplifying weak seed pulse has been configured; the limitations and conceivable remedies in resonant BRA implementation have also been highlighted.
An improved fuzzy logic control MPPT based P&O method to solve fast irradiation change problem
Authors: Boukezata Boualem , Chaoui Abdelmadjid , Gaubert Jean-Paul , Hachemi Mabrouk
Published: August 2016

This paper proposes a fuzzy control method for tracking maximum power point in photovoltaic (PV) power systems to solve a fast irradiation change problem. Perturb and Observe (P&O) is known as a very simple maximum power point tracking and is extensively disseminated. Fuzzy logic is also simple to investigate and provides fast dynamics. The suggested technique combines both fuzzy logic and P&O advantages. A fuzzy logic-based P&O algorithm is illustrated to identify the fault direction tracking of conventional P&O algorithm under trapezoidal irradiation change. The proposed algorithm is verified using Matlab/Simulink™ software. The robust tracking capability under rapidly increasing and decreasing irradiance is verified experimentally with a PV array emulator. Simulation and experimental results confirm that the proposed algorithm provides effective, fast, and accurate tracking compared to the conventional P&O algorithm.
Pasture production and composition response after killing Eucalypt trees with herbicides in central Queensland
Authors: Hall Trevor J. , Jones Paul , Silcock Richard G. , Filet Piet G.
Published: August 2016

Clearing woodlands is practised worldwide to increase crop and livestock production, but can result in unintended consequences including woody regrowth and land degradation. The pasture response of two eucalypt woodlands in the central Queensland rangelands to killing trees with herbicides, in the presence or absence of grazing and regular spring burning, was recorded over 7 or 8 years to determine the long-term sustainability of these common practices. Herbage mass and species composition plus tree dynamics were monitored in two replicated experiments at each site. For 8 years following herbicide application, killing Eucalyptus populnea F. Muell. (poplar box) trees resulted in a doubling of native pasture herbage mass from that of the pre-existing woodland, with a tree basal area of 8.7 m2 ha–1. Conversely, over 7 years with a similar range of seasons, killing E. melanophloia F. Muell. (silver-leaved ironbark) trees of a similar tree basal area had little impact on herbage mass grown or on pasture composition for the first 4 years before production then increased. Few consistent changes in pasture composition were recorded after killing the trees, although there was an increase in the desirable grasses Dichanthium sericeum (R. Br.) A. Camus (Queensland bluegrass) and Themeda triandra Forssk. (kangaroo grass) when grazed conservatively. Excluding grazing allowed more palatable species of the major grasses to enhance their prominence, but seasonal conditions still had a major influence on their production in particular years. Pasture crown basal area was significantly higher where trees had been killed, especially in the poplar box woodland. Removing tree competition did not have a major effect on pasture composition that was independent of other management impositions or seasons, and it did not result in a rapid increase in herbage mass in both eucalypt communities. The slow pasture response to tree removal at one site indicates that regional models and economic projections relating to tree clearing require community-specific inputs.
Loss of Gα12/13exacerbates apical area dependence of actomyosin contractility
Authors: Xie Shicong , Mason Frank M. , Martin Adam C.
Published: August 2016

During development, coordinated cell shape changes alter tissue shape. In the Drosophila ventral furrow and other epithelia, apical constriction of hundreds of epithelial cells folds the tissue. Genes in the Gα12/13pathway coordinate collective apical constriction, but the mechanism of coordination is poorly understood. Coupling live-cell imaging with a computational approach to identify contractile events, we discovered that differences in constriction behavior are biased by initial cell shape. Disrupting Gα12/13exacerbates this relationship. Larger apical area is associated with delayed initiation of contractile pulses, lower apical E-cadherin and F-actin levels, and aberrantly mobile Rho-kinase structures. Our results suggest that loss of Gα12/13disrupts apical actin cortex organization and pulse initiation in a size-dependent manner. We propose that Gα12/13robustly organizes the apical cortex despite variation in apical area to ensure the timely initiation of contractile pulses in a tissue with heterogeneity in starting cell shape.
Upper limits on the 21 cm power spectrum at z = 5.9 from quasar absorption line spectroscopy
Authors: Pober Jonathan C. , Greig Bradley , Mesinger Andrei
Published: August 2016

We present upper limits on the 21 cm power spectrum at z = 5.9 calculated from the model-independent limit on the neutral fraction of the intergalactic medium of $x_{{\rm H\,\small {I}}} < 0.06 + 0.05\ (1\sigma )$ derived from dark pixel statistics of quasar absorption spectra. Using 21CMMC, a Markov chain Monte Carlo Epoch of Reionization analysis code, we explore the probability distribution of 21 cm power spectra consistent with this constraint on the neutral fraction. We present 99 per cent confidence upper limits of Δ2(k) < 10–20 mK2 over a range of k from 0.5 to 2.0 h Mpc−1, with the exact limit dependent on the sampled k mode. This limit can be used as a null test for 21 cm experiments: a detection of power at z = 5.9 in excess of this value is highly suggestive of residual foreground contamination or other systematic errors affecting the analysis.
Increase in Middle East Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus Cases in Saudi Arabia Linked to Hospital Outbreak With Continued Circulation of Recombinant Virus, July 1–August 31, 2015
Authors: Assiri Abdullah M. , Biggs Holly M. , Abedi Glen R. , Lu Xiaoyan , Bin Saeed Abdulaziz , Abdalla Osman , Mohammed Mutaz , Al-Abdely Hail M. , Algarni Homoud S. , Alhakeem Raafat F. , Almasri Malak M. , Alsharef Ali A. , Nooh Randa , Erdman Dean D. , Gerber Susan I. , Watson John T.
Published: August 2016

During July–August 2015, the number of cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) reported from Saudi Arabia increased dramatically. We reviewed the 143 confirmed cases from this period and classified each based upon likely transmission source. We found that the surge in cases resulted predominantly (90%) from secondary transmission largely attributable to an outbreak at a single healthcare facility in Riyadh. Genome sequencing of MERS coronavirus from 6 cases demonstrated continued circulation of the recently described recombinant virus. A single unique frameshift deletion in open reading frame 5 was detected in the viral sequence from 1 case.
NUCLEAR FACTOR Y, subunit A (NF-YA) proteins positively regulate flowering and act throughFLOWERING LOCUS T
Authors: Siriwardana Chamindika L. , Gnesutta Nerina , Kumimoto Roderick W. , Jones Daniel S. , Myers Zachary A. , Mantovani Roberto , Holt Ben F
Published: August 2016

Photoperiod dependent flowering is one of several mechanisms used by plants to initiate the developmental transition from vegetative growth to reproductive growth. The NUCLEAR FACTOR Y (NF-Y) transcription factors are heterotrimeric complexes composed of NF-YA and histone-fold domain (HFD) containing NF-YB/NF-YC, that initiate photoperiod-dependent flowering by cooperatively interacting with CONSTANS (CO) to drive the expression ofFLOWERING LOCUS T (FT). This involves NF-Y and CO binding at distalCCAATand proximal “CORE” elements, respectively, in theFTpromoter. While this is well established for the HFD subunits, there remains some question over the potential role of NF-YA as either positive or negative regulators of this process. Here we provide strong support, in the form of genetic and biochemical analyses, that NF-YA, in complex with NF-YB/NF-YC proteins, can directly bind the distalCCAATbox in theFTpromoter and are positive regulators of flowering in anFT-dependent manner.

Author Summary

For plants to have reproductive success, they must time their flowering with the most beneficial biotic and abiotic environmental conditions - after all, reproductive success would likely be low if flowers developed when pollinators were not present or freezing temperatures were on the horizon. Proper timing mechanisms for flowering vary significantly between different species, but can be connected to a variety of environmental cues, including water availability, temperature, and day length. Numerous labs have studied the molecular aspects of these timing mechanisms and discovered that many of these pathways converge on the geneFLOWERING LOCUS T (FT). This means that understanding precisely how this gene is regulated can teach us a lot about many plant species in both natural and agricultural settings. In the current study, we focus on day length as an essential cue for flowering in the plant speciesArabidopsis thaliana. We further unravel the complexity ofFTregulation by clarifying the roles ofNUCLEAR FACTOR Ygenes in day length perception.