bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Artificial high birefringence in all-dielectric gradient grating for broadband terahertz waves
Authors: Chen Meng , Fan Fei , Xu Shi-Tong , Chang Sheng-Jiang
Published: December 2016

Subwavelength dielectric gratings are widely applied in the phase and polarization manipulation of light. However, the dispersion of the normal dielectric gratings is not flat while their birefringences are not enough in the THz regime. In this paper, we have fabricated two all-dielectric gratings with gradient grids in the THz regime, of which artificial birefringence is much larger than that of the equal-grid dielectric grating demonstrated by both experiments and simulations. The transmission and dispersion characteristics are also improved since the gradient grids break the periodicity of grating lattices as a chirp feature. From 0.6–1.4 THz, a broadband birefringence reaches 0.35 with a low dispersion and good linearity of phase shift, and the maximum phase shift is 1.4π. Furthermore, these gradient gratings are applied as half-wave plates and realize a linear polarization conversion with a conversion rate over 99%, also much higher than the equal-grid gratings. These gradient gratings show great advantages compared to the periodic gratings and provide a new way in the designing of artificial birefringence material.
Experimental evidence for chemical mate guarding in a moth
Authors: Hosseini Seyed Ali , van Wijk Michiel , Ke Gao , Goldansaz Seyed Hossein , Schal Coby , Groot Astrid T.
Published: December 2016

In polyandrous species, males seek to maximize their reproductive output by monopolizing their mate. Often the male transfers substances to the female that suppress her sexual receptivity or antagonize the behavior of competing males; both are usually transferred in seminal fluids and represent forms of chemical mate guarding. In moths, more long-range female sex pheromones have been identified than in any other animal group, and males often display with close-range sex pheromones, yet odor-based post-copulatory mate guarding has not been described in moths so far. We tested the hypothesis that the male sex pheromone in the noctuid moth Heliothis virescens perfumes the female and functions as an anti-aphrodisiac. Indeed, virgin females perfumed with male pheromone extract, or with its main component, mated significantly less than control virgin females, and this effect persisted for two successive nights. This chemical mate guarding strategy was disadvantageous for H. virescens females, because the reproductive output of twice-mated females was significantly higher than that of once-mated females. Since the female and male sex pheromones are biosynthetically related in this and other moth species, chemical mate guarding may also impose selection pressure on the long-range female sex pheromone channel and consequently affect the evolution of sexual communication.
Expression profiling and functional annotation of noncoding genes across 11 distinct organs in rat development
Authors: Wen Zhuo , Chen Geng , Zhu Sibo , Zhu Jinhang , Li Bin , Song Yunjie , Li Suqing , Shi Leming , Zheng Yuanting , Li Menglong
Published: December 2016

Accumulating evidence suggests that noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) have important regulatory functions. However, lacking of functional annotations for ncRNAs hampered us from carrying out the subsequent functional or predictive research. Here we dissected the expression profiles of 3,458 rat noncoding genes using rat bodymap RNA-sequencing data consisting of 11 solid organs over four developmental stages (juvenile, adolescent, adult and aged) from both sexes, and conducted a comprehensive analysis of differentially expressed noncoding genes (DEnGs) between various conditions. We then constructed a co-expression network between protein-coding and noncoding genes to infer biological functions of noncoding genes. Modules of interest were linked to online databases including DAVID for functional annotation and pathway analysis. Our results indicated that noncoding genes are functionally enriched through pathways similar to those of protein-coding genes. Terms about development of the immune system were enriched with genes from age-related modules, whereas terms about sexual reproduction were enriched with genes in sex-related modules. We also built connection networks on some significant modules to visualize the interactions and regulatory relationship between protein-coding and noncoding genes. Our study could improve our understanding and facilitate a deeper investigation on organ/age/sex-related regulatory events of noncoding genes, which may lead to a superior preclinical model for drug development and translational medicine.
Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria differ in their sensitivity to cold plasma
Authors: Mai-Prochnow Anne , Clauson Maryse , Hong Jungmi , Murphy Anthony B.
Published: December 2016

Cold atmospheric-pressure plasma (CAP) is a relatively new method being investigated for antimicrobial activity. However, the exact mode of action is still being explored. Here we report that CAP efficacy is directly correlated to bacterial cell wall thickness in several species. Biofilms of Gram positive Bacillus subtilis, possessing a 55.4 nm cell wall, showed the highest resistance to CAP, with less than one log10 reduction after 10 min treatment. In contrast, biofilms of Gram negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa, possessing only a 2.4 nm cell wall, were almost completely eradicated using the same treatment conditions. Planktonic cultures of Gram negative Pseudomonas libanensis also had a higher log10 reduction than Gram positive Staphylococcus epidermidis. Mixed species biofilms of P. aeruginosa and S. epidermidis showed a similar trend of Gram positive bacteria being more resistant to CAP treatment. However, when grown in co-culture, Gram negative P. aeruginosa was more resistant to CAP overall than as a mono-species biofilm. Emission spectra indicated OH and O, capable of structural cell wall bond breakage, were present in the plasma. This study indicates that cell wall thickness correlates with CAP inactivation times of bacteria, but cell membranes and biofilm matrix are also likely to play a role.
Foxa1 is essential for development and functional integrity of the subthalamic nucleus
Authors: Gasser Emanuel , Johannssen Helge C. , Rülicke Thomas , Zeilhofer Hanns Ulrich , Stoffel Markus
Published: December 2016

Inactivation of transcription factor Foxa1 in mice results in neonatal mortality of unknown cause. Here, we report that ablation of Foxa1 causes impaired development and loss of the subthalamic nucleus (STN). Functional deficits in the STN have been implicated in the etiology of Huntington’s and Parkinson’s disease. We show that neuronal ablation by Synapsin1-Cre-mediated Foxa1 deletion is sufficient to induce hyperlocomotion in mice. Transcriptome profiling of STN neurons in conditional Foxa1 knockout mice revealed changes in gene expression reminiscent of those in neurodegenerative diseases. We identified Ppargc1a, a transcriptional co-activator that is implicated in neurodegeneration, as a Foxa1 target. These findings were substantiated by the observation of Foxa1-dependent demise of STN neurons in conditional models of Foxa1 mutant mice. Finally, we show that the spontaneous firing activity of Foxa1-deficient STN neurons is profoundly impaired. Our data reveal so far elusive roles of Foxa1 in the development and maintenance of STN function.
Plasmonic efficiencies of nanoparticles made of metal nitrides (TiN, ZrN) compared with gold
Authors: Lalisse Adrien , Tessier Gilles , Plain Jérome , Baffou Guillaume
Published: December 2016

Metal nitrides have been proposed to replace noble metals in plasmonics for some specific applications. In particular, while titanium nitride (TiN) and zirconium nitride (ZrN) possess localized plasmon resonances very similar to gold in magnitude and wavelength, they benefit from a much higher sustainability to temperature. For this reason, they are foreseen as ideal candidates for applications in nanoplasmonics that require high material temperature under operation, such as heat assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) or thermophotovoltaics. This article presents a detailed investigation of the plasmonic properties of TiN and ZrN nanoparticles in comparison with gold nanoparticles, as a function of the nanoparticle morphology. As a main result, metal nitrides are shown to be poor near-field enhancers compared to gold, no matter the nanoparticle morphology and wavelength. The best efficiencies of metal nitrides as compared to gold in term of near-field enhancement are obtained for small and spherical nanoparticles, and they do not exceed 60%. Nanoparticle enlargements or asymmetries are detrimental. These results mitigate the utility of metal nitrides for high-temperature applications such as HAMR, despite their high temperature sustainability. Nevertheless, at resonance, metal nitrides behave as efficient nanosources of heat and could be relevant for applications in thermoplasmonics, where heat generation is not detrimental but desired.
Surface Characteristics of Silicon Nanowires/Nanowalls Subjected to Octadecyltrichlorosilane Deposition and n-octadecane Coating
Authors: Yilbas Bekir Sami , Salhi Billel , Yousaf Muhammad Rizwan , Al-Sulaiman Fahad , Ali Haider , Al-Aqeeli Nasser
Published: December 2016

In this study, nanowires/nanowalls were generated on a silicon wafer through a chemical etching method. Octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS) was deposited onto the nanowire/nanowall surfaces to alter their hydrophobicity. The hydrophobic characteristics of the surfaces were further modified via a 1.5-μm-thick layer of n-octadecane coating on the OTS-deposited surface. The hydrophobic characteristics of the resulting surfaces were assessed using the sessile water droplet method. Scratch and ultraviolet (UV)-visible reflectivity tests were conducted to measure the friction coefficient and reflectivity of the surfaces. The nanowires formed were normal to the surface and uniformly extended 10.5 μm to the wafer surface. The OTS coating enhanced the hydrophobic state of the surface, and the water contact angle increased from 27° to 165°. The n-octadecane coating formed on the OTS-deposited nanowires/nanowalls altered the hydrophobic state of the surface. This study provides the first demonstration that the surface wetting characteristics change from hydrophobic to hydrophilic after melting of the n-octadecane coating. In addition, this change is reversible; i.e., the hydrophilic surface becomes hydrophobic after the n-octadecane coating solidifies at the surface, and the process again occurs in the opposite direction after the n-octadecane coating melts.
Giant magnetoresistance, three-dimensional Fermi surface and origin of resistivity plateau in YSb semimetal
Authors: Pavlosiuk Orest , Swatek Przemysław , Wiśniewski Piotr
Published: December 2016

Very strong magnetoresistance and a resistivity plateau impeding low temperature divergence due to insulating bulk are hallmarks of topological insulators and are also present in topological semimetals where the plateau is induced by magnetic field, when time-reversal symmetry (protecting surface states in topological insulators) is broken. Similar features were observed in a simple rock-salt-structure LaSb, leading to a suggestion of the possible non-trivial topology of 2D states in this compound. We show that its sister compound YSb is also characterized by giant magnetoresistance exceeding one thousand percent and low-temperature plateau of resistivity. We thus performed in-depth analysis of YSb Fermi surface by band calculations, magnetoresistance, and Shubnikov–de Haas effect measurements, which reveals only three-dimensional Fermi sheets. Kohler scaling applied to magnetoresistance data accounts very well for its low-temperature upturn behavior. The field-angle-dependent magnetoresistance demonstrates a 3D-scaling yielding effective mass anisotropy perfectly agreeing with electronic structure and quantum oscillations analysis, thus providing further support for 3D-Fermi surface scenario of magnetotransport, without necessity of invoking topologically non-trivial 2D states. We discuss data implying that analogous field-induced properties of LaSb can also be well understood in the framework of 3D multiband model.
Functional human induced hepatocytes (hiHeps) with bile acid synthesis and transport capacities: A novel in vitro cholestatic model
Authors: Ni Xuan , Gao Yimeng , Wu Zhitao , Ma Leilei , Chen Chen , Wang Le , Lin Yunfei , Hui Lijian , Pan Guoyu
Published: December 2016

Drug-induced cholestasis is a leading cause of drug withdrawal. However, the use of primary human hepatocytes (PHHs), the gold standard for predicting cholestasis in vitro, is limited by their high cost and batch-to-batch variability. Mature hepatocyte characteristics have been observed in human induced hepatocytes (hiHeps) derived from human fibroblast transdifferentiation. Here, we evaluated whether hiHeps could biosynthesize and excrete bile acids (BAs) and their potential as PHH alternatives for cholestasis investigations. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blotting indicated that hiHeps highly expressed BA synthases and functional transporters. Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) showed that hiHeps produced normal intercellular unconjugated BAs but fewer conjugated BAs than human hepatocytes. When incubated with representative cholestatic agents, hiHeps exhibited sensitive drug-induced bile salt export pump (BSEP) dysfunction, and their response to cholestatic agent-mediated cytotoxicity correlated well with that of PHHs (r2 = 0.8032). Deoxycholic acid (DCA)-induced hepatotoxicity in hiHeps was verified by elevated aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and γ-glutamyl-transferase (γ-GT) levels. Mitochondrial damage and cell death suggested DCA-induced toxicity in hiHeps, which were attenuated by hepatoprotective drugs, as in PHHs. For the first time, hiHeps were reported to biosynthesize and excrete BAs, which could facilitate predicting cholestatic hepatotoxicity and screening potential therapeutic drugs against cholestasis.
Biological marks of early-life socioeconomic experience is detected in the adult inflammatory transcriptome
Authors: Castagné Raphaële , Kelly-Irving Michelle , Campanella Gianluca , Guida Florence , Krogh Vittorio , Palli Domenico , Panico Salvatore , Sacerdote Carlotta , Tumino Rosario , Kleinjans Jos , de Kok Theo , Kyrtopoulos Soterios A. , Lang Thierry , Stringhini Silvia , Vermeulen Roel , Vineis Paolo , Delpierre Cyrille , Chadeau-Hyam Marc
Published: December 2016

Consistent evidence is accumulating to link lower socioeconomic position (SEP) and poorer health, and the inflammatory system stands out as a potential pathway through which socioeconomic environment is biologically embedded. Using bloodderived genome-wide transcriptional profiles from 268 Italian participants of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) cohort, we evaluated the association between early life, young and later adulthood SEP and the expression of 845 genes involved in human inflammatory responses. These were examined individually and jointly using several inflammatory scores. Our results consistently show that participants whose father had a manual (as compared to nonmanual) occupation exhibit, later in life, a higher inflammatory score, hence indicating an overall increased level of expression for the selected inflammatory-related genes. Adopting a life course approach, these associations remained statistically significant upon adjustment for later-in-life socioeconomic experiences. Sensitivity analyses indicated that our findings were not affected by the way the inflammatory score was calculated, and were replicated in an independent study. Our study provides additional evidence that childhood SEP is associated with a sustainable upregulation of the inflammatory transcriptome, independently of subsequent socioeconomic experiences. Our results support the hypothesis that early social inequalities impacts adult physiology.
Role and mechanism of the AMPK pathway in waterborne Zn exposure influencing the hepatic energy metabolism of Synechogobius hasta
Authors: Wu Kun , Huang Chao , Shi Xi , Chen Feng , Xu Yi-Huan , Pan Ya-Xiong , Luo Zhi , Liu Xu
Published: December 2016

Previous studies have investigated the physiological responses in the liver ofSynechogobius hastaexposed to waterborne zinc (Zn). However, at present, very little is known about the underlying molecular mechanisms of these responses. In this study, RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was performed to analyse the differences in the hepatic transcriptomes between control and Zn-exposedS.hasta. A total of 36,339 unigenes and 1,615 bp of unigene N50 were detected. These genes were further annotated to the Nonredundant protein (NR), Nonredundant nucleotide (Nt), Swiss-Prot, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), Clusters of Orthologous Groups (COG) and Gene Ontology (GO) databases. After 60 days of Zn exposure, 708 and 237 genes were significantly up- and down-regulated, respectively. Many differentially expressed genes (DEGs) involved in energy metabolic pathways were identified, and their expression profiles suggested increased catabolic processes and reduced biosynthetic processes. These changes indicated that waterborne Zn exposure increased the energy production and requirement, which was related to the activation of the AMPK signalling pathway. Furthermore, using the primary hepatocytes ofS.hasta, we identified the role of the AMPK signalling pathway in Zn-influenced energy metabolism.
Defective Acetylcholine Receptor Subunit Switch Precedes Atrophy of Slow-Twitch Skeletal Muscle Fibers Lacking ERK1/2 Kinases in Soleus Muscle
Authors: Wang Shuo , Seaberg Bonnie , Paez-Colasante Ximena , Rimer Mendell
Published: December 2016

To test the role of extracellular-signal regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) in slow-twitch, type 1 skeletal muscle fibers, we studied the soleus muscle in mice genetically deficient for myofiber ERK1/2. Young adult mutant soleus was drastically wasted, with highly atrophied type 1 fibers, denervation at most synaptic sites, induction of “fetal” acetylcholine receptor gamma subunit (AChRγ), reduction of “adult” AChRε, and impaired mitochondrial biogenesis and function. In weanlings, fiber morphology and mitochondrial markers were mostly normal, yet AChRγ upregulation and AChRε downregulation were observed. Synaptic sites with fetal AChRs in weanling muscle were ~3% in control and ~40% in mutants, with most of the latter on type 1 fibers. These results suggest that: (1) ERK1/2 are critical for slow-twitch fiber growth; (2) a defective γ/ε-AChR subunit switch, preferentially at synapses on slow fibers, precedes wasting of mutant soleus; (3) denervation is likely to drive this wasting, and (4) the neuromuscular synapse is a primary subcellular target for muscle ERK1/2 function in vivo.
HOPX functions as a tumour suppressor in head and neck cancer
Authors: Yap Lee Fah , Lai Sook Ling , Patmanathan Sathya Narayanan , Gokulan Ravindran , Robinson C. Max , White Joe B. , Chai San Jiun , Rajadurai Pathmanathan , Prepageran Narayanan , Liew Yew Toong , Lopes Victor , Wei Wenbin , Hollows Robert J. , Murray Paul G. , Lambert Daniel W. , Hunter Keith D. , Paterson Ian C.
Published: December 2016

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is generalized term that encompasses a diverse group of cancers that includes tumours of the oral cavity (OSCC), oropharynx (OPSCC) and nasopharynx (NPC). Genetic alterations that are common to all HNSCC types are likely to be important for squamous carcinogenesis. In this study, we have investigated the role of the homeodomain-only homeobox gene, HOPX, in the pathogenesis of HNSCC. We show that HOPX mRNA levels are reduced in OSCC and NPC cell lines and tissues and there is a general reduction of HOPX protein expression in these tumours and OPSCCs. HOPX promoter methylation was observed in a subset of HNSCCs and was associated with a worse overall survival in HPV negative tumours. RNAseq analysis of OSCC cells transfected with HOPX revealed a widespread deregulation of the transcription of genes related to epithelial homeostasis and ectopic over-expression of HOPX in OSCC and NPC cells inhibited cell proliferation, plating efficiency and migration, and enhanced sensitivity to UVA-induced apoptosis. Our results demonstrate that HOPX functions as a tumour suppressor in HNSCC and suggest a central role for HOPX in suppressing epithelial carcinogenesis.
Acid-sensing ion channels are expressed in the ventrolateral medulla and contribute to central chemoreception
Authors: Song Nana , Guan Ruijuan , Jiang Qian , Hassanzadeh Comron J. , Chu Yuyang , Zhao Xiaomei , Wang Xia , Yang Dawei , Du Qijun , Chu Xiang-Ping , Shen Linlin
Published: December 2016

The role of acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) in the ventrolateral medulla (VLM) remains uncertain. Here, we found that ASIC1a and ASIC2 are widely expressed in rat medulla, and the expression level is higher at neonatal stage as compared to adult stage. The two ASIC subunits co-localized in medualla neurons. Furthermore, pH reduction triggered typical ASIC-type currents in the medulla, including the VLM. These currents showed a pH50 value of 6.6 and were blocked by amiloride. Based on their sensitivity to psalmotoxin 1 (PcTx1) and zinc, homomeric ASIC1a and heteromeric ASIC1a/2 channels were likely responsible for acid-mediated currents in the mouse medulla. ASIC currents triggered by pH 5 disappeared in the VLM neurons from ASIC1−/−, but not ASIC2−/− mice. Activation of ASICs in the medulla also triggered neuronal excitation. Moreover, microinjection of artificial cerebrospinal fluid at a pH of 6.5 into the VLM increased integrated phrenic nerve discharge, inspiratory time and respiratory drive in rats. Both amiloride and PcTx1 inhibited the acid-induced stimulating effect on respiration. Collectively, our data suggest that ASICs are highly expressed in the medulla including the VLM, and activation of ASICs in the VLM contributes to central chemoreception.
Comparison of non-Gaussian and Gaussian diffusion models of diffusion weighted imaging of rectal cancer at 3.0 T MRI
Authors: Zhang Guangwen , Wang Shuangshuang , Wen Didi , Zhang Jing , Wei Xiaocheng , Ma Wanling , Zhao Weiwei , Wang Mian , Wu Guosheng , Zhang Jinsong
Published: December 2016

Water molecular diffusion in vivo tissue is much more complicated. We aimed to compare non-Gaussian diffusion models of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) including intra-voxel incoherent motion (IVIM), stretched-exponential model (SEM) and Gaussian diffusion model at 3.0 T MRI in patients with rectal cancer, and to determine the optimal model for investigating the water diffusion properties and characterization of rectal carcinoma. Fifty-nine consecutive patients with pathologically confirmed rectal adenocarcinoma underwent DWI with 16 b-values at a 3.0 T MRI system. DWI signals were fitted to the mono-exponential and non-Gaussian diffusion models (IVIM-mono, IVIM-bi and SEM) on primary tumor and adjacent normal rectal tissue. Parameters of standard apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), slow- and fast-ADC, fraction of fast ADC (f), α value and distributed diffusion coefficient (DDC) were generated and compared between the tumor and normal tissues. The SEM exhibited the best fitting results of actual DWI signal in rectal cancer and the normal rectal wall (R2 = 0.998, 0.999 respectively). The DDC achieved relatively high area under the curve (AUC = 0.980) in differentiating tumor from normal rectal wall. Non-Gaussian diffusion models could assess tissue properties more accurately than the ADC derived Gaussian diffusion model. SEM may be used as a potential optimal model for characterization of rectal cancer.
Placental antibody transfer efficiency and maternal levels: specific for measles, coxsackievirus A16, enterovirus 71, poliomyelitis I-III and HIV-1 antibodies
Authors: Fu Chuanxi , Lu Long , Wu Hao , Shaman Jeffrey , Cao Yimin , Fang Fang , Yang Qiongying , He Qing , Yang Zhicong , Wang Ming
Published: December 2016

Maternal antibodies transported across the placenta can provide vital immunity against infectious pathogens for infants. We here examine maternal antibody (MA) levels and their association with neonatal antibody levels. Pregnant women of gestational age ≥35 weeks were enrolled at a Guangzhou China hospital and mother-infant paired sera were collected. Measles IgG antibody was detected using ELISA assay, neutralizing antibodies titers against coxsackievirus A16 (CA16), enterovirus 71 (EV71), PV I-III and HIV-1 were performed. 711 mother-infant pairs were enrolled and positive relationships for paired serums were found (r: 0.683–0.918). 81.6%, 87.0%, and 82.3% of mothers, and 87.3%, 72.7%, and 72.2% of newborns were positive for measles, CA16 and EV71 antibodies respectively. The highest Neonatal: maternal ratio (NMR) was found in measles (1.042) and the ratios for the other pathogens ranged from 0.84 to 1.00. Linear regressions showed that log(NMR) decreased by a factor of 0.04–15.43 as log(MA) levels increased. A second analysis restricted to maternal positive measles sera revealed that MA measles of was still inversely associated with NMR. Low NMR was found in high MA HIV + serums among 22 paired sera. MA levels appear to play a role determining transplacental antibody transfer; further study is needed to reveal the mechanism.
Fabricating polyacrylamide microbeads by inverse emulsification to mimic the size and elasticity of living cells
Authors: Labriola Nicholas R. , Mathiowitz Edith , Darling Eric M.
Published: December 2016

Inverse emulsification was used to fabricate polyacrylamide (PAAm) microbeads with size and elastic properties similar to typical, mammalian cells.
Polyoxometalates as artificial nucleases: hydrolytic cleavage of DNA promoted by a highly negatively charged ZrIV-substituted Keggin polyanion
Authors: Luong T. K. N. , Govaerts I. , Robben J. , Shestakova P. , Parac-Vogt T. N.
Published: December 2016

A highly negatively charged ZrIV-substituted Keggin polyoxometalate [{α-PW11O39Zr(μ-OH)(H2O)}2]8− (ZrK 2 : 2) promoted the hydrolysis of phosphoester bonds in the supercoiled plasmid pUC19 DNA under physiological pH and temperature.
One pot conversion of benzophenone imine into the relevant 2-aza-allenium
Authors: Bortoluzzi Marco , Funaioli Tiziana , Marchetti Fabio , Pampaloni Guido , Pinzino Calogero , Zacchini Stefano
Published: December 2016

WCl6-mediated partial conversion of benzophenone imine into tetraphenyl-2-aza-allenium,viaN2elimination and intermolecular CN fusion, provides a new feature in the chemistry of one of the most strategic functional groups in organic chemistry.
Long range electrostatic forces in ionic liquids
Authors: Gebbie Matthew A. , Smith Alexander M. , Dobbs Howard A. , Lee Alpha A. , Warr Gregory G. , Banquy Xavier , Valtiner Markus , Rutland Mark W. , Israelachvili Jacob N. , Perkin Susan , Atkin Rob
Published: December 2016

Experimental evidence for long range surface forces in ionic liquids is collated and examined, key outstanding questions are identified, and possible mechanisms underpinning these long range forces are explored.
Polaronic transport in iron phosphate glasses containing HfO2 and CeO2
Authors: Šantić Ana , Banhatti Radha D. , Pavić Luka , Ertap Hüseyin , Yüksek Mustafa , Karabulut Mevlüt , Moguš-Milanković Andrea
Published: December 2016

We report a systematic analysis of scaling features of conductivity and permittivity spectra of iron phosphate-based glasses containing a wide variation in concentration of ferrous ions and discuss the role of relevant length scales for polaron transport.
A semi-classical approach to the calculation of highly excited rotational energies for asymmetric-top molecules
Authors: Schmiedt Hanno , Schlemmer Stephan , Yurchenko Sergey N. , Yachmenev Andrey , Jensen Per
Published: December 2016

We report a new semi-classical method to compute highly excited rotational energy levels of an asymmetric-top molecule.
Molecular dynamics simulation of the structure and interfacial free energy barriers of mixtures of ionic liquids and divalent salts near a graphene wall
Authors: Gómez-González Víctor , Docampo-Álvarez Borja , Méndez-Morales Trinidad , Cabeza Oscar , Ivaništšev Vladislav B. , Fedorov Maxim V. , Gallego Luis J. , Varela Luis M.
Published: December 2016

A molecular dynamics study of graphene-confined mixtures of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([BMIm][BF4]) with Mg[BF4]2 is reported.
Interaction between in vivo bioluminescence and extracellular electron transfer in Shewanella woodyi via charge and discharge
Authors: Tian Xiaochun , Zhao Feng , You Lexing , Wu Xuee , Zheng Zhiyong , Wu Ranran , Jiang Yanxia , Sun Shigang
Published: December 2016

A mechanism for extracellular electron transfer-mediated bioluminescence ofShewanella woodyiinvolving FMN/FMNH2and membrane cytochromesc.
A fully enzymatic esterification/transesterification sequence for the preparation of symmetrical and unsymmetrical trehalose diacyl conjugates
Authors: Prabhakar Sunchu , Vivès Thomas , Ferrières Vincent , Benvegnu Thierry , Legentil Laurent , Lemiègre Loïc
Published: December 2016

Monoacyl and diacyl trehalose were synthesized in two enzymatic steps from trehalose and carboxylic acids.
Thermoplastic nanofluidic devices for biomedical applications
Authors: Weerakoon-Ratnayake Kumuditha M. , O'Neil Colleen E. , Uba Franklin I. , Soper Steven A.
Published: December 2016

This review presents an overview of recent advancements in the fabrication, surface modification and applications of thermoplastic nanofluidic devices.
3D-templated, fully automated microfluidic input/output multiplexer for endocrine tissue culture and secretion sampling
Authors: Li Xiangpeng , Brooks Jessica C. , Hu Juan , Ford Katarena I. , Easley Christopher J.
Published: December 2016

An automated 16-channel microfluidic multiplexer (μMUX) was developed for dynamic stimulation and interrogation of islets and adipose tissue.
Centrifugal micro-channel array droplet generation for highly parallel digital PCR
Authors: Chen Zitian , Liao Peiyu , Zhang Fangli , Jiang Mengcheng , Zhu Yusen , Huang Yanyi
Published: December 2016

Aqueous solutions can be dispersed into picoliter droplets through a micro-channel array via centrifugation which produces monodispersed water-in-oil emulsion for digital PCR.
Doping two-dimensional materials: ultra-sensitive sensors, band gap tuning and ferromagnetic monolayers
Authors: Feng Simin , Lin Zhong , Gan Xin , Lv Ruitao , Terrones Mauricio
Published: December 2016

Well-designed defects can lead to unprecedented properties and interesting applications. For example, heteroatom-doped graphene exhibits enhanced Raman scattering for ultrasensitive detection of certain molecules.
Observation of enhanced photocurrent response in M–CuInS2(M = Au, Ag) heteronanostructures: phase selective synthesis and application
Authors: Ghosh Abhisek Brata , Saha Namrata , Sarkar Arpita , Dutta Amit Kumar , Maji Swarup Kumar , Adhikary Bibhutosh
Published: December 2016

We demonstrate the phase selective synthesis of M–CuInS2(M = Au and Ag) heteronanostructures and their enhanced photocurrent activity compared to that of pure CuInS2.
Dendritic star polymer of polyacrylamide based on a β-cyclodextrin trimer: a flocculant and drug vehicle
Authors: Tungala Kranthikumar , Adhikary Pubali , Azmeera Venkanna , Kumar Krishna , Krishnamoorthi S.
Published: December 2016

3-β-CD-PAM: a better flocculant in water treatment and methylene blue dye removal, and a vehicle for the drugs diclofenac sodium and doxorubicin.
Facile heat reflux synthesis of blue luminescent carbon dots as optical nanoprobes for cellular imaging
Authors: Zhang Xianfeng , Lu Jingbo , Li Xianqing , Chai Liucheng , Jiao Yuhong
Published: December 2016

Carbon dots with good temperature-sensitive photoluminescence are facilely synthesized and their luminescence properties and cellular imaging applications are investigated.
Simultaneous selective extraction of nitramine explosives using molecularly imprinted polymer hollow spheres from post blast samples
Authors: Wang Jian , Meng Zihui , Xue Min , Qiu Lili , Dong Xiao , Xu Zhibin , He Xuan , Liu Xueyong , Li Jinshan
Published: December 2016

Solvents modulate the adsorption selectivity and adsorption capacity of a molecularly imprinted polymer to target compounds.
Reaction of phosphinylated nitrosoalkenes with electron-rich heterocycles. Electrophilic aromatic substitution vs. cycloaddition
Authors: de los Santos Jesús M. , Rubiales Gloria , Sbai Zouhair Es , Ochoa de Retana Ana M. , Palacios Francisco
Published: December 2016

An experimental and theoretical study describe the behavior of phosphinyl nitrosoalkenes with indole, pyrrole and 2,5-dimethylpyrrole. Both, an electrophilic aromatic substitution and a [4 + 2] cycloaddition mechanism, were evaluated.
Coordination chemistry of N-picolyl-1,8-naphthalimides: colourful low molecular weight metallo-gelators and unique chelation behaviours
Authors: Lovitt June I. , Hawes Chris S. , Lynes Amy D. , Haffner Benjamin , Möbius Matthias E. , Gunnlaugsson Thorfinnur
Published: December 2016

A family of N-picolyl-1,8-napthalimide ligands display fascinating coordination chemistry and produce a series of robust and chemically responsive supramolecular metallo-gels.
Psychosine variants as antigens for natural killer T cells
Authors: Deng S. , Kain L. , Pereira C. S. , Mata S. , Macedo M. F. , Bendelac A. , Teyton L. , Savage P. B.
Published: December 2016

Truncated forms of alpha-glycosylceramides are antigens for natural killer T cells.
Development of a facile antibody–drug conjugate platform for increased stability and homogeneity
Authors: Gupta Nimish , Kancharla Johny , Kaushik Shelly , Ansari Aasif , Hossain Samad , Goyal Ravinder , Pandey Manoj , Sivaccumar Jwala , Hussain Sazid , Sarkar Arindam , Sengupta Aniruddha , Mandal Swadhin K. , Roy Monideepa , Sengupta Shiladitya
Published: December 2016

Pt(ii)-based linkers re-bridge the antibody chainsviastrong Pt–S interaction thereby imparting homogeneity, site-specificity and stability to the antibody–drug conjugate.
Li-ion site disorder driven superionic conductivity in solid electrolytes: a first-principles investigation of β-Li3PS4
Authors: Phani Dathar Gopi Krishna , Balachandran Janakiraman , Kent Paul R. C. , Rondinone Adam J. , Ganesh P.
Published: December 2016

A schematic representation of the configurational energy landscape linking configurational and vibrational entropy to ionic transport.
Correction: Thermally activated delayed fluorescence blue dopants and hosts: from the design strategy to organic light-emitting diode applications
Authors: Godumala Mallesham , Choi Suna , Cho Min Ju , Choi Dong Hoon
Published: December 2016

Correction for ‘Thermally activated delayed fluorescence blue dopants and hosts: from the design strategy to organic light-emitting diode applications’ by Mallesham Godumala et al., J. Mater. Chem. C, 2016, DOI: 10.1039/c6tc04377a.
Molecular mechanisms of ROS production and oxidative stress in diabetes
Authors: Newsholme Philip , Cruzat Vinicius Fernandes , Keane Kevin Noel , Carlessi Rodrigo , de Bittencourt Paulo Ivo Homem
Published: December 2016

Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation are known to be associated with the development of metabolic diseases, including diabetes. Oxidative stress, an imbalance between oxidative and antioxidative systems of cells and tissues, is a result of over production of oxidative-free radicals and associated reactive oxygen species (ROS). One outcome of excessive levels of ROS is the modification of the structure and function of cellular proteins and lipids, leading to cellular dysfunction including impaired energy metabolism, altered cell signalling and cell cycle control, impaired cell transport mechanisms and overall dysfunctional biological activity, immune activation and inflammation. Nutritional stress, such as that caused by excess high-fat and/or carbohydrate diets, promotes oxidative stress as evident by increased lipid peroxidation products, protein carbonylation and decreased antioxidant status. In obesity, chronic oxidative stress and associated inflammation are the underlying factors that lead to the development of pathologies such as insulin resistance, dysregulated pathways of metabolism, diabetes and cardiovascular disease through impaired signalling and metabolism resulting in dysfunction to insulin secretion, insulin action and immune responses. However, exercise may counter excessive levels of oxidative stress and thus improve metabolic and inflammatory outcomes. In the present article, we review the cellular and molecular origins and significance of ROS production, the molecular targets and responses describing how oxidative stress affects cell function including mechanisms of insulin secretion and action, from the point of view of possible application of novel diabetic therapies based on redox regulation
Demagnetisation fault detection in PMSM using zero sequence current components
Authors: Ding Shichuan , Hang Jun , Li Hao , Wang Qunjing
Published: December 2016

A demagnetisation fault detection method for a delta‐connected permanent magnet synchronous machine (PMSM) based on zero sequence current components (ZSCC) is proposed. The model of the delta‐connected PMSM with the demagnetisation fault is first established. Then the expression of the ZSCC is presented for the delta‐connected PMSM, and an equivalent fault severity index which can quantify the demagnetisation degree is obtained, being not limited by the partial or uniform demagnetisation. Finally, the simulation results show that the potential of the proposed fault severity index for the demagnetisation fault detection.
Digital predistortion of power amplifiers using structured compressed‐sensing Volterra series
Authors: Becerra‐González Juan Antonio , Madero‐Ayora María José , Reina‐Tosina Javier , Crespo‐Cadenas Carlos
Published: December 2016

Digital predistortion has become an attractive technique for power amplifier linearisation whose limiting factor for using Volterra series as the underlying model is its computational complexity, since the number of components rapidly grows with the non‐linear order and memory. Based on a previous reference algorithm, which consists on applying the orthogonal matching pursuit for the sorting of the model components and a Bayesian information criterion for the selection of the optimum number of components, a new technique to reduce the size of the support set taking into account the structural information within a model is presented. Experimental results of the predistortion of a commercial power amplifier are given as a proof of its capabilities, showing equivalent performance to the pruning with the reference algorithm while further reducing the number of components.
InGaAs metamorphic laser (1064 nm) power converters with over 40% efficiency
Authors: Kalyuzhnyy N.A. , Mintairov S.A. , Nadtochiy A.M. , Nevedomskiy V.N. , Rybalchenko D.V. , Shvarts M.Z.
Published: December 2016

Grown by metalorganic vapour phase epitaxy (MOVPE) InxGa1−xAs metamorphic laser power converters have been considered. Metamorphic buffer designs with high quality top layers have been developed. Photovoltaic converters with In0.24Ga0.76As photoactive area and optimised buffer have demonstrated efficiency 41.4% for 1064 nm monochromatic radiation conversion and ∼40% for laser power conversion.
Adaptive detection method of FTN signalling at constant Nyquist sampling rate
Authors: Wang Ke , Liu Aijun , Liang Xiaohu , Pen Siming , Wang Heng
Published: December 2016

Faster‐than‐Nyquist (FTN) signalling, as a candidate technology of fifth generation, can transmit more data with the same bandwidth. In the adaptive transmission system based on FTN signalling (FNS), the transmitter changes the packing ratios to adapt to the wireless channels. The scheme that combines the adaptive coding and modulation with the FNS has higher spectral efficiency. However, the symbol rate changing with the packing ratio challenges the receiver of adaptive transmission system based on FNS. Moreover, the decoding complexity based on viterbi algorithm (VA) is increasing exponentially when the packing ratios of FNS decrease. In this study, the authors proposed an adaptive detection method to detect FTN signal at constant sampling rate. The proposed method adopted an linear minimum mean square error (LMMSE) equaliser to solve the mismatch of the symbol rate and the sampling rate. Their simulation results show that the adaptive detection method of FNS can approach the optimal bit error rate performance of the coded FTN system. At the same time, the proposed method can avoid the complexity induced by the variable sampling rate in the adaptive transmission system based on FNS.
Robust DoA estimation in case of multipath environment for a sense and avoid airborne radar
Authors: Bonacci David , Vincent François , Gigleux Benjamin
Published: December 2016

This study deals with the sense and avoid problem for an helicopter. The objective of such a system is to early detect collision targets (typically high‐voltage wires). The direction of arrival (DoA) of the target is then a crucial information. In severe multipath environments (flight over a river, for instance), classical DoA estimation schemes dramatically degrade. The authors make use of a method based on the maximum likelihood (ML) principle that can resolve two highly correlated and close targets. The major drawback of ML algorithms, namely the computational burden, is removed using an approximation for closely space targets. The contribution of this study is twofold. The authors first extend the approximated ML DoA estimation to the case of non‐uniform linear antennas and complete the procedure by a detection scheme. Second, they attest the validity of this new processing on real radar data. Hence, they show that the proposed procedure is able to detect a high‐voltage wire, over a river, at ranges up to 1 km, where a capon beamformer cannot.
Optical and antibacterial properties of synthesised silver nanoparticles
Authors: Acharya Debashish , Mohanta Bidhan , Pandey Piyush , Singha Malabika , Nasiri Farnaj
Published: December 2016

In the present study, tri‐sodium citrate has been used as both the reducing agent and stabiliser for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Sodium borohydride (NaBH4) was used in various concentrations. The absorbance of AgNP solution was measured after the addition of NaBH4. The samples were characterised by ultraviolet‐visible spectroscopy after 5, 10, 15, 25, 60 and 120 min of synthesis to investigate the stability of AgNPs for different concentrations of NaBH4. Transmission electron microscopy revealed the nanostructure of the prepared samples with average sizes as 18, 20 and 29 nm. Photoluminescence spectra of these AgNPs showed maximum emission at wavelengths 473, 470 and 469 nm, respectively, when excited at 350 nm. Further, Disk diffusion test showed that all the prepared samples are good candidates for antibacterial activity while AgNPs of average size 18 nm were found most effective against the tested Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria.
Bone mineral density in the tail-bones of cattle: effect of dietary phosphorus status, liveweight, age and physiological status
Authors: Coates D. B. , Dixon R. M. , Murray R. M. , Mayer R. J. , Miller C. P.
Published: December 2016

In three grazing experiments in the seasonally dry tropics of Australia, growing steers (Experiment 1), first-calf cows (Experiment 2) and mature breeder cows (Experiment 3), ingested diets for 12–17 months, which were either adequate or severely deficient in phosphorus (P) (Padeq and Pdefic, respectively). Bone mineral density (BMD) at the proximal end of the ninth coccygeal vertebra (Cy9) was measured at intervals using single photon absorptiometry (SPA). Liveweight (LW) and plasma inorganic phosphorus (PIP) concentrations were monitored at intervals and rib-bone cortical bone thickness (CBT) of biopsy samples was measured at the end of Experiments 1 and 3. Measurements of LW change, PIP concentrations and CBT confirmed that diet P intakes of cattle in the Padeq treatments were adequate whereas there was severe and chronic P deficiency in the Pdefic treatments. In Experiment 1 BMD in Padeq steers increased with LW and age from ~0.25–0.27 g/cc (8 months, 200 kg LW) to ~0.34 g/cc (32 months, 490 kg LW), whereas in Pdefic steers BMD decreased progressively to ~0.23–0.24 g/cc. Although BMD decreased in the Pdefic steers bone volume of Cy9 (calculated from tail-bone thickness) increased, and some net bone deposition in the Cy9 continued. Rib-bone CBT and tail-bone BMD at the end of Experiment 1 were closely correlated (r = 0.93). In Experiment 2 BMD was initially 0.33 g/cc (~25 months, 400 kg LW) and did not change through pregnancy and lactation in Padeq cows. However, in the Pdefic cows there was a gradual decline in BMD to ~0.25 g/cc. There was no change in dimensions of the Cy9 so the decreases in BMD involved net demineralisation of bone. In Experiment 3 BMD was less responsive to P deficiency than in Experiments 1 and 2. Only after ~11 months was BMD reduced (P < 0.05) in the Pdefic cows, and then only by 15%. In contrast, rib-bone CBT decreased by 30% due to P deficiency, and BMD was poorly correlated with CBT (r = 0.4). The effects of animal weight, age and maturity on tailbone BMD of P-adequate animals, and the different responses to P deficiency observed in young growing steers, first-calf cows and mature breeders are discussed in relation to the use of SPA measured tail-bone BMD to diagnose P deficiency in grazing cattle.
Massive dysregulation of genes involved in cell signaling and placental development in cloned cattle conceptus and maternal endometrium
Authors: Biase Fernando H. , Rabel Chanaka , Guillomot Michel , Hue Isabelle , Andropolis Kalista , Olmstead Colleen A. , Oliveira Rosane , Wallace Richard , Le Bourhis Daniel , Richard Christophe , Campion Evelyne , Chaulot-Talmon Aurélie , Giraud-Delville Corinne , Taghouti Géraldine , Jammes Hélène , Renard Jean-Paul , Sandra Olivier , Lewin Harris A.
Published: December 2016

Significance

Cloning cattle by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) is an agriculturally important technology and is also used as a model system for the study of mammalian development. The SCNT process is inefficient, typically yielding fewer than 10% live offspring. The majority of losses are the result of embryonic death, failure of the implantation process, and development of a defective placenta. A critical period is the implantation window, when survival of the conceptus depends on factors including genetics, epigenetics, and the communication between conceptus and the endometrium. Our study of gene expression in cloned conceptuses and endometrial tissues during the periimplantation period enhances understanding of the mechanisms that lead to pregnancy failure in SCNT cloning. The results have wide implications for cloning of other mammals.
Computational design of a homotrimeric metalloprotein with a trisbipyridyl core
Authors: Mills Jeremy H. , Sheffler William , Ener Maraia E. , Almhjell Patrick J. , Oberdorfer Gustav , Pereira José Henrique , Parmeggiani Fabio , Sankaran Banumathi , Zwart Peter H. , Baker David
Published: December 2016

Significance

This article reports the computational design of a threefold symmetric, self-assembling protein homotrimer containing a highly stable noncanonical amino acid-mediated metal complex within the protein interface. To achieve this result, recently developed protein–protein interface design methods were extended to include a metal-chelating noncanonical amino acid containing a bipyridine functional group in the design process. Bipyridine metal complexes can give rise to photochemical properties that would be impossible to achieve with naturally occurring amino acids alone, suggesting that the methods reported here could be used to generate novel photoactive proteins.