bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Device pre‐conditioning and steady‐state temperature dependence of CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite solar cells
Authors: Dunbar Ricky B. , Moustafa Walied , Pascoe Alexander R. , Jones Timothy W. , Anderson Kenrick F. , Cheng Yi‐Bing , Fell Christopher J. , Wilson Gregory J.
Published: November 2016

The recent rise in power conversion efficiencies reported for perovskite solar cells has been a remarkable development in photovoltaics research. It is now pressing that the technology transitions from a research phenomenon to a real‐world deployable device: this will require both robust methods for efficiency measurement, and accurate models for performance variation at different conditions. However, the generally slow response of perovskite solar cells to changes in voltage bias and irradiance, and the susceptibility of these cells to degradation, presents significant challenges. In this paper, we investigate current and voltage stabilisation of planar CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite solar cells and observe remarkably large variations in stabilisation time depending on exposure history. To address this, we demonstrate a dynamic approach that continues device pre‐conditioning until pre‐determined stability criteria are met. This approach is then employed to obtain measurements of short‐circuit current and open‐circuit voltage temperature coefficients under quasi‐steady‐state conditions for perovskite devices and a control monocrystalline silicon cell. The obtained open‐circuit voltage temperature coefficient for the perovskite is −2700 ppm/°C, which interestingly, is similar to typically reported values for crystalline silicon devices. It is shown that the implemented approach can successfully differentiate between transient responses to the onset of illumination and true temperature related changes. We also find new manifestations of the complex transient processes that occur in perovskite devices. These observations highlight the importance of sophisticated characterisation approaches for correct characterisation of the performance of perovskite solar cells. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Relaxation spectra of polymers and phenomena of electrical and hydrophobic recovery: Interplay between bulk and surface properties of polymers
Authors: Pogreb Roman , Loew Ron , Bormashenko Edward , Whyman Gene , Multanen Victor , Shulzinger Evgeny , Abramovich Amir , Rozban Daniel , Shulzinger Alexander , Zussman Eyal , Arinstein Arkadii , Vasilyev Gleb , Malkin Alexander Ya.
Published: November 2016

Low‐density polyethylene, polypropylene, and polycarbonate were exposed to cold air plasma treatment. The decay of electret response, hydrophobic recovery, and mechanical relaxation of polymers were studied experimentally. The three‐exponential decay kinetic model was used for the treatment of mechanical and electret responses. The characteristic time scales of mechanical and electret responses turned out to be very close. The “longest” relaxation time, extracted from the experimental study of the hydrophobic recovery, was also close to the corresponding characteristic time spans of electret and mechanical responses. The kinetics of surface processes taking place in polymers is controlled by the mobility of their functional groups, represented by the bulk relaxation spectra. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys.2017,55, 198–205
Apigenin Inhibits Cancer Stem Cell‐Like Phenotypes in Human Glioblastoma Cells via Suppression of c‐Met Signaling
Authors: Kim Boram , Jung Narae , Lee Sanghun , Sohng Jae Kyung , Jung Hye Jin
Published: November 2016

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly malignant human brain tumor with limited treatment choices. The extremely aggressive characteristics of GBM result from GBM stem cells (GSCs), a subpopulation in tumor having self‐renewal potential and resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Therefore, eliminating GSCs is an effective strategy to treat this fatal disease. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic effects of dietary flavonoids, including apigenin, quercetin, and naringenin, against cancer stem cell‐like phenotypes of human GBM cell lines U87MG and U373MG. Among flavonoids studied, apigenin and quercetin significantly suppressed not only the self‐renewal capacity such as cell growth and clonogenicity, but also the invasiveness of GBM stem‐like cells. Notably, apigenin blocked the phosphorylation of c‐Met and its downstream effectors, transducer and activator of transcription 3, AKT (Protein kinase B), and mitogen‐activated protein kinase in the GSCs, thereby reducing the expression levels of GSC markers such as CD133, Nanog, and Sox2. These results suggest that the GSC inhibition effect of apigenin may be caused by downregulation of c‐Met signaling pathway.
g‐C3N4/TiO2 Nanocomposites for Degradation of Ciprofloxacin under Visible Light Irradiation
Authors: Yang Zhen , Yan Jia , Lian Jiabiao , Xu Hui , She Xiaojie , Li Huaming
Published: November 2016

The graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4), possessing the suitable band gap (2.7 eV), is benefit for TiO2 modification and improving photocatalytic efficiency for the degradation of organic pollutants under visible light irradiation. In this work, the g‐C3N4/TiO2 nanocomposites were synthesized by using a simple sol‐gel method. It was demonstrated that the hybridization between TiO2 nanoparticles and g‐C3N4 was successfully formed. The DRS analysis showed that the addition of g‐C3N4 improved the optical absorption of TiO2 in the visible region, and it means that more light energy could be absorbed for enhancing the photocatalytic activity. The g‐C3N4/TiO2 nanocomposites showed superior photocatalytic performance for the degradation of ciprofloxacin (CIP) under visible light irradiation, compared with pure TiO2 and commercial P25 (Degussa). Moreover, radical trap experiment was carried out, which indicated that the hole acted as the main reactive species for the photocatalytic degradation of CIP. A possible photocatalytic mechanism of g‐C3N4/TiO2 nanocomposite for the enhanced degradation of CIP under visible light irradiation was also proposed.
Optimizing sorting algorithms by using sorting networks
Authors: Codish Michael , Cruz-Filipe Luís , Nebel Markus , Schneider-Kamp Peter
Published: November 2016

In this paper, we show how the theory of sorting networks can be applied to synthesize optimized general-purpose sorting libraries. Standard sorting libraries are often based on combinations of the classic Quicksort algorithm, with insertion sort applied as base case for small, fixed, numbers of inputs. Unrolling the code for the base case by ignoring loop conditions eliminates branching, resulting in code equivalent to a sorting network. By replacing it with faster sorting networks, we can improve the performance of these algorithms. We show that by considering the number of comparisons and swaps alone we are not able to predict any real advantage of this approach. However, significant speed-ups are obtained when taking advantage of instruction level parallelism and non-branching conditional assignment instructions, both of which are common in modern CPU architectures. Furthermore, a close control of how often registers have to be spilled to memory gives us a complete explanation of the performance of different sorting networks, allowing us to choose an optimal one for each particular architecture. Our experimental results show that using code synthesized from these efficient sorting networks as the base case for Quicksort libraries results in significant real-world speed-ups.
CLA Has a Useful Effect on Bone Markers in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Aryaeian N. , Shahram F. , Djalali M.
Published: November 2016

Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic, chronic disease which may increase the risk of osteoporosis. This study was carried out in order to examine the effect of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) on bone markers in rheumatoid arthritis disease which is the most common autoimmune disease. The present study is a randomized double‐blind clinical trial. Subjects included 52 patients with active rheumatoid arthritis who were divided into two groups. Group I received standard treatment plus 2 daily 1.25 g capsules (Containing about 2 g of 9‐cis 11‐trans isomer and 10‐cis 12‐trans isomer in ratio of 50 −50 CLA in glycerinated form), Group II received standard treatment plus 2 Placebo 1.25 g capsules containing sunflower oil with high oleic acid. Telopeptides C, osteocalcin, and MMP3 were analyzed by ELISA method, PGE2 was done by competitive enzymatic immunoassay method, and IGF‐1 was analyzed by the IRMA method based on the sandwich method and ALK‐P of bone. Before and after the intervention, the questionnaires about general information, nutrition assessment and medical history were filled out by the subjects. Nutritional assessment was done by a 24‐h record questionnaire for the three‐day diet. The results were analyzed using SPSS software (version 18). Findings: There was no significant difference between the groups in enzyme activity of ALK‐P of bone, PGE2 and MMP3 variables. However, differences between the two groups in terms of activity of telopeptides C, Osteocalcin, and IGF1 were significant (P < 0.05). CLA has a potentially beneficial effect on bone markers in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Therefore, in order to study the effect of CLA on bone health in patients with RA and all patients with autoimmune and bone diseases more studies with longer duration and evaluation of bone mass density are required.
Antithrombotic Strategy in Cerebral Venous Thrombosis: Differences Between Neurologist and Hematologist Respondents in a Canadian Survey
Authors: Field Thalia S. , Camden Marie-Christine , Al-Shimemeri Sohaila , Lui Gary , Lee Agnes Y.Y.
Published: November 2016

Patterns of practice for management of cerebral venous thrombosis in Canada are unknown. We surveyed Canadian neurologists and hematologists regarding anticoagulation in cerebral venous thrombosis. The response rate was 28%, with 27 neurologists and 20 hematologists responding. We found that choice of first-line initial anticoagulation differed significantly between neurologists and hematologists, with 89% of neurologists favouring unfractionated heparin and hematologists’ preference split between unfractionated heparin (50%) and low-molecular-weight heparin (50%). Differences in patterns of practice likely reflect clinical equipoise.
Local surface mass-balance reconstruction from a tephra layer – a case study on the northern slope of Mýrdalsjökull, Iceland
Authors: MAYER CHRISTOPH , JAENICKE JULIA , LAMBRECHT ASTRID , BRAUN LUDWIG , VÖLKSEN CHRISTOF , MINET CHRISTIAN , MÜNZER ULRICH
Published: November 2016

Most Icelandic glaciers show high-accumulation rates during winter and strong surface melting during summer. Although it is difficult to establish and maintain mass-balance programs on these glaciers, mass-balance series do exist for several of the ice caps (Björnsson and others, 2013). We make use of the frequent volcanic eruptions in Iceland, which cause widespread internal tephra layers in the ice caps, to reconstruct the surface mass balance (SMB) in the ablation zone. This method requires information about surface geometry and ice velocity, derived from remote-sensing information. In addition, the emergence angle of the tephra layer needs to be known. As a proof-of-concept, we utilize a prominent tephra layer of the Mýrdalsjökull Ice Cap to infer local SMB estimates in the ablation area back to 1988. Using tephra-layer outcrop locations across the glacier at different points in time it is possible to determine local mass changes (loss and redistribution) for a large part of the ablation zone, without the use of historic elevation models, which often are not available.
Time-Varying Risk Premiums in the Framework of Wine Investment
Authors: Le Fur Eric , Ben Ameur Hachmi , Faye Benoit
Published: November 2016

This article examines the time-varying risk premium with reference to investments in fine wines. Unlike previous studies, our article focuses on this issue within the context of the financial crisis. To do this, we propose the use of a conditional capital asset pricing model and a multivariate generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity model on several appellation wines worldwide. We find that Bordeaux fine wines were more volatile during the financial crisis and are less volatile in non-crisis periods. In addition, while the volatility of Burgundy wines is second only to Bordeaux wines, non-French fine wines (Australia, Italy, and USA) exhibit inverse volatility trends to French fine wines. (JEL Classifications: C50, G01, G11, Q13)
Demand for Wine and Alcoholic Beverages in the European Union: A Monolithic Market?
Authors: Mitchell Lorraine
Published: November 2016

The European Union (EU) is a major producer, importer, and consumer of wine, as well as other alcoholic beverages. Although it is possible to characterize demand for the EU as a whole, there is variation across the 27 countries that make up the EU. This research uses a simple standard model of demand and some descriptive statistics to characterize demand for alcoholic beverages and to identify four separate subgroups within the EU with different characteristics of wine and beer demand. Changing tastes over time turn out to be important in determining demand. (JEL Classifications: D12, F1, F15)
Genetic improvement of feed conversion ratio via indirect selection against lipid deposition in farmed rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykissWalbaum)
Authors: Kause Antti , Kiessling Anders , Martin Samuel A. M. , Houlihan Dominic , Ruohonen Kari
Published: November 2016

In farmed fish, selective breeding for feed conversion ratio (FCR) may be possible via indirectly selecting for easily-measured indicator traits correlated with FCR. We tested the hypothesis that rainbow trout with low lipid% have genetically better FCR, and that lipid% may be genetically related to retention efficiency of macronutrients, making lipid% a useful indicator trait. A quantitative genetic analysis was used to quantify the benefit of replacing feed intake in a selection index with one of three lipid traits: body lipid%, muscle lipid% or viscera% weight of total body weight (reflecting visceral lipid). The index theory calculations showed that simultaneous selection for weight gain and against feed intake (direct selection to improve FCR) increased the expected genetic response in FCR by 1·50-fold compared with the sole selection for growth. Replacing feed intake in the selection index with body lipid%, muscle lipid% or viscera% increased genetic response in FCR by 1·29-, 1·49- and 1·02-fold, respectively, compared with the sole selection for growth. Consequently, indirect selection for weight gain and against muscle lipid% was almost as effective as direct selection for FCR. Fish with genetically low body and muscle lipid% were more efficient in turning ingested protein into protein weight gain. Both physiological and genetic mechanisms promote the hypothesis that low-lipid% fish are more efficient. These results highlight that in breeding programmes of rainbow trout, control of lipid deposition improves not only FCR but also protein-retention efficiency. This improves resource efficiency of aquaculture and reduces nutrient load to the environment.
The effect of temperature on the development and reproduction ofBusseola fusca(Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Glatz J. , du Plessis H. , Van den Berg J.
Published: November 2016

The effect of temperature on the reproduction and development ofBusseola fuscawas studied under laboratory conditions. Single male–female pairs were confined to oviposition chambers kept at 15, 20, 26 and 30 ± 1°C and a 14L:10D photoperiod. Data on reproduction parameters were captured daily. Oviposition occurred at all the mentioned temperatures but no fertility was recorded at 30°C. The total number of eggs laid per female moth was between 300 and 400 and the optimum temperature for oviposition and fertility was between 20 and 26°C. Larval development was studied at five different temperature regimes, i.e. 15, 18, 20, 26 and 30 ± 1°C and a 14L:10D photoperiod. The most favourable temperature as well as the upper threshold temperature for larval development was between 26 and 30°C. Total development period was 152.6–52.6 days, respectively, at 15°C, and 26–30°C. The thermal constants forB. fuscawas 99.50, 536.48, 246.25 and 893.66°D and lower temperature thresholds were 10.36, 8.14, 8.99 and 8.84°C, for completion of the egg, larval, pupal and egg-to-adult stages, respectively. Results on the thermal constants and lower and upper threshold temperatures ofB. fuscacan be used to predict the impact of climate change on the distribution and population growth of this pest.
Insecticidal activity of a Moroccan strain ofStreptomyces phaeochromogenesLD-37 on larvae, pupae and adults of the Mediterranean fruit fly,Ceratitis capitata(Diptera: Tephritidae)
Authors: Samri S.E. , Baz M. , Ghalbane I. , El Messoussi S. , Zitouni A. , El Meziane A. , Barakate M.
Published: November 2016

The Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly),Ceratitis capitata, is considered the most important fruit pest worldwide. Its management is mainly based on the use of chemical insecticides. Although these conventional pesticides are effective at high doses, they cause considerable human health and environment problems. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess insecticidal activity of Moroccan actinobacteria againstC. capitata. A total of 12 preselected actinobacteria isolated from various Moroccan habitats were screened for their insecticidal activity against larvae, pupae and adults ofC. capitata. Four actinobacteria isolates were significantly active against the first-instar larvae, and nine were active against the medfly adult, while no significant mortality was obtained against the third-instar larval and pupal stages. Among the selected isolates, the biological screening revealed that strainStreptomycesLD-37, which showed 99.4% similarity withStreptomyces phaeochromogenes, exhibited the maximal corrected larval mortality of 98%. Moreover, the isolates AS1 and LD-37 showed the maximum significant corrected mortality against adults of 32.5 and 28.2%, respectively. The crude extract obtained from a fermented culture of strainS. phaeochromogenesLD-37 was separated into six fractions by thin layer chromatography. Fractions F3 and F4 caused a significant corrected larval mortality of 66.7 and 53.3%, respectively; whereas the maximum reduction in adult emergence was obtained with fraction F4. This finding could be useful for utilizingS. phaeochromogenesLD-37 as an alternative to chemical insecticides in pest management ofC. capitata.
Diversity of tortricid moths in apple orchards: evidence for a cryptic species ofGrapholita(Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) from China
Authors: Zheng Y. , Wu R.X. , Dorn S. , Chen M.H.
Published: November 2016

Understanding herbivore diversity both at the species and genetic levels is a key to effective pest management. We examined moth samples from multiple locations from a major apple growing region in China. For specimen collection, we used a pheromone trap designed to attractGrapholita molesta(Busck) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae). Surprisingly, we found a second species captured at high proportions. Its external morphology (e.g., male genitalia and forewing coloration) was the same as forGrapholita funebranaTreitschke (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) specimens from Europe. However, the barcode sequence of the mitochondrial gene cytochrome oxidase I (COI) diverged markedly between specimens from China and Europe, and the genetic distance value between the specimens from the two regions as estimated using the Juke-Cantor (JC) model amounted to 0.067. These morphological and molecular findings together point to a cryptic species inG. funebranafrom China. Further molecular analyses based on COI and COII genes revealed its extremely high genetic diversity, indicating that the origin of this species includes the sampling region. Moreover, molecular data suggest that this species passed through a recent population expansion. This is the first report on a cryptic species inG. funebrana, as well as the first report on its genetic diversity.
‘The localmwananchihas lost trust’: design, transition and legitimacy in Kenyan election management
Authors: Erlich Aaron , Kerr Nicholas
Published: November 2016

Across African democracies, maintaining popular trust in electoral management bodies (EMBs) is vital to enhancing election integrity and, ultimately, regime legitimacy. However, scholars have largely sidestepped any systematic analysis of how citizens formulate their attitudes towards EMBs and how these attitudes vary over time. To address these gaps in the literature, we focus on Kenyan EMBs, which have experienced fluctuating popular support since the ruinous 2007 elections and subsequent institutional reforms. Using primary election reports and original survey and focus group data, we analyse the sources of Kenyans' trust in EMBs from 1992 onward and probe the 2013 election period deeply. Across time, we find that confidence in EMBs usually collapses after polarised elections, due to perceived problems with the EMB's autonomy and capacity. Following the 2013 elections, Kenyans were also more likely to lose confidence in the EMB if they were affiliated with losing presidential candidates or if they were critical of EMB performance.
Making an impact from the margins? Civil society groups in Zimbabwe's interim power-sharing process
Authors: Aeby Michael
Published: November 2016

The paper examines the role of civil society organisations (CSOs) in Zimbabwe's interim power-sharing process. It identifies CSOs’ organisational capacity, nature of engagement in the political process and relations with the power-sharing parties as the principal issues affecting CSOs’ ability to promote peace-making and democratisation in the context of a transitional executive power-sharing process. Based on these analytical themes, the case analysis argues that CSOs’ sway on the transition was particularly constrained by organisational fragmentation and disunity, divergent strategies vis-à-vis the interregnum, diminishing access to political elites, the latter's refusal to permit greater civic involvement, and continued repression.
TESTING FOR CHANGES IN KENDALL’S TAU
Authors: Dehling Herold , Vogel Daniel , Wendler Martin , Wied Dominik
Published: November 2016

For a bivariate time series ((Xi,Yi))i=1,...,n, we want to detect whether the correlation betweenXiandYistays constant for alli= 1,...n. We propose a nonparametric change-point test statistic based on Kendall’s tau. The asymptotic distribution under the null hypothesis of no change follows from a newU-statistic invariance principle for dependent processes. Assuming a single change-point, we show that the location of the change-point is consistently estimated. Kendall’s tau possesses a high efficiency at the normal distribution, as compared to the normal maximum likelihood estimator, Pearson’s moment correlation. Contrary to Pearson’s correlation coefficient, it shows no loss in efficiency at heavy-tailed distributions, and is therefore particularly suited for financial data, where heavy tails are common. We assume the data ((Xi,Yi))i=1,...,nto be stationary andP-near epoch dependent on an absolutely regular process. TheP-near epoch dependence condition constitutes a generalization of the usually consideredLp-near epoch dependence allowing for arbitrarily heavy-tailed data. We investigate the test numerically, compare it to previous proposals, and illustrate its application with two real-life data examples.
Linear lambda terms as invariants of rooted trivalent maps
Authors: ZEILBERGER NOAM
Published: November 2016

The main aim of the paper is to give a simple and conceptual account for the correspondence (originally described by Bodini, Gardy, and Jacquot) between α-equivalence classes of closed linear lambda terms and isomorphism classes of rooted trivalent maps on compact-oriented surfaces without boundary, as an instance of a more general correspondence between linear lambda terms with a context of free variables and rooted trivalent maps with a boundary of free edges. We begin by recalling a familiar diagrammatic representation for linear lambda terms, while at the same time explaining how such diagrams may be read formally as a notation for endomorphisms of a reflexive object in a symmetric monoidal closed (bi)category. From there, the “easy” direction of the correspondence is a simple forgetful operation which erases annotations on the diagram of a linear lambda term to produce a rooted trivalent map. The other direction views linear lambda terms as complete invariants of their underlying rooted trivalent maps, reconstructing the missing information through a Tutte-style topological recurrence on maps with free edges. As an application in combinatorics, we use this analysis to enumerate bridgeless rooted trivalent maps as linear lambda terms containing no closed proper subterms, and conclude by giving a natural reformulation of the Four Color Theorem as a statement about typing in lambda calculus.
A Mathematical Model for Determining Carbon Coating Thickness and Its Application in Electron Probe Microanalysis
Authors: Zhang Ruo-Xi , Yang Shui-Yuan
Published: November 2016

In electron probe microanalysis where materials are coated with a thin conductive carbon coat before analysis, the X-ray intensity detected from a specimen may be affected to various degrees by the thickness of the carbon coating. Differences in the carbon film thickness between specimens and standards may lead to errors in analytical results, particular for lower energy X-rays. In this study, we demonstrate that the location and the distance of the specimen relative to the carbon tip in the coating chamber can affect the thickness of the carbon film produced on the specimen surface during carbon coating. The closer the specimen is to the carbon tip contacting point, the thicker is the carbon film deposited. A mathematical model to calculate the carbon film thickness at different locations on the coater plate is established, based on the assumption that carbon atoms evaporate from the carbon tip equally in all directions during the coating process. In order to reduce the differences in the carbon coating thickness, we suggest moving the carbon rod to a higher position, moving the thinner samples to the center and thicker samples to the edge of the coater plate, and using a rotating circular coater plate during coating.
Potent and selective chemical probe of hypoxic signalling downstream of HIF-α hydroxylation via VHL inhibition
Authors: Frost Julianty , Galdeano Carles , Soares Pedro , Gadd Morgan S. , Grzes Katarzyna M. , Ellis Lucy , Epemolu Ola , Shimamura Satoko , Bantscheff Marcus , Grandi Paola , Read Kevin D. , Cantrell Doreen A. , Rocha Sonia , Ciulli Alessio
Published: November 2016

Chemical strategies to using small molecules to stimulate hypoxia inducible factors (HIFs) activity and trigger a hypoxic response under normoxic conditions, such as iron chelators and inhibitors of prolyl hydroxylase domain (PHD) enzymes, have broad-spectrum activities and off-target effects. Here we disclose VH298, a potent VHL inhibitor that stabilizes HIF-α and elicits a hypoxic response via a different mechanism, that is the blockade of the VHL:HIF-α protein–protein interaction downstream of HIF-α hydroxylation by PHD enzymes. We show that VH298 engages with high affinity and specificity with VHL as its only major cellular target, leading to selective on-target accumulation of hydroxylated HIF-α in a concentration- and time-dependent fashion in different cell lines, with subsequent upregulation of HIF-target genes at both mRNA and protein levels. VH298 represents a high-quality chemical probe of the HIF signalling cascade and an attractive starting point to the development of potential new therapeutics targeting hypoxia signalling.
Genomic Variants Associated with Resistance to High Fat Diet Induced Obesity in a Primate Model
Authors: Harris R. Alan , Alcott Callison E. , Sullivan Elinor L. , Takahashi Diana , McCurdy Carrie E. , Comstock Sarah , Baquero Karalee , Blundell Peter , Frias Antonio E. , Kahr Maike , Suter Melissa , Wesolowski Stephanie , Friedman Jacob E. , Grove Kevin L. , Aagaard Kjersti M.
Published: November 2016

Maternal obesity contributes to an increased risk of lifelong morbidity and mortality for both the mother and her offspring. In order to better understand the molecular mechanisms underlying these risks, we previously established and extensively characterized a primate model in Macaca fuscata (Japanese macaque). In prior studies we have demonstrated that a high fat, caloric dense maternal diet structures the offspring’s epigenome, metabolome, and intestinal microbiome. During the course of this work we have consistently observed that a 36% fat diet leads to obesity in the majority, but not all, of exposed dams. In the current study, we sought to identify the genomic loci rendering resistance to obesity despite chronic consumption of a high fat diet in macaque dams. Through extensive phenotyping together with exon capture array and targeted resequencing, we identified three novel single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), two in apolipoprotein B (APOB) and one in phospholipase A2 (PLA2G4A) that significantly associated with persistent weight stability and insulin sensitivity in lean macaques. By application of explicit orthogonal modeling (NOIA), we estimated the polygenic and interactive nature of these loci against multiple metabolic traits and their measures (i.e., serum LDL levels) which collectively render an obesity resistant phenotype in our adult female dams.
Elevated homocysteine levels in type 2 diabetes induce constitutive neutrophil extracellular traps
Authors: Joshi Manjunath B , Baipadithaya Guruprasad , Balakrishnan Aswath , Hegde Mangala , Vohra Manik , Ahamed Rayees , Nagri Shivashankara K , Ramachandra Lingadakai , Satyamoorthy Kapaettu
Published: November 2016

Constitutively active neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) and elevated plasma homocysteine are independent risk factors for Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) associated vascular diseases. Here, we show robust NETosis due to elevated plasma homocysteine levels in T2D subjects and increased components of NETs such as neutrophil elastase and cell free DNA. Cooperative NETs formation was observed in neutrophils exposed to homocysteine, IL-6 and high glucose suggesting acute temporal changes tightly regulate constitutive NETosis. Homocysteine induced NETs by NADPH oxidase dependent and independent mechanisms. Constitutively higher levels of calcium and mitochondrial superoxides under hyperglycemic conditions were further elevated in response to homocysteine leading to accelerated NETosis. Homocysteine showed robust interaction between neutrophils and platelets by inducing platelet aggregation and NETosis in an interdependent manner. Our data demonstrates that homocysteine can alter innate immune function by promoting NETs formation and disturbs homeostasis between platelets and neutrophils which may lead to T2D associated vascular diseases.
A combination of genome-wide association and transcriptome analysis reveals candidate genes controlling harvest index-related traits in Brassica napus
Authors: Lu Kun , Xiao Zhongchun , Jian Hongju , Peng Liu , Qu Cunmin , Fu Minglian , He Bin , Tie Linmei , Liang Ying , Xu Xingfu , Li Jiana
Published: November 2016

Harvest index (HI), the ratio of seed mass to total biomass of the aboveground plant parts, is an important trait for harvestable yield of crops. Unfortunately, HI of Brassica napus is lower than that of other economically important crops. To identify candidate genes associated with high HI, a genome-wide association study of HI and four HI-related traits was conducted with 520 B. napus accessions cultivated in both Yunnan and Chongqing. We detected 294 single nucleotide polymorphisms significantly associated with the abovementioned traits, including 79 SNPs that affected two or more traits. Differentially expressed genes between extremely high- and low-HI accessions were identified in 8 tissues at two cultivated regions. Combination of linkage disequilibrium and transcriptome analyses revealed 33 functional candidate genes located within the confidence intervals of significant SNPs associated with more than one trait, such as SHOOT GRAVITROPISM 5 (Bna.SGR5), ATP-CITRATE LYASE A-3 (Bna.ACLA-3) and CAROTENOID CLEAVAGE DIOXYGENASE 1 (Bna.CCD1), their orthologs in the Arabidopsis thaliana have been shown to play key roles in photosynthesis, inflorescence, and silique development. Our results provide insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying establishment of high-HI B. napus and lay a foundation for characterization of candidate genes aimed at developing high-HI B. napus varieties.
Insights into the Ecotoxicity of Silver Nanoparticles Transferred from Escherichia coli to Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Luo Xun , Xu Shengmin , Yang Yaning , Li Luzhi , Chen Shaopeng , Xu An , Wu Lijun
Published: November 2016

Previous studies have indicated that engineered nanomaterials can be transferred through the food chain. However, their potential ecotoxicity to the environment is not fully understood. Here, we systematically evaluated the physiological behavior and toxicity of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)-coated silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using a food chain model from Escherichia coli (E. coli) to Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). Our results demonstrated that AgNPs accumulated in E. coli could be transferred to the C. elegans, and AgNPs were clearly distributed in the gut lumen, subcutaneous tissue and gonad. After being transferred to C. elegans through the food chain, the accumulated AgNPs caused serious toxicity to the higher trophic level (C. elegans), including effects on germ cell death, reproductive integrity and life span. Relative to larger particles (75 nm), small AgNPs (25 nm) more easily accumulated in the food chain and exhibited a stronger toxicity to the higher trophic level. More importantly, both the AgNPs that had accumulated in C. elegans through the food chain and the resulting impairment of germ cells could be transferred to the next generation, indicating that AgNP can cause genetic damage across generations. Our findings highlight that nanomaterials pose potential ecotoxicity to ecosystems via transport through the food chain.
On-chip, multisite extracellular and intracellular recordings from primary cultured skeletal myotubes
Authors: Rabieh Noha , Ojovan Silviya M. , Shmoel Nava , Erez Hadas , Maydan Eilon , Spira Micha E.
Published: November 2016

In contrast to the extensive use of microelectrode array (MEA) technology in electrophysiological studies of cultured neurons and cardiac muscles, the vast field of skeletal muscle research has yet to adopt the technology. Here we demonstrate an empowering MEA technology for high quality, multisite, long-term electrophysiological recordings from cultured skeletal myotubes. Individual rat skeletal myotubes cultured on micrometer sized gold mushroom-shaped microelectrode (gMμE) based MEA tightly engulf the gMμEs, forming a high seal resistance between the myotubes and the gMμEs. As a consequence, spontaneous action potentials generated by the contracting myotubes are recorded as extracellular field potentials with amplitudes of up to 10 mV for over 14 days. Application of a 10 ms, 0.5–0.9 V voltage pulse through the gMμEs electroporated the myotube membrane, and transiently converted the extracellular to intracellular recording mode for 10–30 min. In a fraction of the cultures stable attenuated intracellular recordings were spontaneously produced. In these cases or after electroporation, subthreshold spontaneous potentials were also recorded. The introduction of the gMμE-MEA as a simple-to-use, high-quality electrophysiological tool together with the progress made in the use of cultured human myotubes opens up new venues for basic and clinical skeletal muscle research, preclinical drug screening, and personalized medicine.
Engineering of band gap states of amorphous SiZnSnO semiconductor as a function of Si doping concentration
Authors: Choi Jun Young , Heo Keun , Cho Kyung-Sang , Hwang Sung Woo , Kim Sangsig , Lee Sang Yeol
Published: November 2016

We investigated the band gap of SiZnSnO (SZTO) with different Si contents. Band gap engineering of SZTO is explained by the evolution of the electronic structure, such as changes in the band edge states and band gap. Using ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS), it was verified that Si atoms can modify the band gap of SZTO thin films. Carrier generation originating from oxygen vacancies can modify the band-gap states of oxide films with the addition of Si. Since it is not easy to directly derive changes in the band gap states of amorphous oxide semiconductors, no reports of the relationship between the Fermi energy level of oxide semiconductor and the device stability of oxide thin film transistors (TFTs) have been presented. The addition of Si can reduce the total density of trap states and change the band-gap properties. When 0.5 wt% Si was used to fabricate SZTO TFTs, they showed superior stability under negative bias temperature stress. We derived the band gap and Fermi energy level directly using data from UPS, Kelvin probe, and high-resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy analyses.
Cytological basis of sterility in male and female hybrids between sibling species of grey voles Microtus arvalis and M. levis
Authors: Torgasheva Anna A. , Borodin Pavel M.
Published: November 2016

To make insight into the cytological basis of reproductive isolation, we examined chromosome synapsis and recombination in sterile male and female hybrids between Microtus arvalis and M. levis. These sibling species differ by a series of chromosomal rearrangements (fusions, inversions, centromere shifts and heterochromatin insertions). We found that meiosis in male hybrids was arrested at leptotene with complete failure of chromosome pairing and DNA double-strand breaks repair. In the female hybrids meiosis proceeded to pachytene; however, the oocytes varied in the degree of pairing errors. Some of them demonstrated almost correct chromosome pairing, while most of them contained a varying number of univalents and multivalents with extensive regions of asynapsis and non-homologous synapsis. Variation between oocytes was probably caused by stochasticity in the ratio of homologous to non-homologous pairing initiations. We suggest that substantial chromosomal and genetic divergence between the parental species affects preliminary alignment of homologues, homology search and elimination of ectopic interhomologue interactions that are required for correct homologous pairing. Apparently, pairing failure in male and aberrant synapsis in female vole hybrids followed by meiotic silencing of unsynapsed chromatin cause apoptosis of gametocytes and sterility.
Predicting Subtype Selectivity for Adenosine Receptor Ligands with Three-Dimensional Biologically Relevant Spectrum (BRS-3D)
Authors: He Song-Bing , Ben Hu  , Kuang Zheng-Kun , Wang Dong , Kong De-Xin
Published: November 2016

Adenosine receptors (ARs) are potential therapeutic targets for Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, pain, stroke and cancers. Prediction of subtype selectivity is therefore important from both therapeutic and mechanistic perspectives. In this paper, we introduced a shape similarity profile as molecular descriptor, namely three-dimensional biologically relevant spectrum (BRS-3D), for AR selectivity prediction. Pairwise regression and discrimination models were built with the support vector machine methods. The average determination coefficient (r2) of the regression models was 0.664 (for test sets). The 2B-3 (A2Bvs A3) model performed best with q2 = 0.769 for training sets (10-fold cross-validation), and r2 = 0.766, RMSE = 0.828 for test sets. The models’ robustness and stability were validated with 100 times resampling and 500 times Y-randomization. We compared the performance of BRS-3D with 3D descriptors calculated by MOE. BRS-3D performed as good as, or better than, MOE 3D descriptors. The performances of the discrimination models were also encouraging, with average accuracy (ACC) 0.912 and MCC 0.792 (test set). The 2A-3 (A2Avs A3) selectivity discrimination model (ACC = 0.882 and MCC = 0.715 for test set) outperformed an earlier reported one (ACC = 0.784). These results demonstrated that, through multiple conformation encoding, BRS-3D can be used as an effective molecular descriptor for AR subtype selectivity prediction.
Influence of tillage practices and straw incorporation on soil aggregates, organic carbon, and crop yields in a rice-wheat rotation system
Authors: Song Ke , Yang Jianjun , Xue Yong , Lv Weiguang , Zheng Xianqing , Pan Jianjun
Published: November 2016

In this study, a fixed-site field experiment was conducted to study the influence of different combinations of tillage and straw incorporation management on carbon storage in different-sized soil aggregates and on crop yield after three years of rice-wheat rotation. Compared to conventional tillage, the percentages of >2 mm macroaggregates and water-stable macroaggregates in rice-wheat double-conservation tillage (zero-tillage and straw incorporation) were increased 17.22% and 36.38% in the 0–15 cm soil layer and 28.93% and 66.34% in the 15–30 cm soil layer, respectively. Zero tillage and straw incorporation also increased the mean weight diameter and stability of the soil aggregates. In surface soil (0–15 cm), the maximum proportion of total aggregated carbon was retained with 0.25–0.106 mm aggregates, and rice-wheat double-conservation tillage had the greatest ability to hold the organic carbon (33.64 g kg−1). However, different forms occurred at higher levels in the 15–30 cm soil layer under the conventional tillage. In terms of crop yield, the rice grown under conventional tillage and the wheat under zero tillage showed improved equivalent rice yields of 8.77% and 6.17% compared to rice-wheat double-cropping under zero tillage or conventional tillage, respectively.
Mapping minimum reflection distribution of surface plasmon resonance with a complex refractive index
Authors: Hong Xin , Lapsley Marta C. , Shang Yunjing , Hall Elizabeth A. H.
Published: November 2016

A holistic approach was taken to consider the dielectric properties of absorbing labels and their effect on the minimum reflection is mapped for the Kretschmann SPR configuration.
Novel method for the extraction and identification of microplastics in ocean trawl and fish gut matrices
Authors: Wagner Jeff , Wang Zhong-Min , Ghosal Sutapa , Rochman Chelsea , Gassel Margy , Wall Stephen
Published: November 2016

This alternative microplastic extraction method employs ultrapure water, ultrasonication, and identification using complementary optical microscopy, SEM/EDS, FTIR, and RMS techniques.
Dual absorption spectral changes by light-triggered shuttling in bistable [2]rotaxanes with non-destructive readout
Authors: Zhan Tian-Guang , Yun Meng-Yan , Lin Jia-Le , Yu Xin-Yao , Zhang Kang-Da
Published: November 2016

The photochromic [2]rotaxanes have dual spectral variation characteristics: the spectral changes of the azobenzene (AB) unit and the charge-transfer band. By employing the CT bond region as output signal, non-destructive readout of optical information could be achieved.
Mechanistic insight into the pyridine enhanced α-selectivity in alkyne hydrothiolation catalysed by quinolinolate–rhodium(i)–N-heterocyclic carbene complexes
Authors: Palacios Laura , Di Giuseppe Andrea , Artigas María José , Polo Victor , Lahoz Fernando J. , Castarlenas Ricardo , Pérez-Torrente Jesús J. , Oro Luis A.
Published: November 2016

Highly Markovnikov-selective RhI–NHC–quinolinolate catalysts in alkyne hydrothiolation are reported.
A novel coordination polymer based on Co(ii) hexanuclear clusters with azide and carboxylate bridges: structure, magnetism and its application as a Li-ion battery anode
Authors: Gong Teng , Lou Xiaobing , Fang Jia-Jia , Gao En-Qing , Hu Bingwen
Published: November 2016

A Co(ii) coordination polymer with azide and a viologen-based tetracarboxylate ligand shows a relatively high reversible capacity with good cycling and rate performance as lithium-ion battery anode.
A comparative study of the antidiabetic effects exerted by live and dead multi-strain probiotics in the type 2 diabetes model of mice
Authors: Li Xiangfei , Xu Qi , Jiang Tian , Fang Shuguang , Wang Gang , Zhao Jianxin , Zhang Hao , Chen Wei
Published: November 2016

A comparative study of the anti-diabetic effects exerted by live and dead multi-strain probiotics in the type 2 diabetes model of mice.
Anti-obesity effects of Arctii Fructus (Arctium lappa) in white/brown adipocytes and high-fat diet-induced obese mice
Authors: Han Yo-Han , Kee Ji-Ye , Kim Dae-Seung , Park Jinbong , Jeong Mi-Young , Mun Jung-Geon , Park Sung-Joo , Lee Jong-Hyun , Um Jae-Young , Hong Seung-Heon
Published: November 2016

Arctii Fructus prevents the development of obesity through the regulation of white/brown adipocytes.
Anti-hyperlipidemia and antioxidant activities of Amygdalus pedunculata seed oil
Authors: Gao Ya , Li Cong , Chen Bang , Shen Ye-hua , Han Jing , Zhao Ming-gao
Published: November 2016

Evaluating the anti-hyperlipidemia and antioxidant activities of AO compared with OO and RSO.
Probing oligomerization of amyloid beta peptide in silico
Authors: Dorosh L. , Stepanova M.
Published: November 2016

Simulations reveal molecular-level details of aggregation of amyloid β peptide that is implicated in fatal Alzheimer's disease.
Antimalarial drug discovery targeting apical membrane antigen 1
Authors: Devine Shane M. , MacRaild Christopher A. , Norton Raymond S. , Scammells Peter J.
Published: November 2016

This review encompasses recent advances in drug discovery targeting apical membrane antigen 1, an essential protein involved in the invasion of host cells by the malaria parasite.
Triterpenoids
Authors: Hill Robert A. , Connolly Joseph D.
Published: November 2016

This review covers the isolation and structure determination of triterpenoids reported during 2013 including squalene derivatives, lanostanes, holostanes, cycloartanes, cucurbitanes, dammaranes, euphanes, tirucallanes, tetranortriterpenoids, quassinoids, lupanes, oleananes, friedelanes, ursanes, hopanes, serratanes, isomalabaricanes and saponins; 350 references are cited.
Effect of glucono-δ-lactone on the structural characteristics of red seabream (Pagrosomus major) surimi
Authors: Fan Daming , Huang Luelue , Yang Feng , Zheng Yan , Cao Hongwei , Huang Jianlian , Liu Xiaoming , Zhao Jianxin , Zhang Hao
Published: November 2016

The influences of glucono-δ-lactone (GDL) on the structural characteristics of red seabream (Pagrosomus major) surimi gel were studied in terms of protein components, secondary structure and aggregation of protein under pasteurisation conditions.
Photochemical synthesis of CeO2 nanoscale particles using sodium azide as a photoactive material: effects of the annealing temperature and polyvinylpyrrolidone addition
Authors: Raudonyte-Svirbutaviciene Eva , Mikoliunaite Lina , Drabavicius Audrius , Juskenas Remigijus , Sakirzanovas Simas , Jüstel Thomas , Katelnikovas Arturas
Published: November 2016

The size of CeO2 nanoparticles can be controlled by VUV irradiation time and post annealing temperature.
Energetics of Sn2+ isomorphic substitution into hydroxylapatite: first-principles predictions
Authors: Weck Philippe F. , Kim Eunja
Published: November 2016

The energetics of Sn2+ substitution into the Ca2+ sublattice of hydroxylapatite, Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2, has been investigated within the framework of DFT.
Optimization of magnetic hyperthermia effect for breast cancer stem cell therapy
Authors: Kwon Yong-Su , Sim Kyunjong , Seo Taeyoon , Lee Jin-Kyu , Kwon Youngwoo , Yoon Tae-Jong
Published: November 2016

For breast cancer stem cell therapy using magnetic hyperthermia, the size of the particles and the alternating magnetic field conditions such as frequency and field strength should be optimized to increase the heating ability.