bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization at Atomic Resolution of Carbon Nanotube/Resin Interface in Nanocomposites by Mapping sp2-Bonding States Using Electron Energy-Loss Spectroscopy
Authors: Su Yi-Feng , Park Jin G. , Koo Ana , Trayner Sarah , Hao Ayou , Downes Rebekah , Liang Richard
Published: June 2016

Functionalization is critical for improving mechanical properties of carbon nanotubes (CNTs)/polymer nanocomposites. A fundamental understanding of the role of the CNT/polymer interface and bonding structure is key to improving functionalization procedures for higher mechanical performance. In this study, we investigated the effects of chemical functionalization on the nanocomposite interface at atomic resolution to provide direct and quantifiable information of the interactions and interface formation between CNT surfaces and adjacent resin molecules. We observed and compared electronic structures and their changes at the interfaces of nonfunctionalized and functionalized CNT/polymer nanocomposite samples via scanning transmission electron microscopy and electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) spectrum imaging techniques. The results show that the state of sp2 bonding and its distribution at the CNT/resin interface can be clearly visualized through EELS mapping. We found that the functionalized CNT/polymer samples exhibited a lower fraction of sp2 bonding and a lower π*/σ* ratio compared with the nonfunctionalized cases. A good correlation between near-edge fine structures and low-loss plasmon energies was observed.
SCM Agreement Revisited: Climate Change, Renewable Energy, and the SCM Agreement
Authors: LEE JAEMIN
Published: June 2016

Climate change poses a grave threat to the international community, thus prompting global action on all fronts. Various ‘green energy programs’ are being adopted by many governments. To the extent that governmental support is indispensable for the initiation and maintenance of these green energy programs, the SCM Agreement is directly implicated in this regard. Unfortunately, the agreement does not include any exceptions to these programs, even if the exceptions are undertaken due to the growing concerns of the global community. Under such circumstances, a practical solution should be found from within the existing framework, and be derived from an interpretation of the present SCM Agreement based on current jurisprudence. The collective jurisprudence of the WTO arguably stands for the proposition that certain renewable energy programs constitute ‘general infrastructure’ projects of a state, and thus are excluded from the financial contributions by the government under Article 1.1(a)(1)(iii) of the SCM Agreement.
Erratum: Modulation of tumorigenesis by the pro-inflammatory microRNA miR-301a in mouse models of lung cancer and colorectal cancer
Authors: Ma Xiaodong , Yan Fang , Deng Qipan , Li Fenge , Lu Zhongxin , Liu Mofang , Wang Lisheng , Conklin Daniel J , McCracken James , Srivastava Sanjay , Bhatnagar Aruni , Li Yong
Published: June 2016

Correction to: Cell Discovery (2015) 1, 15005; doi:10.1038/celldisc.2015.5; published online 19 May 2015 During web production, there was an error in Supplementary information: Supplementary Tables S1 and S2 were omitted. The files are now installed in the online version of the paper. We apologize for any inconvenience that may have been caused by this error.
Erratum: ALG-2 activates the MVB sorting function of ALIX through relieving its intramolecular interaction
Authors: Sun Sheng , Zhou Xi , Corvera Joe , Gallick Gary E , Lin Sue-Hwa , Kuang Jian
Published: June 2016

Correction to: Cell Discovery (2015) 1, 15018; doi:10.1038/celldisc.2015.18; published online 21 July 2015 In the initial published version of this article, there was an error in the Supplementary Information linking description on page 19. “Supplementary Information is linked to the online version of the paper on the Cell Research website.
Electrically driven optical metamaterials
Authors: Le-Van Quynh , Le Roux Xavier , Aassime Abdelhanin , Degiron Aloyse
Published: June 2016

The advent of metamaterials more than 15 years ago has offered extraordinary new ways of manipulating electromagnetic waves. Yet, progress in this field has been unequal across the electromagnetic spectrum, especially when it comes to finding applications for such artificial media. Optical metamaterials, in particular, are less compatible with active functionalities than their counterparts developed at lower frequencies. One crucial roadblock in the path to devices is the fact that active optical metamaterials are so far controlled by light rather than electricity, preventing them from being integrated in larger electronic systems. Here we introduce electroluminescent metamaterials based on metal nano-inclusions hybridized with colloidal quantum dots. We show that each of these miniature blocks can be individually tuned to exhibit independent optoelectronic properties (both in terms of electrical characteristics, polarization, colour and brightness), illustrate their capabilities by weaving complex light-emitting surfaces and finally discuss their potential for displays and sensors.
Rapid, High-Resolution Forest Structure and Terrain Mapping over Large Areas using Single Photon Lidar
Authors: Swatantran Anu , Tang Hao , Barrett Terence , DeCola Phil , Dubayah Ralph
Published: June 2016

Single photon lidar (SPL) is an innovative technology for rapid forest structure and terrain characterization over large areas. Here, we evaluate data from an SPL instrument - the High Resolution Quantum Lidar System (HRQLS) that was used to map the entirety of Garrett County in Maryland, USA (1700 km2). We develop novel approaches to filter solar noise to enable the derivation of forest canopy structure and ground elevation from SPL point clouds. SPL attributes are compared with field measurements and an existing leaf-off, low-point density discrete return lidar dataset as a means of validation. We find that canopy and ground characteristics from SPL are similar to discrete return lidar despite differences in wavelength and acquisition periods but the higher point density of the SPL data provides more structural detail. Our experience suggests that automated noise removal may be challenging, particularly over high albedo surfaces and rigorous instrument calibration is required to reduce ground measurement biases to accepted mapping standards. Nonetheless, its efficiency of data collection and its ability to produce fine-scale, three-dimensional structure over large areas quickly strongly suggests that SPL should be considered as an efficient and potentially cost-effective alternative to existing lidar systems for large area mapping.
Impact of Information based Classification on Network Epidemics
Authors: Mishra Bimal Kumar , Haldar Kaushik , Sinha Durgesh Nandini
Published: June 2016

Formulating mathematical models for accurate approximation of malicious propagation in a network is a difficult process because of our inherent lack of understanding of several underlying physical processes that intrinsically characterize the broader picture. The aim of this paper is to understand the impact of available information in the control of malicious network epidemics. A 1-n-n-1 type differential epidemic model is proposed, where the differentiality allows a symptom based classification. This is the first such attempt to add such a classification into the existing epidemic framework. The model is incorporated into a five class system called the DifEpGoss architecture. Analysis reveals an epidemic threshold, based on which the long-term behavior of the system is analyzed. In this work three real network datasets with 22002, 22469 and 22607 undirected edges respectively, are used. The datasets show that classification based prevention given in the model can have a good role in containing network epidemics. Further simulation based experiments are used with a three category classification of attack and defense strengths, which allows us to consider 27 different possibilities. These experiments further corroborate the utility of the proposed model. The paper concludes with several interesting results.
Accelerated age-related olfactory decline among type 1 Usher patients
Authors: Ribeiro João Carlos , Oliveiros Bárbara , Pereira Paulo , António Natália , Hummel Thomas , Paiva António , Silva Eduardo D.
Published: June 2016

Usher Syndrome (USH) is a rare disease with hearing loss, retinitis pigmentosa and, sometimes, vestibular dysfunction. A phenotype heterogeneity is reported. Recent evidence indicates that USH is likely to belong to an emerging class of sensory ciliopathies. Olfaction has recently been implicated in ciliopathies, but the scarce literature about olfaction in USH show conflicting results. We aim to evaluate olfactory impairment as a possible clinical manifestation of USH. Prospective clinical study that included 65 patients with USH and 65 normal age-gender-smoking-habits pair matched subjects. A cross culturally validated version of the Sniffin’ Sticks olfaction test was used. Young patients with USH have significantly better olfactory scores than healthy controls. We observe that USH type 1 have a faster ageing olfactory decrease than what happens in healthy subjects, leading to significantly lower olfactory scores in older USH1 patients. Moreover, USH type 1 patients showed significantly higher olfactory scores than USH type 2, what can help distinguishing them. Olfaction represents an attractive tool for USH type classification and pre diagnostic screening due to the low cost and non-invasive nature of the testing. Olfactory dysfunction should be considered among the spectrum of clinical manifestations of Usher syndrome.
The impact of genotype calling errors on family-based studies
Authors: Yan Qi , Chen Rui , Sutcliffe James S. , Cook Edwin H. , Weeks Daniel E. , Li Bingshan , Chen Wei
Published: June 2016

Family-based sequencing studies have unique advantages in enriching rare variants, controlling population stratification, and improving genotype calling. Standard genotype calling algorithms are less likely to call rare variants correctly, often mistakenly calling heterozygotes as reference homozygotes. The consequences of such non-random errors on association tests for rare variants are unclear, particularly in transmission-based tests. In this study, we investigated the impact of genotyping errors on rare variant association tests of family-based sequence data. We performed a comprehensive analysis to study how genotype calling errors affect type I error and statistical power of transmission-based association tests using a variety of realistic parameters in family-based sequencing studies. In simulation studies, we found that biased genotype calling errors yielded not only an inflation of type I error but also a power loss of association tests. We further confirmed our observation using exome sequence data from an autism project. We concluded that non-symmetric genotype calling errors need careful consideration in the analysis of family-based sequence data and we provided practical guidance on ameliorating the test bias.
The chimeric ubiquitin ligase SH2-U-box inhibits the growth of imatinib-sensitive and resistant CML by targeting the native and T315I-mutant BCR-ABL
Authors: Ru Yi , Wang Qinhao , Liu Xiping , Zhang Mei , Zhong Daixing , Ye Mingxiang , Li Yuanchun , Han Hua , Yao Libo , Li Xia
Published: June 2016

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is characterized by constitutively active fusion protein tyrosine kinase BCR-ABL. Although the tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) against BCR-ABL, imatinib, is the first-line therapy for CML, acquired resistance almost inevitably emerges. The underlying mechanism are point mutations within the BCR-ABL gene, among which T315I is notorious because it resists to almost all currently available inhibitors. Here we took use of a previously generated chimeric ubiquitin ligase, SH2-U-box, in which SH2 from the adaptor protein Grb2 acts as a binding domain for activated BCR-ABL, while U-box from CHIP functions as an E3 ubiquitin ligase domain, so as to target the ubiquitination and degradation of both native and T315I-mutant BCR-ABL. As such, SH2-U-box significantly inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis in CML cells harboring either the wild-type or T315I-mutant BCR-ABL (K562 or K562R), with BCR-ABL-dependent signaling pathways being repressed. Moreover, SH2-U-box worked in concert with imatinib in K562 cells. Importantly, SH2-U-box-carrying lentivirus could markedly suppress the growth of K562-xenografts in nude mice or K562R-xenografts in SCID mice, as well as that of primary CML cells. Collectively, by degrading the native and T315I-mutant BCR-ABL, the chimeric ubiquitin ligase SH2-U-box may serve as a potential therapy for both imatinib-sensitive and resistant CML.
Ultrahigh Frequency (100 MHz–300 MHz) Ultrasonic Transducers for Optical Resolution Medical Imagining
Authors: Fei Chunlong , Chiu Chi Tat , Chen Xiaoyang , Chen Zeyu , Ma Jianguo , Zhu Benpeng , Shung K. Kirk , Zhou Qifa
Published: June 2016

High resolution ultrasonic imaging requires high frequency wide band ultrasonic transducers, which produce short pulses and highly focused beam. However, currently the frequency of ultrasonic transducers is limited to below 100 MHz, mainly because of the challenge in precise control of fabrication parameters. This paper reports the design, fabrication and characterization of sensitive broadband lithium niobate (LiNbO3) single element ultrasonic transducers in the range of 100–300 MHz, as well as their applications in high resolution imaging. All transducers were built for an f-number close to 1.0, which was achieved by press-focusing the piezoelectric layer into a spherical curvature. Characterization results demonstrated their high sensitivity and a −6 dB bandwidth greater than 40%. Resolutions better than 6.4 μm in the lateral direction and 6.2 μm in the axial direction were achieved by scanning a 4 μm tungsten wire target. Ultrasonic biomicroscopy images of zebrafish eyes were obtained with these transducers which demonstrate the feasibility of high resolution imaging with a performance comparable to optical resolution.
Microfluidic neurite guidance to study structure-function relationships in topologically-complex population-based neural networks
Authors: Honegger Thibault , Thielen Moritz I. , Feizi Soheil , Sanjana Neville E. , Voldman Joel
Published: June 2016

The central nervous system is a dense, layered, 3D interconnected network of populations of neurons and thus recapitulating that complexity for in vitro CNS models requires methods that can create defined topologically-complex neuronal networks. Several three-dimensional patterning approaches have been developed but none have demonstrated the ability to control the connections between populations of neurons. Here we report a method using AC electrokinetic forces that can guide, accelerate, slow down and push up neurites in un-modified collagen scaffolds. We present a means to create in vitro neural networks of arbitrary complexity by using such forces to create 3D intersections of primary neuronal populations that are plated in a 2D plane. We report for the first time in vitro basic brain motifs that have been previously observed in vivo and show that their functional network is highly decorrelated to their structure. This platform can provide building blocks to reproduce in vitro the complexity of neural circuits and provide a minimalistic environment to study the structure-function relationship of the brain circuitry.
Hall-plot of the phase diagram for Ba(Fe1−xCox)2As2
Authors: Iida Kazumasa , Grinenko Vadim , Kurth Fritz , Ichinose Ataru , Tsukada Ichiro , Ahrens Eike , Pukenas Aurimas , Chekhonin Paul , Skrotzki Werner , Teresiak Angelika , Hühne Ruben , Aswartham Saicharan , Wurmehl Sabine , Mönch Ingolf , Erbe Manuela , Hänisch Jens , Holzapfel Bernhard , Drechsler Stefan-Ludwig , Efremov Dmitri V.
Published: June 2016

The Hall effect is a powerful tool for investigating carrier type and density. For single-band materials, the Hall coefficient is traditionally expressed simply by "Equation missing", where e is the charge of the carrier and n is the concentration. However, it is well known that in the critical region near a quantum phase transition, as it was demonstrated for cuprates and heavy fermions, the Hall coefficient exhibits strong temperature and doping dependencies, which can not be described by such a simple expression and the interpretation of the Hall coefficient for Fe-based superconductors is also problematic. Here, we investigate thin films of Ba(Fe1−xCox)2As2 with compressive and tensile in-plane strain in a wide range of Co doping. Such in-plane strain changes the band structure of the compounds, resulting in various shifts of the whole phase diagram as a function of Co doping. We show that the resultant phase diagrams for different strain states can be mapped onto a single phase diagram with the Hall number. This universal plot is attributed to the critical fluctuations in multiband systems near the antiferromagnetic transition, which may suggest a direct link between magnetic and superconducting properties in the BaFe2As2 system.
Next-generation sequencing of common osteogenesis imperfecta-related genes in clinical practice
Authors: Árvai Kristóf , Horváth Péter , Balla Bernadett , Tobiás Bálint , Kató Karina , Kirschner Gyöngyi , Klujber Valéria , Lakatos Péter , Kósa János P.
Published: June 2016

Next generation sequencing (NGS) is a rapidly developing area in genetics. Utilizing this technology in the management of disorders with complex genetic background and not recurrent mutation hot spots can be extremely useful. In this study, we applied NGS, namely semiconductor sequencing to determine the most significant osteogenesis imperfecta-related genetic variants in the clinical practice. We selected genes coding collagen type I alpha-1 and-2 (COL1A1, COL1A2) which are responsible for more than 90% of all cases. CRTAP and LEPRE1/P3H1 genes involved in the background of the recessive forms with relatively high frequency (type VII and VIII) represent less than 10% of the disease. In our six patients (1–41 years), we identified 23 different variants. We found a total of 14 single nucleotide variants (SNV) in COL1A1 and COL1A2, 5 in CRTAP and 4 in LEPRE1. Two novel and two already well-established pathogenic SNVs have been identified. Among the newly recognized mutations, one results in an amino acid change and one of them is a stop codon. We have shown that a new full-scale cost-effective NGS method can be developed and utilized to supplement diagnostic process of osteogenesis imperfecta with molecular genetic data in clinical practice.
Interfacial undercooling in solidification of colloidal suspensions: analyses with quantitative measurements
Authors: You Jiaxue , Wang Lilin , Wang Zhijun , Li Junjie , Wang Jincheng , Lin Xin , Huang Weidong
Published: June 2016

Interfacial undercooling in the complex solidification of colloidal suspensions is of significance and remains a puzzling problem. Two types of interfacial undercooling are supposed to be involved in the freezing of colloidal suspensions, i.e., solute constitutional supercooling (SCS) caused by additives in the solvent and particulate constitutional supercooling (PCS) caused by particles. However, quantitative identification of the interfacial undercooling in the solidification of colloidal suspensions, is still absent; thus, the question of which type of undercooling is dominant in this complex system remains unanswered. Here, we quantitatively measured the static and dynamic interface undercoolings of SCS and PCS in ideal and practical colloidal systems. We show that the interfacial undercooling primarily comes from SCS caused by the additives in the solvent, while PCS is minor. This finding implies that the thermodynamic effect of particles from the PCS is not the fundamental physical mechanism for pattern formation of cellular growth and lamellar structure in the solidification of colloidal suspensions, a general case of ice-templating method. Instead, the patterns in the ice-templating method can be controlled effectively by adjusting the additives.
Prevention and Treatment of Lower Limb Deep Vein Thrombosis after Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation: Results of a Prospective active controlled Study
Authors: Li Lan , Zhang Bao-jian , Zhang Bao-ku , Ma Jun , Liu Xu-zheng , Jiang Shu-bin
Published: June 2016

We conducted a prospective, single-center, active controlled study from July 2013 to January 2015, in Chinese patients with rapid ventricular arrhythmia who had received radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) treatment to determine formation of lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (LDVT) post RFCA procedure, and evaluated the effect of rivaroxaban on LDVT. Patients with asymptomatic pulmonary thromboembolism who had not received any other anticoagulant and had received no more than 36 hours of treatment with unfractionated heparin were included. Post RFCA procedure, patients received either rivaroxaban (10 mg/d for 14 days beginning 2–3 hours post-operation; n = 86) or aspirin (100 mg/d for 3 months beginning 2–3 hours post-operation; n = 90). The primary outcome was a composite of LDVT occurrence, change in diameter of femoral veins, and safety outcomes that were analyzed based on major or minor bleeding events. In addition, blood flow velocity was determined. No complete occlusive thrombus or bleeding events were reported with either of the group. The lower incidence rate of non-occluded thrombus in rivaroxaban (5.8%) compared to the aspirin group (16.7%) indicates rivaroxaban may be administered post-RFCA to prevent and treat femoral venous thrombosis in a secure and effective way with a faster inset of action than standard aspirin therapy.
The role of local and remote amino acid substitutions for optimizing fluorescence in bacteriophytochromes: A case study on iRFP
Authors: Buhrke David , Velazquez Escobar Francisco , Sauthof Luisa , Wilkening Svea , Herder Nico , Tavraz Neslihan N. , Willoweit Mario , Keidel Anke , Utesch Tillmann , Mroginski Maria-Andrea , Schmitt Franz-Josef , Hildebrandt Peter , Friedrich Thomas
Published: June 2016

Bacteriophytochromes are promising tools for tissue microscopy and imaging due to their fluorescence in the near-infrared region. These applications require optimization of the originally low fluorescence quantum yields via genetic engineering. Factors that favour fluorescence over other non-radiative excited state decay channels are yet poorly understood. In this work we employed resonance Raman and fluorescence spectroscopy to analyse the consequences of multiple amino acid substitutions on fluorescence of the iRFP713 benchmark protein. Two groups of mutations distinguishing iRFP from its precursor, the PAS-GAF domain of the bacteriophytochrome P2 from Rhodopseudomonas palustris, have qualitatively different effects on the biliverdin cofactor, which exists in a fluorescent (state II) and a non-fluorescent conformer (state I). Substitution of three critical amino acids in the chromophore binding pocket increases the intrinsic fluorescence quantum yield of state II from 1.7 to 5.0% due to slight structural changes of the tetrapyrrole chromophore. Whereas these changes are accompanied by an enrichment of state II from ~40 to ~50%, a major shift to ~88% is achieved by remote amino acid substitutions. Additionally, an increase of the intrinsic fluorescence quantum yield of this conformer by ~34% is achieved. The present results have important implications for future design strategies of biofluorophores.
Responses of eastern Chinese coastal salt marshes to sea-level rise combined with vegetative and sedimentary processes
Authors: Ge Zhen-Ming , Wang Heng , Cao Hao-Bin , Zhao Bin , Zhou Xiao , Peltola Heli , Cui Li-Fang , Li Xiu-Zhen , Zhang Li-Quan
Published: June 2016

The impacts of sea-level rise (SLR) on coastal ecosystems have attracted worldwide attention in relation to global change. In this study, the salt marsh model for the Yangtze Estuary (SMM-YE, developed in China) and the Sea Level Affecting Marshes Model (SLAMM, developed in the U.S.) were used to simulate the effects of SLR on the coastal salt marshes in eastern China. The changes in the dominant species in the plant community were also considered. Predictions based on the SLAMM indicated a trend of habitat degradation up to 2100; total salt marsh habitat area continued to decline (4–16%) based on the low-level scenario, with greater losses (6–25%) predicted under the high-level scenario. The SMM-YE showed that the salt marshes could be resilient to threats of SLR through the processes of accretion of mudflats, vegetation expansion and sediment trapping by plants. This model predicted that salt marsh areas increased (3–6%) under the low-level scenario. The decrease in the total habitat area with the SMM-YE under the high-level scenario was much lower than the SLAMM prediction. Nevertheless, SLR might negatively affect the salt marsh species that are not adapted to prolonged inundation. An adaptive strategy for responding to changes in sediment resources is necessary in the Yangtze Estuary.
Evaluation of the inhibition potential of plumbagin against cytochrome P450 using LC-MS/MS and cocktail approach
Authors: Chen Ang , Zhou Xiaojing , Tang Shuowen , Liu Mingyao , Wang Xin
Published: June 2016

Plumbagin (5-hydroxy-2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone), a natural naphthoquinone compound isolated from roots of Plumbago zeylanica L., has drawn a lot of attention for its plenty of pharmacological properties including antidiabetes and anti-cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of plumbagin on CYP1A2, CYP2B1/6, CYP2C9/11, CYP2D1/6, CYP2E1 and CYP3A2/4 activities in human and rat liver and evaluate the potential herb-drug interactions using the cocktail approach. All CYP substrates and their metabolites were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Plumbagin presented non-time-dependent inhibition of CYP activities in both human and rat liver. In humans, plumbagin was not only a mixed inhibitor of CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2D6, CYP2E1 and CYP3A4, but also a non-competitive inhibitor of CYP1A2, with Ki values no more than 2.16 μM. In rats, the mixed inhibition of CYP1A2 and CYP2D1, and competitive inhibition for CYP2B1, CYP2C11 and CYP2E1 with Ki values less than 9.93 μM were observed. In general, the relatively low Ki values of plumbagin in humans would have a high potential to cause the toxicity and drug interactions involving CYP enzymes.
Gender-specific differences in PPARγ regulation of follicular helper T cell responses with estrogen
Authors: Park Hong-Jai , Park Hyeon-Soo , Lee Jae-Ung , Bothwell Alfred L. M. , Choi Je-Min
Published: June 2016

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), a master regulator of adipocyte differentiation, has recently been connected with effector T cells, though its role is still not clear. Here, we investigated the roles of PPARγ in follicular helper T (TFH) cell responses regarding gender specificity. NP-OVA immunization in female but not male CD4-PPARγKO mice induced higher proportions of TFH cells and germinal center (GC) B cells following immunization than were seen in wild type mice. Treatment with the PPARγ agonist pioglitazone significantly reduced TFH cell responses in female mice while pioglitazone and estradiol (E2) co-treatment ameliorated TFH cells and GC responses in male mice. E2 treatment significantly enhanced PPARγ expression in male T cells, while T cell activation in the estrus but not in the diestrus stage of the menstrual cycle of females was inhibited by pioglitazone, suggesting that an estrogen-sufficient environment is important for PPARγ-mediated T cell regulation. These results demonstrate gender-based differences in sensitivities of PPARγ in TFH responses. These findings suggest that appropriate function of PPARγ is required in the regulation of female GC responses and that therapeutic strategies for autoimmune diseases using PPARγ agonists need to be tailored accordingly.
A Fuzzy Permutation Method for False Discovery Rate Control
Authors: Yang Ya-Hui , Lin Wan-Yu , Lee Wen-Chung
Published: June 2016

Biomedical researchers often encounter the large-p-small-n situations—a great number of variables are measured/recorded for only a few subjects. The authors propose a fuzzy permutation method to address the multiple testing problem for small sample size studies. The method introduces fuzziness into standard permutation analysis to produce randomized p-values, which are then converted into q-values for false discovery rate controls. Simple algebra shows that the fuzzy permutation method is at least as powerful as the standard permutation method under any alternative. Monte-Carlo simulations show that the proposed method has desirable statistical properties whether the study variables are normally or non-normally distributed. A real dataset is analyzed to illustrate its use. The proposed fuzzy permutation method is recommended for use in the large-p-small-n settings.
Oncogenic Sox2 regulates and cooperates with VRK1 in cell cycle progression and differentiation
Authors: Moura David S. , Fernández Isabel F. , Marín-Royo Gema , López-Sánchez Inmaculada , Martín-Doncel Elena , Vega Francisco M. , Lazo Pedro A.
Published: June 2016

Sox2 is a pluripotency transcription factor that as an oncogene can also regulate cell proliferation. Therefore, genes implicated in several different aspects of cell proliferation, such as the VRK1 chromatin-kinase, are candidates to be targets of Sox2. Sox 2 and VRK1 colocalize in nuclei of proliferating cells forming a stable complex. Sox2 knockdown abrogates VRK1 gene expression. Depletion of either Sox2 or VRK1 caused a reduction of cell proliferation. Sox2 up-regulates VRK1 expression and both proteins cooperate in the activation of CCND1. The accumulation of VRK1 protein downregulates SOX2 expression and both proteins are lost in terminally differentiated cells. Induction of neural differentiation with retinoic acid resulted in downregulation of Sox2 and VRK1 that inversely correlated with the expression of differentiation markers such as N-cadherin, Pax6, mH2A1.2 and mH2A2. Differentiation-associated macro histones mH2A1.2and mH2A2 inhibit CCND1 and VRK1 expression and also block the activation of the VRK1 promoter by Sox2. VRK1 is a downstream target of Sox2 and both form an autoregulatory loop in epithelial cell differentiation.
Firing frequency and entrainment maintained in primary auditory neurons in the presence of combined BDNF and NT3
Authors: Wright Tess , Gillespie Lisa N. , O’Leary Stephen J. , Needham Karina
Published: June 2016

Primary auditory neurons rely on neurotrophic factors for development and survival. We previously determined that exposure to brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurotrophin-3 (NT3) alters the activity of hyperpolarization-activated currents (Ih) in this neuronal population. Since potassium channels are sensitive to neurotrophins, and changes in Ih are often accompanied by a shift in voltage-gated potassium currents (IK), this study examined IK with exposure to both BDNF and NT3 and the impact on firing entrainment during high frequency pulse trains. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings revealed significant changes in action potential latency and duration, but no change in firing adaptation or total outward IK. Dendrotoxin-I (DTX-I), targeting voltage-gated potassium channel subunits KV1.1 and KV1.2, uncovered an increase in the contribution of DTX-I sensitive currents with exposure to neurotrophins. No difference in Phrixotoxin-1 (PaTX-1) sensitive currents, mediated by KV4.2 and KV4.3 subunits, was observed. Further, no difference was seen in firing entrainment. These results show that combined BDNF and NT3 exposure influences the contribution of KV1.1 and KV1.2 to the low voltage-activated potassium current (IKL). Whilst this is accompanied by a shift in spike latency and duration, both firing frequency and entrainment to high frequency pulse trains are preserved.
Geometrically pinned magnetic domain wall for multi-bit per cell storage memory
Authors: Bahri M. Al , Sbiaa R.
Published: June 2016

Spintronic devices currently rely on magnetic switching or controlled motion of domain walls (DWs) by an external magnetic field or a spin-polarized current. Controlling the position of DW is essential for defining the state/information in a magnetic memory. During the process of nanowire fabrication, creating an off-set of two parts of the device could help to pin DW at a precise position. Micromagnetic simulation conducted on in-plane magnetic anisotropy materials shows the effectiveness of the proposed design for pinning DW at the nanoconstriction region. The critical current for moving DW from one state to the other is strongly dependent on nanoconstricted region (width and length) and the magnetic properties of the material. The DW speed which is essential for fast writing of the data could reach values in the range of hundreds m/s. Furthermore, evidence of multi-bit per cell memory is demonstrated via a magnetic nanowire with more than one constriction.
Extracellular control of intracellular drug release for enhanced safety of anti-cancer chemotherapy
Authors: Zhu Qian , Qi Haixia , Long Ziyan , Liu Shang , Huang Zhen , Zhang Junfeng , Wang Chunming , Dong Lei
Published: June 2016

The difficulty of controlling drug release at an intracellular level remains a key challenge for maximising drug safety and efficacy. We demonstrate herein a new, efficient and convenient approach to extracellularly control the intracellular release of doxorubicin (DOX), by designing a delivery system that harnesses the interactions between the system and a particular set of cellular machinery. By simply adding a small-molecule chemical into the cell medium, we could lower the release rate of DOX in the cytosol, and thereby increase its accumulation in the nuclei while decreasing its presence at mitochondria. Delivery of DOX with this system effectively prevented DOX-induced mitochondria damage that is the main mechanism of its toxicity, while exerting the maximum efficacy of this anti-cancer chemotherapeutic agent. The present study sheds light on the design of drug delivery systems for extracellular control of intracellular drug delivery, with immediate therapeutic implications.
Molecular labels for analysis of amines and diols by spray based ionization-mass spectrometry
Authors: Ayrton S. T. , Cooks R. G. , Pugia M.
Published: June 2016

A family of imidazolium and pyridinium salts was synthesized for the purpose of labeling amines and 1,2-diols for highly sensitivite analysis by mass spectrometry.
Electrochemical nucleic acid biosensors: from fabrication to application
Authors: Tan Aaron , Lim Candy , Zou Shui , Ma Qian , Gao Zhiqiang
Published: June 2016

This article reviews the progress in the development of electrochemical nucleic acid biosensors with an emphasis on biosensor fabrication, the sensing mechanism, performance and applications with some discussion on challenges and perspectives.
A sensitive detection of Cr(vi) in wide pH range using polyethyleneimine protected silver nanoclusters
Authors: Xu Na , Zhu Quan , Kong Xiang-Yue , Meng Lei
Published: June 2016

A sensitive fluorescence probe of polyethyleneimine protected silver nanoclusters (AgNCs@PEI) was proposed for the detection of trace level of Cr(vi) in both acidic and alkaline conditions.
Validation and quantification of genomic 5-carboxylcytosine (5caC) in mouse brain tissue by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Zhang Lijian , Li Zhaojin , Chen Guangzhao , Huang Qionglin , Zhang Junjie , Wen Juan , Ye Xiaoxia , Cai Chun
Published: June 2016

A simple, sensitive and accurate method was developed for 5-carbocytosine detection by LC-MS/MS and was applied to mouse brain tissue.
Facile preparation of aqueous suspensions of WO3/sulfonated PEDOT hybrid nanoparticles for electrochromic applications
Authors: Ling Han , Ding Guoqiang , Mandler Daniel , Lee Pooi See , Xu Jianwei , Lu Xuehong
Published: June 2016

An aqueous suspension of WO3/PEDTS nanoparticles is facilely prepared, giving the hybrid electrochromic devices an enhanced optical contrast and electrochemical stability.
Geometry matters: inverse cytotoxic relationship for cis/trans-Ru(ii) polypyridyl complexes from cis/trans-[PtCl2(NH3)2]
Authors: Wachter Erin , Zamora Ana , Heidary David K. , Ruiz José , Glazer Edith C.
Published: June 2016

Two thermally activated ruthenium(ii) polypyridyl complexes, cis-Ru(bpy)2Cl2 and trans-Ru(qpy)Cl2 were investigated to determine the impact of the geometric arrangement of the exchangable ligands on the potential of the compounds to act as chemotherapeutics.
Effects of induced optical tunable and ferromagnetic behaviors of Ba doped nanocrystalline LaB6
Authors: Bao Lihong , Qi Xiaoping , Tana Tana , Chao Lumen , Tegus O.
Published: June 2016

Multiple nanocrystalline rare-earth hexaborides La1−xBaxB6 have been synthesized via a single step solid-state reaction.
X-ray spectroscopic and scattering methods applied to the characterisation of cobalt-based Fischer–Tropsch synthesis catalysts
Authors: Herbert Jennifer J. , Senecal Pierre , Martin David J. , Bras Wim , Beaumont Simon K. , Beale Andrew M.
Published: June 2016

This review aims to critically assess the use of X-ray techniques, both of a scattering (e.g. X-ray diffraction (XRD), pair distribution function (PDF)) and spectroscopic nature (X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAFS)), in the study of cobalt-based Fisher–Tropsch synthesis (FTS) catalysts.
Methylation of olefins with ketene in zeotypes and its implications for the direct conversion of syngas to light olefins: a periodic DFT study
Authors: Wang Chuan-Ming , Wang Yang-Dong , Xie Zai-Ku
Published: June 2016

Theoretical calculations suggested that the associative pathway other than the dissociative pathway dominates the methylation of tetramethylethene with ketene in H-SAPO-34, and the former pathway is more sensitive to acid strength than the latter one in CHA-structured zeotypes.
2D-HfS2as an efficient photocatalyst for water splitting
Authors: Singh Deobrat , Gupta Sanjeev K. , Sonvane Yogesh , Kumar Ashok , Ahuja Rajeev
Published: June 2016

Using first principles calculations we have systematically investigated the structural, electronic and vibrational properties of HfS2monolayers in both hexagonal (1H) and trigonal (1T) phases.
A Ni(iii) complex stabilized by silica nanoparticles as an efficient nanoheterogeneous catalyst for oxidative C–H fluoroalkylation
Authors: Khrizanforov Mikhail N. , Fedorenko Svetlana V. , Strekalova Sofia O. , Kholin Kirill V. , Mustafina Asiya R. , Zhilkin Mikhail Ye. , Khrizanforova Vera V. , Osin Yuri N. , Salnikov Vadim V. , Gryaznova Tatyana V. , Budnikova Yulia H.
Published: June 2016

NiIII-doped silica nanoparticles are a recyclable, low-leaching, and efficient oxidative nanocatalyst.
Different magnetic responses observed in CoII4, CoII3 and CoII1-based MOFs
Authors: Zhang Chao , Liu Zhong-Yi , Liu Ning , Zhao Hong , Yang En-Cui , Zhao Xiao-Jun
Published: June 2016

Four extended MOFs constructed from CoII4, CoII3 and CoII1 subunits were reported, exhibiting ferromagnetic ordering below 2.7 K, a non-zero paramagnetic state above 2.0 K and a field-induced metamagnetic transition, respectively.
Correction: Ligand K-edge XAS, DFT, and TDDFT analysis of pincer linker variations in Rh(i) PNP complexes: reactivity insights from electronic structure
Authors: Lee Kyounghoon , Wei Haochuan , Blake Anastasia V. , Donahue Courtney M. , Kwon Hyuk Yong , Keith Jason M. , Daly Scott R.
Published: June 2016

Correction for ‘Ligand K-edge XAS, DFT, and TDDFT analysis of pincer linker variations in Rh(i) PNP complexes: reactivity insights from electronic structure’ by Jason M. Keith, Scott R. Daly, et al., Dalton Trans., 2016, 45, 9774–9785.
Potential applications of metagenomics to assess the biological effects of food structure and function
Authors: Santiago-Rodriguez Tasha M. , Cano Raul , Jiménez-Flores Rafael
Published: June 2016

Metagenomics, or the collective study of genomes is an important emerging area in microbiology and related fields, and is increasingly being recognized as a tool to characterize the microbial community structure and function of diverse sample types.
A decade update on solvent and catalyst-free neat organic reactions: a step forward towards sustainability
Authors: Sarkar Anirban , Santra Sougata , Kundu Shrishnu Kumar , Hajra Alakananda , Zyryanov Grigory V. , Chupakhin Oleg N. , Charushin Valery N. , Majee Adinath
Published: June 2016

A collection of research reports have been documented from the viewpoint of green chemistry.
Carboxylative cyclization of substituted propenyl ketones using CO2: transition-metal-free synthesis of α-pyrones
Authors: Zhang Wen-Zhen , Yang Ming-Wang , Lu Xiao-Bing
Published: June 2016

Carboxylative cyclization of substituted 1-propenyl ketones via γ-carboxylation using CO2 provides an efficient, straightforward, and transition-metal-free access to α-pyrone compounds.
PDMS microwells for multi-parametric monitoring of single mitochondria on a large scale: a study of their individual membrane potential and endogenous NADH
Authors: Vajrala Venkata Suresh , Suraniti Emmanuel , Rigoulet Michel , Devin Anne , Sojic Neso , Arbault Stéphane
Published: June 2016

PDMS microwell platforms provide an innovative approach to better characterize the dynamics of metabolic activities in single mitochondria within a population.
Paper-based microreactor array for rapid screening of cell signaling cascades
Authors: Huang Chia-Hao , Lei Kin Fong , Tsang Ngan-Ming
Published: June 2016

Gel-free cell culture and subsequent immunoassay has been successfully conducted on a paper substrate.
Autophagy-related intrinsically disordered proteins in intra-nuclear compartments
Authors: Na Insung , Meng Fanchi , Kurgan Lukasz , Uversky Vladimir N.
Published: June 2016

Recent analyses indicated that autophagy can be regulatedviasome nuclear transcriptional networks and many important players in the autophagy and other forms of programmed cell death are known to be intrinsically disordered.
Synthesis and anticancer properties of 3-methylene-4-(2-oxoalkyl)-3,4-dihydrocoumarins
Authors: Deredas D. , Huben K. , Janecka A. , Długosz A. , Pomorska D. K. , Mirowski M. , Krajewska U. , Janecki T. , Krawczyk H.
Published: June 2016

A simple and general strategy for the synthesis of 3-methylene-4-(2-oxoalkyl)-3,4-dihydrocoumarins has been developed.
The discovery of new plant activators and scaffolds with potential induced systemic resistance: from jasmonic acid to pyrrolidone
Authors: Chang Kang , Shi Yanxia , Chen Jianqin , He Zenghui , Xu Zheng , Zhao Zhenjiang , Zhu Weiping , Li Honglin , Xu Yufang , Li BaoJu , Qian Xuhong
Published: June 2016

A series of novel plant activators possessing a pyrrolidone scaffold was developed with the help of SHAFTS.
Proton switching as a driving force for the metal–organic complex-mediated growth of gold colloids
Authors: Jacob Geevarghese Vadakken , Sutradhar Sanjeeb , Patnaik Archita
Published: June 2016

A mono-protonated (bis(4′-(4-pyridyl)-2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine)iron(ii)) complex [[Fe(ptpy)(Hptpy)](PF6)3] acts as a structure directing agent for larger gold colloids in the present investigation.
Adsorption of water induces a reversible structural phase transition and colour change in new nickel(ii) macrocyclic complexes forming flexible supramolecular networks
Authors: Ruiz-Herrera Brenda Lizette , Flores-Álamo Marcos , Toscano Rubén Alfredo , Escudero Roberto , Sosa-Torres Martha Elena
Published: June 2016

A reversible reaction of ligand-exchange in a nickel(ii)–tpmc complex, promoted by water adsorption, results in a structural phase transition accompanied by colour change.
Efficient synthesis of narrowly dispersed amphiphilic double-brush copolymers through the polymerization reaction of macromonomer micelle emulsifiers at the oil–water interface
Authors: Li Heng , Miao Han , Gao Yong , Li Huaming , Chen Daoyong
Published: June 2016

Narrowly dispersed amphiphilic PMA-g-PMMA/PDMA DBCs with high molecular weight were efficiently synthesized by Pickering emulsion template directed radical polymerization of macromonomer micelles.
Synthesis of trifluoromethylated 3,4-dihydroquinolin-2(1H)-ones via a photo-induced radical cyclization of benzene-tethered 1,7-enynes with Togni reagent
Authors: An Yuanyuan , Kuang Yunyan , Wu Jie
Published: June 2016

A photoinduced radical cyclization of benzene-tethered 1,7-enynes with Togni reagent in the presence of sodium iodide is developed. This transformation works well without any metals or photo-redox catalysts at room temperature.
Development of glycolipid biosurfactant for inducing apoptosis in HeLa cells
Authors: Ramalingam V. , Varunkumar K. , Ravikumar V. , Rajaram R.
Published: June 2016

A novel glycolipid biosurfactant produced fromStaphylococcus aureuswas used to induce apoptosis in HeLa cells.
G-quadruplex–hemin DNAzyme molecular beacon probe for the detection of methamphetamine
Authors: Mao Kang , Yang Zhugen , Du Peng , Xu Zeqiong , Wang Zhenglu , Li Xiqing
Published: June 2016

In this work, a simple, cost-effective, and label-free biosensor was constructed for methamphetamine (METH) detection.
Controlling dielectrical properties of polymer blends through defined PEDOT nanostructures
Authors: Sanchis Maria J. , Redondo-Foj Belén , Carsí Marta , Ortiz-Serna Pilar , Culebras Mario , Gómez Clara M. , Cantarero Andrés , Muñoz-Espí Rafael
Published: June 2016

The paper reports the crucial role of the morphology of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) nanostructures on the thermal and dielectric properties of polymer blends prepared thereof.
Single-step flame synthesis of carbon nanoparticles with tunable structure and chemical reactivity
Authors: Esmeryan Karekin D. , Castano Carlos E. , Bressler Ashton H. , Fergusson Christian P. , Mohammadi Reza
Published: June 2016

Single-step flame synthesis technique providing the opportunity for in situ manipulation of the structure and chemical reactivity of carbon nanoparticles.
SiC/(SiC+glass)/glass coating for carbon-bonded carbon fibre composites
Authors: Niu Min , Wang Hongjie , Su Lei , Fan Xingyu , Zhang Dahai , Shi Jianjun
Published: June 2016

An oxidation resistant coating for highly porous carbon-bonded carbon fibre composites (CBCFs) was prepared by slurry method.
Gadolinium(iii) based nanoparticles for T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging probes
Authors: Yang Chang-Tong , Padmanabhan Parasuraman , Gulyás Balázs Z.
Published: June 2016

This review summarized the recent progress on Gd(iii)-based nanoparticles asT1-weighted MRI contrast agents and multimodal contrast agents.
Photothermal conversion upon near-infrared irradiation of fluorescent carbon nanoparticles formed from carbonized polydopamine
Authors: Kim Sung Han , Sharker Shazid Md. , Lee Haeshin , In Insik , Lee Kang Dae , Park Sung Young
Published: June 2016

Fluorescence and photothermal conversion mediated by near-infrared radiation (NIR) is reported for carbonized polydopamine nanoparticles.
Structures and electronic properties of B2Si6−/0/+: anion photoelectron spectroscopy and theoretical calculations
Authors: Cao Guo-Jin , Lu Sheng-Jie , Xu Hong-Guang , Xu Xi-Ling , Zheng Wei-Jun
Published: June 2016

The lowest-energy structures of B2Si6q(q= −1, 0, +1) clusters are a peculiar structure with a silicon atom hanging over a distorted bowl-like B2Si5framework. It is characterized with σ or π delocalization in chemical bonding.
Enhancing the thermal stability of the bulk-heterojunction photovoltaics based on P3HT/PCBM by incorporating diblock amphipathic P3HT–PEO at D/A interface
Authors: Liu Jikang , Zhu Xiaoguang , Li Junli , Shen Jiulin , Tu Guoli
Published: June 2016

A diblock amphipathic copolymer P3HT–PEO was rationally designed and easily synthesized.
Removal of crystal violet from aqueous solutions using functionalized cellulose microfibers: a beneficial use of cellulosic healthcare waste
Authors: Baghdadi M. , Jafari A. , Pardakhti A.
Published: June 2016

In this research, the preparation of functionalized cellulosic microfibers (FCMFs) was proposed as a beneficial use of cellulosic healthcare waste for the removal of crystal violet from aqueous solutions.