bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The associations of vitamin D status and dietary calcium with the metabolic syndrome: an analysis of the Victorian Health Monitor survey
Authors: Pannu Poonam K , Zhao Yun , Soares Mario J , Piers Leonard S , Ansari Zahid
Published: June 2016

Objective

To examine the associations between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), dietary Ca intake and presence of the metabolic syndrome (MetS).

Design

A stratified cluster sample of a population aged 18–75 years from the Victorian Health Monitor survey.

Setting

Non-institutionalized adults living in private dwellings in Victoria, Australia.

Subjects

Adults (n 3404) with complete data and without type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

Results

Adjusted for sociodemographic factors, physical characteristics and dietary covariates including Ca intake, every 10 nmol/l increase in serum 25(OH)D was significantly associated with decreased odds of MetS (adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=0·85, 95 % CI 0·80, 0·89; P<0·001). Relative to the low 25(OH)D tertile (median 33 nmol/l), there was a progressive decrease in odds of MetS that reached significance with the high 25(OH)D tertile (median 77 nmol/l; AOR=0·35, 95 % CI 0·26, 0·48; P<0·001). Every 500 mg/d increase in Ca intake adjusted for 25(OH)D did not reduce odds of MetS (AOR=0·81, 95 % CI 0·66, 1·06; P=0·141) but approached significance if unadjusted for 25(OH)D in the final model (AOR=0·81, 95 % CI 0·64, 1·02; P=0·073). No significant effect was obtained for tertiles of Ca intake. However, Ca and vitamin D tertile combinations suggested a beneficial effect of high Ca (median 1233 mg/d) only at low and medium 25(OH)D. The high 25(OH)D tertile was associated with significantly decreased odds of MetS regardless of Ca intake.

Conclusions

A high vitamin D status significantly reduced the odds of MetS. A high Ca intake may have a similar favourable outcome but only at lower circulating concentrations of 25(OH)D.
TRANSITION QUESTIONS
Authors: Currarino Rosanne
Published: June 2016

In 1893 Southern California's orange growers decided to incorporate as the marketing cooperative we now know as Sunkist. Like McCormick or Morgan, growers sought profit through organization and consolidation, but their story is not as straightforward as much historiography would suggest. Growers worried that incorporation would stifle the individual even as they saw their own incorporation as the best way to save their own businesses. They condemned fruit agents' manipulations of fruit markets while calling for their own rigorous control of the citrus market. They debated, in other words, just what incorporation meant for men and women like themselves while they themselves helped incorporate America. California's orange growers urge us to reconsider much current work on the history of capitalism, which concentrates on abstract systems and financial structures. Incorporation, the growers remind us, was also a messy and uneven local project, a response to their fears and aspirations.
Temporal and Spatial Variations in the Twinning Rate in Norway
Authors: Fellman Johan
Published: June 2016

Strong geographical variations have been noted in the twinning rate (TWR). In general, the rate is high among people of African origin, intermediate among Europeans, and low among most Asiatic populations. In Europe, there tends to be a south–north cline, with a progressive increase in the TWR from south to north and a minimum around the Basque provinces. The highest TWRs in Europe have been found among the Nordic populations. Furthermore, within larger populations, small isolated subpopulations have been identified to have extreme, mainly high, TWRs. In the study of the temporal variation of the TWR in Norway, we consider the period from 1900 to 2014. The regional variation of the TWR in Norway is analyzed for the different counties for two periods, 1916–1926 and 1960–1988. Heterogeneity between the regional TWRs in Norway during 1916–1926 was found, but the goodness of fit for the alternative spatial models was only slight. The optimal regression model for the TWR in Norway has the longitude and its square as regressors. According to this model, the spatial variation is distributed in a west–east direction. For 1960–1988, no significant regional variation was observed. One may expect that the environmental and genetic differences between the counties in Norway have disappeared and that the regional TWRs have converged towards a common low level.
When Private Reporting Is More Positive Than Public	Reporting
Authors: Strosser Garrett L. , Jonason Peter K. , Lawson Robert , Reid Ashley N. , Vittum-Jones Alex W.
Published: June 2016

Abstract. Across three studies, we assessed the impact of perceived social norms on attitudes and positive behavioral intentions towards atheists and religious believers. Reported attitudes, reported acceptability of expressing positive and negative attitudes, and reported positive behavioral intentions disproportionately favored religious believers over atheists. However, participants reported a higher likelihood of engaging in positive behaviors towards atheists when the threat of public scrutiny was limited, indicating that the social norm in the US may be suppressing privately held, positive behavioral intentions that would otherwise support atheists, creating a state of pluralistic ignorance. Individuals also reported having more positive attitudes and a higher level of positive behavioral intentions towards religious believers relative to others. Finally, estimates of the prevalence of religious believers in the population also tied directly to one’s perception of the acceptability of expressing positive and negative attitudes towards these groups.
Life Satisfaction and Value Congruence
Authors: Khaptsova Alyona , Schwartz Shalom H.
Published: June 2016

Abstract. Congruence between own and reference group values promotes life satisfaction. Does this effect extend to value congruence with others with whom one does not interact but who share socio-demographic characteristics? We constructed 36 socio-demographic categories in a representative Russian national sample (N = 961). Correlations of individuals’ values with the mean value of their category indexed value congruence. Both a meta-analysis across the constructed groups and an individual level regression analysis confirmed a positive value congruence – life satisfaction effect. This effect held even when controlling for age, gender, education, religiosity, region, religion, and the 19 values on which the congruence score was based. Self-direction-action values moderated the effect: it was stronger the less important independence of action was to individuals.
Who Panics and When: A Commonly Accepted Image of Disaster Panic in Japan
Authors: Nogami Tatsuya
Published: June 2016

The assumption that disasters trigger panic has been widespread among the general public and emergency management personnel. An online convenience sample of 600 Japanese participants, ages 20 to 69 (221 women), responded to a 23-item questionnaire to reveal people’s images of panic during disasters. One goal of the current study was to examine whether lay people’s use of the term “panic” is consistent across various types of emergency situations, ranging from minor everyday events to major disasters. A second goal was to explore the assumed susceptibility to panic across several different emergency situations. Results revealed that participants thought that the term panic was more appropriate for mass emergencies than for personal emergencies. In addition, participants reported that even in mass emergencies the term would include multiple behavioral and emotional responses. Furthermore, participants indicated that others would be more susceptible to panic than they would personally, while the presence of strangers was found to have some unique effects on perceived panic susceptibility. In sum, the findings of the current study imply that it is very likely that whenever and wherever life-threatening mass emergencies occur, people will continue to arbitrarily use the term panic.
Cardiac progenitor cell-derived exosomes prevent cardiomyocytes apoptosis through exosomal miR-21 by targeting PDCD4
Authors: Xiao J , Pan Y , Li X H , Yang X Y , Feng Y L , Tan H H , Jiang L , Feng J , Yu X Y
Published: June 2016

Cardiac progenitor cells derived from adult heart have emerged as one of the most promising stem cell types for cardiac protection and repair. Exosomes are known to mediate cell–cell communication by transporting cell-derived proteins and nucleic acids, including various microRNAs (miRNAs). Here we investigated the cardiac progenitor cell (CPC)-derived exosomal miRNAs on protecting myocardium under oxidative stress. Sca1+CPCs-derived exosomes were purified from conditional medium, and identified by nanoparticle trafficking analysis (NTA), transmission electron microscopy and western blotting using CD63, CD9 and Alix as markers. Exosomes production was measured by NTA, the result showed that oxidative stress-induced CPCs secrete more exosomes compared with normal condition. Although six apoptosis-related miRNAs could be detected in two different treatment-derived exosomes, only miR-21 was significantly upregulated in oxidative stress-induced exosomes compared with normal exosomes. The same oxidative stress could cause low miR-21 and high cleaved caspase-3 expression in H9C2 cardiac cells. But the cleaved caspase-3 was significantly decreased when miR-21 was overexpressed by transfecting miR-21 mimic. Furthermore, miR-21 mimic or inhibitor transfection and luciferase activity assay confirmed that programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4) was a target gene of miR-21, and miR-21/PDCD4 axis has an important role in anti-apoptotic effect of H9C2 cell. Western blotting and Annexin V/PI results demonstrated that exosomes pre-treated H9C2 exhibited increased miR-21 whereas decreased PDCD4, and had more resistant potential to the apoptosis induced by the oxidative stress, compared with non-treated cells. These findings revealed that CPC-derived exosomal miR-21 had an inhibiting role in the apoptosis pathway through downregulating PDCD4. Restored miR-21/PDCD4 pathway using CPC-derived exosomes could protect myocardial cells against oxidative stress-related apoptosis. Therefore, exosomes could be used as a new therapeutic vehicle for ischemic cardiac disease.
MYC/MIZ1-dependent gene repression inversely coordinates the circadian clock with cell cycle and proliferation
Authors: Shostak Anton , Ruppert Bianca , Ha Nati , Bruns Philipp , Toprak Umut H. ,   ICGC MMML-Seq Project, Lawerenz Chris , Lichter Peter , Radlwimmer Bernhard , Eils Jürgen , Brors Benedikt , Radomski Sylwester , Scholz Ingrid , Richter Gesine , Siebert Reiner , Wagner Susanne , Haake Andrea , Richter Julia , Aukema Sietse , Ammerpohl Ole , Lopez Christina , Nagel Inga , Vater Inga , Wagner Rabea , Borst Christoph , Haas Siegfried , Rohde Marius , Burkhardt Birgit , Lisfeld Jasmin , Claviez Alexander , Dreyling Martin , Eberth Sonja , Trümper Lorenz , Kube Dieter , Stadler Christina , Einsele Hermann , Frickhofen Norbert , Hansmann Martin-Leo , Karsch Dennis , Kneba Michael , Mantovani-Löffler Luisa , Staib Peter , Stilgenbauer Stephan , Ott German , Küppers Ralf , Weniger Marc , Hummel Michael , Lenze Dido , Szczepanowski Monika , Klapper Wolfram , Kostezka Ulrike , Möller Peter , Rosenwald Andreas , Leich Ellen , Pischimariov Jordan , Binder Vera , Borkhardt Arndt , Hezaveh Kebria , Hoell Jessica , Rosenstiel Philip , Schilhabel Markus , Schreiber Stefan , Bernhart Stephan H. , Doose Gero , Hoffmann Steve , Kretzmer Helene , Langenberger David , Binder Hans , Hopp Lydia , Kreuz Markus , Loeffler Markus , Rosolowski Maciej , Korbel Jan , Sungalee Stefanie , Stadler Peter F. , Zenz Thorsten , Eils Roland , Schlesner Matthias , Diernfellner Axel , Brunner Michael
Published: June 2016

The circadian clock and the cell cycle are major cellular systems that organize global physiology in temporal fashion. It seems conceivable that the potentially conflicting programs are coordinated. We show here that overexpression of MYC in U2OS cells attenuates the clock and conversely promotes cell proliferation while downregulation of MYC strengthens the clock and reduces proliferation. Inhibition of the circadian clock is crucially dependent on the formation of repressive complexes of MYC with MIZ1 and subsequent downregulation of the core clock genes BMAL1 (ARNTL), CLOCK and NPAS2. We show furthermore that BMAL1 expression levels correlate inversely with MYC levels in 102 human lymphomas. Our data suggest that MYC acts as a master coordinator that inversely modulates the impact of cell cycle and circadian clock on gene expression.
Circadian regulation of human cortical excitability
Authors: Ly Julien Q. M. , Gaggioni Giulia , Chellappa Sarah L. , Papachilleos Soterios , Brzozowski Alexandre , Borsu Chloé , Rosanova Mario , Sarasso Simone , Middleton Benita , Luxen André , Archer Simon N. , Phillips Christophe , Dijk Derk-Jan , Maquet Pierre , Massimini Marcello , Vandewalle Gilles
Published: June 2016

Prolonged wakefulness alters cortical excitability, which is essential for proper brain function and cognition. However, besides prior wakefulness, brain function and cognition are also affected by circadian rhythmicity. Whether the regulation of cognition involves a circadian impact on cortical excitability is unknown. Here, we assessed cortical excitability from scalp electroencephalography (EEG) responses to transcranial magnetic stimulation in 22 participants during 29 h of wakefulness under constant conditions. Data reveal robust circadian dynamics of cortical excitability that are strongest in those individuals with highest endocrine markers of circadian amplitude. In addition, the time course of cortical excitability correlates with changes in EEG synchronization and cognitive performance. These results demonstrate that the crucial factor for cortical excitability, and basic brain function in general, is the balance between circadian rhythmicity and sleep need, rather than sleep homoeostasis alone. These findings have implications for clinical applications such as non-invasive brain stimulation in neurorehabilitation.
Endothelial to mesenchymal transition is common in atherosclerotic lesions and is associated with plaque instability
Authors: Evrard Solene M. , Lecce Laura , Michelis Katherine C. , Nomura-Kitabayashi Aya , Pandey Gaurav , Purushothaman K-Raman , d’Escamard Valentina , Li Jennifer R. , Hadri Lahouaria , Fujitani Kenji , Moreno Pedro R. , Benard Ludovic , Rimmele Pauline , Cohain Ariella , Mecham Brigham , Randolph Gwendalyn J. , Nabel Elizabeth G. , Hajjar Roger , Fuster Valentin , Boehm Manfred , Kovacic Jason C.
Published: June 2016

Endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT) plays a major role during development, and also contributes to several adult cardiovascular diseases. Importantly, mesenchymal cells including fibroblasts are prominent in atherosclerosis, with key functions including regulation of: inflammation, matrix and collagen production, and plaque structural integrity. However, little is known about the origins of atherosclerosis-associated fibroblasts. Here we show using endothelial-specific lineage-tracking that EndMT-derived fibroblast-like cells are common in atherosclerotic lesions, with EndMT-derived cells expressing a range of fibroblast-specific markers. In vitro modelling confirms that EndMT is driven by TGF-β signalling, oxidative stress and hypoxia; all hallmarks of atherosclerosis. ‘Transitioning’ cells are readily detected in human plaques co-expressing endothelial and fibroblast/mesenchymal proteins, indicative of EndMT. The extent of EndMT correlates with an unstable plaque phenotype, which appears driven by altered collagen-MMP production in EndMT-derived cells. We conclude that EndMT contributes to atherosclerotic patho-biology and is associated with complex plaques that may be related to clinical events.
A key genetic factor for fucosyllactose utilization affects infant gut microbiota development
Authors: Matsuki Takahiro , Yahagi Kana , Mori Hiroshi , Matsumoto Hoshitaka , Hara Taeko , Tajima Saya , Ogawa Eishin , Kodama Hiroko , Yamamoto Kazuya , Yamada Takuji , Matsumoto Satoshi , Kurokawa Ken
Published: June 2016

Recent studies have demonstrated that gut microbiota development influences infants’ health and subsequent host physiology. However, the factors shaping the development of the microbiota remain poorly understood, and the mechanisms through which these factors affect gut metabolite profiles have not been extensively investigated. Here we analyse gut microbiota development of 27 infants during the first month of life. We find three distinct clusters that transition towards Bifidobacteriaceae-dominant microbiota. We observe considerable differences in human milk oligosaccharide utilization among infant bifidobacteria. Colonization of fucosyllactose (FL)-utilizing bifidobacteria is associated with altered metabolite profiles and microbiota compositions, which have been previously shown to affect infant health. Genome analysis of infants’ bifidobacteria reveals an ABC transporter as a key genetic factor for FL utilization. Thus, the ability of bifidobacteria to utilize FL and the presence of FL in breast milk may affect the development of the gut microbiota in infants, and might ultimately have therapeutic implications.
Mapping RNA–RNA interactome and RNA structure in vivo by MARIO
Authors: Nguyen Tri C. , Cao Xiaoyi , Yu Pengfei , Xiao Shu , Lu Jia , Biase Fernando H. , Sridhar Bharat , Huang Norman , Zhang Kang , Zhong Sheng
Published: June 2016

The pervasive transcription of our genome presents a possibility of revealing new genomic functions by investigating RNA interactions. Current methods for mapping RNA–RNA interactions have to rely on an ‘anchor’ protein or RNA and often require molecular perturbations. Here we present the MARIO (Mapping RNA interactome in vivo) technology to massively reveal RNA–RNA interactions from unperturbed cells. We mapped tens of thousands of endogenous RNA–RNA interactions from mouse embryonic stem cells and brain. We validated seven interactions by RNA antisense purification and one interaction using single-molecule RNA–FISH. The experimentally derived RNA interactome is a scale-free network, which is not expected from currently perceived promiscuity in RNA–RNA interactions. Base pairing is observed at the interacting regions between long RNAs, including transposon transcripts, suggesting a class of regulatory sequences acting in trans. In addition, MARIO data reveal thousands of intra-molecule interactions, providing in vivo data on high-order RNA structures.
A high-throughput technique for determining grain boundary character non-destructively in microstructures with through-thickness grains
Authors: Seita Matteo , Volpi Marco , Patala Srikanth , McCue Ian , Schuh Christopher A , Diamanti Maria Vittoria , Erlebacher Jonah , Demkowicz Michael J
Published: June 2016

Grain boundaries (GBs) govern many properties of polycrystalline materials. However, because of their structural variability, our knowledge of GB constitutive relations is still very limited. We present a novel method to characterise the complete crystallography of individual GBs non-destructively, with high-throughput, and using commercially available tools. This method combines electron diffraction, optical reflectance and numerical image analysis to determine all five crystallographic parameters of numerous GBs in samples with through-thickness grains. We demonstrate the technique by measuring the crystallographic character of about 1,000 individual GBs in aluminum in a single run. Our method enables cost- and time-effective assembly of crystallography–property databases for thousands of individual GBs. Such databases are essential for identifying GB constitutive relations and for predicting GB-related behaviours of polycrystalline solids.
Function-specific virtual screening for GPCR ligands using a combined scoring method
Authors: Kooistra Albert J. , Vischer Henry F. , McNaught-Flores Daniel , Leurs Rob , de Esch Iwan J. P. , de Graaf Chris
Published: June 2016

The ability of scoring functions to correctly select and rank docking poses of small molecules in protein binding sites is highly target dependent, which presents a challenge for structure-based drug discovery. Here we describe a virtual screening method that combines an energy-based docking scoring function with a molecular interaction fingerprint (IFP) to identify new ligands based on G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) crystal structures. The consensus scoring method is prospectively evaluated by: 1) the discovery of chemically novel, fragment-like, high affinity histamine H1 receptor (H1R) antagonists/inverse agonists, 2) the selective structure-based identification of ß2-adrenoceptor (ß2R) agonists and 3) the experimental validation and comparison of the combined and individual scoring approaches. Systematic retrospective virtual screening simulations allowed the definition of scoring cut-offs for the identification of H1R and ß2R ligands and the selection of an optimal ß-adrenoceptor crystal structure for the discrimination between ß2R agonists and antagonists. The consensus approach resulted in the experimental validation of 53% of the ß2R and 73% of the H1R virtual screening hits with up to nanomolar affinities and potencies. The selective identification of ß2R agonists shows the possibilities of structure-based prediction of GPCR ligand function by integrating protein-ligand binding mode information.
Severest crisis overlooked—Worst disruption of terrestrial environments postdates the Permian–Triassic mass extinction
Authors: Hochuli Peter A. , Sanson-Barrera Anna , Schneebeli-Hermann Elke , Bucher Hugo
Published: June 2016

Generally Early Triassic floras are believed to be depauperate, suffering from protracted recovery following the Permian–Triassic extinction event. Here we present palynological data of an expanded East Greenland section documenting recovered floras in the basal Triassic (Griesbachian) and a subsequent fundamental floral turnover, postdating the Permian–Triassic boundary extinction by about 500 kyrs. This event is marked by a swap in dominating floral elements, changing from gymnosperm pollen-dominated associations in the Griesbachian to lycopsid spore-dominated assemblages in the Dienerian. This turnover coincides with an extreme δ13Corg negative shift revealing a severe environmental crisis, probably induced by volcanic outbursts of the Siberian Traps, accompanied by a climatic turnover, changing from cool and dry in the Griesbachian to hot and humid in the Dienerian. Estimates of sedimentation rates suggest that this environmental alteration took place within some 1000 years. Similar, coeval changes documented on the North Indian Margin (Pakistan) and the Bowen Basin (Australia) indicate the global extent of this crisis. Our results evidence the first profound disruption of the recovery of terrestrial environments about 500kyrs after the Permian–Triassic extinction event. It was followed by another crisis, about 1myrs later thus, the Early Triassic can be characterised as a time of successive environmental crises.
A portable trap with electric lead catches up to 75% of an invasive fish species
Authors: Johnson Nicholas S. , Miehls Scott , O’Connor Lisa M. , Bravener Gale , Barber Jessica , Thompson Henry , Tix John A. , Bruning Tyler
Published: June 2016

A novel system combining a trap and pulsed direct current electricity was able to catch up to 75% of tagged invasive sea lamprey Petromyzon marinus in free-flowing streams. Non-target mortality was rare and impacts to non-target migration were minimal; likely because pulsed direct current only needed to be activated at night (7 hours of each day). The system was completely portable and the annual cost of the trapping system was low ($4,800 U.S. dollars). Use of the technology is poised to substantially advance integrated control of sea lamprey, which threaten a fishery valued at 7 billion U.S. dollars annually, and help restore sea lamprey populations in Europe where they are native, but imperiled. The system may be broadly applicable to controlling invasive fishes and restoring valued fishes worldwide, thus having far reaching effects on ecosystems and societies.
The association between polyomavirus BK strains and BKV viruria in liver transplant recipients
Authors: Wang Robert Y. L. , Li Yi-Jung , Lee Wei-Chen , Wu Hsin-Hsu , Lin Chan-Yu , Lee Cheng-Chia , Chen Yung-Chang , Hung Cheng-Chieh , Yang Chih-Wei , Tian Ya-Chung
Published: June 2016

BK virus (BKV) is a polyomavirus that cause of allograft dysfunction among kidney transplant recipients. The role of BKV infection in non-renal solid organ transplant recipients is not well understood neither for the relationship between various BKV strains with occurrence of BKV viral viruria. This study aimed to understand the prevalence of BKV infection and identified of BKV various strains in the urine of liver transplant recipients. There was not significant difference of renal outcome between high BKV viruria and low BKV viruria in the liver transplant recipients. The WW-non-coding control region (NCCR) BKV detected in urine was associated with higher urinary BKV load, whereas the Dunlop-NCCR BKV was detected in the urine of low urinary BKV load. Anin vitrocultivation system demonstrated that WW-BKV strain exhibiting the higher viral DNA replication efficiency and higher BKV load. Altogether, this is the first study to demonstrate the impact of BKV strains on the occurrence of BK viruria in the liver transplant recipients.
Prostacyclin reverses the cigarette smoke-induced decrease in pulmonary Frizzled 9 expression through miR-31
Authors: Tennis M. A. , New M. L. , McArthur D. G. , Merrick D. T. , Dwyer-Nield L. D. , Keith R. L.
Published: June 2016

Half of lung cancers are diagnosed in former smokers, leading to a significant treatment burden in this population. Chemoprevention in former smokers using the prostacyclin analogue iloprost reduces endobronchial dysplasia, a premalignant lung lesion. Iloprost requires the presence of the WNT receptor Frizzled 9 (Fzd9) for inhibition of transformed growth in vitro. To investigate the relationship between iloprost, cigarette smoke and Fzd9 expression, we used human samples, mouse models and in vitro studies. Fzd9 expression was low in human lung tumors and in progressive dysplasias. In mouse models and in vitro studies, tobacco smoke carcinogens reduced expression of Fzd9 while prostacyclin maintained or increased expression. Expression of miR-31 repressed Fzd9 expression, which was abrogated by prostacyclin. We propose a model where cigarette smoke exposure increases miR-31 expression, which leads to decreased Fzd9 expression and prevents response to iloprost. When smoke is removed miR-31 is reduced, prostacyclin can increase Fzd9 expression and progression of dysplasia is inhibited. Fzd9 and miR-31 are candidate biomarkers for precision application of iloprost and monitoring of treatment progress. As we continue to investigate the mechanisms of prostacyclin chemoprevention and identify biomarkers for its use, we will facilitate clinical trials and speed implementation of this valuable prevention approach.
Large Bandgap Shrinkage from Doping and Dielectric Interface in Semiconducting Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Comfort Everett , Lee Ji Ung
Published: June 2016

The bandgap of a semiconductor is one of its most important electronic properties. It is often considered to be a fixed property of the semiconductor. As the dimensions of semiconductors reduce, however, many-body effects become dominant. Here, we show that doping and dielectric, two critical features of semiconductor device manufacturing, can dramatically shrink (renormalize) the bandgap. We demonstrate this in quasi-one-dimensional semiconducting carbon nanotubes. Specifically, we use a four-gated device, configured as a p-n diode, to investigate the fundamental electronic structure of individual, partially supported nanotubes of varying diameter. The four-gated construction allows us to combine both electrical and optical spectroscopic techniques to measure the bandgap over a wide doping range.
Far-Infrared and Raman Spectroscopy Investigation of Phonon Modes in Amorphous and Crystalline Epitaxial GeTe-Sb2Te3 Alloys
Authors: Bragaglia V. , Holldack K. , Boschker J. E. , Arciprete F. , Zallo E. , Flissikowski T. , Calarco R.
Published: June 2016

A combination of far-infrared and Raman spectroscopy is employed to investigate vibrational modes and the carrier behavior in amorphous and crystalline ordered GeTe-Sb2Te3 alloys (GST) epitaxially grown on Si(111). The infrared active GST mode is not observed in the Raman spectra and vice versa, indication of the fact that inversion symmetry is preserved in the metastable cubic phase in accordance with the F"Equation missing"m3 space group. For the trigonal phase, instead, a partial symmetry break due to Ge/Sb mixed anion layers is observed. By studying the crystallization process upon annealing with both the techniques, we identify temperature regions corresponding to the occurrence of different phases as well as the transition from one phase to the next. Activation energies of 0.43 eV and 0.08 eV for the electron conduction are obtained for both cubic and trigonal phases, respectively. In addition a metal-insulator transition is clearly identified to occur at the onset of the transition between the disordered and the ordered cubic phase.
Genetic polymorphisms of IL-17A, IL-17F, TLR4 and miR-146a in association with the risk of pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Wang Min , Xu Guisheng , Lü Lingshuang , Xu Kun , Chen Yongzhong , Pan Hongqiu , Burstrom Bo , Burstrom Kristina , Wang Jianming
Published: June 2016

Genetic factors affect host susceptibility to pathogens. In this population-based case control study, we explored the genetic polymorphisms of IL-17, TLR4 and miR-146a in association with pulmonary tuberculosis in a Chinese Han population. We recruited 1601 pulmonary tuberculosis patients matched with 1526 healthy controls and genotyped twelve functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). After the correction for multiple comparisons, two SNPs (rs10759932 and rs2737190) in the TLR4 gene remained significant. Individuals carrying the rs2737190-AG genotype (vs. AA) had a significantly increased risk of either clinical tuberculosis (OR: 1.31, 95% CI: 1.11–1.53) or sputum smear-positive tuberculosis (OR: 1.35, 95% CI: 1.13–1.61). Stratification analysis revealed that the effects of genetic variations on tuberculosis were more evident among non-smokers. People with haplotype TLR4 rs10983755G–rs10759932C had a significantly increased risk of tuberculosis (OR: 3.43, 95% CI: 2.34–5.05). Moreover, we found that SNPs of rs3819024 in IL-17A and rs763780 in IL-17F were weakly related to a prognosis of tuberculosis. Our results suggest that genetic polymorphisms of IL-17 and TLR4 may play a role in host susceptibility to tuberculosis in the Chinese Han population. More work is necessary to identify specific causative variants of tuberculosis underlying the observed associations.
Paternal overweight is associated with increased breast cancer risk in daughters in a mouse model
Authors: Fontelles Camile Castilho , Carney Elissa , Clarke Johan , Nguyen Nguyen M. , Yin Chao , Jin Lu , Cruz M. Idalia , Ong Thomas Prates , Hilakivi-Clarke Leena , de Assis Sonia
Published: June 2016

While many studies have shown that maternal weight and nutrition in pregnancy affects offspring’s breast cancer risk, no studies have investigated the impact of paternal body weight on daughters’ risk of this disease. Here, we show that diet-induced paternal overweight around the time of conception can epigenetically reprogram father’s germ-line and modulate their daughters’ birth weight and likelihood of developing breast cancer, using a mouse model. Increased body weight was associated with changes in the miRNA expression profile in paternal sperm. Daughters of overweight fathers had higher rates of carcinogen-induced mammary tumors which were associated with delayed mammary gland development and alterations in mammary miRNA expression. The hypoxia signaling pathway, targeted by miRNAs down-regulated in daughters of overweight fathers, was activated in their mammary tissues and tumors. This study provides evidence that paternal peri-conceptional body weight may affect daughters’ mammary development and breast cancer risk and warrants further studies in other animal models and humans.
Myeloid-Specific Blockade of Notch Signaling Attenuates Choroidal Neovascularization through Compromised Macrophage Infiltration and Polarization in Mice
Authors: Dou Guo-Rui , Li Na , Chang Tian-Fang , Zhang Ping , Gao Xiang , Yan Xian-Chun , Liang Liang , Han Hua , Wang Yu-Sheng
Published: June 2016

Macrophages have been recognized as an important inflammatory component in choroidal neovascularization (CNV). However, it is unclear how these cells are activated and polarized, how they affect angiogenesis and what the underlining mechanisms are during CNV. Notch signaling has been implicated in macrophage activation. Previously we have shown that inducible disruption of RBP-J, the critical transcription factor of Notch signaling, in adult mice results in enhanced CNV, but it is unclear what is the role of macrophage-specific Notch signaling in the development of CNV. In the current study, by using the myeloid specific RBP-J knockout mouse model combined with the laser-induced CNV model, we show that disruption of Notch signaling in macrophages displayed attenuated CNV growth, reduced macrophage infiltration and activation, and alleviated angiogenic response after laser induction. The inhibition of CNV occurred with reduced expression of VEGF and TNF-α in infiltrating inflammatory macrophages in myeloid specific RBP-J knockout mice. These changes might result in direct inhibition of EC lumen formation, as shown in an in vitro study. Therefore, clinical intervention of Notch signaling in CNV needs to pinpoint myeloid lineage to avoid the counteractive effects of global inhibition.
HTRA1 promoter variant differentiates polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy from exudative age-related macular degeneration
Authors: Ng Tsz Kin , Liang Xiao Ying , Lai Timothy Y. Y. , Ma Li , Tam Pancy O. S. , Wang Jian Xiong , Chen Li Jia , Chen Haoyu , Pang Chi Pui
Published: June 2016

Exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) share similar abnormal choroidal vasculature, but responses to treatments are different. In this study, we sequenced the whole HTRA1 gene and its promoter by direct sequencing in a Hong Kong Chinese PCV cohort. We identified rs11200638, c.34delCinsTCCT, c.59C>T, rs1049331 and rs2293870 significantly associated with PCV. Notably, rs2672598 was significantly associated with exudative AMD (p = 1.31 × 10−4) than PCV (p = 0.11). Logistic regression indicated that rs2672598 (p = 2.27 × 10−3) remained significant after adjusting for rs11200638 in exudative AMD. Moreover, the rs11200638-rs2672598 joint genotype AA-CC conferred higher risk to exudative AMD (43.11 folds) than PCV (3.68 folds). Promoter analysis showed that rs2672598 C-allele showed higher luciferase expression than wildtype T-allele (p = 0.026), independent of rs11200638 genotype (p = 0.621). Coherently, vitreous humor HTRA1 expression with rs2672598 CC genotype was significantly higher than that with TT genotype by 2.56 folds (p = 0.02). Furthermore, rs2672598 C-allele was predicted to alter the transcription factor binding sites, but not rs11200638 A-allele. Our results revealed that HTRA1 rs2672598 is more significantly associated with exudative AMD than PCV in ARMS2/HTRA1 region, and it is responsible for elevated HTRA1 transcriptional activity and HTRA1 protein expression.
Kinetics and Mechanisms of γ′ Reprecipitation in a Ni-based Superalloy
Authors: Masoumi F. , Shahriari D. , Jahazi M. , Cormier J. , Devaux A.
Published: June 2016

The reprecipitation mechanisms and kinetics of γ′ particles during cooling from supersolvus and subsolvus temperatures were studied in AD730TM Ni-based superalloy using Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA). The evolution in the morphology and distribution of reprecipitated γ′ particles was investigated using Field Emission Gun Scanning Electron Microscopy (FEG-SEM). Depending on the cooling rate, γ′ particles showed multi or monomodal distribution. The irregularity growth characteristics observed at lower cooling rates were analyzed in the context of Mullins and Sekerka theory, and allowed the determination of a critical size of γ′ particles above which morphological instability appears. Precipitation kinetics parameters were determined using a non-isothermal JMA model and DTA data. The Avrami exponent was determined to be in the 1.5–2.3 range, suggesting spherical or irregular growth. A methodology was developed to take into account the temperature dependence of the rate coefficient k(T) in the non-isothermal JMA equation. In that regard, a function for k(T) was developed. Based on the results obtained, reprecipitation kinetics models for low and high cooling rates are proposed to quantify and predict the volume fraction of reprecipitated γ′ particles during the cooling process.
Cloaking of solar cell contacts at the onset of Rayleigh scattering
Authors: San Román Etor , Vitrey Alan , Buencuerpo Jerónimo , Prieto Iván , Llorens José M. , García-Martín Antonio , Alén Benito , Chaudhuri Anabil , Neumann Alexander , Brueck S. R. J. , Ripalda José M.
Published: June 2016

Electrical contacts on the top surface of solar cells and light emitting diodes cause shadow losses. The phenomenon of extraordinary optical transmission through arrays of subwavelength holes suggests the possibility of engineering such contacts to reduce the shadow using plasmonics, but resonance effects occur only at specific wavelengths. Here we describe instead a broadband effect of enhanced light transmission through arrays of subwavelength metallic wires, due to the fact that, in the absence of resonances, metal wires asymptotically tend to invisibility in the small size limit regardless of the fraction of the device area taken up by the contacts. The effect occurs for wires more than an order of magnitude thicker than the transparency limit for metal thin films. Finite difference in time domain calculations predict that it is possible to have high cloaking efficiencies in a broadband wavelength range, and we experimentally demonstrate contact shadow losses less than half of the geometric shadow.
In-situ Electric Field-Induced Modulation of Photoluminescence in Pr-doped Ba0.85Ca0.15Ti0.90Zr0.10O3 Lead-Free Ceramics
Authors: Sun Hai Ling , Wu Xiao , Chung Tat Hang , Kwok K. W.
Published: June 2016

Luminescent materials with dynamic photoluminescence activity have aroused special interest because of their potential widespread applications. One proposed approach of directly and reversibly modulating the photoluminescence emissions is by means of introducing an external electric field in an in-situ and real-time way, which has only been focused on thin films. In this work, we demonstrate that real-time electric field-induced photoluminescence modulation can be realized in a bulk Ba0.85Ca0.15Ti0.90Zr0.10O3 ferroelectric ceramic doped with 0.2 mol% Pr3+, owing to its remarkable polarization reversal and phase evolution near the morphotropic phase boundary. Along with in-situ X-ray diffraction analysis, our results reveal that an applied electric field induces not only typical polarization switching and minor crystal deformation, but also tetragonal-to-rhombohedral phase transformation of the ceramic. The electric field-induced phase transformation is irreversible and engenders dominant effect on photoluminescence emissions as a result of an increase in structural symmetry. After it is completed in a few cycles of electric field, the photoluminescence emissions become governed mainly by the polarization switching and thus vary reversibly with the modulating electric field. Our results open a promising avenue towards the realization of bulk ceramic-based tunable photoluminescence activity with high repeatability, flexible controllability and environmental-friendly chemical process.
Constructing Bi24O31Cl10/BiOCl heterojunction via a simple thermal annealing route for achieving enhanced photocatalytic activity and selectivity
Authors: Liu Xiaoyan , Su Yiguo , Zhao Qihang , Du Chunfang , Liu Zhiliang
Published: June 2016

This work reports on the construction of a Bi24O31Cl10/BiOCl heterojunction via a simple thermal annealing method. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) results indicated that the phase transformation from BiOCl to Bi24O31Cl10 could be realized during the thermal annealing process. The high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) images, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) binding energy shifts, Raman spectra and Fouier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) spectra confirmed the formation of the Bi24O31Cl10/BiOCl heterojunction. The obtained Bi24O31Cl10/BiOCl photocatalyst showed excellent conversion efficiency and selectivity toward photocatalytic conversion of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde under visible light irradiation. The radical scavengers and electron spin resonance (ESR) results suggested that the photogenerated holes were the dominant reactive species responsible for the photocatalytic oxidation of benzyl alcohol and superoxide radicals were not involved in the photocatalytic process. The in-situ generation of Bi24O31Cl10/BiOCl heterojunction may own superior interfacial contact than the two-step synthesized heterojunctions, which promotes the transfer of photogenerated charge carriers and is favorable for excellent photocatalytic activities.
New insights into the vibrational and optical signatures of trans-stilbene via integrated experimental and quantum mechanical approaches
Authors: Massuyeau Florian , Faulques Eric , Latouche Camille , Barone Vincenzo
Published: June 2016

The structure, spectroscopic parameters and optical properties of stilbene have been investigated by a computational protocol including suitable treatment of anharmonic contributions together with new experimental results.
The role of side chain entropy and mutual information for improving the de novo design of Kemp eliminases KE07 and KE70
Authors: Bhowmick Asmit , Sharma Sudhir C. , Honma Hallie , Head-Gordon Teresa
Published: June 2016

Side chain entropy and mutual entropy information between residue pairs have been calculated for two de novo designed Kemp eliminase enzymes, KE07 and KE70, and for their most improved versions at the end of laboratory directed evolution (LDE).
Photoswitchable CuII4MoIV and CuII2MoIV cyanido-bridged molecules
Authors: Korzeniak Tomasz , Pinkowicz Dawid , Nitek Wojciech , Dańko Tomasz , Pełka Robert , Sieklucka Barbara
Published: June 2016

Two CuII–MoIV cyanido-bridged molecules containing Schiff base ligands reveal photomagnetic effects of different origins: MMCT in Cu4Mo and singlet–triplet transition in Cu2Mo.
The stability and generation pattern of thermally formed isocyanic acid (ICA) in air – potential and limitations of proton transfer reaction-mass spectrometry (PTR-MS) for real-time workroom atmosphere measurements
Authors: Jankowski Mikolaj Jan , Olsen Raymond , Thomassen Yngvar , Molander Paal
Published: June 2016

This study presents the long term stability of isocyanic acid (ICA) in air and the generation pattern of ICA during thermal decomposition of different polymers.
Metabonomic alterations from pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma facilitate the identification of biomarkers in serum for early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer
Authors: Lin Xianchao , Zhan Bohan , Wen Shi , Li Zhishui , Huang Heguang , Feng Jianghua
Published: June 2016

Pancreatic cancer is a highly malignant disease with a poor prognosis and it is essential to diagnose and treat the disease at an early stage.
Organocatalytic Knoevenagel condensation by chiral C2-symmetric tertiary diamines
Authors: Gu Xiaoyu , Tang Yan , Zhang Xiang , Luo Zinbin , Lu Hongfei
Published: June 2016

The asymmetric Knoevenagel condensation of aliphatic aldehydes and active methylene compounds catalyzed by (1S,2S)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane-derived catalysts is presented and investigated.
Synthesis of sulfonamides via copper-catalyzed oxidative C–N bond cleavage of tertiary amines
Authors: Ji Jing , Liu Zhengyi , Liu Ping , Sun Peipei
Published: June 2016

Tertiary amines were employed as amino sources via the selective oxidative cleavage of the C–N bond to construct the S–N bond. Sulphonamides were synthesized using this strategy in moderate to good yields.
ZnS|Ag|TiO2 multilayer electrodes with broadband transparency for thin film solar cells
Authors: Peres L. , Bou A. , Barakel D. , Torchio Ph.
Published: June 2016

A quasi-continuous ultrathin silver film allows obtaining broadband ZnS/Ag/TiO2 transparent conductive electrodes.
Electrocatalytic reduction of PhCH2Cl on Ag-ZSM-5 zeolite modified electrode
Authors: Sui Guo-Jiao , Sun Qi-Long , Wu Di , Meng Wang-Jun , Wang Huan , Lu Jia-Xing
Published: June 2016

An Ag-ZSM-5/SS zeolite modified electrode has been prepared by a one-step synthesis method on a stainless steel substrate, and displayed excellent catalytic activity towards the electroreduction and electrocarboxylation of organic halides.
Gold nanoparticle-mediated electron transfer of cytochrome c on a self-assembled surface
Authors: Luz Roberto A. S. , Crespilho Frank N.
Published: June 2016

Gold nanoparticles provide short-range electron transfer between cytochrome c and gold electrode.
An ultra high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for the quantification of linagliptin in human plasma
Authors: Nannapaneni Nagaraj Kumar , Jalalpure Sunil S. , Muppavarapu Rajendraprasad , Sirigiri Sunil Kumar
Published: June 2016

First report of a quality linagliptin assay in human plasma using UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS.
The construction of one-dimensional Pd nanoparticles/CNFs composite catalyst attached to the G-reactor@Ag and its application in Suzuki coupling reaction
Authors: Guo Shoujun , Bai Jie , Liang Haiou , Li Chunping
Published: June 2016

CNFs-Pd attached to the inner wall of glass reactor, which was designated as G-reactor@Ag-CNFs-Pd, had been successfully constructed. The construction of G-reactor@Ag-CNFs-Pd will make a good contribution to design heterogeneous catalyst.
Supramolecular prodrug micelles based on the complementary multiple hydrogen bonds as drug delivery platform for thrombosis therapy
Authors: Li Wen'en , Wang Haibo , Wei Zeliang , Ning Juewei , Ma Limei , Zheng Huajie , Niu Hai , Huang Wen
Published: June 2016

To improve the effect of thrombosis therapy, an amphiphilic supramolecular prodrug consisting of diosgenin derivative (theophylline–diosgenin) and uracil-terminated poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG-U) was designed and synthesized successfully.
Enhancement of thermoelectric properties by effective K-doping and nano precipitation in quaternary compounds of (Pb1−xKxTe)0.70(PbSe)0.25(PbS)0.05
Authors: Ginting Dianta , Lin Chan-Chieh , Rathnam Lydia , Yu Byung-Kyu , Kim Sung-Jin , Al rahal Al Orabi Rabih , Rhyee Jong-Soo
Published: June 2016

Temperature-dependent ZT values for series compounds of (Pb1−xKxTe)0.7(PbSe)0.25(PbS)0.05(x= 0.01, 0.015, 0.02, 0.025, and 0.03).