bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tidal disruption events seen in the XMM-Newton slew survey
Authors: Saxton Richard , Komossa S. , Read Andrew , Lira Paulina , Alexander Kate D. , Steele Iain
Published: June 2017

XMM-Newton performs a survey of the sky in the 0.2-12 keV X-ray band while slewing between observation targets. The sensitivity in the soft X-ray band is comparable with that of the ROSAT all-sky survey, allowing bright transients to be identified in near real-time by a comparison of the flux in both surveys. Several of the soft X-ray flares are coincident with galaxy nuclei and five of these have been interpreted as candidate tidal disruption events (TDE). The first three discovered had a soft X-ray spectrum, consistent with the classical model of TDE, where radiation is released during the accretion phase by thermal processes. The remaining two have an additional hard, power-law component, which in only one case was accompanied by radio emission. Overall the flares decay with the classical index of t−5/3 but vary greatly in the early phase.
Old/Past/Ancient/Historic Frontiers in Black Hole Astrophysics
Authors: Trimble Virginia
Published: June 2017

Basic questions about black holes, some of which are fairly old, include (1) What is a black hole? (2) Do black holes exist? And the answer to this depends a good deal on the answer to (1), (3) Where, when, why, and how have they formed? and (4) What are they good for? Here I attempt some elaboration of the questions and partial answers, noting that general relativity is required to described some of the phenomena, while dear old Isaac Newton is OK for others.
Black Hole Binaries in Quiescence
Authors: Bailyn Charles D.
Published: June 2017

I discuss some of what is known and unknown about the behavior of black hole binary systems in the quiescent accretion state. Quiescence is important for several reasons: 1) the dominance of the companion star in optical and IR wavelengths allows the binary parameters to be robustly determined — as an example, we argue that the longer proposed distance to the X-ray source GRO J1655-40 is correct; 2) quiescence represents the limiting case of an extremely low accretion rate, in which both accretion and jets can be observed; 3) understanding the evolution and duration of the quiescent state is a key factor in determining the overall demographics of X-ray binaries, which has taken on a new importance in the era of gravitational wave astronomy.
MOPTOP: Multi-colour Optimised Optical Polarimeter
Authors: Jermak Helen , Steele Iain A. , Smith Robert J.
Published: June 2017

Polarimetric measurements are essential for the study of jetted sources associated with black holes, such as γ-ray bursts and blazars. The relativistic jets launched from regions close to the black hole are threaded with magnetic fields, which produce synchrotron emission, and can be studied with polarimetric measurements. The multi-colour, optimised, optical polarimeter (MOPTOP) is a multi-band imaging instrument designed for use on the Liverpool Telescope. By replacing the rotating polaroid with a half wave plate and beam splitter, the instrument utilises twice as much of the incoming beam of light from the telescope compared to its predecessor, Ringo3. MOPTOP also builds on the successful introduction of dichroic mirrors to perform simultaneous multi-waveband polarimetric and photometric analysis in Ringo3, and enhances the sensitivity of the instrument with sCMOS cameras to use all photons as efficiently as possible.
Black hole astrophysics with HAWC, the High Altitude Water Cherenkov γ-ray observatory
Authors: Carramiñana Alberto ,   for the HAWC Collaboration
Published: June 2017

The HAWC gamma-ray observatory is a wide field of view and high duty cycle γ-ray detector investigating the 0.1 - 100 TeV energy range. It has detected supermassive black holes in the near Universe, and is seeking to detect black hole related objects like gamma-ray bursts, Galactic binary systems, primordial black holes and gravitational wave mergers. Daily light curves of the BL Lac objects Mrk 421 and Mrk 501 are presented here, together with a compilation of studies of black hole related objects.
Black hole superradiance as a probe of ultra-light new particles
Authors: Lasenby Robert
Published: June 2017

Bosonic fields around a spinning black hole can be amplified via ‘superradiance’, a wave analogue of the Penrose process, which extracts energy and momentum from the black hole. For hypothetical ultra-light bosons, with Compton wavelengths on ≳ km scales, such a process can lead to the exponential growth of gravitationally bound states around astrophysical Kerr black holes. If such particles exist, as predicted in many theories of beyond Standard Model physics, then these bosonic clouds give rise to a number of potentially-observable signals. Among the most promising are monochromatic gravitational radiation signals which could be detected at Advanced LIGO and future gravitational wave observatories.
Cdt1 stabilizes an open MCM ring for helicase loading
Authors: Frigola Jordi , He Jun , Kinkelin Kerstin , Pye Valerie E. , Renault Ludovic , Douglas Max E. , Remus Dirk , Cherepanov Peter , Costa Alessandro , Diffley John F. X.
Published: June 2017

ORC, Cdc6 and Cdt1 act together to load hexameric MCM, the motor of the eukaryotic replicative helicase, into double hexamers at replication origins. Here we show that Cdt1 interacts with MCM subunits Mcm2, 4 and 6, which both destabilizes the Mcm2–5 interface and inhibits MCM ATPase activity. Using X-ray crystallography, we show that Cdt1 contains two winged-helix domains in the C-terminal half of the protein and a catalytically inactive dioxygenase-related N-terminal domain, which is important for MCM loading, but not for subsequent replication. We used these structures together with single-particle electron microscopy to generate three-dimensional models of MCM complexes. These show that Cdt1 stabilizes MCM in a left-handed spiral open at the Mcm2–5 gate. We propose that Cdt1 acts as a brace, holding MCM open for DNA entry and bound to ATP until ORC–Cdc6 triggers ATP hydrolysis by MCM, promoting both Cdt1 ejection and MCM ring closure.
Ezrin enhances line tension along transcellular tunnel edges via NMIIa driven actomyosin cable formation
Authors: Stefani Caroline , Gonzalez-Rodriguez David , Senju Yosuke , Doye Anne , Efimova Nadia , Janel Sébastien , Lipuma Justine , Tsai Meng Chen , Hamaoui Daniel , Maddugoda Madhavi P. , Cochet-Escartin Olivier , Prévost Coline , Lafont Frank , Svitkina Tatyana , Lappalainen Pekka , Bassereau Patricia , Lemichez Emmanuel
Published: June 2017

Transendothelial cell macroaperture (TEM) tunnels control endothelium barrier function and are triggered by several toxins from pathogenic bacteria that provoke vascular leakage. Cellular dewetting theory predicted that a line tension of uncharacterized origin works at TEM boundaries to limit their widening. Here, by conducting high-resolution microscopy approaches we unveil the presence of an actomyosin cable encircling TEMs. We develop a theoretical cellular dewetting framework to interpret TEM physical parameters that are quantitatively determined by laser ablation experiments. This establishes the critical role of ezrin and non-muscle myosin II (NMII) in the progressive implementation of line tension. Mechanistically, fluorescence-recovery-after-photobleaching experiments point for the upstream role of ezrin in stabilizing actin filaments at the edges of TEMs, thereby favouring their crosslinking by NMIIa. Collectively, our findings ascribe to ezrin and NMIIa a critical function of enhancing line tension at the cell boundary surrounding the TEMs by promoting the formation of an actomyosin ring.
A decoherence-free subspace in a charge quadrupole qubit
Authors: Friesen Mark , Ghosh Joydip , Eriksson M. A. , Coppersmith S. N.
Published: June 2017

Quantum computing promises significant speed-up for certain types of computational problems. However, robust implementations of semiconducting qubits must overcome the effects of charge noise that currently limit coherence during gate operations. Here we describe a scheme for protecting solid-state qubits from uniform electric field fluctuations by generalizing the concept of a decoherence-free subspace for spins, and we propose a specific physical implementation: a quadrupole charge qubit formed in a triple quantum dot. The unique design of the quadrupole qubit enables a particularly simple pulse sequence for suppressing the effects of noise during gate operations. Simulations yield gate fidelities 10–1,000 times better than traditional charge qubits, depending on the magnitude of the environmental noise. Our results suggest that any qubit scheme employing Coulomb interactions (for example, encoded spin qubits or two-qubit gates) could benefit from such a quadrupolar design.
Enrichment of low-frequency functional variants revealed by whole-genome sequencing of multiple isolated European populations
Authors: Xue Yali , Mezzavilla Massimo , Haber Marc , McCarthy Shane , Chen Yuan , Narasimhan Vagheesh , Gilly Arthur , Ayub Qasim , Colonna Vincenza , Southam Lorraine , Finan Christopher , Massaia Andrea , Chheda Himanshu , Palta Priit , Ritchie Graham , Asimit Jennifer , Dedoussis George , Gasparini Paolo , Palotie Aarno , Ripatti Samuli , Soranzo Nicole , Toniolo Daniela , Wilson James F. , Durbin Richard , Tyler-Smith Chris , Zeggini Eleftheria
Published: June 2017

The genetic features of isolated populations can boost power in complex-trait association studies, and an in-depth understanding of how their genetic variation has been shaped by their demographic history can help leverage these advantageous characteristics. Here, we perform a comprehensive investigation using 3,059 newly generated low-depth whole-genome sequences from eight European isolates and two matched general populations, together with published data from the 1000 Genomes Project and UK10K. Sequencing data give deeper and richer insights into population demography and genetic characteristics than genotype-chip data, distinguishing related populations more effectively and allowing their functional variants to be studied more fully. We demonstrate relaxation of purifying selection in the isolates, leading to enrichment of rare and low-frequency functional variants, using novel statistics, DVxy and SVxy. We also develop an isolation-index (Isx) that predicts the overall level of such key genetic characteristics and can thus help guide population choice in future complex-trait association studies.
The AURORA pilot study for molecular screening of patients with advanced breast cancer–a study of the breast international group
Authors: Maetens Marion , Brown David , Irrthum Alexandre , Aftimos Philippe , Viale Giuseppe , Loibl Sibylle , Laes Jean-François , Campbell Peter J. , Thompson Alastair , Cortes Javier , Seiler Sabine , Vinnicombe Sara , Oliveira Mafalda , Rothé Françoise , Bareche Yacine , Fumagalli Debora , Zardavas Dimitrios , Desmedt Christine , Piccart Martine , Loi Sherene , Sotiriou Christos
Published: June 2017

Several studies have demonstrated the feasibility of molecular screening of tumour samples for matching patients with cancer to targeted therapies. However, most of them have been carried out at institutional or national level. Herein, we report on the pilot phase of AURORA (NCT02102165), a European multinational collaborative molecular screening initiative for advanced breast cancer patients. Forty-one patients were prospectively enroled at four participating centres across Europe. Metastatic tumours were biopsied and profiled using an Ion Torrent sequencing platform at a central facility. Sequencing results were obtained for 63% of the patients in real-time with variable turnaround time stemming from delays between patient consent and biopsy. At least one clinically actionable mutation was identified in 73% of patients. We used the Illumina sequencing technology for orthogonal validation and achieved an average of 66% concordance of substitution calls per patient. Additionally, copy number aberrations inferred from the Ion Torrent sequencing were compared to single nucleotide polymorphism arrays and found to be 59% concordant on average. Although this study demonstrates that powerful next generation genomic techniques are logistically ready for international molecular screening programs in routine clinical settings, technical challenges remain to be addressed in order to ensure the accuracy and clinical utility of the genomic data.
Quantum critical behavior in the asymptotic limit of high disorder in the medium entropy alloy NiCoCr0.8
Authors: Sales Brian C. , Jin Ke , Bei Hongbin , Nichols John , Chisholm Matthew F. , May Andrew F. , Butch Nicholas P. , Christianson Andrew D. , McGuire Michael A.
Published: June 2017

The behavior of matter near a quantum critical point is one of the most exciting and challenging areas of physics research. Emergent phenomena such as high-temperature superconductivity are linked to the proximity to a quantum critical point. Although significant progress has been made in understanding quantum critical behavior in some low dimensional magnetic insulators, the situation in metallic systems is much less clear. Here, we demonstrate that NiCoCrx single crystal alloys are remarkable model systems for investigating quantum critical point physics in a metallic environment. For NiCoCrx alloys with x ≈ 0.8, the critical exponents associated with a ferromagnetic quantum critical point are experimentally determined from low temperature magnetization and heat capacity measurements. All of the five exponents (γ
T
 ≈ 1/2, β
T
 ≈ 1, δ ≈ 3/2, νzm ≈ 2, $${\bar {\rm \alpha}}$$

α

̄

T ≈ 0) are in remarkable agreement with predictions of Belitz–Kirkpatrick–Vojta theory in the asymptotic limit of high disorder. Using these critical exponents, excellent scaling of the magnetization data is demonstrated with no adjustable parameters. We also find a divergence of the magnetic Gruneisen parameter, consistent with a ferromagnetic quantum critical point. This work therefore demonstrates that entropy stabilized concentrated solid solutions represent a unique platform to study quantum critical behavior in a highly tunable class of materials.
Association of SIX1/SIX6 locus polymorphisms with regional circumpapillary retinal nerve fibre layer thickness: The Nagahama study
Authors: Yoshikawa Munemitsu , Yamashiro Kenji , Nakanishi Hideo , Miyata Manabu , Miyake Masahiro , Hosoda Yoshikatsu , Tabara Yasuharu , Matsuda Fumihiko , Yoshimura Nagahisa ,   the Nagahama Study Group, Kawaguchi Takahisa , Setoh Kazuya , Takahashi Yoshimitsu , Kosugi Shinji , Nakayama Takeo
Published: June 2017

SIX1 and SIX6 are glaucoma susceptibility genes. Previous reports indicate that the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs33912345 in SIX6 is associated with inferior circumpapillary retinal nerve fibre layer (cpRNFL) thickness (cpRNFLT). Although the region of visual field defect in glaucoma patients is directly related to cpRNFL thinning, a detailed sector analysis has not been performed in genetic association studies. In the present study, we evaluated 26 tagging SNPs in the SIX1/SIX6 locus ±50 kb region in a population of 2,306 Japanese subjects with 4- and 32-sector cpRNFLT analysis. While no SNPs showed a significant association with cpRNFLT in the 4-sectored analysis, the finer 32-sector assessment clearly showed a significant association between rs33912345 in the SIX1/SIX6 locus with inferior cpRNFL thinning at 292.5–303.8° (β = −4.55, P = 3.0 × 10−5). Furthermore, the fine-sectored cpRNFLT analysis indicated that SIX1/SIX6 polymorphisms would affect cpRNFL thinning at 281.3–303.8°, which corresponds to parafoveal scotoma in a visual field test of glaucoma patients.
Marsupial brood care in Cretaceous tanaidaceans
Authors: Sánchez-García Alba , Delclòs Xavier , Engel Michael S. , Bird Graham J. , Perrichot Vincent , Peñalver Enrique
Published: June 2017

Parental care in animal evolution has long fascinated biologists, but tracing this complex of behavioural repertoires is challenging, as these transitory states often leave no corporeal traces as fossils. Among modern invertebrates, the tanaidaceans (Malacostraca: Peracarida), a lineage of marsupial crustaceans, show an interesting variety of brooding strategies. Here we report on fossil tanaidaceans from the Cretaceous of Spain and France that provide conclusive evidence for marsupial care of brood-offspring. Two exceptionally preserved female specimens ofAlavatanais carabeandA.margulisaefrom Late Albian Peñacerrada I amber (Spain) possess four pairs of rudimentary oostegites, indicating formation of a marsupium. From Recent data, given the taxonomic distribution of a marsupium of four pairs of oostegites, we hypothesize that this may be plesiomorphic for the Tanaidomorpha. We also report on a peculiar tanaidacean specimen referable to the fossil family Alavatanaidae,Daenerytanais maieuticusgen. et sp. nov., from Early Cenomanian La Buzinie amber (France), preserved with its marsupial pouch and content. Our discoveries provide early evidence of the peracarid reproductive strategy, as seen in modern Tanaidacea, and argue that this form of parental care may have played a role in the diversification of the lineage during this period.
Spatially Confined Spin Polarization and magnetic sublattice control in (La,Sr)MnO3−δ Thin Films by Oxygen Vacancy Ordering
Authors: Moreau Magnus , Selbach Sverre M. , Tybell Thomas
Published: June 2017

Perovskite oxides are known for their strong structure property coupling and functional properties such as ferromagntism, ferroelectricity and high temperature superconductivity. While the effect of ordered cation vacancies on functional properties have been much studied, the possibility of tuning the functionality through anion vacancy ordering has received much less attention. Oxygen vacancies in ferromagnetic La0.7Sr0.3MnO3−δthin films have recently been shown to accumulate close to interfaces and form a brownmillerite structure (ABO2.5). This structure has alternating oxygen octahedral and tetrahedral layers along the stacking direction, making it a basis for a family of ordered anion defect controlled materials. We use density functional theory to study how structure and properties depend on oxygen stoichiometry, relying on a block-by-block approach by including additional octahedral layers in-between each tetrahedral layer. It is found that the magnetic and electronic structures follow the layers enforced by the ordered oxygen vacancies. This results in spatially confined electronic conduction in the octahedral layers, and decoupling of the magnetic sub-lattices in the octahedral and tetrahedral layers. These results demonstrate that anion defect engineering is a promising tool to tune the properties of functional oxides, adding a new avenue for developing functional oxide device technology.
Altered miRNA expression network in locus coeruleus of depressed suicide subjects
Authors: Roy Bhaskar , Wang Qingzhong , Palkovits Miklos , Faludi Gabor , Dwivedi Yogesh
Published: June 2017

Norepinephrine (NE) is produced primarily by neurons in the locus coeruleus (LC). Retrograde and ultrastructural examinations reveal that the core of the LC and its surrounding region receives afferent projections from several brain areas which provide multiple neurochemical inputs to the LC with changes in LC neuronal firing, making it a highly coordinated event. Although NE and mediated signaling systems have been studied in relation to suicide and psychiatric disorders that increase the risk of suicide including depression, less is known about the corresponding changes in molecular network within LC. In this study, we examined miRNA networks in the LC of depressed suicide completers and healthy controls. Expression array revealed differential regulation of 13 miRNAs. Interaction between altered miRNAs and target genes showed dense interconnected molecular network. Functional clustering of predicated target genes yielded stress induced disorders that collectively showed the complex nature of suicidal behavior. In addition, 25 miRNAs were pairwise correlated specifically in the depressed suicide group, but not in the control group. Altogether, our study revealed for the first time the involvement of LC based dysregulated miRNA network in disrupting cellular pathways associated with suicidal behavior.
No cancer predisposition or increased spontaneous mutation frequencies in NEIL DNA glycosylases-deficient mice
Authors: Rolseth Veslemøy , Luna Luisa , Olsen Ann Karin , Suganthan Rajikala , Scheffler Katja , Neurauter Christine G. , Esbensen Ying , Kuśnierczyk Anna , Hildrestrand Gunn A. , Graupner Anne , Andersen Jill M. , Slupphaug Geir , Klungland Arne , Nilsen Hilde , Bjørås Magnar
Published: June 2017

Base excision repair (BER) is a major pathway for removal of DNA base lesions and maintenance of genomic stability, which is essential in cancer prevention. DNA glycosylases recognize and remove specific lesions in the first step of BER. The existence of a number of these enzymes with overlapping substrate specificities has been thought to be the reason why single knock-out models of individual DNA glycosylases are not cancer prone. In this work we have characterized DNA glycosylases NEIL1 and NEIL2 (Neil1−/−/Neil2−/−) double and NEIL1, NEIL2 and NEIL3 (Neil1−/−/Neil2−/−/Neil3−/−) triple knock-out mouse models. Unexpectedly, our results show that these mice are not prone to cancer and have no elevated mutation frequencies under normal physiological conditions. Moreover, telomere length is not affected and there was no accumulation of oxidative DNA damage compared to wild-type mice. These results strengthen the hypothesis that the NEIL enzymes are not simply back-up enzymes for each other but enzymes that have distinct functions beyond canonical repair.
Explicit instructions and consolidation promote rewiring of automatic behaviors in the human mind
Authors: Szegedi-Hallgató Emese , Janacsek Karolina , Vékony Teodóra , Tasi Lia Andrea , Kerepes Leila , Hompoth Emőke Adrienn , Bálint Anna , Németh Dezső
Published: June 2017

One major challenge in human behavior and brain sciences is to understand how we can rewire already existing perceptual, motor, cognitive, and social skills or habits. Here we aimed to characterize one aspect of rewiring, namely, how we can update our knowledge of sequential/statistical regularities when they change. The dynamics of rewiring was explored from learning to consolidation using a unique experimental design which is suitable to capture the effect of implicit and explicit processing and the proactive and retroactive interference. Our results indicate that humans can rewire their knowledge of such regularities incidentally, and consolidation has a critical role in this process. Moreover, old and new knowledge can coexist, leading to effective adaptivity of the human mind in the changing environment, although the execution of the recently acquired knowledge may be more fluent than the execution of the previously learned one. These findings can contribute to a better understanding of the cognitive processes underlying behavior change, and can provide insights into how we can boost behavior change in various contexts, such as sports, educational settings or psychotherapy.
Using Attenuated Total Reflection–Fourier Transform Infra-Red (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy to distinguish between melanoma cells with a different metastatic potential
Authors: Minnes Refael , Nissinmann Mati , Maizels Yael , Gerlitz Gabi , Katzir Abraham , Raichlin Yosef
Published: June 2017

The vast majority of cancer related deaths are caused by metastatic tumors. Therefore, identifying the metastatic potential of cancer cells is of great importance both for prognosis and for determining the correct treatment. Infrared (IR) spectroscopy of biological cells is an evolving research area, whose main aim is to find the spectral differences between diseased and healthy cells. In the present study, we demonstrate that Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transform IR (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy may be used to determine the metastatic potential of cancer cells. Using the ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, we can identify spectral alterations that are a result of hydration or molecular changes. We examined two murine melanoma cells with a common genetic background but a different metastatic level, and similarly, two human melanoma cells. Our findings revealed that higher metastatic potential correlates with membrane hydration level. Measuring the spectral properties of the cells allows us to determine the membrane hydration levels. Thus, ATR-FTIR spectroscopy has the potential to help in cancer metastasis prognosis.
The effect of trauma and PTSD on telomere length: An exploratory study in people exposed to combat trauma
Authors: Kim Tae Yong , Kim Se Joo , Choi Jong Rak , Lee Seung-Tae , Kim Jieun , Hwang In Sik , Chung Hae Gyung , Choi Jin Hee , Kim Hae Won , Kim Se Hyun , Kang Jee In
Published: June 2017

Telomere length has been suggested to be a cellular marker for age-related diseases as well as psychosocial stress. The present study investigated whether telomere length is associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among veterans exposed to combat trauma in the Vietnam War. The potentially associated factors on cellular aging were considered. Korean male veterans with (n = 122) and without (n = 120) PTSD were included and leukocyte telomere length was measured with a quantitative PCR-based technique. As a whole, no significant difference in telomere length was found between PTSD and non-PTSD groups. In linear regression analysis stratified by trauma levels, among veterans exposed to severe combat (n = 45), PTSD status (B = −1.176, t = −2.259, p = 0.029), antidepressant use (B = 0.168, t = 2.528, p = 0.015), and education level (B = 0.019, t = 2.369, p = 0.023) affected telomere length. However, among veterans with light-to-moderate combat exposure (n = 197), only age (B = −0.007, t = −2.434, p = 0.016) and education level (B = 0.010, t = 2.295, p = 0.023) were associated with telomere length. In the Post-hoc analysis, antidepressant use was associated with longer telomere length in subjects exposed to severe combat. Our exploratory results suggest that PTSD status in combination with severe trauma may be associated with accelerated telomere shortening, and that antidepressant use may have a protective effect on telomere dynamics.
Adipokines, C-reactive protein and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis – results from a population- based ALS registry in Germany
Authors: Nagel Gabriele , Peter Raphael S. , Rosenbohm Angela , Koenig Wolfgang , Dupuis Luc , Rothenbacher Dietrich , Ludolph Albert C.
Published: June 2017

To investigate the associations of leptin, adiponectin and high-sensitive (hs) C-reactive protein (CRP) with risk and prognosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Data from a population-based case-control study in Southern Germany (10/2010–6/2014) of 289 ALS patients (mean age of 65.7 (SD 10.5) years, 59.5% men) and 506 controls were included. During median follow-up of 14.5 months of 279 ALS patients 104 (53.9% men, 68.9 (10.3) years) died. Serum samples were measured for leptin, adiponectin and hs-CRP. Conditional logistic regression was used to estimate ALS risk. Survival models were used to appraise the prognostic value. ALS patients were characterized by lower levels of school education, BMI and smoking prevalence. Adjusted for covariates, leptin was inversely associated with ALS risk (top vs. bottom quartile: OR 0.49; 95% CI 0.29–0.80), while for adiponectin a positive association was found (OR 2.89; 95% CI 1.78–4.68). Among ALS patients increasing leptin concentrations were associated with longer survival (p for trend 0.002), while for adiponectin no association was found (p for trend 0.55). For hs-CRP no association was found. Leptin and adiponectin, two key hormones regulating energy metabolism, were strongly and independently related with ALS risk. Leptin levels were further negatively related with overall survival of ALS patients.
Three-dimensional spheroid culture targeting versatile tissue bioassays using a PDMS-based hanging drop array
Authors: Kuo Ching-Te , Wang Jong-Yueh , Lin Yu-Fen , Wo Andrew M. , Chen Benjamin P. C. , Lee Hsinyu
Published: June 2017

Biomaterial-based tissue culture platforms have emerged as useful tools to mimic in vivo physiological microenvironments in experimental cell biology and clinical studies. We describe herein a three-dimensional (3D) tissue culture platform using a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-based hanging drop array (PDMS-HDA) methodology. Multicellular spheroids can be achieved within 24 h and further boosted by incorporating collagen fibrils in PDMS-HDA. In addition, the spheroids generated from different human tumor cells exhibited distinct sensitivities toward drug chemotherapeutic agents and radiation as compared with two-dimensional (2D) cultures that often lack in vivo-like biological insights. We also demonstrated that multicellular spheroids may enable key hallmarks of tissue-based bioassays, including drug screening, tumor dissemination, cell co-culture, and tumor invasion. Taken together, these results offer new opportunities not only to achieve the active control of 3D multicellular spheroids on demand, but also to establish a rapid and cost-effective platform to study anti-cancer therapeutics and tumor microenvironments.
Desensitized D2 autoreceptors are resistant to trafficking
Authors: Robinson Brooks G. , Bunzow James R. , Grimm Jonathan B. , Lavis Luke D. , Dudman Joshua T. , Brown Jennifer , Neve Kim A. , Williams John T.
Published: June 2017

Dendritic release of dopamine activates dopamine D2 autoreceptors, which are inhibitory G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), to decrease the excitability of dopamine neurons. This study used tagged D2 receptors to identify the localization and distribution of these receptors in living midbrain dopamine neurons. GFP-tagged D2 receptors were found to be unevenly clustered on the soma and dendrites of dopamine neurons within the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc). Physiological signaling and desensitization of the tagged receptors were not different from wild type receptors. Unexpectedly, upon desensitization the tagged D2 receptors were not internalized. When tagged D2 receptors were expressed in locus coeruleus neurons, a desensitizing protocol induced significant internalization. Likewise, when tagged µ-opioid receptors were expressed in dopamine neurons they too were internalized. The distribution and lack of agonist-induced internalization of D2 receptors on dopamine neurons indicate a purposefully regulated localization of these receptors.
A novel programmable lysozyme-based lysis system in Pseudomonas putida for biopolymer production
Authors: Borrero-de Acuña José Manuel , Hidalgo-Dumont Cristian , Pacheco Nicolás , Cabrera Alex , Poblete-Castro Ignacio
Published: June 2017

Cell lysis is crucial for the microbial production of industrial fatty acids, proteins, biofuels, and biopolymers. In this work, we developed a novel programmable lysis system based on the heterologous expression of lysozyme. The inducible lytic system was tested in two Gram-negative bacterial strains, namely Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas putida KT2440. Before induction, the lytic system did not significantly arrest essential physiological parameters in the recombinant E. coli (ECPi) and P. putida (JBOi) strain such as specific growth rate and biomass yield under standard growth conditions. A different scenario was observed in the recombinant JBOi strain when subjected to PHA-producing conditions, where biomass production was reduced by 25% but the mcl-PHA content was maintained at about 30% of the cell dry weight. Importantly, the genetic construct worked well under PHA-producing conditions (nitrogen-limiting phase), where more than 95% of the cell population presented membrane disruption 16 h post induction, with 75% of the total synthesized biopolymer recovered at the end of the fermentation period. In conclusion, this new lysis system circumvents traditional, costly mechanical and enzymatic cell-disrupting procedures.
Economical, facile synthesis of network-like carbon nanosheets and their use as an enhanced electrode material for sensitive detection of ascorbic acid
Authors: Han Junfeng , Li Yiju , Wang Yazhou , Li Runhao , Zhang Hongquan , Yan Yongde , Ye Ke , Cheng Kui , Cao Dianxue , Wang Guiling
Published: June 2017

A highly sensitive electrochemical sensor for the detection of ascorbic acid (AA) was first fabricated using network-like carbon nanosheets (NCN) as an enhanced electrode modifier.
Gemcitabine–camptothecin conjugates: a hybrid prodrug for controlled drug release and synergistic therapeutics
Authors: Hou Meili , Xue Peng , Gao Yong-E. , Ma Xiaoqian , Bai Shuang , Kang Yuejun , Xu Zhigang
Published: June 2017

Self-assembled small molecule prodrug loaded with gemcitabine and camptothecin and responsive to reductive tumour microenvironment for combination cancer chemotherapy.
Electronic properties of blue phosphorene/graphene and blue phosphorene/graphene-like gallium nitride heterostructures
Authors: Sun Minglei , Chou Jyh-Pin , Yu Jin , Tang Wencheng
Published: June 2017

We investigate the structural and electronic properties of two BlueP-based heterostructures - BlueP/graphene and BlueP/graphene-like gallium nitride.
Energetic and spectroscopic properties of the low-lying C7H2 isomers: a high-level ab initio perspective
Authors: Thimmakondu Venkatesan S. , Karton Amir
Published: June 2017

We report here nine low-lying isomers of C7H2, which lie within 1 eV, investigated with high-level ab initio methods.
Dissolution DNP using trityl radicals at 7 T field
Authors: Jähnig Fabian , Kwiatkowski Grzegorz , Däpp Alexander , Hunkeler Andreas , Meier Beat H. , Kozerke Sebastian , Ernst Matthias
Published: June 2017

Characterization of direct 13C DNP at 1.4 K and 7 T field using trityl radicals.
Insights into the electron-donating and withdrawing effect of the functional groups on mechanochemical dehydrochlorination reactions
Authors: Guo Fang , Wang Zhen , Zhang Jin-Jing , Famulari Antonino , Li Hai-tao , Martí-Rujas Javier
Published: June 2017

The effect on electron depletion in a partially fluorinated ligand has been evaluated in a dehydrochlorination reaction by converting outer sphere adducts into a coordination complex using experimental and DFT data.
Atomic spectrometry update: review of advances in elemental speciation
Authors: Clough Robert , Harrington Chris F. , Hill Steve J. , Madrid Yolanda , Tyson Julian F.
Published: June 2017

This review covers advances in elemental speciation by a range of coupled techniques, including HPLC-ICP-MS, HPLC-HG-AFS and GC-ICP-MS.
Assessing the reliability of computing ion pair lifetimes and self-diffusivity to predict experimental viscosity trends of ionic liquids
Authors: Humbert Michael T. , Zhang Yong , Maginn Edward J.
Published: June 2017

Ion pair lifetime and diffusivity are used to predict experimental viscosity trends for ionic liquids.
2D and 3D-printing of self-healing gels: design and extrusion of self-rolling objects
Authors: Nadgorny Milena , Xiao Zeyun , Connal Luke A.
Published: June 2017

2D & 3D-printing of self-healing gels enable selective deposition of protective coatings and advanced manufacturing of self-rolling, dynamic objects.
Origin of the high oxygen reduction reaction of nitrogen and sulfur co-doped MOF-derived nanocarbon electrocatalysts
Authors: Song Zhongxin , Liu Weiwei , Cheng Niancai , Norouzi Banis Mohammad , Li Xia , Sun Qian , Xiao Biwei , Liu Yulong , Lushington Andrew , Li Ruying , Liu Limin , Sun Xueliang
Published: June 2017

A highly porous N,S-co-doped MOF-derived nanocarbon electrocatalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction is developed.
Two-dimensional black phosphorus nanosheets for theranostic nanomedicine
Authors: Qian Xiaoqin , Gu Zi , Chen Yu
Published: June 2017

This review summarizes and discusses the very recent developments and paradigms of ultrathin B.P. nanosheets in versatile biomedical applications.
Highly active and durable carbon nitride fibers as metal-free bifunctional oxygen electrodes for flexible Zn–air batteries
Authors: Shinde Sambhaji S. , Yu Jin-Young , Song Jae-Won , Nam Yoon-Ho , Kim Dong-Hyung , Lee Jung-Ho
Published: June 2017

The design of flexible and durable bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysts is indispensable for rechargeable metal–air batteries.
Facile one-pot exfoliation and integration of 2D layered materials by dispersion in a photocurable polymer precursor
Authors: Gallardo Alberto , Pereyra Yanina , Martínez-Campos Enrique , García Carolina , Acitores David , Casado-Losada Isabel , Gómez-Fatou Marián A. , Reinecke Helmut , Ellis Gary , Acevedo Diego , Rodríguez-Hernández Juan , Salavagione Horacio J.
Published: June 2017

The exfoliation of graphene and related materials (GRM) in polymer precursors, and subsequent preparation of nanocomposite membranes and 3D objects is described.
Sophopterocarpan A, a novel pterocarpine derivative with a benzotetrahydrofuran-fused bicyclo [3.3.1] nonane from Sophora flavescens
Authors: Zhu Hui , Yang Ya-Nan , Xu Kuo , Xie Jing , Feng Zi-Ming , Jiang Jian-Shuang , Zhang Pei-Cheng
Published: June 2017

Sophopterocarpan A (1), with a novel benzotetrahydrofuran-fused bicyclo [3.3.1] nonane ring, was isolated from the roots of Sophora flavescens Ait.
Photoredox-catalyzed procedure for carbamoyl radical generation: 3,4-dihydroquinolin-2-one and quinolin-2-one synthesis
Authors: Petersen Wade F. , Taylor Richard J. K. , Donald James R.
Published: June 2017

A mild, reductive carbamoyl radical generation under photoredox catalysis gives access to substituted 3,4-dihydroquinolin-2-ones, including spirocyclic systems, and aromatic quinolin-2-ones.
Mercouri G. Kanatzidis. Thirty years of contributions to materials and inorganic chemistry
Authors: Zhang Qichun , Armatas Gerasimos S. , Aitken Jennifer A.
Published: June 2017

Professor Mercouri G. Kanatzidis celebrates the 30-year anniversary of his independent career as well as his 60th birthday this year; this themed collection marks these exciting occasions.
Insects (Thrips hawaiiensis (Morgan)) change the stereochemical configuration of 1-phenylethanol emitted from tea (Camellia sinensis) flowers
Authors: Zhou Ying , Zeng Lanting , Liao Yinyin , Dong Fang , Peng Qiyuan , Li Jianlong , Tang Jinchi , Watanabe Naoharu , Yang Ziyin
Published: June 2017

Not only the quantity but also the stereochemical configuration of plant volatiles is affected by insects.
Renewable sources from plants as the starting material for designing new terpene chiral ionic liquids used for the chromatographic separation of acidic enantiomers
Authors: Feder-Kubis Joanna , Flieger Jolanta , Tatarczak-Michalewska Małgorzata , Płazińska Anita , Madejska Anna , Swatko-Ossor Marta
Published: June 2017

Synthesis of cheap and natural resources is an important topic in green chemistry.
Y-doped V2O5 with enhanced lithium storage performance
Authors: Yao J. H. , Yin Z. L. , Zou Z. G. , Li Y. W.
Published: June 2017

Y-doped V2O5 shows greatly enhanced cycling stability, better rate capability, and a higher Li+ diffusion coefficient than the pure V2O5 counterpart.
Fenton pre-treatment of rice straw with citric acid as an iron chelate reagent for enhancing saccharification
Authors: Sheng Tao , Zhao Lei , Liu Wen-Zong , Gao Ling-fang , Wang Ai-Jie
Published: June 2017

Rice straw was pre-treated by Fenton action with citric acid for chelation; the pre-treated rice straw was saccharified byRuminiclostridium thermocellumM3.
Pd–Ni nanoparticles supported on reduced graphene oxides as catalysts for hydrogen generation from hydrazine
Authors: Chen Ya , Wang Ling , Zhai Yanan , Chen Heyin , Dou Yibo , Li Jianrong , Zheng Haoquan , Cao Rui
Published: June 2017

A composite material of Pd–Ni nanoparticles supported on reduced graphene oxide (Pd–Ni/rGO) has been synthesised via an in situ reduction of PdO/Ni(OH)2 nanoparticles on GO.
Theoretical study on the photooxygenation and photorearrangement reactions of 3-hydroxyflavone
Authors: Szakács Zoltán , Kállay Mihály , Kubinyi Miklós
Published: June 2017

The mechanisms of three photodegradation reactions of 3-hydroxyflavone – its photosensitized oxygenation, photooxygenation with 3O2 and photorearrangement into an indanedione derivative – have been investigated by computing the free energy profiles.
Three-dimensional architecture of Ag/CeO2 nanorod composites prepared by dealloying and their electrocatalytic performance
Authors: Zhang Xiaolong , Li Guijing , Song Xiaoping , Yang Sen , Sun Zhanbo
Published: June 2017

The 3D Ag/CeO2 nanorod architectures were prepared by dealloying Al–Ag–Ce alloy, which exhibited enhanced catalytic activity for BH4− oxidation.
Dual-wavelength synchronously mode-locked Nd:LaGGG laser operating at 1.3 μm with a SESAM
Authors: Sun Xiaoli , He Jingliang , Jia Zhitai , Ning Jian , Zhao Ruwei , Su Xiancui , Wang Yiran , Zhang Baitao , Yang Kejian , Zhao Shuang
Published: June 2017

A diode-end-pumped synchronously dual-wavelength mode-locked Nd:LaGGG laser operating at 1.3 μm with a semiconductor saturable absorber mirror was demonstrated for the first time.
A graphene-based porous carbon material as a stationary phase for gas chromatographic separations
Authors: Yang Xiaohong , Li Changxia , Qi Meiling , Qu Liangti
Published: June 2017

The GPCM column exhibits high resolving capability for structural and positional isomers from nonpolar to polar nature.
Designing waterproof breathable material with moisture unidirectional transport characteristics based on a TPU/TBAC tree-like and TPU nanofiber double-layer membrane fabricated by electrospinning
Authors: Ju Jingge , Shi Zhijie , Deng Nanping , Liang Yueyao , Kang Weimin , Cheng Bowen
Published: June 2017

The waterproof breathable double-layer membrane (inside was TPU-NMs and outside was TPU/TBAC-TLNMs) with both functions of protection and moisture unidirectional transport was successfully prepared by direct combination using electrospinning.
Photocatalytic degradation of imidazolium ionic liquids using dye sensitized TiO2/SiO2 composites
Authors: Huang Lirong , Yu Yinghao , Fu Chao , Guo Haiyang , Li Xuehui
Published: June 2017

The photodegradation efficiency of imidazolium ILs reach 95% with DCQ-TiO2/SiO2 as the photocatalyst under simulated solar light.
Chemical vapor deposition of partially oxidized graphene
Authors: Mutlu Zafer , Ruiz Isaac , Wu Ryan J. , Ionescu Robert , Shahrezaei Sina , Temiz Selcuk , Ozkan Mihrimah , Mkhoyan K. Andre , Ozkan Cengiz S.
Published: June 2017

Mutlu et al. reported on chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of partially oxidized graphene films on copper foils under near-atmospheric pressure.
Mn/SAPO-34 as an efficient catalyst for the low-temperature selective catalytic reduction of NOx with NH3
Authors: Pang Chengkai , Zhuo Yuqun , Weng Qiyu
Published: June 2017

A series of Mn-exchanged SAPO-34 catalysts were synthesized and developed as catalysts for the low temperature selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NO with ammonia in the presence of excess oxygen.
Micro- and nano-patterns fabricated by embossed microscale stamp with trenched edges
Authors: Choi Jin-Hyun , Oh Chang-Mok , Jang Jae-Won
Published: June 2017

Micro- and nano-patterns of gold are fabricated by sequential etching after alkanethiol printing by an embossed microscale stamp with trenched edges.
Patterning Bi2Se3single-crystalline thin films on Si(111) substrates using strong oxidizing acids
Authors: Gao Lei , Li Handong , Ren Wuyang , Wang Gaoyun , Li Hui , Zhou Zhihua , Ji Haining , Niu Xiaobin , Wang Zhiming
Published: June 2017

Acidic potassium dichromate solutions (K2Cr2O7–H2SO4and K2Cr2O7–HCl) are applied for patterning single crystalline Bi2Se3thin films on Si(111) substrates.
A network similarity integration method for predicting microRNA-disease associations
Authors: Li Xiaoying , Lin Yaping , Gu Changlong
Published: June 2017

The NSIM integrates the disease similarity network, miRNA similarity network, and known miRNA-disease association network on the basis of cousin similarity to predict not only novel miRNA-disease associations but also isolated diseases.
A review of nanomaterials for nanofluid enhanced oil recovery
Authors: Peng Baoliang , Zhang Lecheng , Luo Jianhui , Wang Pingmei , Ding Bin , Zeng Minxiang , Cheng Zhengdong
Published: June 2017

Utilizing nanomaterials in flooding techniques has the potential to enhance oil recovery.
Separation of rare earths and other valuable metals from deep-eutectic solvents: a new alternative for the recycling of used NdFeB magnets
Authors: Riaño Sofía , Petranikova Martina , Onghena Bieke , Vander Hoogerstraete Tom , Banerjee Dipanjan , Foreman Mark R. StJ. , Ekberg Christian , Binnemans Koen
Published: June 2017

Neodymium and dysprosium can be separated using a new extraction system based on a deep-eutectic solvent and Cyanex® 923 diluted in toluene.
Effects of polymeric coatings on the service life of bismuth telluride-based thermoelectric materials
Authors: Brostow Witold , Chen I Kang , White John B.
Published: June 2017

Thermoelectric (TE) devices have one main disadvantage: short service lifetime.
A novel bi-functional double-layer rGO–PVDF/PVDF composite nanofiber membrane separator with enhanced thermal stability and effective polysulfide inhibition for high-performance lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Zhu Pei , Zhu Jiadeng , Zang Jun , Chen Chen , Lu Yao , Jiang Mengjin , Yan Chaoyi , Dirican Mahmut , Kalai Selvan Ramakrishnan , Zhang Xiangwu
Published: June 2017

A novel, bi-functional double-layer reduced graphene oxide (rGO)–polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)/PVDF membrane was fabricated by a simple electrospinning technique and was used as a promising separator for lithium–sulfur batteries.
Stretchable and durable superhydrophobicity that acts both in air and under oil
Authors: Rather Adil Majeed , Manna Uttam
Published: June 2017

A facile and robust Michael addition reaction is strategically exploited here, to develop a highly stretchable (150% deformation) superhydrophobic material. This material strongly repels aqueous phase both in air and under oil and with impeccable physical/chemical durability, and is appropriate for rapid separation of both heavy and light oils from complex aqueous phases with above 99% efficiency.
Subtle side-chain tuning on terminal groups of small molecule electron acceptors for efficient fullerene-free polymer solar cells
Authors: Zhu Jie , Li Sunsun , Liu Xiaoyu , Yao Huifeng , Wang Fenghao , Zhang Shaoqing , Sun Mingliang , Hou Jianhui
Published: June 2017

The influence of alkoxyl end-groups on the photovoltaic performance of small molecular acceptors was studied.
Carbon nanodot impregnated fluorescent nanofibers for in vivo monitoring and accelerating full-thickness wound healing
Authors: Pal Pallabi , Das Bodhisatwa , Dadhich Prabhash , Achar Arun , Dhara Santanu
Published: June 2017

Development of an intrinsically fluorescent nanofibrous scaffold of polycaprolactone–gelatin for skin tissue regeneration and noninvasive monitoring of scaffold activity in vivo.
A pH sensitive polymeric micelle for co-delivery of doxorubicin and α-TOS for colon cancer therapy
Authors: Debele Tilahun Ayane , Lee Kuan-Yi , Hsu Ning-Yu , Chiang Yi-Ting , Yu Lu-Yi , Shen Yao-An , Lo Chun-Liang
Published: June 2017

pH-Sensitive rod-like micelles were designed to improve drug release, to increase cytotoxicity towards cancer cells, and to reduce cytotoxicity towards normal cells.
Extended chain conformation of β-glucan and its effect on antitumor activity
Authors: Zheng Xing , Lu Fengzhi , Xu Xiaojuan , Zhang Lina
Published: June 2017

Extended chain conformation of β-glucan visualized by AFM, and its molecular weight- and chain conformation-dependent antitumor activity.
Ba6Li2CdSn4S16: lithium substitution simultaneously enhances band gap and SHG intensity
Authors: Duan Rui-Huan , Liu Peng-Fei , Lin Hua , Zheng Y. J. , Yu Ju-Song , Wu Xin-Tao , Huang-Fu Shang-Xiong , Chen Ling
Published: June 2017

Ba6Li2CdSn4S16vs. Ba6Ag2CdSn4S16: the Li substitution as compared to Ag substitution simultaneously enhances the band gap and the SHG intensity.
Formation of arsenene p–n junctions via organic molecular adsorption
Authors: Gao N. , Zhu Y. F. , Jiang Q.
Published: June 2017

With selective molecular doping, arsenene p–n junctions may be achieved.