bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Limited genomic consequences of hybridization between two African clawed frogs, Xenopus gilli and X. laevis (Anura: Pipidae)
Authors: Furman Benjamin L. S. , Cauret Caroline M. S. , Colby Graham A. , Measey G. John , Evans Ben J.
Published: April 2017

The Cape platanna,Xenopus gilli, an endangered frog, hybridizes with the African clawed frog,X.laevis, in South Africa. Estimates of the extent of gene flow between these species range from pervasive to rare. Efforts have been made in the last 30 years to minimize hybridization between these two species in the west population ofX.gilli, but not the east populations. To further explore the impact of hybridization and the efforts to minimize it, we examined molecular variation in one mitochondrial and 13 nuclear genes in genetic samples collected recently (2013) and also over two decades ago (1994). Despite the presence ofF1hybrids, none of the genomic regions we surveyed had evidence of gene flow between these species, indicating a lack of extensive introgression. Additionally we found no significant effect of sampling time on genetic diversity of populations of each species. Thus, we speculate thatF1hybrids have low fitness and are not backcrossing with the parental species to an appreciable degree. WithinX.gilli, evidence for gene flow was recovered between eastern and western populations, a finding that has implications for conservation management of this species and its threatened habitat.
SLC10A4 regulates IgE-mediated mast cell degranulation in vitro and mast cell-mediated reactions in vivo
Authors: Pettersson Hanna , Zarnegar Behdad , Westin Annika , Persson Viktor , Peuckert Christiane , Jonsson Jörgen , Hallgren Jenny , Kullander Klas
Published: April 2017

Mast cells act as sensors in innate immunity and as effector cells in adaptive immune reactions. Here we demonstrate that SLC10A4, also referred to as the vesicular aminergic-associated transporter, VAAT, modifies mast cell degranulation. Strikingly, Slc10a4−/− bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs) had a significant reduction in the release of granule-associated mediators in response to IgE/antigen-mediated activation, whereas the in vitro development of mast cells, the storage of the granule-associated enzyme mouse mast cell protease 6 (mMCP-6), and the release of prostaglandin D2 and IL-6 were normal. Slc10a4-deficient mice had a strongly reduced passive cutaneous anaphylaxis reaction and a less intense itching behaviour in response to the mast cell degranulator 48/80. Live imaging of the IgE/antigen-mediated activation showed decreased degranulation and that ATP was retained to a higher degree in mast cell granules lacking SLC10A4. Furthermore, ATP was reduced by two thirds in Slc10a4−/− BMMCs supernatants in response to IgE/antigen. We speculate that SLC10A4 affects the amount of granule-associated ATP upon IgE/antigen-induced mast cell activation, which affect the release of granule-associated mast cell mediators. In summary, SLC10A4 acts as a regulator of degranulation in vitro and of mast cell-related reactions in vivo.
Clinical and microbiological characteristics, and impact of therapeutic strategies on the outcomes of children with candidemia
Authors: Tsai Ming-Horng , Hsu Jen-Fu , Chu Shih-Ming , Chang Pey-Jium , Lai Mei-Yin , Wu I-Hsyuan , Huang Hsuan-Rong , Chiang Ming-Chou , Fu Ren-Huei , Lu Jang-Jih
Published: April 2017

We aimed to determine the clinical and microbiological characteristics of Candida bloodstream infections in children and the impact of therapeutic strategies on outcomes. All pediatric patients with candidemia from a medical center in Taiwan over a 13-year period (2003–2015) were included and a total of 262 patients with 319 episodes of candidemia were analyzed. Overall susceptibility to fluconazole was 86.1%. Cumulative mortality at 7 and 30 days after the first episode of candidemia was 13.4% and 25.2%, respectively. The overall in-hospital mortality rate was 35.1%. The treatment outcomes did not change over the study period. Multivariate analysis showed that delayed catheter removal (odds ratio [OR], 5.52; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.97–10.25), septic shock (OR, 5.49; 95% CI: 2.85–10.57), and breakthrough candidemia (OR, 3.66; 95% CI: 1.43–9.35) were independently associated with clinical treatment failure. In children with candidemia, underlying renal insufficiency and hematological/oncological malignancy, delayed catheter removal, and septic shock at onset were independently associated final in-hospital mortality. Analyzing the subgroup of non-neonatal children did not change the findings. We concluded overall mortality of pediatric candidemia remains high during the past decade. Prompt early catheter removal and aggressive treatment strategy in patients with septic shock would be critical to improve outcomes.
Bioinformatic Approaches Including Predictive Metagenomic Profiling Reveal Characteristics of Bacterial Response to Petroleum Hydrocarbon Contamination in Diverse Environments
Authors: Mukherjee Arghya , Chettri Bobby , Langpoklakpam James S. , Basak Pijush , Prasad Aravind , Mukherjee Ashis K. , Bhattacharyya Maitree , Singh Arvind K. , Chattopadhyay Dhrubajyoti
Published: April 2017

Microbial remediation of oil polluted habitats remains one of the foremost methods for restoration of petroleum hydrocarbon contaminated environments. The development of effective bioremediation strategies however, require an extensive understanding of the resident microbiome of these habitats. Recent developments such as high-throughput sequencing has greatly facilitated the advancement of microbial ecological studies in oil polluted habitats. However, effective interpretation of biological characteristics from these large datasets remain a considerable challenge. In this study, we have implemented recently developed bioinformatic tools for analyzing 65 16S rRNA datasets from 12 diverse hydrocarbon polluted habitats to decipher metagenomic characteristics of the resident bacterial communities. Using metagenomes predicted from 16S rRNA gene sequences through PICRUSt, we have comprehensively described phylogenetic and functional compositions of these habitats and additionally inferred a multitude of metagenomic features including 255 taxa and 414 functional modules which can be used as biomarkers for effective distinction between the 12 oil polluted sites. Additionally, we show that significantly over-represented taxa often contribute to either or both, hydrocarbon degradation and additional important functions. Our findings reveal significant differences between hydrocarbon contaminated sites and establishes the importance of endemic factors in addition to petroleum hydrocarbons as driving factors for sculpting hydrocarbon contaminated bacteriomes.
ETS Related Gene mediated Androgen Receptor Aggregation and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Prostate Cancer Development
Authors: Sreenath Taduru L. , Macalindong Shiela S. , Mikhalkevich Natallia , Sharad Shashwat , Mohamed Ahmed , Young Denise , Borbiev Talaibek , Xavier Charles , Gupta Rishita , Jamal Muhammad , Babcock Kevin , Tan Shyh-Han , Nevalainen Marja T. , Dobi Albert , Petrovics Gyorgy , Sesterhenn Isabell A. , Rosner Inger L. , Bieberich Charles J. , Nelson Peter , Vasioukhin Valeri , Srivastava Shiv
Published: April 2017

Mechanistic studies of deregulated ERG in prostate cancer and other cancers continue to enhance its role in cancer biology and its utility as a biomarker and therapeutic target. Here, we show that ERG, through its physical interaction with androgen receptor, induces AR aggregation and endoplasmic reticulum stress in the prostate glands of ERG transgenic mice. Histomorphological alterations and the expression of ER stress sensors Atf6, Ire1α, Perk, their downstream effectors Grp78/BiP and eIF2α in ERG transgenic mouse prostate glands indicate the presence of chronic ER stress. Transient activation of apoptotic cell death during early age correlated well with the differential regulation of ER stress sensors, in particular Perk. Epithelial cells derived from ERG transgenic mouse prostates have increased prostasphere formation with resistance to radiation induced cell death. Continued activation of cell survival factors, Atf6 and Ire1α during chronic ER stress due to presence of ERG in prostate epithelium induces survival pathways and provides a selection pressure in the continuum of ERG dependent neoplastic process. These novel insights will enhance the understanding of the mechanistic functions of ERG in prostate tumor biology and towards development of early targeted therapeutic strategies for prostate cancer.
Oxygen Vacancy-Tuned Physical Properties in Perovskite Thin Films with Multiple B-site Valance States
Authors: Enriquez Erik , Chen Aiping , Harrell Zach , Dowden Paul , Koskelo Nicholas , Roback Joseph , Janoschek Marc , Chen Chonglin , Jia Quanxi
Published: April 2017

Controlling oxygen content in perovskite oxides with ABO3 structure is one of most critical steps for tuning their functionality. Notably, there have been tremendous efforts to understand the effect of changes in oxygen content on the properties of perovskite thin films that are not composed of cations with multiple valance states. Here, we study the effect of oxygen vacancies on structural and electrical properties in epitaxial thin films of SrFeO3−δ (SFO), where SFO is a compound with multiple valance states at the B site. Various annealing treatments are used to produce different oxygen contents in the films, which has resulted in significant structural changes in the fully strained SFO films. The out-of-plane lattice parameter and tetragonality increase with decreasing oxygen concentration, indicating the crystal structure is closely related to the oxygen content. Importantly, variation of the oxygen content in the films significantly affects the dielectric properties, leakage conduction mechanisms, and the resistive hysteresis of the materials. These results establish the relationship between oxygen content and structural and functional properties for a range of multivalent transition metal oxides.
Exciton emission of quasi-2D InGaN in GaN matrix grown by molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Ma Dingyu , Rong Xin , Zheng Xiantong , Wang Weiying , Wang Ping , Schulz Tobias , Albrecht Martin , Metzner Sebastian , Müller Mathias , August Olga , Bertram Frank , Christen Jürgen , Jin Peng , Li Mo , Zhang Jian , Yang Xuelin , Xu Fujun , Qin Zhixin , Ge Weikun , Shen Bo , Wang Xinqiang
Published: April 2017

We investigate the emission from confined excitons in the structure of a single-monolayer-thick quasi-two-dimensional (quasi-2D) InxGa1−xN layer inserted in GaN matrix. This quasi-2D InGaN layer was successfully achieved by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE), and an excellent in-plane uniformity in this layer was confirmed by cathodoluminescence mapping study. The carrier dynamics have also been investigated by time-resolved and excitation-power-dependent photoluminescence, proving that the recombination occurs via confined excitons within the ultrathin quasi-2D InGaN layer even at high temperature up to ~220 K due to the enhanced exciton binding energy. This work indicates that such structure affords an interesting opportunity for developing high-performance photonic devices.
Quantitative analyses of the global proteome and phosphoproteome reveal the different impacts of propofol and dexmedetomidine on HT22 cells
Authors: Zhang Honggang , Ye Juan , Shi Zhaomei , Bu Chen , Bao Fangping
Published: April 2017

Propofol and dexmedetomidine are both commonly used anaesthetics. Although they employ two different mechanisms to induce anaesthesia, both compounds influence the hippocampus and the HT22 cell line. HT22 cells are broadly used in neurobiological research. In this study, we assessed the effects of propofol and dexmedetomidine on signalling in HT22 cells. Using the SILAC (stable isotope labelling with amino acids in cell culture) labelling technique, IMAC (immobilized metal affinity chromatography) enrichment and high-resolution LC-MS/MS (liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry) analysis, we investigated the quantitative proteome and phosphoproteome in HT22 cells treated with propofol or dexmedetomidine. In total, 4,527 proteins and 6,824 phosphosites were quantified in cells treated with these two anaesthetics. With the assistance of intensive bioinformatics, the propofol and dexmedetomidine treatments were shown to induce distinct proteome and phosphoproteome profiles in HT22 cells. Consistent with our bioinformatics analysis, dexmedetomidine had a smaller effect than propofol on cell survival. These findings deepen our understanding of drug-induced anaesthesia.
Solution Process Synthesis of High Aspect Ratio ZnO Nanorods on Electrode Surface for Sensitive Electrochemical Detection of Uric Acid
Authors: Ahmad Rafiq , Tripathy Nirmalya , Ahn Min-Sang , Hahn Yoon-Bong
Published: April 2017

This study demonstrates a highly stable, selective and sensitive uric acid (UA) biosensor based on high aspect ratio zinc oxide nanorods (ZNRs) vertical grown on electrode surface via a simple one-step low temperature solution route. Uricase enzyme was immobilized on the ZNRs followed by Nafion covering to fabricate UA sensing electrodes (Nafion/Uricase-ZNRs/Ag). The fabricated electrodes showed enhanced performance with attractive analytical response, such as a high sensitivity of 239.67 μA cm−2 mM−1 in wide-linear range (0.01–4.56 mM), rapid response time (~3 s), low detection limit (5 nM), and low value of apparent Michaelis-Menten constant (Kmapp, 0.025 mM). In addition, selectivity, reproducibility and long-term storage stability of biosensor was also demonstrated. These results can be attributed to the high aspect ratio of vertically grown ZNRs which provides high surface area leading to enhanced enzyme immobilization, high electrocatalytic activity, and direct electron transfer during electrochemical detection of UA. We expect that this biosensor platform will be advantageous to fabricate ultrasensitive, robust, low-cost sensing device for numerous analyte detection.
An algorithm to predict advanced proximal colorectal neoplasia in Chinese asymptomatic population
Authors: Liwen Huang Jason , Chen Ping , Yuan Xiaoqin , Wu Yunlin , Haoxiang Wang Harry , Chisang Wong Martin
Published: April 2017

This study aims to develop and validate a new algorithm that incorporates distal colonoscopic findings to predict advanced proximal neoplasia (APN) in a Chinese asymptomatic population. We collected age, gender, and colonoscopic findings from a prospectively performed colonoscopy study between 2013 and 2015 in a large hospital-based endoscopy unit in Shanghai, China. Eligible subjects were allocated to a derivation group (n = 3,889) and validation group (n = 1,944) by random sampling. A new index for APN and its cut-off level were evaluated from the derivation cohort by binary logistic regression. The model performance was tested in the validation cohort using area under the curve (AUC). Age, gender, and distal finding were found to be independent predictors of APN in the derivation cohort (p < 0.001). Subjects were categorized into Average Risk (AR) and High Risk (HR) based on a cut-off score of 2. The AUC of the derivation and validation cohorts were 0.801 (0.754–0.847) and 0.722 (0.649–0.794), respectively. In the validation cohort, those in the HR group had a 3.57 fold higher risk of APN when compared with the AR group (P < 0.001), requiring 18 (95% CI = 12–28) follow-up colonoscopies to detect 1 APN. This new clinical index is useful to stratify APN risk in Chinese population.
Maximal violation of Bell inequalities under local filtering
Authors: Li Ming , Qin Huihui , Wang Jing , Fei Shao-Ming , Sun Chang-Pu
Published: April 2017

We investigate the behavior of the maximal violations of the CHSH inequality and Vèrtesi’s inequality under the local filtering operations. An analytical method has been presented for general two-qubit systems to compute the maximal violation of the CHSH inequality and the lower bound of the maximal violation of Vértesi’s inequality over the local filtering operations. We show by examples that there exist quantum states whose non-locality can be revealed after local filtering operation by the Vértesi’s inequality instead of the CHSH inequality.
Multiple p-n junction subwavelength gratings for transmission-mode electro-optic modulators
Authors: Lee Ki Young , Yoon Jae Woong , Song Seok Ho , Magnusson Robert
Published: April 2017

We propose a free-space electro-optic transmission modulator based on multiple p-n-junction semiconductor subwavelength gratings. The proposed device operates with a high-Q guided-mode resonance undergoing electro-optic resonance shift due to direct electrical control. Using rigorous electrical and optical modeling methods, we theoretically demonstrate a modulation depth of 84%, on-state efficiency 85%, and on-off extinction ratio of 19 dB at 1,550 nm wavelength under electrical control signals within a favorably low bias voltage range from −4 V to +1 V. This functionality operates in the transmission mode and sustainable in the high-speed operation regime up to a 10-GHz-scale modulation bandwidth in principle. The theoretical performance prediction is remarkably advantageous over plasmonic tunable metasurfaces in the power-efficiency and absolute modulation-depth aspects. Therefore, further experimental study is of great interest for creating practical-level metasurface components in various application areas.
A New Approach to Evaluating Aberrant DNA Methylation Profiles in Hepatocellular Carcinoma as Potential Biomarkers
Authors: Yang Yuan , Zhao Linghao , Huang Bo , Hou Guojun , Zhou Beibei , Qian Jin , Yuan Shengxian , Xiao Huasheng , Li Minghui , Zhou Weiping
Published: April 2017

Hypermethylation of CpG islands in the promoter region of tumor suppressor genes (TSGs) and their subsequent silencing is thought to be one of the main mechanisms of carcinogenesis. MBD2b enrichment coupled with a NimbleGen array was applied to examine the genome-wide CpG island methylation profile of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Hypermethylated DNA of 58 pairs of HCC and adjacent tissue samples was enriched and hybridized in the same array. Aberrant hypermethylated peaks of HCC and adjacent tissues were screened and annotated after data processing using NimbleScan2.5 and our newly developed Weighting and Scoring (WAS) method, respectively. Validation using bisulfite sequencing of randomly selected ANKRD45, APC, CDX1, HOXD3, PTGER and TUBB6 genes demonstrated significant hypermethylation modification in HCC samples, consistent with the array data.
Chronic social defeat reduces myelination in the mouse medial prefrontal cortex
Authors: Lehmann Michael L. , Weigel Thaddeus K. , Elkahloun Abdel G. , Herkenham Miles
Published: April 2017

The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) plays a key role in top-down control of the brain’s stress axis, and its structure and function are particularly vulnerable to stress effects, which can lead to depression in humans and depressive-like states in animals. We tested whether chronic social defeat produces structural alterations in the mPFC in mice. We first performed a microarray analysis of mPFC gene expression changes induced by defeat, and biological pathway analysis revealed a dominant pattern of down-regulation of myelin-associated genes. Indeed, 69% of the most significantly down-regulated genes were myelin-related. The down regulation was confirmed by in situ hybridization histochemistry for two strongly down-regulated genes, myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (Mog) and ermin (Ermn), and by immunohistochemistry for myelin basic protein. To test for stress-induced changes in myelin integrity, aurophosphate (Black Gold) myelin staining was performed on mPFC sections. Quantitative stereologic analysis showed reduced myelinated fiber length and density. Behavioral analysis confirmed that the 14-day social defeat sessions resulted in induction of depressive-like states measured in social interaction and light/dark tests. The combined data suggest that chronic social defeat induces molecular changes that reduce myelination of the prefrontal cortex, which may be an underlying basis for stress-induced depressive states.
Excitability in the p53 network mediates robust signaling with tunable activation thresholds in single cells
Authors: Mönke Gregor , Cristiano Elena , Finzel Ana , Friedrich Dhana , Herzel Hanspeter , Falcke Martin , Loewer Alexander
Published: April 2017

Cellular signaling systems precisely transmit information in the presence of molecular noise while retaining flexibility to accommodate the needs of individual cells. To understand design principles underlying such versatile signaling, we analyzed the response of the tumor suppressor p53 to varying levels of DNA damage in hundreds of individual cells and observed a switch between distinct signaling modes characterized by isolated pulses and sustained oscillations of p53 accumulation. Guided by dynamic systems theory we show that this requires an excitable network structure comprising positive feedback and provide experimental evidence for its molecular identity. The resulting data-driven model reproduced all features of measured signaling responses and is sufficient to explain their heterogeneity in individual cells. We present evidence that heterogeneity in the levels of the feedback regulator Wip1 sets cell-specific thresholds for p53 activation, providing means to modulate its response through interacting signaling pathways. Our results demonstrate how excitable signaling networks can provide high specificity, sensitivity and robustness while retaining unique possibilities to adjust their function to the physiology of individual cells.
Accessing Forbidden Glass Regimes through High-Pressure Sub-Tg Annealing
Authors: Svenson Mouritz N. , Mauro John C. , Rzoska Sylwester J. , Bockowski Michal , Smedskjaer Morten M.
Published: April 2017

Density and hardness of glasses are known to increase upon both compression at the glass transition temperature (Tg) and ambient pressure sub-Tg annealing. However, a serial combination of the two methods does not result in higher density and hardness, since the effect of compression is countered by subsequent annealing and vice versa. In this study, we circumvent this by introducing a novel treatment protocol that enables the preparation of high-density, high-hardness bulk aluminosilicate glasses. This is done by first compressing a sodium-magnesium aluminosilicate glass at 1 GPa at Tg, followed by sub-Tg annealing in-situ at 1 GPa. Through density, hardness, and heat capacity measurements, we demonstrate that the effects of hot compression and sub-Tg annealing can be combined to access a “forbidden glass” regime that is inaccessible through thermal history or pressure history variation alone. We also study the relaxation behavior of the densified samples during subsequent ambient pressure sub-Tg annealing. Density and hardness are found to relax and approach their ambient condition values upon annealing, but the difference in relaxation time of density and hardness, which is usually observed for hot compressed glasses, vanishes for samples previously subjected to high-pressure sub-Tg annealing. This confirms the unique configurational state of these glasses.
β-Lactoglobulin–chlorogenic acid conjugate-based nanoparticles for delivery of (−)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate
Authors: Fan Yuting , Zhang Yuzhu , Yokoyama Wallace , Yi Jiang
Published: April 2017

The release of EGCG was controlled by BLG–CA conjugate.
Structures in the meniscus of smectic membranes: the role of dislocations?
Authors: Selmi M. , Loudet J.-C. , Dolganov P. V. , Othman T. , Cluzeau P.
Published: April 2017

Striped patterns in the meniscus of smectic membranes: the smectic free surface is distorted and forms wrinkles, bumps and dimples.
A review of solar and visible light active oxo-bridged materials for energy and environment
Authors: Mohapatra Lagnamayee , Parida Kulamani
Published: April 2017

Oxo-bridged systems are versatile photo-redox catalysts for environmental decontamination and artificial photosynthesis.
A facile hydrothermal synthesis of carbon dots modified g-C3N4 for enhanced photocatalytic H2-evolution performance
Authors: Wang Xuefei , Cheng Jingjing , Yu Huogen , Yu Jiaguo
Published: April 2017

A facile strategy to realize the homogeneous and solid modification of carbon dots on the g-C3N4 surface.
Electrolyte design strategies and research progress for room-temperature sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Che Haiying , Chen Suli , Xie Yingying , Wang Hong , Amine Khalil , Liao Xiao-Zhen , Ma Zi-Feng
Published: April 2017

Electrolyte design or functional development is very effective at promoting the performance of sodium-ion batteries, which are attractive for electrochemical energy storage devices due to abundant sodium resources and low cost. The roadmap of the sodium ion batteries based on electrolyte materials was drawn firstly and shows that the electrolyte type decides the electrochemical window and energy density.
Laser ablation – inductively couple plasma – mass spectrometry/laser induced break down spectroscopy: a tandem technique for uranium particle characterization
Authors: Manard Benjamin T. , Derrick Quarles C. , Wylie E. Miller , Xu Ning
Published: April 2017

Laser ablation – inductively coupled plasma – mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) in tandem with laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) was employed to chemically map and characterize uranium particles.
Reverse thermo-responsive hydrogels prepared from Pluronic F127 and gelatin composite materials
Authors: Yeh Mei-Yu , Zhao Jiong-Yao , Hsieh Yi-Ru , Lin Jhong-Hua , Chen Fang-Yi , Chakravarthy Rajan Deepan , Chung Pei-Chun , Lin Hsin-Chieh , Hung Shih-Chieh
Published: April 2017

A series of F127–gelatin composite hydrogels with reverse thermo-responsive and tunable mechanical properties were developed.
Peptide-binding induced inhibition of chemokine CXCL12
Authors: Duan Hongyang , Zhu Ling , Peng Jiaxi , Yang Mo , Xie Hanyi , Lin Yuchen , Li Wenzhe , Liu Changliang , Li Xiaojin , Guo Hua , Meng Jie , Xu Haiyan , Wang Chen , Yang Yanlian
Published: April 2017

A designed peptide (W4) has a significant inhibitory effect on the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis by targeting CXCL12 with high binding affinity.
Computational assessment of nitrogen-rich peracids: a family of peroxide-based energetic materials
Authors: Parbat Papiya , Devi Alka , Ghule Vikas D.
Published: April 2017

Nitrogen-rich 5- and 6-membered compounds substituted with nitro and peracid groups were designed and investigated using density functional theory (DFT).
Synthesis, optical properties and residual strain effect of GaN nanowires generated via metal-assisted photochemical electroless etching
Authors: Najar Adel , Shafa Muhammad , Anjum Dalaver
Published: April 2017

Synthesis of GaN nanowiresviametal-assisted photochemical electroless etching.
Sintering of multiple Cu–Ag core–shell nanoparticles and properties of nanoparticle-sintered structures
Authors: Wang Jiaqi , Shin Seungha
Published: April 2017

Multiple-CS-NP sintered structure of 600 K yields similar porosity as the counterpart sintered at surface premelting temperature (900 K).
A facile strategy for the synthesis of a NaREF4-gold nanocomposite as a dual-modal bioimaging agent
Authors: Shen Bin , Gao Yilin , Liu Qingyun , Cheng Shengming , Feng Wei , Li Fuyou
Published: April 2017

A UCNP&Au@SiO2 nanocomposite synthesized by in situ reduction of HAuCl4 as a dual modality imaging agent.
Heterogeneous Fenton-like degradation of phenanthrene catalyzed by schwertmannite biosynthesized using Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans
Authors: Meng Xiaoqing , Yan Su , Wu Wenzhu , Zheng Guanyu , Zhou Lixiang
Published: April 2017

Heterogeneous Fenton-like degradation of phenanthrene in aqueous solution was investigated using schwertmannite biosynthesized by Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans LX5 as a catalyst.
A novel macroporous polymer–inorganic nanocomposite as a sorbent for pertechnetate ions
Authors: Marković Bojana M. , Janković Drina Lj. , Vukadinović Aleksandar A. , Ranđelović Danijela V. , Maksin Danijela D. , Spasojević Vojislav V. , Nastasović Aleksandra B.
Published: April 2017

A novel magnetic macroporous poly(glycidyl methacrylate-co-ethylene glycol dimethacrylate) (mPGME) was prepared by suspension copolymerization and functionalized with diethylenetriamine (mPGME-deta).
Dewetting of a pre-patterned thin polymer bilayer: influence of the instability mode
Authors: Xu Lin , Chen Zhengjian , Zou Zhiming
Published: April 2017

Different surface structures are fabricated via adjusting the instability mode from a thermodynamically controlled one to a kinetically controlled one.
Functional metal–organic framework boosting lithium metal anode performance via chemical interactions
Authors: Liu Wen , Mi Yingying , Weng Zhe , Zhong Yiren , Wu Zishan , Wang Hailiang
Published: April 2017

Stable-cycling Li metal anode is realized with a MOF layer regulating Li-ion transport and Li depositionviachemical interactions.
3-Cyanoallyl boronates are versatile building blocks in the synthesis of polysubstituted thiophenes
Authors: Shao Wenjie , Kaldas Sherif J. , Yudin Andrei K.
Published: April 2017

The Knoevenagel condensation between α-MIDA boryl acetaldehyde and active methylene compounds enables synthesis of novel electron-poor allylboronates and facilitates access to synthetically challenging thiophene derivatives.
Enhanced storage of sodium ions in Prussian blue cathode material through nickel doping
Authors: Fu Haoyu , Liu Chaofeng , Zhang Changkun , Ma Wenda , Wang Kan , Li Zhuoyu , Lu Xianmao , Cao Guozhong
Published: April 2017

Ni-doped Prussian blue (PB) cathode material exhibited improved storage performance for sodium ions, suggesting an electrochemically activated C-coordinated Fe ion in PB.
Synthesis of hard carbon from argan shells for Na-ion batteries
Authors: Dahbi Mouad , Kiso Manami , Kubota Kei , Horiba Tatsuo , Chafik Tarik , Hida Kazuo , Matsuyama Takashi , Komaba Shinichi
Published: April 2017

Higher reversible capacity of 333 mA h g−1 in Na cell is demonstrated for hard carbon derived from HCl-treated argan.
MnO2 nanoflakes/cellulose nanofibre aerogel fabricated via ultrasonication for high-performance water desalination
Authors: Yao Qiufang , Xiong Ye , Wang Hanwei , Wang Chao , Sun Qingfeng
Published: April 2017

MnO2 nanoflakes/cellulose nanofibre aerogel (MCNF) has been fabricated via the methods of redox reaction and ultrasonication.
Multiferroic Bi2FeCrO6 based p–i–n heterojunction photovoltaic devices
Authors: Huang Wei , Harnagea Catalin , Benetti Daniele , Chaker Mohamed , Rosei Federico , Nechache Riad
Published: April 2017

The p–i–n heterojunction devices based on intrinsic absorber multiferroic Bi2FeCrO6 sandwiched between p-type NiO and n-type Nb-doped SrTiO3 were demonstrated.
Retracted Article: Recent advances of metal–metal oxide nanocomposites and their tailored nanostructures in numerous catalytic applications
Authors: Ray Chaiti , Pal Tarasankar
Published: April 2017

This review elaborately summarizes the latest progress of various tailored noble metal–metal oxide nanocomposites in the field of energy conversion and environmental remediation.
Optimizing the ORR activity of Pd based nanocatalysts by tuning their strain and particle size
Authors: Xiao Weiping , Liutheviciene Cordeiro Marco Aurelio , Gong Mingxing , Han Lili , Wang Jie , Bian Ce , Zhu Jing , Xin Huolin L. , Wang Deli
Published: April 2017

The Fe2O3 shell is in situ formed during the thermal annealing treatment and could effectively prevent the coalescence of Pd2FeCo nanoparticles. Moreover, Pd2FeCo@Pt/C exhibited excellent ORR and Zn–air battery performance, implying that the surface Pt plays an important role in enhancing the activity as well as preventing degradation.
N-doped graphene wrapped hexagonal metallic cobalt hierarchical nanosheet as a highly efficient water oxidation electrocatalyst
Authors: Shi Yanmei , Wang Yuting , Yu Yifu , Niu Zhiqiang , Zhang Bin
Published: April 2017

An N-doped graphene wrapped metallic Co nanosheet-on-nanosheet structure (Co–CN SS) with a thickness of sub-4 nm and a high percentage of hexagonal Co phase as an efficient water oxidation electrocatalyst is demonstrated.
Preparation of highly dispersed γ-Fe2O3 and GdPO4 co-functionalized mesoporous carbon spheres for dual-mode MR imaging and anti-cancer drug carrying
Authors: Zhang Qianqian , Wang Peiyuan , Li Xiaomin , Yang Yongtai , Liu Xiaofeng , Zhang Fan , Ling Yun , Zhou Yaming
Published: April 2017

Dual-mode MR imaging and drug carrying properties have been integrated into carbon nanospheres by using Wells–Dawson like clusters.
Interactive Book Reading to Accelerate Word Learning by Kindergarten Children With Specific Language Impairment: Identifying Adequate Progress and Successful Learning Patterns
Authors: Storkel Holly L. , Komesidou Rouzana , Fleming Kandace K. , Romine Rebecca Swinburne
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The goal of this study was to provide guidance to clinicians on early benchmarks of successful word learning in an interactive book reading treatment and to examine how encoding and memory evolution during treatment contribute to word learning outcomes by kindergarten children with specific language impairment (SLI).

Method

Twenty-seven kindergarten children with SLI participated in a preliminary clinical trial using interactive book reading to teach 30 new words. Word learning was assessed at 4 points during treatment through a picture naming test.

Results

The results indicate that the following performance during treatment was cause for concern, indicating a need to modify the treatment: naming 0–1 treated words correctly at Naming Test 1; naming 0–2 treated words correctly at Naming Test 2; naming 0–3 treated words correctly at Naming Test 3. In addition, the results showed that encoding was the primary limiting factor in word learning, but memory evolution also contributed (albeit to a lesser degree) to word learning success.

Conclusion

Case illustrations demonstrate how a clinician's understanding of a child's word learning strengths and weaknesses develop over the course of treatment, substantiating the importance of regular data collection and clinical decision-making to ensure the best possible outcomes for each individual child.
Reduced‐dimension DOD and DOA estimation through projection filtering in bistatic MIMO radar with jammer discrimination
Authors: Yeo Kwanggoo , Chung Youngseek , Yang Hoongee , Kim Jongmann , Chung Wonzoo
Published: April 2017

This study presents a novel computationally efficient method for estimating the direction of departure (DOD) and direction of arrival (DOA) of targets and discriminates the DOA of jammer signals for a bistatic multiple‐input, multiple‐output (MIMO) radar system. Using properly designed projection filters, the proposed method replaces expensive exhaustive two‐dimensional angle search with several one‐dimensional angle search algorithms. The proposed method estimates DOD–DOA pairs of targets and discriminates jamming signals successfully regardless of the jamming signal strength. The performance of the proposed method is confirmed by simulation results.
Epoxides as Precursors to 1-Hydroxymethyl Indolizidine and Pyrrolizidine
Authors: Gansäuer Andreas , Hildebrandt Sven , Schacht Jonathan
Published: April 2017

Herein we describe the synthesis of 1-hydroxymethyl pyrrolizidine and indolizidine alkaloids from epoxy-tethered pyrrole precursors. Two titanium-based methods are evaluated for the construction of the bicyclic scaffold: the Lewis acid mediated cyclization developed by Tanis and Raggon and the titanocene(III)-catalyzed reaction proceeding via radical intermediates. The former method, after hydrogenation of the pyrrole moiety, ultimately gives rise to enantiopure (–)-tashiromine, being the most concise and atom-economic procedure reported to date.
Step-by-Step Multifunctionalization of Isoxazoles Based On SEAr Reactions and C–H Direct Arylations
Authors: Fuse Shinichiro , Morita Taiki , Nakamura Hiroyuki
Published: April 2017

Functionalized isoxazoles are important as pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. Generally, electrophilic aromatic substitution or generation of carbanions/electrophilic trapping approach is used to introduce functional groups into unsubstituted heteroaromatics. However, these approaches have not been simple to apply to unsubstituted isoxazoles due to their poor nucleophilicity and instability under basic conditions. Recently several approaches have been reported to overcome these problems. This review summarizes the functionalization of isoxazoles, including SEAr reactions and C–H direct arylations, towards the step-by-step multifunctionalization of isoxazoles.

1 Introduction

2 SEAr Reaction of Isoxazoles

3 Preparation of Isoxazolyl Anions and Their Use for the Synthesis of Functionalized Isoxazoles

4 Other C–C and C–N Bond Formations of Isoxazoles

5 Transition-Metal-Catalyzed C–H Direct Functionalization of Isoxazoles

6 Step-by-Step Multifunctionalization of Isoxazoles

7 Summary and Outlook
Beyond Hammer: the first run market and the prestige horror film in the early 1960s
Authors: Jancovich Mark
Published: April 2017

Although 1960s horror was supposedly dominated by Hammer, Heffernan has pointed out that Hammer (and AIP) were both trying hard to break out of the low bracket market and into the middle bracket. This article focuses on the prestige horror films of the early 1960s, and not only looks at them as a coherent production trend (rather than as a series of individual or anomalous films) but in the process, offers a new context for an understanding of 1960s horror; that is, it demonstrates that the 1960s horror film was not simply low budget cinema but that it operated in almost all the key American film markets—the first run cinema, the low budget and the art cinema. Consequently, we cannot only see that Hammer and AIP, rather than simply the dominant form, were actually defined by their attempt to steer a course between different sectors of the market (they were from the low budget end but trying to move into the first run market, whilst also drawing on some of the distinction associated with the art cinema); but also that the prestige horror films had their own very specific problems to negotiate. These negotiations would also lay the foundations for the industry-wide transformations of the late 1960s. This article is published as part of a collection on gothic and horror.
Kinematic projective quantum states for loop quantum gravity coupled to tensor fields
Authors: Okołów Andrzej
Published: April 2017

We present a construction of kinematic quantum states for theories of tensor fields of an arbitrary sort. The construction is based on projective techniques by Kijowski. Applying projective quantum states for Loop Quantum Gravity (LQG) obtained by Lanéry and Thiemann we construct quantum states for LQG coupled to tensor fields.
Analysis of modes radiation, transmission, and loss properties for the un-magnetized cylindrical plasma antenna
Authors: Li Wenqiu , Wang Gang , Tang Yanna , Fan Yu , Su Xiaobao
Published: April 2017

The phase properties of both azimuthal and non-azimuthal symmetric surface waves are investigated analytically in an un-magnetized cylindrical plasma column based on the transcendental dispersion relation. A novel method of calculating the transmission power and loss power in the plasma column in terms of complex electric conductivity is proposed. Based on the fully calculated dispersion properties and field profiles obtained from the field matching method, it is shown that the electron plasma frequency has an evident influence on dispersion curves for both azimuthal and non-azimuthal symmetric surface waves; the radiation patterns of the m = 0, m = 1, and m = 2 modes have an evident dependence on the wave frequency; and the transmission power and loss power increase evidently when ωpe/ω > 1, while the collision frequency also has a notable influence on the transmission power for all the three modes.
An improved method for extraction of mobility from space charge limited current in organic semiconductor films
Authors: Rizvi S. M. H. , Mazhari B.
Published: April 2017

Estimation of mobility in thin film organic semiconductors from steady state current-voltage characteristics using Murgatroyd expression is attractive because of its simplicity but is accompanied by significant errors. These errors, resulting from neglecting diffusion current, are especially large at lower applied voltages, being more than 50% for voltages under 5 V. Using higher voltages to reduce errors is impractical in organic thin films not only due to possibility of degradation of the device but also due to distortion arising from parasitic series resistance caused by higher device currents. The present work describes an improved expression of space charge limited current for field dependent mobility that incorporates the effect of diffusion by modifying the quadratic dependence of J on voltage to J∝V(V+Vβ), where inclusion of voltage term Vβ compensates for neglecting diffusion current. Since the diffusion related voltage Vβ depends on small built-in voltage that may be present under experimental conditions and, thus, is not known a priori, a self consistent method of extraction is described that allows extraction of Vβ and mobility parameters with reduced errors up to less than 10% even for voltages under 2 V. Simulation and experimental results obtained with small-molecule Pentacene based devices are presented that illustrate the basic concept and usefulness of the proposed approach.
Endosperm-specific OsPYL8 and OsPYL9 act as positive regulators of the ABA signaling pathway in rice seed germination
Authors: Chen Ziqiang , Kong Lan , Zhou Yun , Chen Zaijie , Tian Dagang , Lin Yan , Wang Feng , Chen Songbiao
Published: April 2017

Pyrabactin resistance-like (PYL) proteins were identified as receptors of the plant hormone ABA. The PYL family consists of multiple members that are differently expressed in various tissues, exhibit distinct biochemical properties and have diverse biological functions. In the present study, we explored the expression patterns of the rice (Oryza sativa L.) OsPYL family genes and determined that OsPYL8 and OsPYL9 are specifically expressed in the endosperms. Sequence analysis and deletion experiments revealed that the OsPYL8 and OsPYL9 promoters contain multiple motifs involved in endosperm-specific expression. Transgenic rice plants overexpressing OsPYL8 or OsPYL9 showed hypersensitivity to ABA during seed germination, suggesting that both OsPYL8 and OsPYL9 act as positive regulators of the ABA signalling pathway in the seed. OsPYL8 and OsPYL9 interact with OsPP2C51 and OsPP2C68, whose expression is induced in the endosperms by ABA. Our results provided a foundation for future studies on OsPYL8- and OsPYL9-mediated ABA signalling in the rice endosperms.
Structural and functional innovations in the real-time evolution of new (βα)
8
barrel enzymes
Authors: Newton Matilda S. , Guo Xiaohu , Söderholm Annika , Näsvall Joakim , Lundström Patrik , Andersson Dan I. , Selmer Maria , Patrick Wayne M.
Published: April 2017

Significance

New proteins can evolve by duplication of the genes that encode them, followed by specialization of the different copies. However, how the growth rate of an organism is coupled to the changes in a protein’s structure and function occurring during this process is not known. Here we show at atomic resolution how selection for the growth of a bacterium led to the evolution of HisA proteins with either a new function or two functions (old and new). We found that a distinct protein conformation is responsible for each function, and that a better enzyme leads to faster growth only up to a certain threshold. This study provides insight into how evolution works, from atomic to whole-organism levels.
Relocation and Recolonization of Coho Salmon in Two Tributaries to the Elwha River: Implications for Management and Monitoring
Authors: Liermann Martin , Pess George , McHenry Mike , McMillan John , Elofson Mel , Bennett Todd , Moses Raymond
Published: April 2017

In 2012 the lower of two Elwha River dams was breached, restoring access of anadromous salmonids to the middle Elwha River (between the two dams), including two distinct tributaries, Indian Creek and Little River. While comparable in size, Indian Creek is considerably less steep than Little River (mean slope of 1.0% versus 3.5%, respectively) and has a warmer stream temperature regime due to its source, Lake Sutherland. During and after breaching, Coho Salmon Oncorhynchus kisutch were relocated to these tributaries from lower Elwha River hatcheries (below the dams) to determine if individuals from a hatchery‐dominated population would successfully spawn and seed the systems with juveniles and to assess differences in recolonization between the streams. Transplantation led to immediate spawning, which resulted in levels of smolt out‐migrants per stream kilometer comparable with other established Coho Salmon populations in the Pacific Northwest. During the first 2 years of the relocation, redd densities in the two systems were similar but Indian Creek produced four to five times as many smolts per kilometer as Little River. In addition, fry out‐migration occurred 2 to 4 weeks earlier in Indian Creek, as predicted by the warmer incubation temperatures. In the first years of the study, there was little evidence of natural colonization of the two tributaries by adults. However, in 2016 over half of the observed adults returning to the two tributaries were not transplanted, suggesting that the progeny from the transplanted fish were returning to their natal waters. This work demonstrates that transplanting hatchery‐dominated Coho Salmon adults into newly available habitat can result in immediate freshwater production that is comparable to other systems and that density and timing of juvenile out‐migrants can differ dramatically based on the seeded habitat.

Received December 9, 2016; accepted March 30, 2017 Published online July 28, 2017
On letting go
Authors: Foster John
Published: April 2017

Massively disruptive climate change, now inevitable, is the worst tragedy which human beings have yet brought on themselves. It is tragic in the full classical sense – a disaster entailed on the protagonist (here, humanity) by destructive weaknesses inherent in crucial strengths and virtues. There is thus no way of avoiding it by picking and choosing among our values, and its effects can neither be compensated for nor mitigated by prospective gains to offset against anticipated losses. But once we have discarded a strained and wilful last-ditch optimism, and recognised that we are not in control, we will still need to find genuine hope if we are to have any chance of coming through. This requires us to embrace the transformative power of tragic experience, letting go of values which we may hitherto have regarded as sacrosanct and welcoming the creative destruction of current assumptions and expectations as an affirmation of life.