bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical predictors of disease severity during the 2009–2010 A(HIN1) influenza virus pandemic in a paediatric population
Authors: GARCIA M. N. , PHILPOTT D. C. , MURRAY K. O. , ONTIVEROS A. , REVELL P. A. , CHANDRAMOHAN L. , MUNOZ F. M.
Published: February 2015

A novel influenza virus emerged in the United States in spring 2009, rapidly becoming a global pandemic. Children were disproportionally affected by the novel influenza A(H1N1) pandemic virus [A(H1N1)pdm]. This retrospective electronic medical record review study aimed to identify clinical predictors of disease severity of influenza A(HIN1)pdm infection in paediatric patients. Disease severity was defined on an increasing three-level scale from non-hospitalized, hospitalized, and admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). From April 2009 to June 2010, 696 children presented to Texas Children's Hospital's emergency department, 38% were hospitalized, and 17% were admitted to the ICU. Presenting symptoms associated with severe influenza were dyspnoea [odds ratio (OR) 5·82], tachycardia (OR 2·61) and fatigue (OR 1·96). Pre-existing health conditions associated with disease severity included seizure disorder (OR 4·71), obesity (OR 3·28), lung disease (OR 2·84), premature birth (OR 2·53), haematological disease (OR 2·22), and developmental delay (OR 2·20). According to model fitness tests, presenting symptoms were more likely to predict severe influenza than underlying medical conditions. However, both are important risk factors. Recognition of clinical characteristics associated with severe disease can be used for triaging case management of children during future influenza outbreaks.
Developmental mediation of genetic variation in response to the Fast Track prevention program
Authors: Albert Dustin , Belsky Daniel W. , Crowley D. Max , Bates John E. , Pettit Gregory S. , Lansford Jennifer E. , Dick Danielle , Dodge Kenneth A.
Published: February 2015

We conducted a developmental analysis of genetic moderation of the effect of the Fast Track intervention on adult externalizing psychopathology. The Fast Track intervention enrolled 891 children at high risk to develop externalizing behavior problems when they were in kindergarten. Half of the enrolled children were randomly assigned to receive 10 years of treatment, with a range of services and resources provided to the children and their families, and the other half to usual care (controls). We previously showed that the effect of the Fast Track intervention on participants' risk of externalizing psychopathology at age 25 years was moderated by a variant in the glucocorticoid receptor gene. Children who carried copies of the A allele of the single nucleotide polymorphism rs10482672 had the highest risk of externalizing psychopathology if they were in the control arm of the trial and the lowest risk of externalizing psychopathology if they were in the treatment arm. In this study, we test a developmental hypothesis about the origins of this for better and for worse Gene × Intervention interaction (G × I): that the observed G × I effect on adult psychopathology is mediated by the proximal impact of intervention on childhood externalizing problems and adolescent substance use and delinquency. We analyzed longitudinal data tracking the 270 European American children in the Fast Track randomized control trial with available genetic information (129 intervention children, 141 control group peers, 69% male) from kindergarten through age 25 years. Results show that the same pattern of for better and for worse susceptibility to intervention observed at the age 25 follow-up was evident already during childhood. At the elementary school follow-ups and at the middle/high school follow-ups, rs10482672 predicted better adjustment among children receiving the Fast Track intervention and worse adjustment among children in the control condition. In turn, these proximal G × I effects early in development mediated the ultimate G × I effect on externalizing psychopathology at age 25 years. We discuss the contribution of these findings to the growing literature on genetic susceptibility to environmental intervention.
Genetic differential susceptibility on trial: Meta-analytic support from randomized controlled experiments
Authors: van Ijzendoorn Marinus H. , Bakermans-Kranenburg Marian J.
Published: February 2015

The most stringent test of differential susceptibility theory is provided by randomized control trials examining the moderating role of genetic markers of differential susceptibility in experimental manipulations of the environment (Gene ×ExperimentalEnvironment interactions), being at least 10 times more powerful than correlational Gene × Environment interaction studies. We identified 22 experiments involving 3,257 participants with various developmental outcomes (e.g., externalizing problems, internalizing behaviors, and cognitive development). Effect sizes contrasting experimental versus control group were computed both for subjects with the polymorphism considered indicative of heightened susceptibility (e.g., the dopamine receptor D4 gene seven-repeat allele and the serotonin transporter polymorphic region short allele) and others expected to be low in susceptibility (e.g., the dopamine receptor D4 gene four-repeat allele and the serotonin transporter polymorphic region short allele). Clear-cut experimental support for genetic differential susceptibility emerged: the combined effect size of the interventions for the susceptible genotypes amounted tor= .33 (95% confidence interval = 0.23, 0.42;p< .01) versus a nonsignificantr= .08 (95% confidence interval = −0.02, 0.17;p= .12) for the hypothesized nonsusceptible genotypes. Macrotrials showed more evidence of genetic differential susceptibility than microtrials, and differential susceptibility was more clearly observed in trials with externalizing and cognitive outcomes than with internalizing problems. This meta-analysis shows proof of principle for genetic differential susceptibility and indicates that it is time to explore its mechanisms and limits. The concept of differential susceptibility alters the idea of constitutional “risk” factors (reactive temperament and risk genotypes), and points to intervention efficacy hidden in Gene × Environment interactions.
Measuring Sperm Movement within the Female Reproductive Tract using Fourier Analysis
Authors: Nicovich Philip R. , Macartney Erin L. , Whan Renee M. , Crean Angela J.
Published: February 2015

The adaptive significance of variation in sperm phenotype is still largely unknown, in part due to the difficulties of observing and measuring sperm movement in its natural, selective environment (i.e., within the female reproductive tract). Computer-assisted sperm analysis systems allow objective and accurate measurement of sperm velocity, but rely on being able to track individual sperm, and are therefore unable to measure sperm movement in species where sperm move in trains or bundles. Here we describe a newly developed computational method for measuring sperm movement using Fourier analysis to estimate sperm tail beat frequency. High-speed time-lapse videos of sperm movement within the female tract of the neriid flyTelostylinus angusticolliswere recorded, and a map of beat frequencies generated by converting the periodic signal of an intensity versus time trace at each pixel to the frequency domain using the Fourier transform. We were able to detect small decreases in sperm tail beat frequency over time, indicating the method is sensitive enough to identify consistent differences in sperm movement. Fourier analysis can be applied to a wide range of species and contexts, and should therefore facilitate novel exploration of the causes and consequences of variation in sperm movement.
Analysis of pig breeding management and trait preferences in smallholder production systems in Kenya
Authors: Mbuthia J.M. , Rewe T.O. , Kahi A.K.
Published: February 2015

Data on breeding management, breed and trait preference for pigs were collected from smallholder farmers in Kiambu and Kakamega Counties of Kenya. The production systems evaluated were semi-intensive and extensive and depicted varying pig production intensities, production objectives, pig performances as well as farmers’ breed and trait preferences. The perception of the importance of traits was evaluated to obtain a more balanced objective view on production and/or breeding objectives. The data collected were analysed through computation of indices, which represented a weighted average of all rankings of a particular trait. In the semi-intensive system, preference for performance traits such as size, growth rate and body weight, scored the same index (0.181), followed by the reproduction trait – prolificacy (0.161). In the extensive system, the indices for these traits were 0.187, 0.183, 0.163 and 0.106, respectively. Spearman's non-parametric rank correlations were calculated for ranking of traits of economic importance to indicate the directional effects and plausible trade-offs between traits. In the semi-intensive system, correlations were moderate between growth rate and both size and weight. In the extensive system, correlations were moderate for growth rate with both size and body weight. Appropriate breeds that suit the divergent production systems need to be identified and utilized based on performance and adaptability to ensure efficient resource use.
Inpatient Pediatric Psychology Consultation-Liaison Practice Survey
Authors: Kullgren Kristin A. , Tsang Kevin K. , Ernst Michelle M. , Carter Bryan D. , Scott Eric L. , Sullivan Sarah K.
Published: February 2015

The specialty of pediatric psychology inpatient consultation-liaison (CL) continues to grow despite limited research examining practice and training approaches. With increasing need to justify services, the current study surveyed pediatric inpatient CL psychologists on their institutional, practice, and training characteristics to highlight areas of strength and growth needed to advance inpatient CL practice. One hundred eighteen members of SPP completed an anonymous online survey assessing institution characteristics, service activity and practice characteristics, training, billing and funding issues, research activity, and perceptions of inpatient CL practice. Respondents represented diversity in years of practice, institution type, institution size, and department. There was significant variability in the nature of inpatient CL coverage, number of CL psychologists, and professional composition of the CL team. Psychology trainees play a significant role on many CL services. Treatment protocols are used infrequently, and few inpatient CL psychologists are systematically tracking clinical outcomes or conducting formal research. Most inpatient CL services are fiscally dependent on a combination of funding sources. Despite frustrations with limited protected time for research and teaching, most inpatient CL psychologists are satisfied in their roles and deny significant burnout. Diversity of setting and practice characteristics presents challenges in providing global recommendations for pediatric inpatient CL psychological practice. Rapid changes in the American health care system demand that, for survival and growth, increased research efforts are needed to demonstrate outcomes of consultation activities and the added benefit of service provision. Recommendations are given for inpatient CL practice and research.
Targeting protein tyrosine phosphatase σ after myocardial infarction restores cardiac sympathetic innervation and prevents arrhythmias
Authors: Gardner R. T. , Wang L. , Lang B. T. , Cregg J. M. , Dunbar C. L. , Woodward W. R. , Silver J. , Ripplinger C. M. , Habecker B. A.
Published: February 2015

Millions of people suffer a myocardial infarction (MI) every year, and those who survive have increased risk of arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. Recent clinical studies have identified sympathetic denervation as a predictor of increased arrhythmia susceptibility. Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans present in the cardiac scar after MI prevent sympathetic reinnervation by binding the neuronal protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor σ (PTPσ). Here we show that the absence of PTPσ, or pharmacologic modulation of PTPσ by the novel intracellular sigma peptide (ISP) beginning 3 days after injury, restores sympathetic innervation to the scar and markedly reduces arrhythmia susceptibility. Using optical mapping we observe increased dispersion of action potential duration, supersensitivity to β-adrenergic receptor stimulation and Ca2+ mishandling following MI. Sympathetic reinnervation prevents these changes and renders hearts remarkably resistant to induced arrhythmias.
An HDAC-dependent epigenetic mechanism that enhances the efficacy of the antidepressant drug fluoxetine
Authors: Schmauss C.
Published: February 2015

Depression is a prevalent and debilitating psychiatric illnesses. However, currently prescribed antidepressant drugs are only efficacious in a limited group of patients. Studies on Balb/c mice suggested that histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibition may enhance the efficacy of the widely-prescribed antidepressant drug fluoxetine. This study shows that reducing HDAC activity in fluoxetine-treated Balb/c mice leads to robust antidepressant and anxiolytic effects. While reducing the activity of class I HDACs 1 and 3 led to antidepressant effects, additional class II HDAC inhibition was necessary to exert anxiolytic effects. In fluoxetine-treated mice, HDAC inhibitors increased enrichment of acetylated histone H4 protein and RNA polymerase II at promotor 3 of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf) gene and increased Bdnf transcription from this promotor. Reducing Bdnf-stimulated tropomyosin kinase B receptor activation in fluoxetine-treated mice with low HDAC activity abolished the behavioral effects of fluoxetine, suggesting that the HDAC-triggered epigenetic stimulation of Bdnf expression is critical for therapeutic efficacy.
Tissue phantoms to compare spatial and temporal offset modes of deep Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Iping Petterson Ingeborg E. , Esmonde-White Francis W. L. , de Wilde Wouter , Morris Michael D. , Ariese Freek
Published: February 2015

Tissue phantoms were created with embedded biomineral-simulating inclusions of varying size and depth, and formed of different mixtures of CaCO3 and hydroxyapatite, for comparison of deep Raman spectroscopy techniques.
Direct doping analysis of beta-blocker drugs from urinary samples by on-line molecularly imprinted solid-phase extraction coupled to liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry
Authors: Santos Mariane Gonçalves , Tavares Isabela Maria Campos , Boralli Vanessa Bergamin , Figueiredo Eduardo Costa
Published: February 2015

The hydrophilic layer forms hydrogen bonds with water, minimizing the interference of this solvent in the analyte–polymer complex.
Aminolevulinic acid with gold nanoparticles: a novel theranostic agent for atherosclerosis
Authors: de Oliveira Gonçalves Karina , da Silva Monica Nascimento , Sicchieri Letícia Bonfante , de Oliveira Silva Flávia Rodrigues , de Matos Ricardo Almeida , Courrol Lilia Coronato
Published: February 2015

5-Aminolevulinic acid gold nanoparticles functionalized with polyethylene glycol were synthesized and administered to rabbits to evaluate their use in clinical practice as theranostic agents for atherosclerosis.
A new model for the phase correction of interferograms
Authors: Wu Xuemei , Liu Zhiqiang , Li Hua
Published: February 2015

A new model for the phase correction is proposed for Fourier transform spectrometer interferograms.
Electrically addressable deposition of diazonium-functionalized antibodies on boron-doped diamond microcells for the detection of ochratoxin A
Authors: Chrouda Amani , Sbartai Amel , Bessueille François , Renaud Louis , Maaref Abderrazak , Jaffrezic-Renault Nicole
Published: February 2015

An impedimetric immunosensor for detection of ochratoxin A is fabricated on a planar BDD electrochemical microcell through electroaddressing of antibodies.
A modified quick PETIA for detecting anti-CCP antibodies in human serum
Authors: Fu Lin , Kang Chun-Min , Zhang Peng , Kang Xia , Li Xin , Wang Hong-Xia , Li Hai-Xia , Qiu Yu-Rong
Published: February 2015

Modified quick PETIA for detecting anti-CCP: apply a streptavidin–biotin pair as a connecting arm between polystyrene nanospheres and CCP.
Field-induced slow magnetic relaxation of octahedrally coordinated mononuclear Fe(iii)-, Co(ii)-, and Mn(iii)-containing polyoxometalates
Authors: Sato Rinta , Suzuki Kosuke , Minato Takuo , Shinoe Masahiro , Yamaguchi Kazuya , Mizuno Noritaka
Published: February 2015

Polyoxometalates with highly distorted octahedrally coordinated mononuclear Fe(iii)-, Co(ii)-, and Mn(iii) ions have been synthesized, and they showed large magnetic anisotropy and single-molecule magnet behavior.
Microwave selective effect: a new approach towards oxygen inhibition removal for highly-effective NO decomposition by microwave catalysis over BaMnxMg1−xO3 mixed oxides at low temperature under excess oxygen
Authors: Xu Wentao , Zhou Jicheng , Ou Yingpiao , Luo Yushang , You Zhimin
Published: February 2015

Oxygen inhibition removal by microwave selective effect under microwave irradiation.
Nickel-catalyzed thiolation of unactivated aryl C–H bonds: efficient access to diverse aryl sulfides
Authors: Yan Sheng-Yi , Liu Yue-Jin , Liu Bin , Liu Yan-Hua , Shi Bing-Feng
Published: February 2015

A nickel-catalyzed thiolation of unactivated C(sp2)–H bonds with disulfides employing the PIP directing group was described. This process uses a catalytic nickel catalyst and no metallic oxidants or cocatalysts are required. Moreover, the reaction tolerates various important functional groups and heteroarenes.
Soluble polymer-supported hindered phosphine ligands for palladium-catalyzed aryl amination
Authors: Khamatnurova Tatyana V. , Zhang Dongmei , Suriboot Jakkrit , Bazzi Hassan S. , Bergbreiter David E.
Published: February 2015

Two structurally different heptane soluble polymers – polyisobutylene and poly(4-alkylstyrene) – are shown to be good supports for hindered biaryldicyclohexyl phosphine Pd(0) aryl amination catalysts.
Synthesis of PEG-supported organotrifluoroborates and their applications in palladium-catalyzed homo-coupling reactions
Authors: Yong Li , Yao Min-Liang , Blevins David W. , Kabalka George W.
Published: February 2015

A general synthetic route to water-soluble PEG-supported organotrifluoroborates has been developed. In the presence of air and catalytic amounts of Pd(OAc)2, the PEG-supported organotrifluoroborates undergo homo-coupling reactions smoothly at room temperature.
Ab initio modeling of the bonding of benzotriazole corrosion inhibitor to reduced and oxidized copper surfaces
Authors: Kokalj Anton
Published: February 2015

The bonding of benzotriazole—an outstanding corrosion inhibitor for copper—on reduced and oxidized copper surfaces is discussed on the basis of density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Calculations reveal that benzotriazole is able to bond with oxide-free and oxidized copper surfaces and on both of them it bonds significantly stronger to coordinatively unsaturated Cu sites. This suggests that benzotriazole is able to passivate the reactive under-coordinated surface sites that are plausible microscopic sites for corrosion attack. Benzotriazole can adsorb in a variety of different forms, yet it forms a strong molecule–surface bond only in deprotonated form. The bonding is even stronger when the deprotonated form is incorporated into organometallic adcomplexes. This is consistent with existing experimental evidence that benzotriazole inhibits corrosion by forming protective organometallic complexes. It is further shown that adsorption of benzotriazole considerably reduces the metal work function, which is a consequence of a large permanent molecular dipole and a properly oriented adsorption structure. It is argued that such a pronounced effect on the work function might be relevant for corrosion inhibition, because it shoulddiminishthe anodic corrosion reaction, which is consistent with existing experimental evidence that benzotriazole, although a mixed type inhibitor, predominantly affects the anodic reaction.
Binding of bile acids by pastry products containing bioactive substances during in vitro digestion
Authors: Dziedzic Krzysztof , Górecka Danuta , Szwengiel Artur , Smoczyńska Paulina , Czaczyk Katarzyna , Komolka Patrycja
Published: February 2015

The modern day consumer tends to choose products with health enhancing properties, enriched in bioactive substances.
Microbial trench-based optofluidic system for reagentless determination of phenolic compounds
Authors: Sanahuja David , Giménez-Gómez Pablo , Vigués Núria , Ackermann Tobias Nils , Guerrero-Navarro Alfons Eduard , Pujol-Vila Ferran , Sacristán Jordi , Santamaria Nidia , Sánchez-Contreras María , Díaz-González María , Mas Jordi , Muñoz-Berbel Xavier
Published: February 2015

Reagentless determination of phenolic compounds with bacteria retained in alginate matrix.
The salivary proteome profile in patients affected by SAPHO syndrome characterized by a top-down RP-HPLC-ESI-MS platform
Authors: Sanna Monica , Firinu Davide , Manconi Paolo Emilio , Pisanu Maria , Murgia Giuseppe , Piras Valentina , Castagnola Massimo , Messana Irene , del Giacco Stefano Renato , Cabras Tiziana
Published: February 2015

Salivary proteomic investigation in SAPHO syndrome reveals significant variation of cystatins, histatins, aPRP, S100A12, suggesting their potential role as biomarkers.
A pyrenesulfonyl-imidazolium derivative as a selective cyanide ion sensor in aqueous media
Authors: Kumar Ashwani , Kim Hong-Seok
Published: February 2015

Unlocking of probe 2 with CN− ions leads to its minimum detection limit of 0.5 μM (13 ppb).
Aromatic abietane diterpenoids: their biological activity and synthesis
Authors: González Miguel A.
Published: February 2015

In this study, the biological properties of abietane-type diterpenoids with an aromatic C ring are reviewed. The review contains about 160 references.
Polyketide synthase and non-ribosomal peptide synthetase thioesterase selectivity: logic gate or a victim of fate?
Authors: Horsman Mark E. , Hari Taylor P. A. , Boddy Christopher N.
Published: February 2015

Thioesterases (TEs) are product offloading enzymes from FAS, PKS, and NRPS complexes. We review the diversity, structure, and mechanism of PKS and NRPS TEs and analyze TE loading and release steps as possible logic gates with a view to predicting TE function in new pathways.
Plasmonic hot electron enhanced MoS2photocatalysis in hydrogen evolution
Authors: Kang Yimin , Gong Yongji , Hu Zhijian , Li Ziwei , Qiu Ziwei , Zhu Xing , Ajayan Pulickel M. , Fang Zheyu
Published: February 2015

Green energy sees the light: an accumulative enhancement of MoS2photocatalysis in hydrogen production is achieved by the plasmonic hot electron doping effect.
Theoretical investigation on the chemoselective N-heterocyclic carbene-catalyzed cross-benzoin reactions
Authors: Liu Tao , Han Shu-Min , Han Ling-Li , Wang Lu , Cui Xiang-Yang , Du Chong-Yang , Bi Siwei
Published: February 2015

A density functional theory study was performed to understand the detailed mechanisms of the cross-benzoin reactions catalyzed by N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) species.
Effects of 2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid modified Fe2O3 nanoparticles on microstructure and biological activity of cardiomyocytes
Authors: Mou Yongchao , Zhou Jin , Xiong Fei , Li Hong , Sun Hongyu , Han Yao , Gu Ning , Wang Changyong
Published: February 2015

Iron oxide nanoparticles did not interfere with the microstructure, but decreased the intracellular ROS content of cardiomyocytes.
Profiling of phenolic and other compounds from Egyptian cultivars of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) and antioxidant activity: a comparative study
Authors: Mekky Reham Hassan , Contreras María del Mar , El-Gindi Mohamed Roshdi , Abdel-Monem Azza R. , Abdel-Sattar Essam , Segura-Carretero Antonio
Published: February 2015

The metabolic profiling of seven Egyptian cultivars of chickpeaviaRP-HPLC-DAD-ESI-QTOF-MS enabled the characterization of 96 phenolic compounds.
Ab initio study of germanium-hydride compounds under high pressure
Authors: Hou PuGeng , Tian FuBo , Li Da , Zhao ZhongLong , Duan DeFang , Zhang HuaDi , Sha XiaoJing , Liu BingBing , Cui Tian
Published: February 2015

Motivated by the potential high-temperature superconductivity in hydrogen-rich materials and phase transitions, germanium-hydride compounds under high pressure were studied by a genetic algorithm.
Macroporous adsorbent resin-based wheat bran polyphenol extracts inhibition effects on H2O2-induced oxidative damage in HEK293 cells
Authors: Bian Yuan-Yuan , Guo Jia , Zhu Ke-Xue , Guo Xiao-Na , Peng Wei , Majeed Hamid , Zhou Hui-Ming
Published: February 2015

In the present study, polyphenol-rich extracts of wheat bran (PEWB) were prepared via adsorption on macroporous resins and desorption with ethanol.
The bifunctional electrocatalytic activity of perovskite La0.6Sr0.4CoO3−δ for oxygen reduction and evolution reactions
Authors: Oh Mi Young , Jeon Jeong Sook , Lee Jong Ju , Kim Pil , Nahm Kee Suk
Published: February 2015

The perovskite LSC exhibited better catalytic performance than conventionally used KB and improved the reversibility of the O2 electrode.
High-quality water-soluble luminescent carbon dots for multicolor patterning, sensors, and bioimaging
Authors: Lu Wenjing , Gong Xiaojuan , Yang Zhenhua , Zhang Yuexia , Hu Qin , Shuang Shaomin , Dong Chuan , Choi Martin M. F.
Published: February 2015

A rapid and high-output strategy for the fabrication of polymer-like CDs is developed. The CDs are inexpensive to be synthesized and are useful for versatile applications such as anti-counterfeiting, information encryption, and information storage.
Synthesis of pyrimidine-cored host materials bearing phenylcarbazole for efficient yellow phosphorescent devices: effect of linkage position
Authors: Jang Hong-Gu , Song Wook , Lee Jun Yeob , Hwang Seok-Ho
Published: February 2015

Two isometric host materials, pPDPC and mPDPC, were synthesized and their photophysical properties evaluated as well as their device performances for PO-01 based yellow PHOLEDs.
Effect of CaZrO3 on phase structure and electrical properties of KNN-based lead-free ceramics
Authors: Zhang Yang , Li Lingyu , Bai Wangfeng , Shen Bo , Zhai Jiwei , Li Bo
Published: February 2015

(1 − x)[0.93(K0.5Na0.5)NbO3–0.07LiNbO3]–xCaZrO3 (KNN–LN–xCZ) lead-free piezoelectric ceramics have been prepared by the conventional solid state reaction method and investigated to differentiate the effects of polymorphic phase transition.
New insights into the electrochemical performance of Li2MnSiO4: effect of cationic substitutions
Authors: Saracibar A. , Wang Z. , Carroll K. J. , Meng Y. S. , Dompablo M. E. Arroyo-de
Published: February 2015

We investigate Mn substitution for Mg, Fe, Co and Ni in the Li2MnSiO4 cathode material. Among these substituents only Ni might help maintaining the structural integrity of the delithiated phases.
Unusual photophysical properties of conjugated, alternating indigo–fluorene copolymers
Authors: Pina João , Seixas de Melo J. Sérgio , Eckert Anika , Scherf Ullrich
Published: February 2015

Synthesis and photophysical characterization of alternating indigo–fluorene copolymers.
Correction: Influences on and patterns in total gaseous mercury (TGM) at Harwell, England
Authors: Kentisbeer J. , Leeson S. R. , Clark T. , Malcolm H. M. , Cape J. N.
Published: February 2015

Correction for ‘Influences on and patterns in total gaseous mercury (TGM) at Harwell, England’ by J. Kentisbeer et al., Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2015, DOI: 10.1039/c4em00652f.
One-pot synthesis of multisubstituted imidazoles under solvent-free conditions and microwave irradiation using Fe3O4@SiO2–imid–PMAnmagnetic porous nanospheres as a recyclable catalyst
Authors: Esmaeilpour Mohsen , Javidi Jaber , Zandi Maryam
Published: February 2015

Synthesis of substituted imidazoles using the Fe3O4@SiO2–imid–PMAnnanocatalyst.
Rapid probing of sialylated glycoproteins in vitro and in vivo via metabolic oligosaccharide engineering of a minimal cyclopropene reporter
Authors: Xiong De-Cai , Zhu Jingjing , Han Ming-Jie , Luo Hui-Xin , Wang Cong , Yu Yang , Ye Yuqian , Tai Guihua , Ye Xin-Shan
Published: February 2015

A minimal and efficient cyclopropene chemical handle was identified bothin vitroandin vivo.
Direct biosynthetic cyclization of a distorted paracyclophane highlighted by double isotopic labelling of l-tyrosine
Authors: Ear Alexandre , Amand Séverine , Blanchard Florent , Blond Alain , Dubost Lionel , Buisson Didier , Nay Bastien
Published: February 2015

The biosynthesis of pyrrocidines was investigated using a double (18O,13C) labelling of l-tyrosine. It shows that the phenolic 18O is incorporated during aryl ether bond formation.
Understanding the cation specific effects on the aqueous solubility of amino acids: from mono to polyvalent cations
Authors: Tomé L. I. N. , Sousa C. S. R. , Gomes J. R. B. , Ferreira O. , Coutinho J. A. P. , Pinho S. P.
Published: February 2015

Based on solubility and molecular dynamics studies, a consistent and refined molecular description of the effect of the cation on the solubility of amino acids based on specific interactions of the cations with the negatively charged moieties of the biomolecules is proposed.
Exceptional enhancement of Raman scattering on silver chlorobromide nanocube photonic crystals: chemical and photonic contributions
Authors: Li Zheng , Gosztola David J. , Sun Cheng-Jun , Heald Steve M. , Sun Yugang
Published: February 2015

Photonic crystals made from self-assembled silver chlorobromide nanocubes exhibit a strong enhancement of Raman scattering due to the combination of both chemical and photonic enhancement mechanisms.
A new continuum approach for nonlinear kinetic simulation and transport analysis
Authors: Dai Zongliang , Xu Yingfeng , Ye Lei , Xiao Xiaotao , Wang Shaojie
Published: February 2015

A numerical code based on the I-transform approach is developed to solve the nonlinear Vlasov equation and carry out the transport analysis. The numerical results given by the I-transform approach agree with the conservative semi-Lagrangian approach in the Landau damping case and the bump-on-tail instability case. The diffusivities induced by the random fields and the quasilinear transport are also successfully demonstrated by using the new approach. It is found that the nonlinear transport in the one-dimensional Langmuir turbulence cannot be well-described by a simple diffusion model, due to the strong particle trapping at the nonlinear stage.
A simple breathing rate-sensing method exploiting a temporarily condensed water layer formed on an oxidized surface
Authors: Seo Min-Ho , Yang Hyun-Ho , Choi Kwang-Wook , Lee Jae-Shin , Yoon Jun-Bo
Published: February 2015

We describe a very simple breathing rate-sensing method that detects a significant electric current change between two metal electrodes on an oxidized surface. The current change is caused by the formation of a water layer from exhaled breath. We discovered that breathing onto the oxidized surface causes instant water condensation, and it generates 20 times increased current than that measured in the inhalation period. The condensed water quickly evaporates, enabling us to detect dynamic human breathing in real time. We also investigated the breathing rate sensor by varying the relative humidity, temperature, and breathing frequency and confirmed its potential for practical applications.
Resonant mechanical meta-interface suppressing transmission of acoustic waves without mode conversion
Authors: Gusev Vitalyi E.
Published: February 2015

Physical principles for the creation of meta-interfaces between two elastic media supporting transmission of only mode-converted acoustic waves by use of arrays of resonant mechanical elements that transfer shear and compression/dilatation forces are revealed. Analytical modelling of mechanical structural vibrations according to a lumped-element approximation for mechanical elements oriented obliquely to the interface shows that such meta-interfaces can be applied to the directional transmission of the acoustic waves between solids and liquids. Applications include the acoustic isolation of solid objects in a liquid environment and the reduction of the detection efficiency of solid-object vibrations.
Switching window analysis of a magnetic media grain in microwave assisted magnetic recording
Authors: Mingsheng Zhang , Tiejun Zhuo , Zhimin Yuan
Published: February 2015

In order to achieve the effective magnetic switching of a magnetic media grain in the media for microwave assisted magnetic recording, the effects of property distribution of the grain and applying time of the microwave on the switchable frequency window are studied by micromagnetic simulation. The simulation results show the grain dimension and damping constant distribution causes a slight change in switchable frequency window, while the anisotropy energy density and saturation magnetization variation (±10%) may cause the mismatch of the switchable microwave frequency. The switchable frequency window increases with the applying time of the microwave if the microwave duration is shorter than 0.2 ns. Further increase of applying time of the microwave does not further improve the switchable frequency window significantly in the simulation condition when it starts from time zero. These results indicate that it is critical to control the distribution of the anisotropy energy density and saturation magnetization variation to reduce the mismatch of frequency and achieve effective magnetic switching, and the microwave does not need to be on all the time, which can reduce the energy consumption of the microwave generator in the magnetic head.
Highly crystalline MoS2 thin films grown by pulsed laser deposition
Authors: Serrao Claudy R. , Diamond Anthony M. , Hsu Shang-Lin , You Long , Gadgil Sushant , Clarkson James , Carraro Carlo , Maboudian Roya , Hu Chenming , Salahuddin Sayeef
Published: February 2015

Highly crystalline thin films of MoS2 were prepared over large area by pulsed laser deposition down to a single monolayer on Al2O3 (0001), GaN (0001), and SiC-6H (0001) substrates. X-ray diffraction and selected area electron diffraction studies show that the films are quasi-epitaxial with good out-of-plane texture. In addition, the thin films were observed to be highly crystalline with rocking curve full width half maxima of 0.01°, smooth with a RMS roughness of 0.27 nm, and uniform in thickness based on Raman spectroscopy. From transport measurements, the as-grown films were found to be p-type.
Asymmetric spin-wave dispersion due to Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction in an ultrathin Pt/CoFeB film
Authors: Di Kai , Zhang Vanessa Li , Lim Hock Siah , Ng Ser Choon , Kuok Meng Hau , Qiu Xuepeng , Yang Hyunsoo
Published: February 2015

Employing Brillouin spectroscopy, strong interfacial Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interactions have been observed in an ultrathin Pt/CoFeB film. Our micromagnetic simulations show that spin-wave nonreciprocity due to asymmetric surface pinning is insignificant for the 0.8 nm-thick CoFeB film studied. The observed high asymmetry of the monotonic spin wave dispersion relation is thus ascribed to strong Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interactions present at the Pt/CoFeB interface. Our findings should further enhance the significance of CoFeB as an important material for magnonic and spintronic applications.
Thickness dependent quantum oscillations of transport properties in topological insulator Bi2Te3 thin films
Authors: Rogacheva E. I. , Budnik A. V. , Sipatov A. Yu. , Nashchekina O. N. , Dresselhaus M. S.
Published: February 2015

The dependences of the electrical conductivity, the Hall coefficient, and the Seebeck coefficient on the layer thickness d (d = 18−600 nm) of p-type topological insulator Bi2Te3 thin films grown by thermal evaporation in vacuum on glass substrates were obtained at room temperature. In the thickness range of d = 18–100 nm, sustained oscillations with a substantial amplitude were revealed. The observed oscillations are well approximated by a harmonic function with a period Δd = (9.5 ± 0.5) nm. At d > 100 nm, the transport coefficients practically do not change as d is increased. The oscillations of the kinetic properties are attributed to the quantum size effects due to the hole confinement in the Bi2Te3 quantum wells. The results of the theoretical calculations of Δd within the framework of a model of an infinitely deep potential well are in good agreement with the experimental results. It is suggested that the substantial amplitude of the oscillations and their sustained character as a function of d are connected with the topologically protected gapless surface states of Bi2Te3 and are inherent to topological insulators.
Polarization and distance dependent coupling in linear chains of gold nanoparticles
Authors: Kravets Vira V. , Ocola Leonidas E. , Khalavka Yuriy , Pinchuk Anatoliy O.
Published: February 2015

We studied collective surface plasmon excitations in chains of gold nanoparticles. The resonance frequency of these excitations is a function of the distance between the particles and polarization of the incident light. The near-field coupling between the particles in a chain leads to a cosine squared angular dependence between the polarization of the incident light and the axis connecting the particles. The far-field coupling between the particles results in a sine squared angular dependence. When the incident light is polarized along the chain, the near-field coupling exhibits a red shift, while the far-field exhibits a blue shift of the collective plasmon mode with respect to the mode of the non-interacting particles. We experimentally determined the particle separation for which the resonance frequency in the extinction spectra is polarization-independent.
In vitro plant regeneration of Aster scaber via somatic embryogenesis
Authors: Boo Kyung Hwan , Cao Dang Viet , Pamplona Reniel S , Lee Doseung , Riu Key-Zung , Lee Dong-Sun
Published: February 2015

We established an in vitro plant regeneration system via somatic embryogenesis of Aster scaber, an important source of various biologically active phytochemicals. We examined the callus induction and embryogenic capacities of three explants, including leaves, petioles, and roots, on 25 different media containing different combinations of α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) and 6-benzyladenine (BA). The optimum concentrations of NAA and BA for the production of embryogenic calli were 5.0 μM and 0.05 μM, respectively. Media containing higher concentrations of auxin and cytokinin (such as 25 μM NAA and 25 μM BA) were suitable for shoot regeneration, especially for leaf-derived calli, which are the most readily available calli and are highly competent. For root induction from regenerated shoots, supplemental auxin and/or cytokinin did not improve rooting, but instead caused unwanted callus induction or retarded growth of regenerated plants. Therefore, plant growth regulator-free medium was preferable for root induction. Normal plants were successfully obtained from calli under the optimized conditions described above. This is the first report of the complete process of in vitro plant regeneration of A. scaber via somatic embryogenesis.
Barriers to the free diffusion of proteins and lipids in the plasma membrane
Authors: Trimble William S. , Grinstein Sergio
Published: February 2015

Biological membranes segregate into specialized functional domains of distinct composition, which can persist for the entire life of the cell. How separation of their lipid and (glyco)protein components is generated and maintained is not well understood, but the existence of diffusional barriers has been proposed. Remarkably, the physical nature of such barriers and the manner whereby they impede the free diffusion of molecules in the plane of the membrane has rarely been studied in depth. Moreover, alternative mechanisms capable of generating membrane inhomogeneity are often disregarded. Here we describe prototypical biological systems where membrane segregation has been amply documented and discuss the role of diffusional barriers and other processes in the generation and maintenance of their structural and functional compartmentalization.
Cayetano González: Mothers, daughters, stemness, and cancer
Authors: Sedwick Caitlin
Published: February 2015

González studies centrosomal inheritance, asymmetric cell division, and cancer.
Accelerating a water maser face-on jet from a high mass young stellar object
Authors: Motogi Kazuhito , Sorai Kazuo , Honma Mareki , Hirota Tomoya , Hachisuka Kazuya , Niinuma Kotaro , Sugiyama Koichiro , Yonekura Yoshinori , Fujisawa Kenta
Published: February 2015

We report on long-term single-dish and VLBI monitoring for intermittent flare activities of a dominant blue-shifted H2O maser associated with a southern high mass young stellar object, G353.273+0.641. Bi-weekly single-dish monitoring using the Hokkaido University Tomakomai 11 m radio telescope has shown that a systematic acceleration continues over four years beyond the lifetime of individual maser features. This fact suggests that the H2O maser traces a region where molecular gas is steadily accelerated. There were five maser flares during the five years of monitoring, and maser distributions in four of them were densely monitored by VLBI Exploration of Radio Astrometry (VERA). The overall distribution of the maser features suggests the presence of a bipolar jet, with the 3D kinematics indicating that it is almost face-on (inclination angle of ∼ 8°–17° from the line of sight). Most maser features were recurrently excited within a region of 100×100 au2 around the radio continuum peak, while their spatial distributions significantly varied between each flare. This confirms that episodic propagations of outflow shocks recurrently invoke intermittent flare activities. We also measured annual parallax, deriving a source distance of 1.70$^{+0.19}_{-0.16}$ kpc that is consistent with the commonly used photometric distance.
PRDM16 binds MED1 and controls chromatin architecture to determine a brown fat transcriptional program
Authors: Harms Matthew J. , Lim Hee-Woong , Ho Yugong , Shapira Suzanne N. , Ishibashi Jeff , Rajakumari Sona , Steger David J. , Lazar Mitchell A. , Won Kyoung-Jae , Seale Patrick
Published: February 2015

PR (PRD1–BF1–RIZ1 homologous) domain-containing 16 (PRDM16) drives a brown fat differentiation program, but the mechanisms by which PRDM16 activates brown fat-selective genes have been unclear. Through chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) followed by deep sequencing (ChIP-seq) analyses in brown adipose tissue (BAT), we reveal that PRDM16 binding is highly enriched at a broad set of brown fat-selective genes. Importantly, we found that PRDM16 physically binds to MED1, a component of the Mediator complex, and recruits it to superenhancers at brown fat-selective genes. PRDM16 deficiency in BAT reduces MED1 binding at PRDM16 target sites and causes a fundamental change in chromatin architecture at key brown fat-selective genes. Together, these data indicate that PRDM16 controls chromatin architecture and superenhancer activity in BAT.
PRDM16 enhances nuclear receptor-dependent transcription of the brown fat-specific Ucp1 gene through interactions with Mediator subunit MED1
Authors: Iida Satoshi , Chen Wei , Nakadai Tomoyoshi , Ohkuma Yoshiaki , Roeder Robert G.
Published: February 2015

PR domain-containing 16 (PRDM16) induces expression of brown fat-specific genes in brown and beige adipocytes, although the underlying transcription-related mechanisms remain largely unknown. Here, in vitro studies show that PRDM16, through its zinc finger domains, directly interacts with the MED1 subunit of the Mediator complex, is recruited to the enhancer of the brown fat-specific uncoupling protein 1 (Ucp1) gene through this interaction, and enhances thyroid hormone receptor (TR)-driven transcription in a biochemically defined system in a Mediator-dependent manner, thus providing a direct link to the general transcription machinery. Complementary cell-based studies show that upon forskolin treatment, PRDM16 induces Ucp1 expression in undifferentiated murine embryonic fibroblasts, that this induction depends on MED1 and TR, and, consistent with a direct effect, that PRDM16 is recruited to the Ucp1 enhancer. Related studies have defined MED1 and PRDM16 interaction domains important for Ucp1 versus Ppargc1a induction by PRDM16. These results reveal novel mechanisms for PRDM16 function through the Mediator complex.
Monitoring Yeast Intracellular Ca2+ Levels Using an In Vivo Bioluminescence Assay
Authors: Tisi Renata , Martegani Enzo , Brandão Rogelio L.
Published: February 2015

This protocol describes the use of the jellyfish Aequorea victoria aequorin protein to measure Ca2+ levels in living yeast cells. All yeast strains to be analyzed must express the A. victoria apoprotein of the aequorin calcium biosensor, to be reconstituted into fully active aequorin by association with its cofactor, coelenterazine, which cannot be synthesized by yeast itself. The simplest way to achieve reconstitution is to transform yeast cells with a vector driving apoaequorin expression, and then supply commercially available coelenterazine cofactor in the medium. Coelenterazine is a hydrophobic molecule and is able to permeate yeast cells.
Chromatin Immunoprecipitation with Fixed Animal Tissues and Preparation for High-Throughput Sequencing
Authors: Cotney Justin L. , Noonan James P.
Published: February 2015

Chromatin immunoprecipitation coupled with high-throughput sequencing (ChIP-Seq) is a powerful method used to identify genome-wide binding patterns of transcription factors and distribution of various histone modifications associated with different chromatin states. In most published studies, ChIP-Seq has been performed on cultured cells grown under controlled conditions, allowing generation of large amounts of material in a homogeneous biological state. Although such studies have provided great insight into the dynamic landscapes of animal genomes, they do not allow the examination of transcription factor binding and chromatin states in adult tissues, developing embryonic structures, or tumors. Such knowledge is critical to understanding the information required to create and maintain a complex biological tissue and to identify noncoding regions of the genome directly involved in tissues affected by complex diseases such as autism. Studying these tissue types with ChIP-Seq can be challenging due to the limited availability of tissues and the lack of complex biological states able to be achieved in culture. These inherent differences require alterations of standard cross-linking and chromatin extraction typically used in cell culture. Here we describe a general approach for using small amounts of animal tissue to perform ChIP-Seq directed at histone modifications and transcription factors. Tissue is homogenized before treatment with formaldehyde to ensure proper cross-linking, and a two-step nuclear isolation is performed to increase extraction of soluble chromatin. Small amounts of soluble chromatin are then used for immunoprecipitation (IP) and prepared for multiplexed high-throughput sequencing.
The Plate-Washing Assay: A Simple Test for Filamentous Growth in Budding Yeast
Authors: Cullen Paul J.
Published: February 2015

Filamentous growth is a foraging response that occurs in fungal species. It allows fungal pathogens to invade cells and tissues of a host organism. Budding yeast undergoes filamentous growth and can invade semisolid agar plates, penetrating the agar surface. These cells cannot be removed by rinsing with water and form an invasive scar. The plate-washing assay is an easy first test for filamentous growth and is performed at low cost with minimal reagents. The assay is versatile: It can be used as a teaching tool, is amenable to high-throughput genetic analysis, and is used to evaluate filamentous growth in different fungal species, including pathogens like Candida albicans.