bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bimodal bilingualism: Language and cognition
Authors: ABUTALEBI JUBIN , CLAHSEN HARALD
Published: February 2016

Bimodal bilingualism refers to a type of bilingualism that employs two different input-output channels, one involving spoken language and the other involving sign language. Until the second half of the twentieth century, sign language was not recognized as a fully-fledged language and there was very little research devoted to bilingual sign language speakers (Grosjean, 1992). In the last two decades, however, interest in the study of bimodal bilingualism, including the cognitive effects of bimodal bilingualism and the neural organization of spoken and sign languages, has increased considerably. Furthermore, the particular significance of studies of bimodal bilingualism for understanding bilingual language representation and processing more generally has been properly recognized. Bilingualism: Language and Cognition has not been silent or inactive on this front. Two years ago we specifically added the study of bimodal bilingualism to the journal's core areas of interest, and we are glad to see an increased number of research articles on bimodal bilingualism (e.g., Giezen & Emmorey, 2016; Rinaldi & Caselli, 2014; Williams & Newman, 2015; Morford et al., in press; Kaufmann & Philipp, in press).
Ecological variation and resistance levels to propoxur and chlorpyrifos in Anopheles stephensi (Diptera: Culicidae), a malaria mosquito from India
Authors: Hariprasad TPN , Shetty Nadikere Jaya
Published: February 2016

A total of 39 strains ofAnopheles stephensi, an important urban malaria vector, were collected from various parts of India and maintained in the insectary for this study. Based on the egg-float ridge number, 19 strains were classified into ecological variants and 32 strains were exposed to chlorpyrifos and propoxur to investigate their resistance status. Filter paper containing freshly laid eggs was taken, the ridge numbers on the floats were counted under the microscope, and strains were classified into ecological variants. Of the 19 strains, 18 were of ‘type form’, with ridge numbers ranging from 15 to 21. The Papareddipalya (PRP) strain belonged to the ‘intermediate form’, with 14 to 17 ridge numbers. Larval bioassays were carried out according to the procedure of the WHO. For chlorpyrifos, the lowest LC50value was 0.00107 mg/l (Padmanabhanagar strain) and the highest value was 0.0403 mg/l (GOA-A strain). Furthermore, the lowest LC90value was 0.00368 mg/l (Delhi strain) and the highest was 0.1746 mg/l (GOA-A strain). For propoxur, the lowest LC50value was 0.00029 mg/l (Goraguntepalya strain) and the highest value was 0.0037 mg/l (JP Nagar strain). Moreover, the lowest LC90value was 0.00094 mg/l (Goraguntepalya strain) and the highest value was 0.0115 mg/l (JP Nagar strain). The tolerance values ranged from 1.26 to 37.68 for chlorpyrifos and from 1.34 to 12.77 for propoxur. All the type forms were from urban and semi-urban locations, and the intermediate strain was from a semi-urban location. The bioassay results indicated that the strains ofAn. stephensiwere more susceptible to propoxur than to chlorpyrifos.
Host stage preference and performance of the aphid parasitoid Diaeretiella rapae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) on Brevicoryne brassicae and Lipaphis pseudobrassicae (Hemiptera: Aphididae)
Authors: Khakasa Sylvia W.R. , Mohamed Samira A. , Lagat Zipporah O. , Khamis Fathiya M. , Tanga Chrysantus M.
Published: February 2016

We assessed the host stage preference and performance of the aphid parasitoidDiaeretiella rapae(McIntosh) on two aphid species,Brevicoryne brassicae(L.) andLipaphis pseudobrassicae(Davis). Although the parasitoid parasitized all nymphal instars of both aphid species, it showed a higher oviposition preference for 2nd (48.2 ± 7.74%) and 3rd (41.0 ± 7.82%) instars ofL. pseudobrassicae, and for the 3rd (40.0 ± 4.59%) instar ofB. brassicae. Across the host species, there was no significant difference in parasitoid preference between the 3rd and 4th instars, while 1st and 2nd instars ofL. pseudobrassicaewere significantly more preferred than their counterparts (B. brassicae). Days to mummification among different instars of the same host was not significantly different when the parasitoid was reared onB. brassicae, whereas this was highest on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th instars ofL. pseudobrassicae. Number of mummies was also significantly different among the nymphal instars of both host species and between the two host species for the 1st and 2nd instars. In terms of body size, femaleD. rapaereared onL. pseudobrassicaewere significantly larger than those reared onB. brassicae. We discuss the findings in the context of laboratory mass rearing ofD. rapaeand its potential as a biological control agent for both aphid pest species.
Preconception and pregnancy: opportunities to intervene to improve women’s diets and lifestyles
Authors: Barker M. , Baird J. , Lawrence W. , Vogel C. , Stömmer S. , Rose T. , Inskip H. , Godfrey K. , Cooper C.
Published: February 2016

Recently, large-scale trials of behavioural interventions have failed to show improvements in pregnancy outcomes. They have, however, shown that lifestyle support improves maternal diet and physical activity during pregnancy, and can reduce weight gain. This suggests that pregnancy, and possibly the whole periconceptional period, represents a ‘teachable moment’ for changes in diet and lifestyle, an idea that was made much of in the recent report of the Chief Medical Officer for England. The greatest challenge with all trials of diet and lifestyle interventions is to engage people and to sustain this engagement. With this in mind, we propose a design of intervention that aims simultaneously to engage women through motivational conversations and to offer access to a digital platform that provides structured support for diet and lifestyle change. This intervention design therefore makes best use of learning from the trials described above and from recent advances in digital intervention design.
Cathepsin B launches an apoptotic exit effort upon cell death-associated disruption of lysosomes
Authors: de Castro MAG , Bunt G , Wouters FS
Published: February 2016

The release of cathepsin proteases from disrupted lysosomes results in lethal cellular autodigestion. Lysosomal disruption-related cell death is highly variable, showing both apoptotic and necrotic outcomes. As the substrate spectrum of lysosomal proteases encompasses the apoptosis-regulating proteins of the Bcl-2 family, their degradation could influence the cell death outcome upon lysosomal disruption. We used Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based biosensors to image the real-time degradation of the Bcl-2-family members, Bcl-xl, Bax and Bid, in living cells undergoing lysosomal lysis and identified an early chain of proteolytic events, initiated by the release of cathepsin B, which directs cells toward apoptosis. In this apoptotic exit strategy, cathepsin B’s proteolytic activity results in apoptosis-inducing Bid and removes apoptosis-preventing Bcl-xl. Cathepsin B furthermore appears to degrade a cystein protease that would otherwise have eliminated apoptosis-supporting Bax, indirectly keeping cellular levels of the Bax protein up. The concerted effort of these three early events shifts the balance of cell fate away from necrosis and toward apoptosis.
Upregulation of GADD45α in light-damaged retinal pigment epithelial cells
Authors: Gao M-L , Deng W-L , Huang N , Wang Y-Y , Lei X-L , Xu Z-Q , Hu D-N , Cai J-Q , Lu F , Jin Z-B
Published: February 2016

To better understand the molecular mechanisms responsible for light-induced damage in retinal pigmented epithelial (RPE) cells, we developed an automated device to recapitulate intense light exposure. When compared with human fibroblasts, ARPE-19 cells that had been exposed to blue-rich light-emitting diode-light of 10 000 Lux at 37 °C for 9 h displayed dramatic cellular apoptosis. Collectively, gene expression profiling and qPCR demonstrated that growth arrest and DNA damage-45α (GADD45α) expression was markedly upregulated. Transient knockdown of GADD45α partially attenuated light-damage-induced apoptosis in ARPE-19 cells, whereas GADD45α overexpression dramatically increased it. These results demonstrate the critical function of GADD45α in light-induced RPE cellular apoptosis. Quantitative reverse transcription-PCR and western blotting revealed that the upregulation of GADD45α was under direct control of p53. Moreover, treatment with Ly294002, an inhibitor of AKT phosphorylation, further promoted GADD45α gene transcription in both non-light and light-damaged ARPE-19 cells. Treatment also exacerbated RPE cellular apoptosis after light exposure, confirming that inhibition of Akt phosphorylation increases GADD45α expression. Collectively, our findings reveal that light irrigation induces human RPE cellular apoptosis through upregulation of GADD45α expression mediated through both the p53 and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-AKT signaling pathways. These results provide new insights into human retinal diseases elicited by light damage and open a new avenue for disease prevention and treatment.
Tornado outbreak variability follows Taylor’s power law of fluctuation scaling and increases dramatically with severity
Authors: Tippett Michael K. , Cohen Joel E.
Published: February 2016

Tornadoes cause loss of life and damage to property each year in the United States and around the world. The largest impacts come from ‘outbreaks’ consisting of multiple tornadoes closely spaced in time. Here we find an upward trend in the annual mean number of tornadoes per US tornado outbreak for the period 1954–2014. Moreover, the variance of this quantity is increasing more than four times as fast as the mean. The mean and variance of the number of tornadoes per outbreak vary according to Taylor’s power law of fluctuation scaling (TL), with parameters that are consistent with multiplicative growth. Tornado-related atmospheric proxies show similar power-law scaling and multiplicative growth. Path-length-integrated tornado outbreak intensity also follows TL, but with parameters consistent with sampling variability. The observed TL power-law scaling of outbreak severity means that extreme outbreaks are more frequent than would be expected if mean and variance were independent or linearly related.
Large elasto-optic effect and reversible electrochromism in multiferroic BiFeO3
Authors: Sando D. , Yang Yurong , Bousquet E. , Carrétéro C. , Garcia V. , Fusil S. , Dolfi D. , Barthélémy A. , Ghosez Ph. , Bellaiche L. , Bibes M.
Published: February 2016

The control of optical fields is usually achieved through the electro-optic or acousto-optic effect in single-crystal ferroelectric or polar compounds such as LiNbO3 or quartz. In recent years, tremendous progress has been made in ferroelectric oxide thin film technology—a field which is now a strong driving force in areas such as electronics, spintronics and photovoltaics. Here, we apply epitaxial strain engineering to tune the optical response of BiFeO3 thin films, and find a very large variation of the optical index with strain, corresponding to an effective elasto-optic coefficient larger than that of quartz. We observe a concomitant strain-driven variation in light absorption—reminiscent of piezochromism—which we show can be manipulated by an electric field. This constitutes an electrochromic effect that is reversible, remanent and not driven by defects. These findings broaden the potential of multiferroics towards photonics and thin film acousto-optic devices, and suggest exciting device opportunities arising from the coupling of ferroic, piezoelectric and optical responses.
Efficient linear phase contrast in scanning transmission electron microscopy with matched illumination and detector interferometry
Authors: Ophus Colin , Ciston Jim , Pierce Jordan , Harvey Tyler R. , Chess Jordan , McMorran Benjamin J. , Czarnik Cory , Rose Harald H. , Ercius Peter
Published: February 2016

The ability to image light elements in soft matter at atomic resolution enables unprecedented insight into the structure and properties of molecular heterostructures and beam-sensitive nanomaterials. In this study, we introduce a scanning transmission electron microscopy technique combining a pre-specimen phase plate designed to produce a probe with structured phase with a high-speed direct electron detector to generate nearly linear contrast images with high efficiency. We demonstrate this method by using both experiment and simulation to simultaneously image the atomic-scale structure of weakly scattering amorphous carbon and strongly scattering gold nanoparticles. Our method demonstrates strong contrast for both materials, making it a promising candidate for structural determination of heterogeneous soft/hard matter samples even at low electron doses comparable to traditional phase-contrast transmission electron microscopy. Simulated images demonstrate the extension of this technique to the challenging problem of structural determination of biological material at the surface of inorganic crystals.
Flexible single-layer ionic organic–inorganic frameworks towards precise nano-size separation
Authors: Yue Liang , Wang Shan , Zhou Ding , Zhang Hao , Li Bao , Wu Lixin
Published: February 2016

Consecutive two-dimensional frameworks comprised of molecular or cluster building blocks in large area represent ideal candidates for membranes sieving molecules and nano-objects, but challenges still remain in methodology and practical preparation. Here we exploit a new strategy to build soft single-layer ionic organic–inorganic frameworks via electrostatic interaction without preferential binding direction in water. Upon consideration of steric effect and additional interaction, polyanionic clusters as connection nodes and cationic pseudorotaxanes acting as bridging monomers connect with each other to form a single-layer ionic self-assembled framework with 1.4 nm layer thickness. Such soft supramolecular polymer frameworks possess uniform and adjustable ortho-tetragonal nanoporous structure in pore size of 3.4–4.1 nm and exhibit greatly convenient solution processability. The stable membranes maintaining uniform porous structure demonstrate precisely size-selective separation of semiconductor quantum dots within 0.1 nm of accuracy and may hold promise for practical applications in selective transport, molecular separation and dialysis systems.
Optically controlled electroresistance and electrically controlled photovoltage in ferroelectric tunnel junctions
Authors: Jin Hu Wei , Wang Zhihong , Yu Weili , Wu Tom
Published: February 2016

Ferroelectric tunnel junctions (FTJs) have recently attracted considerable interest as a promising candidate for applications in the next-generation non-volatile memory technology. In this work, using an ultrathin (3 nm) ferroelectric Sm0.1Bi0.9FeO3 layer as the tunnelling barrier and a semiconducting Nb-doped SrTiO3 single crystal as the bottom electrode, we achieve a tunnelling electroresistance as large as 105. Furthermore, the FTJ memory states could be modulated by light illumination, which is accompanied by a hysteretic photovoltaic effect. These complimentary effects are attributed to the bias- and light-induced modulation of the tunnel barrier, both in height and width, at the semiconductor/ferroelectric interface. Overall, the highly tunable tunnelling electroresistance and the correlated photovoltaic functionalities provide a new route for producing and non-destructively sensing multiple non-volatile electronic states in such FTJs.
Dynamic capsule restructuring by the main pneumococcal autolysin LytA in response to the epithelium
Authors: Kietzman Colin C. , Gao Geli , Mann Beth , Myers Lance , Tuomanen Elaine I.
Published: February 2016

Bacterial pathogens produce complex carbohydrate capsules to protect against bactericidal immune molecules. Paradoxically, the pneumococcal capsule sensitizes the bacterium to antimicrobial peptides found on epithelial surfaces. Here we show that upon interaction with antimicrobial peptides, encapsulated pneumococci survive by removing capsule from the cell surface within minutes in a process dependent on the suicidal amidase autolysin LytA. In contrast to classical bacterial autolysis, during capsule shedding, LytA promotes bacterial survival and is dispersed circumferentially around the cell. However, both autolysis and capsule shedding depend on the cell wall hydrolytic activity of LytA. Capsule shedding drastically increases invasion of epithelial cells and is the main pathway by which pneumococci reduce surface bound capsule during early acute lung infection of mice. The previously unrecognized role of LytA in removing capsule to combat antimicrobial peptides may explain why nearly all clinical isolates of pneumococci conserve this enzyme despite the lethal selective pressure of antibiotics.
Morbid obesity in a young woman affected by advanced chronic kidney disease: an exceptional case report. Does a high dose of essential amino acids play a key role in therapeutic success?
Authors: Caria S , Murtas S , Loria G , Dioguardi F S , Secci R , Bolasco P
Published: February 2016

A 38-year-old woman, obese (219 kg), diabetic, hypertensive, chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 4, with low plasma albumin level (2.9 g dl−1) and marked proteinuria (22 g per day) was studied. Given the advanced-stage CKD with nephrotic proteinuria, we supplemented low-protein diet with high doses of a tailored essential amino acid mixture (AAs: 44 g per day) to improve weight reduction in the patient. After 20 months of conservative therapy, the patient lost 43 kg; despite two episodes of infection, albumin plasma levels increased up to 3.7 g per day. After a further 20 months of dialysis, the patient maintained a diet of 1800 kcal supplemented with 32 g of AAs and lost 47 kg, whereas both albumin (3.89±0.12 g dl−1) and C reactive protein returned to normal. During the follow-up period, anemia improved, erythropoietin was thus discontinued and insulin requirement decreased to 105 IU. This therapeutic option may be beneficial in advanced CKD patients with obesity and diabetes resulting from malnutrition.
Density and temperature characterization of long-scale length, near-critical density controlled plasma produced from ultra-low density plastic foam
Authors: Chen S. N. , Iwawaki T. , Morita K. , Antici P. , Baton S. D. , Filippi F. , Habara H. , Nakatsutsumi M. , Nicolaï P. , Nazarov W. , Rousseaux C. , Starodubstev M. , Tanaka K. A. , Fuchs J.
Published: February 2016

The ability to produce long-scale length (i.e. millimeter scale-length), homogeneous plasmas is of interest in studying a wide range of fundamental plasma processes. We present here a validated experimental platform to create and diagnose uniform plasmas with a density close or above the critical density. The target consists of a polyimide tube filled with an ultra low-density plastic foam where it was heated by x-rays, produced by a long pulse laser irradiating a copper foil placed at one end of the tube. The density and temperature of the ionized foam was retrieved by using x-ray radiography and proton radiography was used to verify the uniformity of the plasma. Plasma temperatures of 5–10 eV and densities around 1021 cm−3 are measured. This well-characterized platform of uniform density and temperature plasma is of interest for experiments using large-scale laser platforms conducting High Energy Density Physics investigations.
A comprehensive estimate of recent carbon sinks in China using both top-down and bottom-up approaches
Authors: Jiang Fei , Chen Jing M. , Zhou Lingxi , Ju Weimin , Zhang Huifang , Machida Toshinobu , Ciais Philippe , Peters Wouter , Wang Hengmao , Chen Baozhang , Liu Lixin , Zhang Chunhua , Matsueda Hidekazu , Sawa Yousuke
Published: February 2016

Atmospheric inversions use measurements of atmospheric CO2gradients to constrain regional surface fluxes. Current inversions indicate a net terrestrial CO2sink in China between 0.16 and 0.35 PgC/yr. The uncertainty of these estimates is as large as the mean because the atmospheric network historically contained only one high altitude station in China. Here, we revisit the calculation of the terrestrial CO2flux in China, excluding emissions from fossil fuel burning and cement production, by using two inversions with three new CO2monitoring stations in China as well as aircraft observations over Asia. We estimate a net terrestrial CO2uptake of 0.39–0.51 PgC/yr with a mean of 0.45 PgC/yr in 2006–2009. After considering the lateral transport of carbon in air and water and international trade, the annual mean carbon sink is adjusted to 0.35 PgC/yr. To evaluate this top-down estimate, we constructed an independent bottom-up estimate based on ecosystem data, and giving a net land sink of 0.33 PgC/yr. This demonstrates closure between the top-down and bottom-up estimates. Both top-down and bottom-up estimates give a higher carbon sink than previous estimates made for the 1980s and 1990s, suggesting a trend towards increased uptake by land ecosystems in China.
Efficient microbial production of stylopine using a Pichia pastoris expression system
Authors: Hori Kentaro , Okano Shunsuke , Sato Fumihiko
Published: February 2016

Stylopine is a protoberberine-type alkaloid that has potential biological activities. Based on the successful microbial production of (S)-reticuline, we attempted to produce stylopine from (S)-reticuline by the reaction of berberine bridge enzyme, cheilanthifoline synthase (CYP719A5) and stylopine synthase (CYP719A2). Biosynthetic enzyme expression was examined in a methanol-utilizing yeast (Pichia pastoris) and both a “consolidated” system with all genes expressed in one cell and a “co-culture” system with three cell lines that each express a single gene were examined. Although both systems efficiently converted reticuline to stylopine, the consolidated system was more rapid and efficient than the co-culture system. However, substrate-feeding experiments revealed a decrease in the conversion efficiency in the consolidated system during successive cultures, whereas the conversion efficiency in the co-culture system remained constant. Thus, the final amount of stylopine produced from reticuline after successive feedings in the co-culture system was more than 150 nmoles from 750 nmoles of (R, S)-reticuline (375 nmoles of (S)-reticuline). The advantages and drawbacks of the “consolidated” system and the “co-culture” system are discussed.
High sea surface temperatures driven by a strengthening current reduce foraging success by penguins
Authors: Carroll Gemma , Everett Jason D. , Harcourt Robert , Slip David , Jonsen Ian
Published: February 2016

The world’s oceans are undergoing rapid, regionally specific warming. Strengthening western boundary currents play a role in this phenomenon, with sea surface temperatures (SST) in their paths rising faster than the global average. To understand how dynamic oceanography influences food availability in these ocean warming “hotspots”, we use a novel prey capture signature derived from accelerometry to understand how the warm East Australian Current shapes foraging success by a meso-predator, the little penguin. This seabird feeds on low trophic level species that are sensitive to environmental change. We found that in 2012, prey capture success by penguins was high when SST was low relative to the long-term mean. In 2013 prey capture success was low, coincident with an unusually strong penetration of warm water. Overall there was an optimal temperature range for prey capture around 19–21 °C, with lower success at both lower and higher temperatures, mirroring published relationships between commercial sardine catch and SST. Spatially, higher SSTs corresponded to a lower probability of penguins using an area, and lower prey capture success. These links between high SST and reduced prey capture success by penguins suggest negative implications for future resource availability in a system dominated by a strengthening western boundary current.
Statistical prediction of protein structural, localization and functional properties by the analysis of its fragment mass distributions after proteolytic cleavage
Authors: Bogachev Mikhail I. , Kayumov Airat R. , Markelov Oleg A. , Bunde Armin
Published: February 2016

Structural, localization and functional properties of unknown proteins are often being predicted from their primary polypeptide chains using sequence alignment with already characterized proteins and consequent molecular modeling. Here we suggest an approach to predict various structural and structure-associated properties of proteins directly from the mass distributions of their proteolytic cleavage fragments. For amino-acid-specific cleavages, the distributions of fragment masses are determined by the distributions of inter-amino-acid intervals in the protein, that in turn apparently reflect its structural and structure-related features. Large-scale computer simulations revealed that for transmembrane proteins, either α-helical or β -barrel secondary structure could be predicted with about 90% accuracy after thermolysin cleavage. Moreover, 3/4 intrinsically disordered proteins could be correctly distinguished from proteins with fixed three-dimensional structure belonging to all four SCOP structural classes by combining 3–4 different cleavages. Additionally, in some cases the protein cellular localization (cytosolic or membrane-associated) and its host organism (Firmicute or Proteobacteria) could be predicted with around 80% accuracy. In contrast to cytosolic proteins, for membrane-associated proteins exhibiting specific structural conformations, their monotopic or transmembrane localization and functional group (ATP-binding, transporters, sensors and so on) could be also predicted with high accuracy and particular robustness against missing cleavages.
Global metabolic analyses identify key differences in metabolite levels between polymyxin-susceptible and polymyxin-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Mahamad Maifiah Mohd Hafidz , Cheah Soon-Ee , Johnson Matthew D. , Han Mei-Ling , Boyce John D. , Thamlikitkul Visanu , Forrest Alan , Kaye Keith S. , Hertzog Paul , Purcell Anthony W. , Song Jiangning , Velkov Tony , Creek Darren J. , Li Jian
Published: February 2016

Multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii presents a global medical crisis and polymyxins are used as the last-line therapy. This study aimed to identify metabolic differences between polymyxin-susceptible and polymyxin-resistant A. baumannii using untargeted metabolomics. The metabolome of each A. baumannii strain was measured using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Multivariate and univariate statistics and pathway analyses were employed to elucidate metabolic differences between the polymyxin-susceptible and -resistant A. baumannii strains. Significant differences were identified between the metabolic profiles of the polymyxin-susceptible and -resistant A. baumannii strains. The lipopolysaccharide (LPS) deficient, polymyxin-resistant 19606R showed perturbation in specific amino acid and carbohydrate metabolites, particularly pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle intermediates. Levels of nucleotides were lower in the LPS-deficient 19606R. Furthermore, 19606R exhibited a shift in its glycerophospholipid profile towards increased abundance of short-chain lipids compared to the parent polymyxin-susceptible ATCC 19606. In contrast, in a pair of clinical isolates 03–149.1 (polymyxin-susceptible) and 03–149.2 (polymyxin-resistant, due to modification of lipid A), minor metabolic differences were identified. Notably, peptidoglycan biosynthesis metabolites were significantly depleted in both of the aforementioned polymyxin-resistant strains. This is the first comparative untargeted metabolomics study to show substantial differences in the metabolic profiles of the polymyxin-susceptible and -resistant A. baumannii.
Screening for major driver oncogene alterations in adenosquamous lung carcinoma using PCR coupled with next-generation and Sanger sequencing methods
Authors: Shi Xiaohua , Wu Huanwen , Lu Junliang , Duan Huanli , Liu Xuguang , Liang Zhiyong
Published: February 2016

We investigated the frequency of major driver oncogenes in lung adenosquamous cell carcinoma (ASC) cases. Frequency of EGFR, K-Ras, B-Raf, PIK3CA, DDR2, ALK, and PDGFRA gene mutations was examined in 56 patients using next-generation sequencing, polymerase chain reaction, and Sanger sequencing. Macrodissection or microdissection was performed in 37 cases to separate the adenomatous and squamous components of ASC. The overall mutation rate was 64.29%, including 55.36%, 7.14%, and 1.79% for EGFR, K-Ras, and B-Raf mutations, respectively. PIK3CA mutation was detected in three cases; all involved coexisting EGFR mutations. Of the 37 cases, 34 were convergent in two components, while three showed EGFR mutations in the glandular components and three showed PIK3CA mutations in the squamous components. With respect to EGFR mutations, the number of young female patients, nonsmokers, and those with positive pleural invasion was higher in the mutation-positive group than that in the mutation-negative. K-Ras mutation was significantly associated with smoking. Overall survival in the different EGFR mutation groups differed significantly. The frequency and clinicopathological characteristics of EGFR- and K-Ras-mutated adenosquamous lung carcinoma were similar to that noted in Asian adenocarcinomas patients. The high convergence mutation rate in both adenomatous and squamous components suggests monoclonality in ASC.
Ultra sub-wavelength surface plasmon confinement using air-gap, sub-wavelength ring resonator arrays
Authors: Lee Jaehak , Sung Sangkeun , Choi Jun-Hyuk , Eom Seok Chan , Mortensen N. Asger , Shin Jung H.
Published: February 2016

Arrays of sub-wavelength, sub-10 nm air-gap plasmonic ring resonators are fabricated using nanoimprinting. In near infra-red (NIR) range, the resonator supports a single dipole mode which is excited and identified via simple normal illumination and explored through transmission measurements. By controlling both lateral and vertical confinement via a metal edge, the mode volume is successfully reduced down to 1.3 × 10−5 λ03. The advantage of such mode confinement is demonstrated by applying the resonators biosensing. Using bovine serum albumin (BSA) molecules, a dramatic enhancement of surface sensitivity up to 69 nm/nm is achieved as the modal height approaches the thickness of the adsorbed molecule layers.
Composition of the outgrowth medium modulates wake-up kinetics and ampicillin sensitivity of stringent and relaxed Escherichia coli
Authors: Varik Vallo , Oliveira Sofia Raquel Alves , Hauryliuk Vasili , Tenson Tanel
Published: February 2016

The transition of Escherichia coli from the exponential into the stationary phase of growth induces the stringent response, which is mediated by the rapid accumulation of the alarmone nucleotide (p)ppGpp produced by the enzyme RelA. The significance of RelA’s functionality during the transition in the opposite direction, i.e. from the stationary phase into new exponential growth, is less well understood. Here we show that the relaxed strain, i.e. lacking the relA gene, displays a relative delay in regrowth during the new exponential growth phase in comparison with the isogenic wild type strain. The severity of the effect is a function of both the carbon source and amino acid composition of the outgrowth media. As a result, the loss of RelA functionality increases E. coli tolerance to the bactericidal antibiotic ampicillin during growth resumption in fresh media in a medium-specific way. Taken together, our data underscore the crucial role of medium composition and growth conditions for studies of the role of individual genes and regulatory networks in bacterial phenotypic tolerance to antibiotics.
Efficient Second Harmonic Generation in 3D Nonlinear Optical-Lattice-Like Cladding Waveguide Splitters by Femtosecond Laser Inscription
Authors: Nie Weijie , Jia Yuechen , Vázquez de Aldana Javier R. , Chen Feng
Published: February 2016

Integrated photonic devices with beam splitting function are intriguing for a broad range of photonic applications. Through optical-lattice-like cladding waveguide structures fabricated by direct femtosecond laser writing, the light propagation can be engineered via the track-confined refractive index profiles, achieving tailored output beam distributions. In this work, we report on the fabrication of 3D laser-written optical-lattice-like structures in a nonlinear KTP crystal to implement 1 × 4 beam splitting. Second harmonic generation (SHG) of green light through these nonlinear waveguide beam splitter structures provides the capability for the compact visible laser emitting devices. With Type II phase matching of the fundamental wavelength (@ 1064 nm) to second harmonic waves (@ 532 nm), the frequency doubling has been achieved through this three-dimensional beam splitter. Under 1064-nm continuous-wave fundamental-wavelength pump beam, guided-wave SHG at 532 nm are measured with the maximum power of 0.65 mW and 0.48 mW for waveguide splitters (0.67 mW and 0.51 mW for corresponding straight channel waveguides), corresponding to a SH conversion efficiency of approximately ~14.3%/W and 13.9%/W (11.2%/W, 11.3%/W for corresponding straight channel waveguides), respectively. This work paves a way to fabricate compact integrated nonlinear photonic devices in a single chip with beam dividing functions.
Atom Probe Tomographic Mapping Directly Reveals the Atomic Distribution of Phosphorus in Resin Embedded Ferritin
Authors: Perea Daniel E. , Liu Jia , Bartrand Jonah , Dicken Quinten , Thevuthasan S. Theva , Browning Nigel D. , Evans James E.
Published: February 2016

Here we report the atomic-scale analysis of biological interfaces within the ferritin protein using atom probe tomography that is facilitated by an advanced specimen preparation approach. Embedding ferritin in an organic polymer resin lacking nitrogen provided chemical contrast to visualise atomic distributions and distinguish the inorganic-organic interface of the ferrihydrite mineral core and protein shell, as well as the organic-organic interface between the ferritin protein shell and embedding resin. In addition, we definitively show the atomic-scale distribution of phosphorus as being at the surface of the ferrihydrite mineral with the distribution of sodium mapped within the protein shell environment with an enhanced distribution at the mineral/protein interface. The sample preparation method is robust and can be directly extended to further enhance the study of biological, organic and inorganic nanomaterials relevant to health, energy or the environment.
An Inactivated Antibiotic-Exposed Whole-Cell Vaccine Enhances Bactericidal Activities Against Multidrug-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Shu Meng-Hooi , MatRahim NorAziyah , NorAmdan NurAsyura , Pang Sui-Ping , Hashim Sharina H. , Phoon Wai-Hong , AbuBakar Sazaly
Published: February 2016

Vaccination may be an alternative treatment for infection with multidrug-resistance (MDR) Acinetobacter baumannii. The study reported here evaluated the bactericidal antibody responses following immunization of mice using an inactivated whole-cell vaccine derived from antibiotic-exposed MDR A. baumannii (I-M28-47-114). Mice inoculated with I-M28-47 (non-antibiotic-exposed control) and I-M28-47-114 showed a high IgG antibody response by day 5 post-inoculation. Sera from mice inoculated with I-M28-47-114 collected on day 30 resulted in 80.7 ± 12.0% complement-mediated bacteriolysis in vitro of the test MDR A. baumannii treated with imipenem, which was a higher level of bacteriolysis over sera from mice inoculated with I-M28-47. Macrophage-like U937 cells eliminated 49.3 ± 11.6% of the test MDR A. baumannii treated with imipenem when opsonized with sera from mice inoculated with I-M28-47-114, which was a higher level of elimination than observed for test MDR A. baumannii opsonized with sera from mice inoculated with I-M28-47. These results suggest that vaccination with I-M28-47-114 stimulated antibody responses capable of mounting high bactericidal killing of MDR A. baumannii. Therefore, the inactivated antibiotic-exposed whole-cell vaccine (I-M28-47-114) has potential for development as a candidate vaccine for broad clearance and protection against MDR A. baumannii infections.
Autonomous Graphene Vessel for Suctioning and Storing Liquid Body of Spilled Oil
Authors: Kim Taewoo , Lee Jeong Seok , Lee Geonhui , Seo Dong Kyun , Baek Youngbin , Yoon Jeyong , Oh Seung M. , Kang Tae June , Lee Hong H. , Kim Yong Hyup
Published: February 2016

Despite remarkable strides in science and technology, the strategy for spilled oil collection has remained almost the same since the 1969 Santa Barbara oil spill. The graphene vessel devised here can bring about an important yet basic change in the strategy for spilled oil collection. When it is placed on the oil-covered seawater, the graphene vessel selectively separates the oil, then collects and stores the collected oil in the vessel all by itself without any external power inputs. Capillarity and gravity work together to fill this proto-type graphene vessel with the spilled oil at a rate that is higher than 20,000 liters per square meter per hour (LMH) with oil purity better than 99.9% and allow the vessel to withstand a water head of 0.5 m. The vessel also has a superb chemical stability and recyclability. An expanded oil contact area, considerably greater than the thickness of the oil layer, forms at the reduced graphene oxide (rGO) foam interface upon contact with the spilled oil. This expanded contact area does not change much even when the oil layer thins out. As a result, the high oil collection rate is maintained throughout the recovery of spilled oil.
Proton-conducting Micro-solid Oxide Fuel Cells with Improved Cathode Reactions by a Nanoscale Thin Film Gadolinium-doped Ceria Interlayer
Authors: Li Yong , Wang Shijie , Su Pei-Chen
Published: February 2016

An 8 nm-thick gadolinium-doped ceria (GDC) layer was inserted as a cathodic interlayer between the nanoscale proton-conducting yttrium-doped barium zirconate (BZY) electrolyte and the porous platinum cathode of a micro-solid oxide fuel cell (μ-SOFC), which has effectively improved the cathode reaction kinetics and rendered high cell power density. The addition of the GDC interlayer significantly reduced the cathodic activation loss and increased the peak power density of the μ-SOFC by 33% at 400 °C. The peak power density reached 445 mW/cm2 at 425 °C, which is the highest among the reported μ-SOFCs using proton-conducting electrolytes. The impressive performance was attributed to the mixed protonic and oxygen ionic conducting properties of the nano-granular GDC, and also to the high densities of grain boundaries and lattice defects in GDC interlayer that favored the oxygen incorporation and transportation during the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and the water evolution reaction at cathode.
A PTH-responsive circadian clock operates in ex vivo mouse femur fracture healing site
Authors: Kunimoto Tatsuya , Okubo Naoki , Minami Yoichi , Fujiwara Hiroyoshi , Hosokawa Toshihiro , Asada Maki , Oda Ryo , Kubo Toshikazu , Yagita Kazuhiro
Published: February 2016

The circadian clock contains clock genes including Bmal1 and Period2 and it maintains an interval rhythm of approximately 24 hours (the circadian rhythm) in various organs including growth plate and articular cartilage. As endochondral ossification is involved not only in growth plate but also in fracture healing, we investigated the circadian clock functions in fracture sites undergoing healing. Our fracture models using external fixation involved femurs of Period2::Luciferase knock-in mice which enables the monitoring of endogenous circadian clock state via bioluminescence. Organ culture was performed by collecting femurs and fracture sites were observed using bioluminescence imaging systems. Clear bioluminescence rhythms of 24-hour intervals were revealed in fracture healing sites. When parathyroid hormone (PTH) was administered to fractured femurs in organ culture, peak time of Period2::Luciferase activity in fracture sites and growth plates changed, indicating that PTH-responsive circadian clock functions in the mouse femur fracture healing site. While PTH is widely used in treating osteoporosis, many studies have reported that it contributes to improvement of fracture healing. Future studies of the role of this local clock in wound healing may reveal a novel function of the circadian timing mechanism in skeletal cells.
Aromatic cages B0/+42: unprecedented existence of octagonal holes in boron clusters
Authors: Tai Truong Ba , Lee Sang Uck , Nguyen Minh Tho
Published: February 2016

The cluster B42+exhibits an aromatic cage-like structure containing remarkable octagonal holes.
Understanding the synergistic effect of WO3–BiVO4 heterostructures by impedance spectroscopy
Authors: Shi Xinjian , Herraiz-Cardona Isaac , Bertoluzzi Luca , Lopez-Varo Pilar , Bisquert Juan , Park Jong Hyeok , Gimenez Sixto
Published: February 2016

The dc resistance allows assessment of the influence of bulk recombination and charge transfer kinetics on the oxygen evolution performance of heterostructured materials.
Significantly improving the solubility of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in deep eutectic solvents for potential non-aqueous liquid administration
Authors: Lu Chao , Cao Jun , Wang Ning , Su Erzheng
Published: February 2016

DESs can readily dissolve water-insoluble drugs to a high concentration and enhance the stability of dissolving drugs (e.g. aspirin).
Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of indazole–pyrimidine based derivatives as anticancer agents with anti-angiogenic and antiproliferative activities
Authors: Elsayed Nevine M. Y. , Abou El Ella Dalal A. , Serya Rabah A. T. , Tolba Mai F. , Shalaby Raed , Abouzid Khaled A. M.
Published: February 2016

Three series of novel indazole–pyrimidine based compounds were designed, synthesized and biologically evaluated as VEGFR-2 kinase inhibitors.
Preparation of dihydroquinazoline carbohydrazone Fe(ii) complexes for spin crossover
Authors: Shen Fu-Xing , Huang Wei , Yamamoto Takashi , Einaga Yasuaki , Wu Dayu
Published: February 2016

Mononuclear spin-crossover complexes of dihydroquinazoline derivatives were synthesized to enable the spin crossover phenomenon via the variation of the solvent, anion and substituent.
Effect of particle size of La5Ti2CuS5O7on photoelectrochemical properties in solar hydrogen evolution
Authors: Liu Jingyuan , Hisatomi Takashi , Katayama Masao , Minegishi Tsutomu , Kubota Jun , Domen Kazunari
Published: February 2016

Rod-like La5Ti2CuS5O7(LTC) particles with larger sizes generate a higher photocurrent owing to lower densities of defects and grain boundaries interrupting the spatially separated carrier transport.
Real-time monitoring of calcification process by Sporosarcina pasteurii biofilm
Authors: Harris Dustin , Ummadi Jyothir Ganesh , Thurber Andrew R. , Allau Yvan , Verba Circe , Colwell Frederick , Torres Marta E. , Koley Dipankar
Published: February 2016

Chemical and morphological mapping of live bacterial assisted calcium carbonate precipitation using scanning electrochemical microscope (SECM).
Articular cartilage: from formation to tissue engineering
Authors: Camarero-Espinosa Sandra , Rothen-Rutishauser Barbara , Foster E. Johan , Weder Christoph
Published: February 2016

A summary of the current state of cartilage tissue engineering underlying the relevant biological aspects that are important for scaffold design.
Peptide-tags for site-specific protein labelling in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Lotze Jonathan , Reinhardt Ulrike , Seitz Oliver , Beck-Sickinger Annette G.
Published: February 2016

Peptide-tag based labelling can be achieved by (i) enzymes (ii) recognition of metal ions or small molecules and (iii) peptide–peptide interactions and enables site-specific protein visualization to investigate protein localization and trafficking.
Antimicrobial silica particles synthesized via ring-opening grafting of cationic amphiphilic cyclic carbonates: effects of hydrophobicity and structure
Authors: Xu Qingxing , Yang Chuan , Hedrick James L. , Yang Yi Yan
Published: February 2016

In this study, cationic amphiphilic cyclic carbonates with varying hydrophobicity and structure were synthesized and grafted onto silica particles to impart antimicrobial properties.
Synthesis and ultrafast spectroscopic study of new [6,6]methanofullerenes
Authors: Naqvi Samya , Gupta Neha , Kumari Neelam , Jewariya Mukesh , Kumar Pramod , Kumar Rachana , Chand Suresh
Published: February 2016

Ultrafast transient absorption and terahertz spectroscopic studies have been performed on new [6,6]methanofullerenes synthesized by the reaction of diazomethane with fullerene[60] via eco-friendly methodology, amine-assisted 1,3 dipolar cycloaddition (AACA).
Monodispersed hollow polymer/iron eutectic nanospheres
Authors: Bao Lixia , Zou Xin , Luo Xin , Pu Yanlei , Lei Jingxin , Cao Qiue , Wang Jiliang
Published: February 2016

Monodispersed hollow polymer/iron eutectic nanoparticles with the size range of 18–30 nm were prepared by a simple method. These particles can be applied in chemical catalysis and nanoreactors.
One-pot synthesis of highly functionalized pyrimido[1,2-b]indazoles via 6-endo-dig cyclization
Authors: Palaniraja Jeyakannu , Roopan Selvaraj Mohana , Rayalu G. Mokesh
Published: February 2016

An efficient synthesis of nitrogen ring junction pyrimido-indazoles has been developed.
Facile and elegant self-organization of Ag nanoparticles and TiO2 nanorods on V2O5 nanosheets as a superior cathode material for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Yan Du-Juan , Zhu Xiao-Dong , Wang Ke-Xin , Gao Xiao-Tian , Feng Yu-Jie , Sun Ke-Ning , Liu Yi-Tao
Published: February 2016

A facile and elegant self-organization strategy is proposed to decorate V2O5 nanosheets with Ag nanoparticles and TiO2 nanorods simultaneously.
Built‐in self‐monitor‐based finite state machines Trojans detection and self‐lock defence
Authors: Tang Yongkang , Wang Jianye
Published: February 2016

Synthesising circuits through general finite state machines design implement transitions from do not‐care states to effective ones or themselves. Also, outsourcing integrated circuit specifications to foundries provides adversaries opportunities to build transitions from effective states to do not‐care ones. Two security vulnerabilities above can bring finite state machines Trojans (FSMTs) to original circuits. In this Letter, a built‐in self‐monitor‐based approach is proposed to detect FSMTs at runtime and return warning signals, thereby achieving self‐lock defence. Finally, the proper solutions are proposed to solve two existing arguments about the authors’ approach.
Alternative definitions of the frozen energy in energy decomposition analysis of density functional theory calculations
Authors: Horn Paul R. , Head-Gordon Martin
Published: February 2016

In energy decomposition analysis (EDA) of intermolecular interactions calculated via density functional theory, the initial supersystem wavefunction defines the so-called “frozen energy” including contributions such as permanent electrostatics, steric repulsions, and dispersion. This work explores the consequences of the choices that must be made to define the frozen energy. The critical choice is whether the energy should be minimized subject to the constraint of fixed density. Numerical results for Ne2, (H2O)2, BH3–NH3, and ethane dissociation show that there can be a large energy lowering associated with constant density orbital relaxation. By far the most important contribution is constant density inter-fragment relaxation, corresponding to charge transfer (CT). This is unwanted in an EDA that attempts to separate CT effects, but it may be useful in other contexts such as force field development. An algorithm is presented for minimizing single determinant energies at constant density both with and without CT by employing a penalty function that approximately enforces the density constraint.