bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gata4 is critical to maintain gut barrier function and mucosal integrity following epithelial injury
Authors: Lepage David , Bélanger Élise , Jones Christine , Tremblay Sarah , Allaire Joannie M. , Bruneau Joannie , Asselin Claude , Perreault Nathalie , Menendez Alfredo , Gendron Fernand-Pierre , Boudreau Francois
Published: November 2016

The intestinal epithelial barrier is critical to limit potential harmful consequences from exposure to deleterious luminal contents on the organism. Although this barrier is functionally important along the entire gut, specific regional regulatory mechanisms involved in the maintenance of this barrier are poorly defined. Herein, we identified Gata4 as a crucial regulator of barrier integrity in the mouse proximal intestinal epithelium. Conditional deletion of Gata4 in the intestine led to a drastic increase in claudin-2 expression that was associated with an important increase of gut barrier permeability without causing overt spontaneous inflammation. Administration of indomethacin, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that causes enteritis, led to rapid and restricted proximal small intestinal injuries in Gata4 mutant mice as opposed to control mice. Comparative analysis of gene transcript profiles from indomethacin-challenged control and Gata4 mutant mice identified defects in epithelial cell survival, inflammatory cell recruitment and tissue repair mechanisms. Altogether, these observations identify Gata4 as a novel crucial regulator of the intestinal epithelial barrier and as a critical epithelial transcription factor implicated in the maintenance of proximal intestinal mucosal integrity after injury.
Larval nutritional stress affects vector life history traits and human malaria transmission
Authors: Vantaux Amélie , Lefèvre Thierry , Cohuet Anna , Dabiré Kounbobr Roch , Roche Benjamin , Roux Olivier
Published: November 2016

Exposure to stress during an insect’s larval development can have carry-over effects on adult life history traits and susceptibility to pathogens. We investigated the effects of larval nutritional stress for the first time using field mosquito vectors and malaria parasites. In contrast to previous studies, we show that larval nutritional stress may affect human to mosquito transmission antagonistically: nutritionally deprived larvae showed lower parasite prevalence for only one gametocyte carrier; they also had lower fecundity. However, they had greater survival rates that were even higher when infected. When combining these opposing effects into epidemiological models, we show that larval nutritional stress induced a decrease in malaria transmission at low mosquito densities and an increase in transmission at high mosquito densities, whereas transmission by mosquitoes from well-fed larvae was stable. Our work underscores the importance of including environmental stressors towards understanding host–parasite dynamics to improve disease transmission models and control.
Maternal High Estradiol Exposure is Associated with Elevated Thyroxine and Pax8 in Mouse Offspring
Authors: Lv Ping-Ping , Tian Shen , Feng Chun , Li Jing-Yi , Yu Dan-Qin , Jin Li , Shen Yan , Yu Tian-Tian , Meng Ye , Ding Guo-Lian , Jin Min , Chen Xi-Jing , Sheng Jian-Zhong , Zhang Dan , Huang He-Feng
Published: November 2016

Our previous studies have shown that maternal high estradiol (E2) environment increased the risk of thyroid dysfunction in offspring. However, the mechanism involved remains unexplored. To evaluate the thyroid function of offspring after high E2 exposure and to explore the underlying mechanism, we established a high E2 mouse model of early pregnancy, and detected thyroid hormones of their offspring. In thyroids of offspring, the expressions of Tg, Nis, Tpo, Pax8, and Titf1 and CpG island methylation status of Pax8 and genes involved in methylation were analyzed. We found that thyroxine (T4) and FT4 levels of offspring were obviously increased in the high-E2 group, especially in females. In both 3- and 8-week-old offspring of the high-E2 group, Pax8 was significantly up-regulated in thyroid glands, accompanied by the abnormal CpG island methylation status in the promoter region. Furthermore, Dnmt3a and Mbd1 were obviously down-regulated in thyroids of the high E2 group. Besides, the disturbance of thyroid function in females was more severe than that in males, implying that the effects were related to gender. In summary, our study indicated that maternal high E2 exposure disturbed the thyroid function of offspring through the dysregulation and abnormal DNA methylation of Pax8.
Evaluation of the Illumigene Malaria LAMP: A Robust Molecular Diagnostic Tool for Malaria Parasites
Authors: Lucchi Naomi W. , Gaye Marie , Diallo Mammadou Alpha , Goldman Ira F. , Ljolje Dragan , Deme Awa Bineta , Badiane Aida , Ndiaye Yaye Die , Barnwell John W. , Udhayakumar Venkatachalam , Ndiaye Daouda
Published: November 2016

Isothermal nucleic acid amplification assays such as the loop mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), are well suited for field use as they do not require thermal cyclers to amplify the DNA. To further facilitate the use of LAMP assays in remote settings, simpler sample preparation methods and lyophilized reagents are required. The performance of a commercial malaria LAMP assay (IllumigeneMalaria LAMP) was evaluated using two sample preparation workflows (simple filtration prep (SFP)) and gravity-driven filtration prep (GFP)) and pre-dispensed lyophilized reagents. Laboratory and clinical samples were tested in a field laboratory in Senegal and the results independently confirmed in a reference laboratory in the U.S.A. TheIllumigeneMalaria LAMP assay was easily implemented in the clinical laboratory and gave similar results to a real-time PCR reference test with limits of detection of ≤2.0 parasites/μl depending on the sample preparation method used. This assay reliably detectedPlasmodiumsp. parasites in a simple low-tech format, providing a much needed alternative to the more complex molecular tests for malaria diagnosis.
How DNA barcoding can be more effective in microalgae identification: a case of cryptic diversity revelation in Scenedesmus (Chlorophyceae)
Authors: Zou Shanmei , Fei Cong , Wang Chun , Gao Zhan , Bao Yachao , He Meilin , Wang Changhai
Published: November 2016

Microalgae identification is extremely difficult. The efficiency of DNA barcoding in microalgae identification involves ideal gene markers and approaches employed, which however, is still under the way. Although Scenedesmus has obtained much research in producing lipids its identification is difficult. Here we present a comprehensive coalescent, distance and character-based DNA barcoding for 118 Scenedesmus strains based on rbcL, tufA, ITS and 16S. The four genes, and their combined data rbcL + tufA + ITS + 16S, rbcL + tufA and ITS + 16S were analyzed by all of GMYC, P ID, PTP, ABGD, and character-based barcoding respectively. It was apparent that the three combined gene data showed a higher proportion of resolution success than the single gene. In comparison, the GMYC and PTP analysis produced more taxonomic lineages. The ABGD generated various resolution in discrimination among the single and combined data. The character-based barcoding was proved to be the most effective approach for species discrimination in both single and combined data which produced consistent species identification. All the integrated results recovered 11 species, five out of which were revealed as potential cryptic species. We suggest that the character-based DNA barcoding together with other approaches based on multiple genes and their combined data could be more effective in microalgae diversity revelation.
Establishing super-resolution imaging for proteins in diatom biosilica
Authors: Gröger Philip , Poulsen Nicole , Klemm Jennifer , Kröger Nils , Schlierf Michael
Published: November 2016

The intricate, genetically controlled biosilica nano- and micropatterns produced by diatoms are a testimony for biology’s ability to control mineral formation (biomineralization) at the nanoscale and regarded as paradigm for nanotechnology. Previously, several protein families involved in diatom biosilica formation have been identified, and many of them remain tightly associated with the final biosilica structure. Determining the locations of biosilica-associated proteins with high precision is, therefore expected to provide clues to their roles in biosilica morphogenesis. To achieve this, we introduce here single-molecule localization microscopy to diatoms based on photo-activated light microscopy (PALM) to overcome the diffraction limit. We identified six photo-convertible fluorescent proteins (FPs) that can be utilized for PALM in the cytoplasm of model diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana. However, only three FPs were also functional when embedded in diatom biosilica. These were employed for PALM-based localization of the diatom biosilica-associated protein Silaffin-3 (tpSil3) with a mean precision of 25 nm. This allowed for the identification of distinct accumulation areas of Sil3 in the biosilica, which cannot be resolved by confocal fluorescence microscopy. The enhanced microscopy technique introduced here for diatoms will aid in elucidating the molecular mechanism of silica biomineralization as well as other aspects of diatom cell biology.
Novel High-throughput Approach for Purification of Infectious Virions
Authors: James Kevin T. , Cooney Brad , Agopsowicz Kate , Trevors Mary Ann , Mohamed Adil , Stoltz Don , Hitt Mary , Shmulevitz Maya
Published: November 2016

Viruses are extensively studied as pathogens and exploited as molecular tools and therapeutic agents. Existing methods to purify viruses such as gradient ultracentrifugation or chromatography have limitations, for example demand for technical expertise or specialized equipment, high time consumption, and restricted capacity. Our laboratory explores mutations in oncolytic reovirus that could improve oncolytic activity, and makes routine use of numerous virus variants, genome reassortants, and reverse engineered mutants. Our research pace was limited by the lack of high-throughput virus purification methods that efficiently remove confounding cellular contaminants such as cytokines and proteases. To overcome this shortcoming, we evaluated a commercially available resin (Capto Core 700) that captures molecules smaller than 700 kDa. Capto. Core 700 chromatography produced virion purity and infectivity indistinguishable from CsCl density gradient ultracentrifugation as determined by electron microscopy, gel electrophoresis analysis and plaque titration. Capto Core 700 resin was then effectively adapted to a rapid in-slurry pull-out approach for high-throughput purification of reovirus and adenovirus. The in-slurry purification approach offered substantially increased virus purity over crude cell lysates, media, or high-spin preparations and would be especially useful for high-throughput virus screening applications where density gradient ultracentrifugation is not feasible.
Association and interaction of APOA5, BUD13, CETP, LIPA and health-related behavior with metabolic syndrome in a Taiwanese population
Authors: Lin Eugene , Kuo Po-Hsiu , Liu Yu-Li , Yang Albert C. , Kao Chung-Feng , Tsai Shih-Jen
Published: November 2016

Increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome (MetS) has been associated with the APOA5, APOC1, BRAP, BUD13, CETP, LIPA, LPL, PLCG1, and ZPR1 genes. In this replication study, we reassessed whether these genes are associated with MetS and its individual components independently and/or through complex interactions in a Taiwanese population. We also analyzed the interactions between environmental factors and these genes in influencing MetS and its individual components. A total of 3,000 Taiwanese subjects were assessed in this study. Metabolic traits such as waist circumference, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and fasting glucose were measured. Our data showed a nominal association of MetS with the APOA5 rs662799, BUD13 rs11216129, BUD13 rs623908, CETP rs820299, and LIPA rs1412444 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Moreover, APOA5 rs662799, BUD13 rs11216129, and BUD13 rs623908 were significantly associated with high triglyceride, low HDL, triglyceride, and HDL levels. Additionally, we found the interactions of APOA5 rs662799, BUD13 rs11216129, BUD13 rs623908, CETP rs820299, LIPA rs1412444, alcohol consumption, smoking status, or physical activity on MetS and its individual components. Our study indicates that the APOA5, BUD13, CETP, and LIPA genes may contribute to the risk of MetS independently as well as through gene-gene and gene-environment interactions.
Downregulation of Aedes aegypti chromodomain helicase DNA binding protein 7/Kismet by Wolbachia and its effect on dengue virus replication
Authors: Asad Sultan , Hall-Mendelin Sonja , Asgari Sassan
Published: November 2016

Dengue virus (DENV) is a mosquito-transmitted virus imposing a significant burden on human health around the world. Since current control strategies are not sufficient, there is an urgent need to find alternative methods to control DENV transmission. It has been demonstrated that introduction ofWolbachia pipientisinAedes aegyptimosquitoes can impede DENV transmission with the mechanism(s) not fully understood. Recently, a number of studies have found the involvement of chromodomain DNA binding helicases in case of Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Influenza A virus infection. In this study, we have identified three chromodomain helicase DNA binding protein (CHD) genes inAe. aegyptiand looked at their response in the case ofWolbachiaand DENV infections. Foremost amongst them we have found thatAeCHD7/Kismetis significantly downregulated in the presence ofWolbachiainfection only in female mosquitoes. Furthermore,AeCHD7levels showed significant increase during DENV infection, andAeCHD7depletion led to severe reduction in the replication of DENV. Our data have identifiedAeCHD7as a novelAe. aegyptihost factor that is important for DENV replication, andWolbachiadownregulates it, which may contribute towards the mechanism(s) of limiting DENV replication.
Mesenchymal stem cells generate distinct functional hybrids in vitro via cell fusion or entosis
Authors: Sottile Francesco , Aulicino Francesco , Theka Ilda , Cosma Maria Pia
Published: November 2016

Homotypic and heterotypic cell-to-cell fusion are key processes during development and tissue regeneration. Nevertheless, aberrant cell fusion can contribute to tumour initiation and metastasis. Additionally, a form of cell-in-cell structure called entosis has been observed in several human tumours. Here we investigate cell-to-cell interaction between mouse mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and embryonic stem cells (ESCs). MSCs represent an important source of adult stem cells since they have great potential for regenerative medicine, even though they are also involved in cancer progression. We report that MSCs can either fuse forming heterokaryons, or be invaded by ESCs through entosis. While entosis-derived hybrids never share their genomes and induce degradation of the target cell, fusion-derived hybrids can convert into synkaryons. Importantly we show that hetero-to-synkaryon transition occurs through cell division and not by nuclear membrane fusion. Additionally, we also observe that the ROCK-actin/myosin pathway is required for both fusion and entosis in ESCs but only for entosis in MSCs. Overall, we show that MSCs can undergo fusion or entosis in culture by generating distinct functional cellular entities. These two processes are profoundly different and their outcomes should be considered given the beneficial or possible detrimental effects of MSC-based therapeutic applications.
Functional roles of Arabidopsis CKRC2/YUCCA8 gene and the involvement of PIF4 in the regulation of auxin biosynthesis by cytokinin
Authors: Di Dong-Wei , Wu Lei , Zhang Li , An Chen-Wei , Zhang Tian-Zi , Luo Pan , Gao Huan-Huan , Kriechbaumer Verena , Guo Guang-Qin
Published: November 2016

Auxin and cytokinin (CK) are both important hormones involved in many aspects of plant growth and development. However, the details of auxin biosynthesis and the interaction between auxin and CK are still unclear. Isolation and characterization of an auxin deficient mutant cytokinin induced root curling 2 (ckrc2) in this work reveal that CKRC2 encodes a previously identified member of YUCCA (YUC) flavin monooxygenase-like proteins (YUC8). Our results show that, like other YUCs, CKRC2/YUC8 is a rate-limiting enzyme for catalyzing the conversion of indole-3-pyruvic acid (IPyA) to indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), acting downstream of CKRC1/TAA1 in the IPyA pathway. Here we show that the transcription of both CKRC1/TAA and CKRC2/YUC8 can be induced by CK and that the phytochrome-interacting factor 4 (PIF4) is required for this upregulation. Transcription of PIF4 itself is induced by CK via the AHKs-ARR1/12 signalling pathway. These results indicate that PIF4 plays an essential role in mediating the regulatory effect of CK on the transcriptions of CKRC1 and CKRC2 genes in the IPyA pathway of auxin biosynthesis.
Completely Chiral Optical Force for Enantioseparation
Authors: Rukhlenko Ivan D. , Tepliakov Nikita V. , Baimuratov Anvar S. , Andronaki Semen A. , Gun’ko Yurii K. , Baranov Alexander V. , Fedorov Anatoly V.
Published: November 2016

Fast and reliable separation of enantiomers of chiral nanoparticles requires elimination of all the forces that are independent of the nanoparticle handedness and creation of a sufficiently strong force that either pushes different enantiomers in opposite directions or delays the diffusion of one of them with respect to the other. Here we show how to construct such a completely chiral optical force using two counterpropagating circularly polarized plane waves of opposite helicities. We then explore capabilities of the related enantioseparation method by analytically solving the problem of the force-induced diffusion of chiral nanoparticles in a confined region, and reveal that it results in exponential spatial dependencies of the quantities measuring the purity of chiral substances. The proposed concept of a completely chiral optical force can potentially advance enantioseparation and enantiopurification techniques for all kinds of chiral nanoparticles that strongly interact with light.
Introduction to Cartilage
Authors: Xia Yang , Momot Konstantin I. , Chen Zhe , Chen Christopher T. , Kahn David , Badar Farid
Published: November 2016

Cartilage is a supporting connective tissue that, together with the bone, forms the framework supporting the body as a whole. There are many distinct types of cartilage, which exhibit numerous similarities as well as differences. Among them, articular cartilage is the best known and the most studied type. Articular cartilage is the thin layer of connective tissue that covers the articulating ends of bones in synovial (diarthrodial) joints. It provides a smooth surface for joint movement and acts as a load-bearing medium that protects the bone and distributes stress. The intense interest in articular cartilage is motivated by the critical role its degradation plays in arthritis and related joint diseases, which are the number one cause of disability in humans. This chapter discusses the physical, chemical and cellular properties of cartilage that give the tissue its extraordinary load-bearing characteristics.
Chemical Properties of Cartilage Studied Using Charged Ions
Authors: Söderman Olle , Algotsson Jenny , Dahlberg Leif E. , Svensson Jonas
Published: November 2016

Articular cartilage is a soft tissue built mainly from collagen and highly negatively charged biological polyelectrolytes. The high negative charge is responsible for crucial properties of cartilage, such as tissue hydration and biomechanical load resistance. As a consequence, breakdown and loss of the polyelectrolytes in cartilage has an adverse effect on its function and there is a need for methods to determine the amount of polyelectrolytes in cartilage. Here we discuss one such method, the delayed gadolinium-enhanced MRI of cartilage (dGEMRIC). dGEMRIC builds on the fact that a negatively charged MRI contrast agent will distribute in an inverse relation to the concentration of polyelectrolytes on account of the electrostatic repulsion between the two. We introduce the method and discuss some of the key assumptions. In particular, we focus on the relaxivity parameter that should be used to convert the measured water spin-lattice relaxation times to a concentration of the contrast agent, the time for reaching equilibrium with respect to penetration of the contrast agent into cartilage and the use of ideal Donnan equilibrium in the further analysis of dGEMRIC data. Finally, we present some examples of clinical applications of the dGEMRIC method.
Sodium and Other Exotic Methods in NMR and MRI of Cartilage
Authors: Reddy Ravinder , Borthakur Arijitt
Published: November 2016

This chapter describes the most promising magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based biomarkers for quantitative imaging of molecular changes in cartilage during early osteoarthritis. The overview discusses the current status of emerging technologies, such as sodium, T1ρ, and chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) MRI that target proteoglycans of the tissue, their role in disease management and developing disease-modifying therapies, as well as their limitations. Also presented is an outline of potential future technical developments including extensions of these methods to ultra-high field 7 T MRI scanners.
The Influence of Specimen and Experimental Conditions on NMR and MRI of Cartilage
Authors: Zheng ShaoKuan , Xia Yang
Published: November 2016

In this chapter, a number of experimental issues that can influence nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurements of cartilage are discussed. These issues include several experimental subtleties in specimen harvesting methods and storage conditions before the onset of an experiment, the choice of soaking solutions during an experiment, and several important parameters and choices in the NMR and MRI protocols.
Multicomponent Relaxation in NMR and MRI of Cartilage
Authors: Reiter David A. , Spencer Richard G. , Xia Yang
Published: November 2016

In nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and magnetic resonance imaging measurement of relaxation times, deviation from mono-exponential relaxation decay has been shown in a variety of biological tissues and solutions of macromolecules. In these systems, relaxation process can be better described by multiple exponentials, each representing a more-or-less distinct water component in the sample, with a particular fraction size and relaxation time. This approach immediately establishes a much more direct relationship between the relaxation signal and underlying matrix properties than is demonstrated by relaxation times. In articular cartilage, the rapidly, intermediately, and slowly relaxing water components could be associated with collagen, proteoglycans, and bulk water, respectively. The ability to accurately measure and reliably interpret multicomponent T2 and T1ρ relaxation in articular cartilage is challenging and influenced by the complexity of the specimen composition, instrumentation, experimental details, and data-analysis methods. Indeed, there is a good deal of inconsistency among the high-field multicomponent relaxometry studies in the literature in terms of the specifics of multicomponent outcomes, particularly in nasal and articular cartilage, in spite of seemingly similar methodology. This chapter examines a number of these issues and their impact on the robustness of multi-exponential relaxation analysis. Much of this work using high-field small-bore NMR instruments has shown promise for improved assessment of cartilage composition using multicomponent analysis. Some newly emerging imaging acquisition methods and signal models could show promise for extension of multicomponent analysis at high field to human clinical application.
Complementary Imaging in MRI of Cartilage
Authors: Xia Yang , Jurvelin Jukka S.
Published: November 2016

Many of today’s scientific questions are complex and therefore most fruitfully studied by multidisciplinary approaches that extend beyond the traditional boundaries of research. As cartilage is the load-bearing tissue in a complex organ (the joint) that offers mechanical functions to the body, biomechanical properties (e.g. compressive modulus) of the tissue should be the ultimate measures of the tissue’s health. However, the biomechanical properties of cartilage are determined at the molecular level by the amounts and spatial arrangements of biomolecules as well as the interactions between them. Furthermore, the environment in which these biomolecules exist is regulated at the cellular level by the cartilage cells, chondrocytes. In cartilage, these cells are spatially confined at the morphological level by the architectures of the extracellular matrices. These multiscale features of cartilage certainly suggest the need for a wide range of research tools and approaches. While nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are firmly established as tools to assess cartilage integrity and strength, several imaging techniques that could provide complementary information to NMR and MRI in cartilage research are discussed in this chapter. These techniques include polarized light microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared imaging, transmission electron microscopy, microscopic computed tomography and several additional imaging techniques. A final graphical summary illustrates some of the benefits and correlations derived from this type of multi-modality approach.
Challenges for the Early Detection of Degenerative Cartilage Changes Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging In vivo in Humans
Authors: Gallo Matthew C. , Teng Hsiang-Ling , Majumdar Sharmila
Published: November 2016

In this chapter we review magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques for the assessment of cartilage morphology and cartilage biochemistry in vivo in human subjects. Methods for lesion identification, volume and thickness changes, and biochemical changes associated with cartilage degeneration and injury are discussed. The advances and challenges in MRI in this realm are vast, and a concise summary is presented.
Ultrahigh-Field Whole-Body MRI for Cartilage Imaging: Technical Challenges
Authors: Johnson Casey P. , Van de Moortele Pierre-Francois , Wang Luning , Uğurbil Kâmil , Ellermann Jutta M.
Published: November 2016

In vivo cartilage imaging of the musculoskeletal system using clinical 3 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems is limited by low spatial resolution, low signal-to-noise ratio, and/or long acquisition times. Ultrahigh-field (≥7 T) whole-body MRI systems have great potential to overcome these limitations and become the new standard for clinical muskuloskeletal imaging of articular cartilage. However, a number of technical challenges must first be addressed, including transmit B1 field inhomogeneities, radiofrequency heating, errors due to B0 inhomogeneities, gradients, motion, and extended examination times. In this chapter, we provide an overview of technical solutions to address these challenges and their potential benefit for articular cartilage imaging with particular attention to joints within the torso (hip and shoulder). We also highlight a number of emerging applications for articular and epiphyseal cartilage imaging that may significantly benefit from ultrahigh-field systems and the latest technical developments. Given the rapid development of MRI technology at ultrahigh field strengths and the broad potential of these systems to improve musculoskeletal imaging capabilities of cartilage, ultrahigh-field whole-body MRI is certain to play a significant role in the advancement of our understanding of articular cartilage abnormalities and the investigation of therapeutic interventions.
Optical properties of porcine dermis in the mid-infrared absorption band of glucose
Authors: Schönhals Arthur , Tholl Hans , Glasmacher Mathias , Kröger-Lui Niels , Pucci Annemarie , Petrich Wolfgang
Published: November 2016

Mid-infrared absorption and scattering properties of porcine dermis are quantified using quantum cascade laser-based goniometry.
Linear dichroism as a probe of molecular structure and interactions
Authors: Rodger Alison , Dorrington Glen , Ang Dale L.
Published: November 2016

Linear dichroism spectroscopy probes orientations of interacting molecular systems of known spectroscopy and spectroscopy for those of known geometry.
Selection and characterization of thioflavin T aptamers for the development of light-up probes
Authors: Wang Hongyan , Wang Jine , Xu Lijun , Zhang Yajie , Chen Yang , Chen Hongxia , Pei Renjun
Published: November 2016

A 33-mer DNA aptamer against thioflavin T was achieved, which enhanced its fluorescence by ca. 191-fold.
A drug-loaded nanoscale metal–organic framework with a tumor targeting agent for highly effective hepatoma therapy
Authors: Li Yan-An , Zhao Xiao-Dong , Yin Hai-Peng , Chen Gong-Jun , Yang Song , Dong Yu-Bin
Published: November 2016

Drug loading, release, targeting and medical treatment are successfully integrated into a UiO-68-type NMOF platform via post-synthetic covalent modification, and the obtained DOX@UiO-68-FA could be a highly effective drug system for hepatoma therapy.
Au(iii) compounds as HIV nucleocapsid protein (NCp7)–nucleic acid antagonists
Authors: Spell Sarah R. , Mangrum John B. , Peterson Erica J. , Fabris Daniele , Ptak Roger , Farrell Nicholas P.
Published: November 2016

Interaction of [Au(dien)(9-EtGua)]3+ abrogates NC binding to cognate SL2 sequence by Zn2+ displacement by Au.
Flexible and highly transparent two-component organogels with enhanced viscoelasticity for self-healing materials and room-temperature phase-selective gelation
Authors: Liu Jiahui , Li Jingjing , Lin Peng , Zhang Nanxiang , Han Xiaoyu , Zhang Bao , Song Jian
Published: November 2016

Flexible and highly transparent two-component organogels with enhanced viscoelasticity showed excellent multi-functions.
Acquiring a record barrier height for magnetization reversal in lanthanide encapsulated fullerene molecules using DFT and ab initio calculations
Authors: Singh Mukesh Kumar , Rajaraman Gopalan
Published: November 2016

Theoretical studies on DyOM@Cxy(M = Lu and Sc,xy= 72, 76(1–4) and 82) clusters encapsulating six EMFs suggest relaxationviathe first excited state in most of the DyOLu@Cxy(except DyOLu@C82) andviathe fourth excited state in all the DyOSc@CxyEMFs with extremely largeUcalvalues.
Ammonia synthesis over Co–Mo alloy nanoparticle catalyst prepared via sodium naphthalenide-driven reduction
Authors: Tsuji Yuki , Kitano Masaaki , Kishida Kazuhisa , Sasase Masato , Yokoyama Toshiharu , Hara Michikazu , Hosono Hideo
Published: November 2016

Co–Mo bimetallic alloy nanoparticles immobilized on CeO2preparedviasodium naphthalenide-driven reduction exhibit efficient and stable catalytic activity for ammonia synthesis.
Effect of hierarchical porosity in Beta zeolites on the Beckmann rearrangement of oximes
Authors: Linares M. , Vargas C. , García A. , Ochoa-Hernández C. , Čejka J. , García-Muñoz R. A. , Serrano D. P.
Published: November 2016

Hierarchical Beta zeolites with different Si/Al molar ratios, synthesized by crystallization of silanized protozeolitic units, were investigated in the liquid-phase Beckmann rearrangement of cyclohexanone and cyclododecanone oximes.
Tuning of azine derivatives for selective recognition of Ag+ with the in vitro tracking of endophytic bacteria in rice root tissue
Authors: Ghosh Abhijit , Adhikari Sangita , Ta Sabyasachi , Banik Avishek , Dangar Tushar Kanti , Mukhopadhyay Subhra Kanti , Matalobos Jesús Sanmartín , Brandão Paula , Félix Vítor , Das Debasis
Published: November 2016

X-ray structurally characterized probes to track Ag+ in in vitro endophytic bacteria at rice root tissue and human breast cancer cells (MCF7).
Preparation and sensing properties of a nitrogen-rich ferrocene-imidazole-quinoxaline triad decorated with pyrrole rings
Authors: Alfonso María , Tárraga Alberto , Molina Pedro
Published: November 2016

The synthesis and sensing properties of the nitrogen-rich ferrocene-imidazole-quinoxaline triad 1 decorated with two pyrrole rings have been described.
Synthesis, structure and properties of new bimetallic sodium and potassium lanthanum borohydrides
Authors: Payandeh GharibDoust SeyedHosein , Heere Michael , Sørby Magnus H. , Ley Morten B. , Ravnsbæk Dorthe B. , Hauback Bjørn C. , Černý Radovan , Jensen Torben R.
Published: November 2016

New compounds, NaLa(BH4)4 and K3La(BH4)6, are synthesized. NaLa(BH4)4 has a new structure type and has partial reversibility for hydrogen release.
Presence of orally administered rice bran oil γ-oryzanol in its intact form in mouse plasma
Authors: Kobayashi Eri , Ito Junya , Kato Shunji , Sawada Kazue , Matsuki Midori , Hashimoto Hiroyuki , Miyazawa Teruo , Nakagawa Kiyotaka
Published: November 2016

We prepared OZ concentrate from purified rice bran oil (Rice Oil OZ) and carried out chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of plasma samples from mice after oral administration of the Rice Oil OZ.
Amberlite IR-120(H)-mediated “on water” synthesis of novel anticancer ruthenium(ii)–p-cymene 2-pyridinylbenzothiazole (BTZ), 2-pyridinylbenzoxazole (BOZ) & 2-pyridinylbenzimidazole (BIZ) scaffolds
Authors: Kottukulam Subran Sunisha , Banerjee Swagata , Mondal Ashaparna , Paira Priyankar
Published: November 2016

A class of novel Ru(ii)–p-cymene BTZ, BOZ & BIZ complexes have been synthesized “on water” using Amberlite IR-120(H) resin and their anticancer activities were evaluated.
A 2,7-diamino-1,4,8-triazanaphthalene derivative selectively binds to cytosine bulge DNA only at a weakly acidic pH
Authors: Aikawa H. , Yano A. , Nakatani K.
Published: November 2016

2,7-Diamino-1,4,8-triazanaphthalene (azaDANP) shows selective binding to a cytosine bulge DNA duplex under weakly acidic conditions, and the absorption change of azaDANP on binding to the target is very sensitive to environmental pH with a bell-shaped absorption–pH profile.
Sn doping induced intermediate band in CuGaS2
Authors: Han M. M. , Zhang X. L. , Zeng Z.
Published: November 2016

As an intermediate band material, the dynamical and phase stability and optoelectronic properties of Sn doped CuGaS2 are systematically investigated, and suggest that CuGaS2 that is moderately doped with Sn can be a potential candidate for photovoltaic applications.
Co-doped AlN nanowires with high aspect ratio and high crystal quality
Authors: Xu Yongsheng , Yao Binbin , Cui Qiliang
Published: November 2016

This study presents a systematic investigation of AlN:Co nanowires synthesis by a DC arc discharge plasma method that is catalyst- and template-free.
The effect of oxygen vacancies on water wettability of transition metal based SrTiO3 and rare-earth based Lu2O3
Authors: Sarkar Tarapada , Ghosh Siddhartha , Annamalai Meenakshi , Patra Abhijeet , Stoerzinger Kelsey , Lee Yueh-Lin , Prakash Saurav , Motapothula Mallikarjuna Rao , Shao-Horn Yang , Giordano Livia , Venkatesan T.
Published: November 2016

The effect of oxygen vacancy on water wettability of different oxide surfaces are studied and different type of interface interaction is found in 3d and 4f based oxide surfaces..
Facile synthesis of MoS2/B-TiO2 nanosheets with exposed {001} facets and enhanced visible-light-driven photocatalytic H2 production activity
Authors: Yang Xixian , Huang Hongyu , Jin Bei , Luo Jin , Zhou Xiaosong
Published: November 2016

Cocatalysts have been extensively used to accelerate the rate of hydrogen evolution in semiconductor-based photocatalytic systems; however, the influence of interface states between the semiconductor and cocatalyst has rarely been investigated.
Synthesis of Fe3O4/P(St-AA) nanoparticles for enhancement of stability of the immobilized lipases
Authors: Chen Zhiming , Liu Leilei , Wu Xiaodong , Yang Renchun
Published: November 2016

Core–shell Fe3O4/P(St-AA) nanoparticles were synthesized and employed as a magnetic carrier for lipase immobilization, and the properties of the immobilized lipase were studied.
Synthesis and characterization of dimethyl 6-bromo-2H-chromene-2,3-dicarboxylate: thermodynamic and kinetics investigations by computational and experimental studies
Authors: Asheri Osman , Habibi-Khorassani Sayyed Mostafa , Shahraki Mehdi
Published: November 2016

Modern society is dependent on synthetic chromene derivatives for use as drugs, including anticancer drugs, and for their biological activities.
Recent developments in and perspectives on three-coordinate boron materials: a bright future
Authors: Ji Lei , Griesbeck Stefanie , Marder Todd B.
Published: November 2016

We highlight recent developments in the synthesis, optical and electronic properties of 3-coordinate boron compounds and their applications in materials.
Exfoliated MoS2nanosheets confined in 3-D hierarchical carbon nanotube@graphene architecture with superior sodium-ion storage
Authors: Sahu Tuhin Subhra , Li Qianqian , Wu Jinsong , Dravid Vinayak P. , Mitra Sagar
Published: November 2016

The 3D structure of the MoS2–MWCNT@rGO composite facilitates the easy access of electrolytes and fast electron transport and accommodates the large volume change during sodiation/de-sodiation and is very promising for sodium-ion battery (SIB) anode applications.
Room temperature-processed inverted organic solar cells using high working-pressure-sputtered ZnO films
Authors: Jeon Il , Qian Yang , Nakao Shoichiro , Ogawa Daisuke , Xiang Rong , Inoue Taiki , Chiashi Shohei , Hasegawa Tetsuya , Maruyama Shigeo , Matsuo Yutaka
Published: November 2016

This study reports improved performance of inverted organic solar cells by using high working-pressure sputtered ZnO.
Submillimeter spectra of 2-hydroxyacetonitrile (glycolonitrile; HOCH2CN) and its searches in GBT PRIMOS observations of Sgr B2(N)
Authors: Margulès L. , McGuire B. A. , Senent M. L. , Motiyenko R. A. , Remijan A. , Guillemin J. C.
Published: November 2016

Context. Recent experimental works have studied the possible formation of hydroxyacetonitrile on astrophysical grains. It was formed from hydrogen cyanide (HCN) and formaldehyde (H2CO) in the presence of water under interstellar medium conditions. Because these precursor molecules are abundant, hydroxyacetonitrile is an excellent target for interstellar detection.

Aims. Previous studies of the rotational spectra were limited to 40 GHz, resulting in an inaccurate line list when predicted up to the millimeter-wave range. We measured and analyzed its spectra up to 600 GHz to enable is searches using cutting-edge millimeter and submillimeter observatories.

Methods. The molecule 2-hydroxyacetonitrile exhibits large amplitude motion that is due to the torsion of the hydroxyl group. The analysis of the spectra was made using the RAS formalism available in the SPFIT program with Watson’s S-reduction Hamiltonians.

Results. The submillimeter spectra of hydroxyacetonitrile, an astrophysically interesting molecule, were analyzed. More than 5000 lines were fitted with quantum number values reaching 75 and 25 for J and Ka, respectively. An accurate line list and partition function were provided. A search for hydroxyacetonitrile in publicly available GBT PRIMOS project, IRAM 30 m, and Herschel HEXOS observations of the Sgr B2(N) high-mass star-forming region resulted in a non-detection; upper limits to the column density were determined.
Self-calibration method of the bias of a space electrostatic accelerometer
Authors: Qu Shao-Bo , Xia Xiao-Mei , Bai Yan-Zheng , Wu Shu-Chao , Zhou Ze-Bing
Published: November 2016

The high precision space electrostatic accelerometer is an instrument to measure the non-gravitational forces acting on a spacecraft. It is one of the key payloads for satellite gravity measurements and space fundamental physics experiments. The measurement error of the accelerometer directly affects the precision of gravity field recovery for the earth. This paper analyzes the sources of the bias according to the operating principle and structural constitution of the space electrostatic accelerometer. Models of bias due to the asymmetry of the displacement sensing system, including the mechanical sensor head and the capacitance sensing circuit, and the asymmetry of the feedback control actuator circuit are described separately. According to the two models, a method of bias self-calibration by using only the accelerometer data is proposed, based on the feedback voltage data of the accelerometer before and after modulating the DC biasing voltage (Vb) applied on its test mass. Two types of accelerometer biases are evaluated separately using in-orbit measurement data of a space electrostatic accelerometer. Based on the preliminary analysis, the bias of the accelerometer onboard of an experiment satellite is evaluated to be around 10−4 m/s2, about 4 orders of magnitude greater than the noise limit. Finally, considering the two asymmetries, a comprehensive bias model is analyzed. A modified method to directly calibrate the accelerometer comprehensive bias is proposed.
Non-interferometric determination of Berry phases: Precession reversal in noiseless systems
Authors: Englman R.
Published: November 2016

It is pointed out that the transition spectra between energy eigen-states of time periodic two level systems manifesting a Berry phase (BP) have two-peaked structures. These are similar to the twin peaks described by the author in Englman [J. Chem. Phys. 144, 024103 (2016)] for the “Molecular Aharonov-Bohm effect,” but are now of unequal heights depending on the values of the BP. A rotation-directional reversal protocol of the precessing field allows a novel, spectroscopic (not interferometric or phase-probing) determination of the dynamic and topological phases from the peak-to-peak line shape distances, here worked out for noiseless BP systems.
New numerical simulation method to calibrate the regular hexagonal NaI(Tl) detector with radioactive point sources situated non-axial
Authors: Hamzawy Ayman , Grozdanov Dimitar N. , Badawi Mohamed S. , Aliyev Fuad A. , Thabet Abouzeid A. , Abbas Mahmoud I. , Ruskov Ivan N. , El-Khatib Ahmed M. , Kopatch Yuri N. , Gouda Mona M.
Published: November 2016

Scintillation crystals are usually used for detection of energetic photons at room temperature in high energy and nuclear physics research, non-destructive analysis of materials testing, safeguards, nuclear treaty verification, geological exploration, and medical imaging. Therefore, new designs and construction of radioactive beam facilities are coming on-line with these science brunches. A good number of researchers are investigating the efficiency of the γ-ray detectors to improve the models and techniques used in order to deal with the most pressing problems in physics research today. In the present work, a new integrative and uncomplicated numerical simulation method (NSM) is used to compute the full-energy (photo) peak efficiency of a regular hexagonal prism NaI(Tl) gamma-ray detector using radioactive point sources situated non-axial within its front surface boundaries. This simulation method is based on the efficiency transfer method. Most of the mathematical formulas in this work are derived analytically and solved numerically. The main core of the NSM is the calculation of the effective solid angle for radioactive point sources, which are situated non-axially at different distances from the front surface of the detector. The attenuation of the γ-rays through the detector’s material and any other materials in-between the source and the detector is taken into account. A remarkable agreement between the experimental and calculated by present formalism results has been observed.
Exciton spin relaxation in InAs/InGaAlAs/InP(001) quantum dashes emitting near 1.55μm
Authors: Syperek M. , Dusanowski Ł. , Gawełczyk M. , Sȩk G. , Somers A. , Reithmaier J. P. , Höfling S. , Misiewicz J.
Published: November 2016

Exciton spin and related optical polarization in self-assembled InAs/In0.53Ga0.23Al0.24As/InP(001) quantum dashes emitting at 1.55 μm are investigated by means of polarization- and time-resolved photoluminescence, as well as photoluminescence excitation spectroscopy, at cryogenic temperature. We investigate the influence of highly non-resonant and quasi-resonant optical spin pumping conditions on spin polarization and spin memory of the quantum dash ground state. We show that a spin pumping scheme, utilizing the longitudinal-optical-phonon-mediated coherent scattering process, can lead to the polarization degree above 50%. We discuss the role of intrinsic asymmetries in the quantum dash that influence values of the degree of polarization and its time evolution.
Characterization of channel temperature in Ga2O3 metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors by electrical measurements and thermal modeling
Authors: Wong Man Hoi , Morikawa Yoji , Sasaki Kohei , Kuramata Akito , Yamakoshi Shigenobu , Higashiwaki Masataka
Published: November 2016

The channel temperature (Tch) and thermal resistance (Rth) of Ga2O3 metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors were investigated through electrical measurements complemented by electrothermal device simulations that incorporated experimental Ga2O3 thermal parameters. The analysis technique was based on a comparison between DC and pulsed drain currents (IDS) at known applied biases, where negligible self-heating under pulsed conditions enabled approximation of Tch to the ambient temperature (Tamb) and hence correlation of IDS to Tch. Validation of the device model was achieved through calibration against the DC data. The experimental Tch was in good agreement with simulations for Tamb between 20 °C and 175 °C. A large Rth of 48 mm·K/W thus extracted at room temperature highlights the value of thermal analysis for understanding the degradation mechanisms and improving the reliability of Ga2O3 power devices.
An electrically pumped 239 nm AlGaN nanowire laser operating at room temperature
Authors: Zhao S. , Liu X. , Wu Y. , Mi Z.
Published: November 2016

In this work, we report on the demonstration of an electrically injected AlGaN nanowire laser operating at 239 nm at room temperature. Vertically aligned Al-rich AlGaN nanowires are grown on Si substrate by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy. It is observed that the randomly distributed AlGaN nanowires can strongly confine photons in the deep ultraviolet wavelength range, due to the recurrent multiple scattering of light and the inversely tapered nanowire geometry. The laser exhibits a very low threshold current of 0.35 mA at room temperature. From the detailed rate equation analysis, the spontaneous emission coupling factor is derived to be around 0.012.
Improved interfacial and electrical properties of HfLaON gate dielectric Ge MOS capacitor by NbON/Si dual passivation layer and fluorine incorporation
Authors: Huang Yong , Xu Jing-Ping , Liu Lu , Lai Pui-To , Tang Wing-Man
Published: November 2016

Ge metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) capacitor with HfLaON/(NbON/Si) stacked gate dielectric and fluorine-plasma treatment is fabricated, and its interfacial and electrical properties are compared with its counterparts without the Si passivation layer or the fluorine-plasma treatment. The experimental results show that the HfLaON/(NbON/Si) Ge MOS device treated by fluorine plasma exhibits excellent performance: low interface-state density (4.3 × 1011 cm−2 eV−1), small flatband voltage (0.22 V), good capacitance-voltage behavior, small frequency dispersion and low gate leakage current (4.18 × 10−5 A/cm2 at Vg = Vfb + 1 V). These should be attributed to the suppressed growth of unstable Ge oxides on the Ge surface during gate-dielectric annealing by the NbON/Si dual interlayer and fluorine incorporation, thus reducing the defective states at/near the NbSiON/Ge interface and improving the electrical properties of the device.