bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional neuroimaging effects of recently discovered genetic risk loci for schizophrenia and polygenic risk profile in five RDoC subdomains
Authors: Erk S , Mohnke S , Ripke S , Lett T A , Veer I M , Wackerhagen C , Grimm O , Romanczuk-Seiferth N , Degenhardt F , Tost H , Mattheisen M , Mühleisen T W , Charlet K , Skarabis N , Kiefer F , Cichon S , Witt S H , Nöthen M M , Rietschel M , Heinz A , Meyer-Lindenberg A , Walter H
Published: January 2017

Recently, 125 loci with genome-wide support for association with schizophrenia were identified. We investigated the impact of these variants and their accumulated genetic risk on brain activation in five neurocognitive domains of the Research Domain Criteria (working memory, reward processing, episodic memory, social cognition and emotion processing). In 578 healthy subjects we tested for association (i) of a polygenic risk profile score (RPS) including all single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) reaching genome-wide significance in the recent genome-wide association studies (GWAS) meta-analysis and (ii) of all independent genome-wide significant loci separately that showed sufficient distribution of all allelic groups in our sample (105 SNPs). The RPS was nominally associated with perigenual anterior cingulate and posterior cingulate/precuneus activation during episodic memory (PFWE(ROI)=0.047) and social cognition (PFWE(ROI)=0.025), respectively. Single SNP analyses revealed that rs9607782, located near EP300, was significantly associated with amygdala recruitment during emotion processing (PFWE(ROI)=1.63 × 10−4, surpassing Bonferroni correction for the number of SNPs). Importantly, this association was replicable in an independent sample (N=150; PFWE(ROI)<0.025). Other SNP effects previously associated with imaging phenotypes were nominally significant, but did not withstand correction for the number of SNPs tested. To assess whether there was true signal within our data, we repeated single SNP analyses with 105 randomly chosen non-schizophrenia-associated variants, observing fewer significant results and lower association probabilities. Applying stringent methodological procedures, we found preliminary evidence for the notion that genetic risk for schizophrenia conferred by rs9607782 may be mediated by amygdala function. We critically evaluate the potential caveats of the methodological approaches employed and offer suggestions for future studies.
Inverted perovskite solar cells based on lithium-functionalized graphene oxide as an electron-transporting layer
Authors: Nouri Esmaiel , Mohammadi Mohammad Reza , Lianos Panagiotis
Published: January 2017

A perovskite solar cell with an inverted p–i–n architecture employing GO and GO-Li as functional charge transport components.
Titanium oxide morphology controls charge collection efficiency in quantum dot solar cells
Authors: Kolay Ankita , Kumar P. Naresh , Kumar Sarode Krishna , Deepa Melepurath
Published: January 2017

Charge transfer at the TiO2/quantum dot (QD) interface, charge collection at the TiO2/QD/current collector (FTO or SnO2:F) interface, and back electron transfer at the TiO2/QDs/S2− interface are processes controlled by the electron transport layer or TiO2.
Assembly of g-C3N4-based type II and Z-scheme heterojunction anodes with improved charge separation for photoelectrojunction water oxidation
Authors: Wang Cai-He , Qin Dong-Dong , Shan Duo-Liang , Gu Jing , Yan Yong , Chen Jing , Wang Qiu-Hong , He Cai-Hua , Li Yang , Quan Jing-Jing , Lu Xiao-Quan
Published: January 2017

g-C3N4, studied as a metal-free photocatalyst, can lead to excellent results but the recombination of photogenerated charge carriers can substantially limit its performance.
Crystallization kinetics of cerium oxide nanoparticles formed by spontaneous, room-temperature hydrolysis of cerium(iv) ammonium nitrate in light and heavy water
Authors: Pettinger Natasha W. , Williams Robert E. A. , Chen Jinquan , Kohler Bern
Published: January 2017

Ceria nanocrystals form tenfold more slowly in D2O vs. H2O, revealing a rate-determining proton transfer reaction and a non-classical crystallization mechanism.
A new adsorbent of a Ce ion-implanted metal–organic framework (MIL-96) with high-efficiency Ce utilization for removing fluoride from water
Authors: Yang Xuan , Deng Shuangshuang , Peng Fumin , Luo Tao
Published: January 2017

Ce ions were implanted into MOFs as an effective adsorbent for removing fluoride from water.
Replacing C6F5 groups with Cl and H atoms in frustrated Lewis pairs: H2 additions and catalytic hydrogenations
Authors: Chernichenko K. , Kótai B. , Nieger M. , Heikkinen S. , Pápai I. , Repo T.
Published: January 2017

Frustrated Lewis isosteres: 2-aminophenylboranes containing C6F5 groups replaced with Cl atoms show similar reactivity with H2 including catalytic hydrogenations.
A Ni-based MOF for selective detection and removal of Hg2+ in aqueous medium: a facile strategy
Authors: Halder Shibashis , Mondal John , Ortega-Castro Joaquín , Frontera Antonio , Roy Partha
Published: January 2017

A Ni-based 3D MOF, [Ni(3-bpd)2(NCS)2]n, where 3-bpd is 1,4-bis(3-pyridyl)-2,3-diaza-1,3-butadiene, has been explored for simultaneous detection and removal of Hg2+ in aqueous medium with excellent Hg uptake capacity.
A comparative evaluation of community structure in full-scale digesters indicates that two-phase digesters exhibit greater microbial diversity than single-phase digesters
Authors: Smith A. L. , Shimada T. , Raskin L.
Published: January 2017

Sequencing of full-scale, two-phase anaerobic digesters suggested that increased microbial community diversity improves process performance.
Spontaneous electrification of fluoropolymer–water interfaces probed by electrowetting
Authors: Banpurkar Arun G. , Sawane Yogesh , Wadhai Sandip M. , Murade C. U. , Siretanu Igor , van den Ende D. , Mugele F.
Published: January 2017

Fluoropolymers are widely used as coatings for their robustness, water-repellence, and chemical inertness. In contact with water, they are known to assume a negative surface charge, which is commonly attributed to adsorbed hydroxyl ions. Here, we demonstrate that a small fraction of these ions permanently sticks to surfaces of Teflon AF and Cytop, two of the most common fluoropolymer materials, upon prolonged exposure to water. Electrowetting measurements carried out after aging in water are used to quantify the density of ‘trapped’ charge. Values up to −0.07 and −0.2 mC m−2are found for Teflon AF and for Cytop, respectively, at elevated pH. A similar charge trapping process is also observed upon aging in various non-aqueous polar liquids and in humid air. A careful analysis highlights the complementary nature of electrowetting and streaming potential measurements in quantifying interfacial energy and charge density. We discuss the possible mechanism of charge trapping and highlight the relevance of molecular scale processes for the long term stability and performance of fluoropolymer materials for applications in electrowetting and elsewhere.
Garcinol sensitizes breast cancer cells to Taxol through the suppression of caspase-3/iPLA2and NF-κB/Twist1 signaling pathways in a mouse 4T1 breast tumor model
Authors: Tu Shih-Hsin , Chiou Yi-Shiou , Kalyanam Nagabhushanam , Ho Chi-Tang , Chen Li-Ching , Pan Min-Hsiung
Published: January 2017

Garcinol sensitizes breast cancer cells to Taxolviasynergistically inducing antimitotic effects and effectively repressing the activation of caspase-3/iPLA2and Taxol-promoted NF-κB/Twist1 signaling pathways.
Optical DNA mapping in nanofluidic devices: principles and applications
Authors: Müller Vilhelm , Westerlund Fredrik
Published: January 2017

This review describes the principles of optical DNA mapping in nanofluidic channels and highlights recent examples of exciting novel applications.
Facile syntheses of N-heterocyclic carbene precursors through Cu(ii)- or Ag(i)-catalyzed amination of N-alkynyl formamidines
Authors: Zhang Caiyun , Zhang Fan , Lv Shichang , Shi Min , Zhang Jun
Published: January 2017

Cu(ii)- or Ag(i)-catalyzed amination of N-akynyl formamidines has been developed for the facile syntheses of five- and six-membered formamidinium salts.
Polyethylene glycol derivatization of the non-active ion in active pharmaceutical ingredient ionic liquids enhances transdermal delivery
Authors: Zavgorodnya Oleksandra , Shamshina Julia L. , Mittenthal Max , McCrary Parker D. , Rachiero Giovanni P. , Titi Hatem M. , Rogers Robin D.
Published: January 2017

Introducing PEGylated moieties into the counterion structure of API–ILs can significantly enhance the transport through a membrane without a solvent.
Hybrid molecular-inorganic materials: a heterometallic [Ni4Tb] complex grafted on superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Rosado Piquer L. , Jiménez Romero E. , Lan Y. , Wernsdorfer W. , Aromí G. , Sañudo E. C.
Published: January 2017

Ni4Tb SMMs grafted onto superparamagnetic IO-NPs retain their magnetic properties intact on the surface of the magnetic substrate.
A facile strategy towards a highly accessible and hydrostable MOF-phase within hybrid polyHIPEs through in situ metal-oxide recrystallization
Authors: Mazaj Matjaž , Logar Nataša Zabukovec , Žagar Ema , Kovačič Sebastijan
Published: January 2017

HKUST-1(Cu) and MOF-5(Zn)@polyHIPE hybrid materials were prepared using a metal salt-free technique, wherein metal–organic frameworks were in situ generated from the CuO- and ZnO-nanoparticles through secondary recrystallization.
The shortest Th–Th distance from a new type of quadruple bond
Authors: Hu Han-Shi , Kaltsoyannis Nikolas
Published: January 2017

Very short Th–Th distances, featuring a previously unreported 6dδ2electronic configuration, are predicted quantum chemically for LThThL compounds.
American soft power and public diplomacy in the Arab world
Authors: Rugh William
Published: January 2017

This position article applies the concept of soft power as developed by Joseph Nye to the Arab world and US public diplomacy in that area. Evaluating public opinion and the challenges of public diplomacy in the Arab world is difficult because of the absence of hard data on polling and public diplomacy issues. However, American diplomats who have served in the Arab world, including this author, know that most Arabs are critical of US foreign policy but that they have positive attitudes towards America as a country, due in part to American cultural and commercial products and education. This essay first discusses the impact of the digital revolution on the American public diplomacy effort and on soft power. The expansion of private communication channels has provided challenges to the US effort and has impacted its soft power. Many Arabs have exaggerated expectations about America’s ability to solve their problems. Sometimes the behaviour of private American citizens has created new challenges for our public diplomacy and damaged our soft power. This essay then analyzes several other new issues that have arisen recently affecting American soft power. One is the private dissemination of American cultural products abroad. Another is the question of whether foreign audiences still regard the US political system as a model, which they once did. A third is the exchange of persons programme, which remains an important vehicle for soft power, but which is underfunded. New security measures made necessary by terrorism also impact US soft power and public diplomacy. Futhermore, the Pentagon’s communications “mission creep” competes with the State’s public diplomacy. At the end of the essay the author takes issue with the thesis that American power generally has declined. This article is published as part of a collection on soft power.
State transition and electrocaloric effect of BaZrxTi1−xO3: Simulation and experiment
Authors: Ma Yang-Bin , Molin Christian , Shvartsman Vladimir V. , Gebhardt Sylvia , Lupascu Doru C. , Albe Karsten , Xu Bai-Xiang
Published: January 2017

We present a systematic study on the relation of the electrocaloric effect (ECE) and the relaxor state transition of BaZrxTi1−xO3 (BZT) using a combination of computer simulation and experiment. The results of canonical and microcanonical lattice-based Monte Carlo simulations with a Ginzburg-Landau-type Hamiltonian are compared with measurements of BaZrxTi1−xO3 (x = 0.12 and 0.2) samples. In particular, we study the ECE at various temperatures, domain patterns by piezoresponse force microscopy at room temperature, and the P-E loops at various temperatures. We find three distinct regimes depending on the Zr-concentration. In the compositional range 0≤x≤0.2, ferroelectric domains are visible, but the ECE peak drops considerably with increasing Zr-concentration. In the range 0.3≤x≤0.7, relaxor features become prominent, and the decrease in the ECE with Zr-concentration is moderate. In the range of high concentrations, x≥0.8, the material is almost nonpolar, and there is no ECE peak visible. Our results reveal that BZT with a Zr-concentration around x=0.12∼0.3 exhibits a relatively large ECE in a wide temperature range at rather low temperature.
Large field-of-view tiled grating structures for X-ray phase-contrast imaging
Authors: Schröter Tobias J. , Koch Frieder J. , Meyer Pascal , Kunka Danays , Meiser Jan , Willer Konstantin , Gromann Lukas , De Marco Fabio , Herzen Julia , Noel Peter , Yaroshenko Andre , Hofmann Andreas , Pfeiffer Franz , Mohr Jürgen
Published: January 2017

X-ray grating-based interferometry promises unique new diagnostic possibilities in medical imaging and materials analysis. To transfer this method from scientific laboratories or small-animal applications to clinical radiography applications, compact setups with a large field of view (FoV) are required. Currently the FoV is limited by the grating area, which is restricted due to the complex manufacturing process. One possibility to increase the FoV is tiling individual grating tiles to create one large area grating mounted on a carrier substrate. We investigate theoretically the accuracy needed for a tiling process in all degrees of freedom by applying a simulation approach. We show how the resulting precision requirements can be met using a custom-built frame for exact positioning. Precise alignment is achieved by comparing the fringe patterns of two neighboring grating tiles in a grating interferometer. With this method, the FoV can be extended to practically any desired length in one dimension. First results of a phase-contrast scanning setup with a full FoV of 384 mm × 24 mm show the suitability of this method.
Computational study of textured ferroelectric polycrystals: Dielectric and piezoelectric properties of template-matrix composites
Authors: Zhou Jie E. , Yan Yongke , Priya Shashank , Wang Yu U.
Published: January 2017

Quantitative relationships between processing, microstructure, and properties in textured ferroelectric polycrystals and the underlying responsible mechanisms are investigated by phase field modeling and computer simulation. This study focuses on three important aspects of textured ferroelectric ceramics: (i) grain microstructure evolution during templated grain growth processing, (ii) crystallographic texture development as a function of volume fraction and seed size of the templates, and (iii) dielectric and piezoelectric properties of the obtained template-matrix composites of textured polycrystals. Findings on the third aspect are presented here, while an accompanying paper of this work reports findings on the first two aspects. In this paper, the competing effects of crystallographic texture and template seed volume fraction on the dielectric and piezoelectric properties of ferroelectric polycrystals are investigated. The phase field model of ferroelectric composites consisting of template seeds embedded in matrix grains is developed to simulate domain evolution, polarization-electric field (P-E), and strain-electric field (ε-E) hysteresis loops. The coercive field, remnant polarization, dielectric permittivity, piezoelectric coefficient, and dissipation factor are studied as a function of grain texture and template seed volume fraction. It is found that, while crystallographic texture significantly improves the polycrystal properties towards those of single crystals, a higher volume fraction of template seeds tends to decrease the electromechanical properties, thus canceling the advantage of ferroelectric polycrystals textured by templated grain growth processing. This competing detrimental effect is shown to arise from the composite effect, where the template phase possesses material properties inferior to the matrix phase, causing mechanical clamping and charge accumulation at inter-phase interfaces between matrix and template inclusions. The computational results are compared with complementary experiments, where good agreement is obtained.
First-principles study of interfacial interaction between carbon nanotube and Al2O3(0001)
Authors: Aditya Irfan Dwi , Matsunaka Daisuke , Shibutani Yoji , Yamamoto Go
Published: January 2017

In this study, using first-principles calculations, we investigated the interfacial nature between single-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and clean Al2O3(0001) surfaces. The calculation results showed that the adhesive energy of CNTs and clean Al2O3(0001) depends on the diameter of CNTs. The structures of the CNTs adsorbed on Al-terminated Al2O3(0001) do not drastically change from those before adsorbing. C atoms of CNTs interacted with the topmost Al atom of Al2O3(0001) by forming covalent bonding. In the case of the O-terminated Al2O3(0001), small-diameter CNTs have strong interaction, which comes from the opening of CNTs catalytically induced by the O-terminated surface and the subsequent formation of mixed covalent-ionic bonding between C and O atoms. This strong interfacial interaction also leads to significant charge transfer from the CNTs to the O-terminated Al2O3(0001). The strong interfacial interaction of small diameter CNTs with the O-terminated Al2O3(0001) would be a possible mechanism for the successful Al2O3 composite reinforced with CNTs.
Polarization-resolved micro-photoluminescence investigation of InGaN/GaN core-shell microrods
Authors: Mounir Christian , Schimpke Tilman , Rossbach Georg , Avramescu Adrian , Strassburg Martin , Schwarz Ulrich T.
Published: January 2017

We investigate the optical emission properties of the active InGaN shell of high aspect-ratio InGaN/GaN core-shell microrods (μRods) by confocal quasi-resonant polarization-resolved and excitation density dependent micro-photoluminescence (μPL). The active shell, multiple thin InGaN/GaN quantum wells (MQWs), was deposited on GaN μRods selectively grown by metal organic vapor phase epitaxy on patterned SiO2/n-GaN/sapphire template. High spatial resolution mappings reveal a very homogeneous emission intensity along the whole μRods including the tip despite a red-shift of 30 nm from the base to the tip along the 8.6 μm-long m-plane sidewalls. Looking at the Fabry-Perot interference fringes superimposed on the μPL spectra, we get structural information on the μRods. A high degree of linear polarization (DLP) of 0.6–0.66 is measured on the lower half of the m-plane side facets with a slight decrease toward the tip. We observe the typical drop of the DLP with an excitation density caused by degenerate filling of valence bands (Fermi regime). Local internal quantum efficiencies (IQEs) of 55±11 % up to 73±7 % are estimated on the m-plane facet from measurements at low temperature. Finally, simultaneously fitting the DLP and IQE as a function of the excitation density, we determine the carrier density inside the active region and the recombination rate coefficients of the m-plane MQWs. We show that phase-space filling and the background carrier density have to be included in the recombination rate model.
Interferometry of Klein tunnelling electrons in graphene quantum rings
Authors: de Sousa D. J. P. , Chaves Andrey , Pereira J. M. , Farias G. A.
Published: January 2017

We theoretically study a current switch that exploits the phase acquired by a charge carrier as it tunnels through a potential barrier in graphene. The system acts as an interferometer based on an armchair graphene quantum ring, where the phase difference between interfering electronic wave functions for each path can be controlled by tuning either the height or the width of a potential barrier in the ring arms. By varying the parameters of the potential barriers, the interference can become completely destructive. We demonstrate how this interference effect can be used for developing a simple graphene-based logic gate with a high on/off ratio.
Ultrafast all-fiber based cylindrical-vector beam laser
Authors: Mao Dong , Feng Tianxian , Zhang Wending , Lu Hua , Jiang Yajun , Li Peng , Jiang Biqiang , Sun Zhipei , Zhao Jianlin
Published: January 2017

Cylindrical-vector beams (CVBs) with axial symmetry in polarization and field intensity are gathering increasing attention from fundamental research to practical applications. However, a majority of the CVBs are generated by modulating light beams in free space, and the temporal durations are far away from the ultrafast regime. Here, an ultrafast all-fiber based CVB laser is demonstrated via intermodal coupling in two mode fibers. In the temporal domain, chirp-free pulses are formed with combined actions of the ultrafast saturable absorption, self-phase modulation, and anomalous dispersion. In the spatial domain, the lateral offset splicing technique and a two mode fiber Bragg grating are adopted to excite and extract CVBs, respectively. The ultrafast CVB has an annular profile with a duration of 6.87 ps and a fundamental repetition rate of 13.16 MHz, and the output polarization status is switchable between radially and azimuthally polarized states. This all-fiber-based ultrafast CVB laser is a simple, low-cost source for diversified applications of nanoparticle manipulation, high-resolution imaging, material processing, spatiotemporal nonlinear optics, etc.
Solid-state neutron detectors based on thickness scalable hexagonal boron nitride
Authors: Ahmed K. , Dahal R. , Weltz A. , Lu James J.-Q. , Danon Y. , Bhat I. B.
Published: January 2017

This paper reports on the device processing and characterization of hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) based solid-state thermal neutron detectors, where hBN thickness varied from 2.5 to 15 μm. These natural hBN epilayers (with 19.9% 10B) were grown by a low pressure chemical vapor deposition process. Complete dry processing was adopted for the fabrication of these metal-semiconductor-metal (MSM) configuration detectors. These detectors showed intrinsic thermal neutron detection efficiency values of 0.86%, 2.4%, 3.15%, and 4.71% for natural hBN thickness values of 2.5, 7.5, 10, and 15 μm, respectively. Measured efficiencies are very close (≥92%) to the theoretical maximum efficiencies for corresponding hBN thickness values for these detectors. This clearly shows the hBN thickness scalability of these detectors. A 15 μm thick hBN based MSM detector is expected to yield an efficiency of 21.4% if enriched hBN (with ∼100% 10B) is used instead of natural hBN. These results demonstrate that the fabrication of hBN thickness scalable highly efficient thermal neutron detectors is possible.
Enhancement of directional sensitivity of magnetostrictive phased array sensor using a circular comb-shaped nickel patch
Authors: Yoo Byungseok , Pines Darryll J.
Published: January 2017

In this paper, we present a magnetostrictive phased array sensor (MPAS) with a polycrystalline nickel patch of a circular comb shape in order for the use of the ultrasonic guided Lamb wave inspection technique. The MPAS was comprised of two main components of the surface-mounted nickel patch and a mobile magnetic circuit device enclosing six sensing coils and center-positioned cylindrical biasing magnets. The magnetic circuit device detects the magnetic property change induced by the elastic wave propagation through the magnetostrictive nickel patch bonded to a thin aluminum plate. The individual sensing coils were configured to have directional preferences specified along the perpendicular direction of the coil winding, and they were arranged in a hexagon with a radius of 0.5” to form a compact-sized phased array sensor. Although the magnetic circuit device contains only six physical sensing coils, the MPAS enables to increase the total numbers of sensing positions by altering the orientation of the magnetic circuit device. The enhanced directional sensing capability of the presented MPAS was achieved as a result of the combined effect on the high magnetic shape anisotropy feature along the individual comb finger directions of the nickel patch and the directional sensitivity of the hexagon magnetic circuit device itself.
Pressure-enhanced light emission and its structural origin in Er:GdVO4
Authors: Hong Fang , Yue Binbin , Cheng Zhenxiang , Shen Hui , Yang Ke , Hong Xinguo , Chen Bin , Mao Ho-Kwang
Published: January 2017

Rare earth phosphors have been widely studied because of their sharp emission lines and excellent optical performance. However, photoluminescence (PL) tuning by crystal field in Er3+ embedded phosphors has always been a challenge. Here, we demonstrate that pressure can help to enhance the red and green light emission simultaneously in Er:GdVO4. Synchrotron X-ray diffraction investigations revealed that a structural phase transition was responsible for the enhancement. Our work brightens the future prospects for applications of Er3+-based PL materials in various fields, such as high power lasers and (bio) medical imaging.
Scaling effect of spin-torque nano-oscillators
Authors: Chao Xiaohui , Jamali Mahdi , Wang Jian-Ping
Published: January 2017

We have investigated the impact of device size on the characteristics of spin-torque nano-oscillators by studying the frequency and linewidth of the oscillator as a function of current density utilizing micromagnetic simulations at room temperature. Upon reduction of the device size from 40 down to 10 nm, thermal noise flattens the frequency and linewidth trends with current density and lowers the threshold current density of the oscillation. The magnetization vector trajectories reveal that irregular oscillations exist in smaller devices. Our findings suggest that a 20 × 20 nm2 spin-torque oscillator could be a viable candidate for a magnetic read sensor.
Magneto-optical color imaging of magnetic field distribution
Authors: Nagakubo Yosuke , Liu Qi , Lou Gengjian , Ishibashi Takayuki
Published: January 2017

The magneto-optical (MO) imaging technique allows magnetic field distributions to be observed in real-time. In this paper, we demonstrate a MO color imaging technique that allows quantitative values of magnetic fields to be determined by the naked eye. MO color imaging is realized using a MO imaging plate, which contains a bismuth-substituted iron garnet film. The imaging plate was prepared by the metal organic decomposition method, and a light source consisting of green and yellow light-emitting diodes or a white light-emitting diode. MO color imaging of the magnetic field distribution of a commercial ferrite magnet is demonstrated.
Storage and spatial patterns of organic carbon of soil profiles in Guangdong Province, China
Authors: Zhang Huihua , Chen Junjian , Wu Zhifeng , Li Dingqiang , Zhu Li
Published: January 2017

Regional soil organic carbon (SOC) investigations play an important role in building knowledge of the global soil C cycle system. The purpose of the present study was to estimate soil organic carbon (SOC) storage for different soil types and land uses in Guangdong Province, China. The results showed that the total SOC storage in the study area was 1.25 Pg, of which 0.41 Pg SOC was in A horizon soils (mean depth 17.0cm), 0.51 Pg SOC was in the B horizon (mean depth 29.5cm) and 0.33 Pg SOC was in the C horizon (mean depth 48.9cm). SOC storage in Ferrallisols was approximately 0.976 Pg for the total soil profile, accounting for 78.1% of total SOC storage. Forest soils were the main SOC pool by land use, accounting for approximately 80.3% of total SOC storage. Regardless of soil type and land use, subsoil was the primary SOC storage location in the study area. The SOC contents of the upper soil horizon were closely related to the SOC contents of the lower soil horizon, possibly suggesting that there is movement of SOC from the surface soil to lower horizons. Because of soil degradation and erosion, approximately 13.3 Tg SOC entered the surrounding water, accounting for 3.2% of the SOC storage of A horizon soils, and approximately 20.9 Tg SOC was redistributed in surface soils of the study area each year.
First-passage time approach to controlling noise in the timing of intracellular events
Authors: Ghusinga Khem Raj , Dennehy John J. , Singh Abhyudai
Published: January 2017

Significance

Understanding how randomness in the timing of intracellular events is buffered has important consequences for diverse cellular processes, where precision is required for proper functioning. To investigate event timing in noisy biochemical systems, we develop a first-passage time framework in which an event is triggered when a regulatory protein accumulates up to a critical level. Formulas quantifying event-timing fluctuations in stochastic models of protein synthesis with feedback regulation are developed. Formulas shed counterintuitive insights into regulatory mechanisms essential for scheduling an event at a precise time with minimal fluctuations. These results uncover various features in the biochemical pathways used by phages to lyse individually infected bacterial cells at an optimal time, despite stochastic expression of lysis proteins.
Ambivalent stereotypes link to peace, conflict, and inequality across 38 nations
Authors: Durante Federica , Fiske Susan T. , Gelfand Michele J. , Crippa Franca , Suttora Chiara , Stillwell Amelia , Asbrock Frank , Aycan Zeynep , Bye Hege H. , Carlsson Rickard , Björklund Fredrik , Dagher Munqith , Geller Armando , Larsen Christian Albrekt , Latif Abdel-Hamid Abdel , Mähönen Tuuli Anna , Jasinskaja-Lahti Inga , Teymoori Ali
Published: January 2017

Significance

Stereotypes reflect a society’s inequality and conflict, providing a diagnostic map of intergroup relations. This stereotype map’s fundamental dimensions depict each group’s warmth (friendly, sincere) and competence (capable, skilled). Some societies cluster groups as high on both (positive “us”) vs. low on both (negative “them”). Other societies, including the United States, have us-them clusters but add ambivalent ones (high on one dimension, low on the other). This cross-national study shows peace-conflict predicts ambivalence. Extremely peaceful and conflictual nations both display unambivalent us-them patterns, whereas intermediate peace-conflict predicts high ambivalence. Replicating previous work, higher inequality predicts more ambivalent stereotype clusters. Inequality and intermediate peace-conflict each use ambivalent stereotypes, explaining complicated intergroup relations and maintaining social system stability.
Properdin binding to complement activating surfaces depends on initial C3b deposition
Authors: Harboe Morten , Johnson Christina , Nymo Stig , Ekholt Karin , Schjalm Camilla , Lindstad Julie K. , Pharo Anne , Hellerud Bernt Christian , Nilsson Ekdahl Kristina , Mollnes Tom Eirik , Nilsson Per H.
Published: January 2017

Significance

The role of properdin in stabilization of the alternative pathway C3 convertase is indisputable, whereas its role as pattern recognition molecule remains controversial. Properdin lacks the structural homology shared by other pattern recognition molecules of the complement system, and has its major function in stabilizing the C3bBb convertase. We found that properdin binding was completely abolished by C3 inhibition after the exposure of human serum to myeloperoxidase, human umbilical vein endothelial cells, andNeisseria meningitidis, showing that properdin is not a pattern recognition molecule for these targets. We therefore challenge the view of properdin as a pattern recognition molecule, and argue that properdin typically binds a complement-activating surface subsequent to C3b to stabilize the alternative pathway C3 convertase.
Charge-altering releasable transporters (CARTs) for the delivery and release of mRNA in living animals
Authors: McKinlay Colin J. , Vargas Jessica R. , Blake Timothy R. , Hardy Jonathan W. , Kanada Masamitsu , Contag Christopher H. , Wender Paul A. , Waymouth Robert M.
Published: January 2017

Significance

Protein expression using mRNA has the potential to transform many areas of life science research and affect the prevention, detection, and treatment of disease. However, realizing this potential requires the development of readily accessible, efficacious, and safe delivery systems that can functionally deliver mRNA to cells in culture and in vivo. A class of materials developed for mRNA delivery is described that operates through an unprecedented self-immolation mechanism. These materials are accessed in two steps through an organocatalytic oligomerization. They noncovalently complex, protect, deliver, and release mRNA with >99% transfection efficiency in cultured cells and with robust protein expression in mice using multiple routes of administration. This mRNA delivery technology should be broadly applicable to numerous research and therapeutic applications.
Dual role of ALCAM in neuroinflammation and blood–brain barrier homeostasis
Authors: Lécuyer Marc-André , Saint-Laurent Olivia , Bourbonnière Lyne , Larouche Sandra , Larochelle Catherine , Michel Laure , Charabati Marc , Abadier Michael , Zandee Stephanie , Haghayegh Jahromi Neda , Gowing Elizabeth , Pittet Camille , Lyck Ruth , Engelhardt Britta , Prat Alexandre
Published: January 2017

Significance

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory disorder characterized by multifocal lesions in the central nervous system. These lesions are caused by infiltrating leukocytes that take advantage and/or actively participate in the disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). In this study, the specific role of the adhesion molecule ALCAM (activated leukocyte cell adhesion molecule) present on BBB endothelial cells was assessed. We demonstrated that ALCAM knockout mice develop a more severe experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, the mouse model of MS, due to an increased permeability of the BBB. This phenotypic change is caused by a dysregulation of junctional molecules with which ALCAM indirectly binds, suggesting that in addition to its role in leukocyte transmigration, ALCAM regulates and maintains tight junction stability by acting as an adaptor molecule.
A paradox of transcriptional and functional innate interferon responses of human intestinal enteroids to enteric virus infection
Authors: Saxena Kapil , Simon Lukas M. , Zeng Xi-Lei , Blutt Sarah E. , Crawford Sue E. , Sastri Narayan P. , Karandikar Umesh C. , Ajami Nadim J. , Zachos Nicholas C. , Kovbasnjuk Olga , Donowitz Mark , Conner Margaret E. , Shaw Chad A. , Estes Mary K.
Published: January 2017

Significance

Understanding host–enteric virus interactions has been limited by the inability to culture nontransformed small intestinal epithelial cells and to infect animal models with human viruses. We report epithelial responses in human small intestinal enteroid cultures from different individuals following infection with human rotavirus (HRV), a model enteric pathogen. RNA-sequencing and functional assays revealed type III IFN as the dominant transcriptional response that activates interferon-stimulated genes, but antagonism of the IFN response negates restriction of HRV replication. Exogenously added IFNs reduce HRV replication, with type I IFN being most effective. This highlights a paradox between the strong type III transcriptional response and the weaker functional role of type III IFN in human enteric viral restriction in human small intestinal cultures.
Shuttling along DNA and directed processing of D-loops by RecQ helicase support quality control of homologous recombination
Authors: Harami Gábor M. , Seol Yeonee , In Junghoon , Ferencziová Veronika , Martina Máté , Gyimesi Máté , Sarlós Kata , Kovács Zoltán J. , Nagy Nikolett T. , Sun Yuze , Vellai Tibor , Neuman Keir C. , Kovács Mihály
Published: January 2017

Significance

RecQ helicase and its eukaryotic homologs are thought to play crucial roles in the quality control of homologous recombination (HR)-based DNA repair. These enzymes have multiple functions in processes that can either promote or suppress HR. A major role suggested for RecQ is the selective inhibition of illegitimate recombination events that could lead to loss of genome integrity. How can RecQ enzymes perform an exceptionally wide range of activities and selectively inhibit potentially harmful recombination events? Here, we propose a model in which the conserved domain architecture of RecQ senses and responds to the geometry of DNA substrates to achieve HR quality control.
Genomic targeting of epigenetic probes using a chemically tailored Cas9 system
Authors: Liszczak Glen P. , Brown Zachary Z. , Kim Samuel H. , Oslund Rob C. , David Yael , Muir Tom W.
Published: January 2017

Significance

Programmable DNA-binding proteins such as nuclease-deficient Cas9 (dCas9) offer a simple system for genomic localization of genetically encodable biomolecules. These tools have enabled characterization of numerous different chromatin effectors at specific genetic elements. The delivery of fully synthetic cargos to specific loci is currently limited by a lack of adequate technologies. Here we used protein
trans
-splicing to ligate chemical moieties to dCas9 in vitro and subsequently deliver these molecules to live cells. We demonstrate the effectiveness and versatility of this method by delivering both small-molecule and proteinaceous epigenetic probes to endogenous genomic sites where they interact with their target proteins. This facile and modular strategy will find broad use in locus-specific targeting of chemical cargos to study nuclear processes.
Inherited human IRAK-1 deficiency selectively impairs TLR signaling in fibroblasts
Authors: Della Mina Erika , Borghesi Alessandro , Zhou Hao , Bougarn Salim , Boughorbel Sabri , Israel Laura , Meloni Ilaria , Chrabieh Maya , Ling Yun , Itan Yuval , Renieri Alessandra , Mazzucchelli Iolanda , Basso Sabrina , Pavone Piero , Falsaperla Raffaele , Ciccone Roberto , Cerbo Rosa Maria , Stronati Mauro , Picard Capucine , Zuffardi Orsetta , Abel Laurent , Chaussabel Damien , Marr Nico , Li Xiaoxia , Casanova Jean-Laurent , Puel Anne
Published: January 2017

Significance

We report the discovery of complete human interleukin-1 receptor (IL-1R)-associated kinase 1 (IRAK-1) deficiency resulting from a de novo Xq28 microdeletion encompassingMECP2andIRAK1in a boy. Like many boys with MECP2 defects, this patient died very early. IRAK-1 is a component of the Toll-like receptor (TLR)/IL-1R (TIR) signaling pathway. Unlike patients with autosomal-recessive complete deficiency of MyD88 or IRAK-4, two other components of the TIR pathway, this patient presented no invasive bacterial infections. We analyzed the impact of human IRAK-1 deficiency in fibroblasts and leukocytes. The role of IRAK-1 in signaling downstream from IL-1R and TLRs differed according to cell type. These findings reveal similarities and differences in the role of IRAK-1 in the TLR and IL-1R pathways between mice and humans.
A targeted RNAi screen identifies factors affecting diverse stages of receptor-mediated transcytosis
Authors: Nelms Bradlee , Dalomba Natasha Furtado , Lencer Wayne
Published: January 2017

Endosome transport by transcytosis is the primary mechanism by which proteins and other large cargo traverse epithelial barriers in normal tissue. Transcytosis is also essential for establishing and maintaining membrane polarity in epithelia and other polarized cells. To identify novel components of this pathway, we conducted a high-throughput RNA interference screen for factors necessary for the bidirectional transcytosis of IgG by the Fcγ receptor FcRn. This screen identified 23 genes whose suppression resulted in a reproducible decrease in FcRn-mediated transcytosis. Pulse-chase kinetic transport assays on four of the top-ranking genes (EXOC2, EXOC7, PARD6B, and LEPROT) revealed distinct effects on the apical and basolateral recycling and transcytotic pathways, demonstrating that these pathways are genetically separable. We also found a strong dependence on PARD6B for apical, but not basolateral, recycling, implicating this cell polarity gene in assembly or maintenance of the apical endosomal system. This dataset yields insights into how vesicular transport is adapted to the specialized functions of differentiated cell types and opens new research avenues into epithelial trafficking.
SigMod: an exact and efficient method to identify a strongly interconnected disease-associated module in a gene network
Authors: Liu Yuanlong , Brossard Myriam , Roqueiro Damian , Margaritte-Jeannin Patricia , Sarnowski Chloé , Bouzigon Emmanuelle , Demenais Florence
Published: January 2017

Motivation

Apart from single marker-based tests classically used in genome-wide association studies (GWAS), network-assisted analysis has become a promising approach to identify a set of genes associated with disease. To date, most network-assisted methods aim at finding genes connected in a background network, whatever the density or strength of their connections. This can hamper the findings as sparse connections are non-robust against noise from either the GWAS results or the network resource.

Results

We present SigMod, a novel and efficient method integrating GWAS results and gene network to identify a strongly interconnected gene module enriched in high association signals. Our method is formulated as a binary quadratic optimization problem, which can be solved exactly through graph min-cut algorithms. Compared to existing methods, SigMod has several desirable properties: (i) edge weights quantifying confidence of connections between genes are taken into account, (ii) the selection path can be computed rapidly, (iii) the identified gene module is strongly interconnected, hence includes genes of high functional relevance, and (iv) the method is robust against noise from either the GWAS results or the network resource. We applied SigMod to both simulated and real data. It was found to outperform state-of-the-art network-assisted methods in identifying disease-associated genes. When SigMod was applied to childhood-onset asthma GWAS results, it successfully identified a gene module enriched in consistently high association signals and made of functionally related genes that are biologically relevant for asthma.

Availability and implementation

An R package SigMod is available at: https://github.com/YuanlongLiu/SigMod

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Control of Endophytic Frankia Sporulation by Alnus Nodule Metabolites
Authors: Anne-Emmanuelle Hay , Hasna Boubakri , Antoine Buonomo , Marjolaine Rey , Guillaume Meiffren , Laetitia Cotin-Galvan , Gilles Comte , Aude Herrera-Belaroussi
Published: January 2017

A unique case of microbial symbiont capable of dormancy within its living host cells has been reported in actinorhizal symbioses. Some Frankia strains, named Sp+, are able to sporulate inside plant cells, contrarily to Sp− strains. The presence of metabolically slowed-down bacterial structures in host cells alters our understanding of symbiosis based on reciprocal benefits between both partners, and its impact on the symbiotic processes remains unknown. The present work reports a metabolomic study of Sp+ and Sp− nodules (from Alnus glutinosa), in order to highlight variabilities associated with in-planta sporulation. A total of 21 amino acids, 44 sugars and organic acids, and 213 secondary metabolites were detected using UV and mass spectrometric–based profiling. Little change was observed in primary metabolites, suggesting that in-planta sporulation would not strongly affect the primary functionalities of the symbiosis. One secondary metabolite (M27) was detected only in Sp+ nodules. It was identified as gentisic acid 5-O-β-d-xylopyranoside, previously reported as involved in plant defenses against microbial pathogens. This metabolite significantly increased Frankia in-vitro sporulation, unlike another metabolite significantly more abundant in Sp− nodules [M168 = (5R)-1,7-bis-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-heptane-5-O-β-d-glucopyranoside]. All these results suggest that the plant could play an important role in the Frankia ability to sporulate in planta and allow us to discuss a possible sanction emitted by the host against less cooperative Sp+ symbionts.
Posterior Wall Osteotomy of the Acetabulum to Access Incarcerated Marginal Impaction
Authors: Schroeder Amanda J. , Avilucea Frank R. , Archdeacon Michael T.
Published: January 2017

Marginal impaction of the acetabulum is typically accessible through fracture planes specific to the nature of the injury. Infrequently, however, incarcerated marginal impaction or free osteochondral fragments are not accessible through these existing fracture planes. As such, alternative methods to access these articular pieces must be considered to ensure adequate reduction. We describe an osteotomy of the posterior wall to access incarcerated fragments and marginal impaction of the acetabulum, enabling concentric articular reduction.
Venous thromboembolism among pediatric orthopedic trauma patients: a database analysis
Authors: Guzman Daniel , Sabharwal Samir , Zhao Caixia , Sabharwal Sanjeev
Published: January 2017

Using the 2012 Kids Inpatient Database, we assessed records of pediatric patients (<21 years old) with fractures of the upper limb, lower limb, spine, pelvis, and multiple locations and calculated the overall prevalence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and associated potential risk factors. 387 (0.68%) of 57 183 patients with one or more fractures were diagnosed with VTE. Children sustaining fractures of the axial skeleton and those with multiple fractures had a higher prevalence of VTE than those with isolated extremity fractures. Associated risk factors included the presence of a central venous catheter. A prospective, multicenter study is needed to confirm our findings.