bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Nonionic Surfactant on Hydrolysis of Vinyl Sulfone Reactive Dye
Authors: Cai Guoqiang , Sun Liangxi , Wu Jindan , Wang Jiping
Published: November 2015

Nonionic surfactants are widely used in reactive dyeing processes, and the interaction between surfactants and reactive dyes affect the hydrolytic property of reactive dyes. In this study, reactive brilliant blue KN‐R (C.I. reactive blue 19) was employed as a model dye, and fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether (AEO‐9) was selected as a model nonionic surfactant. The interaction was first investigated in aqueous solutions by a UV‐spectrophotometry method, then the effect of surfactant concentration on the hydrolytic behavior of KN‐R was studied using high performance liquid chromatography method. Below the critical micelle concentration, the surfactant served as dispersant; the hydrolysis of reactive dye was accelerated. However, when the concentration of surfactant was above its critical micelle concentration, the dye was solubilized into the micellar phase, which was revealed from the changes in absorbance intensity and wavelength of the maximum absorbance. This led to slowed hydrolysis of reactive dye. These findings are useful in understanding the effect of concentration of nonionic surfactant on the hydrolysis of vinyl sulfone reactive dyes.
JNK1 inhibits transcriptional and pro‐apoptotic activity of TAp63γ
Authors: Chen Ji , Shi Hua , Qi Jin , Liu Dingyi , Yang Zemin , Li Chenghua
Published: November 2015

TAp63γ is a homologue of tumor suppressor p53 and functions as a transcriptional factor playing key roles in cell cycle and cell apoptosis. In the present work, we find that JNK1 can physically interact with N‐terminal transactivation domain (TAD) of TAp63. Overexpression of JNK1 inhibits TAp63γ‐mediated transcription, while knockdown or inhibition of endogenous JNK1 increases transactivity of TAp63γ. Further study reveals that Ser12 site in TAD is critical for JNK1‐mediated inhibition of TAp63γ. This JNK1‐mediated inhibition can impair pro‐apoptotic activity of TAp63γ. Together, we report a novel regulation of TAp63γ transactivity and pro‐apoptotic activity mediated by JNK1.
Partial Differential Equation Methods for Image Inpainting
Authors: Schönlieb Carola-Bibiane
Published: November 2015

This book is concerned with digital image processing techniques that use partial differential equations (PDEs) for the task of image 'inpainting', an artistic term for virtual image restoration or interpolation, whereby missing or occluded parts in images are completed based on information provided by intact parts. Computer graphic designers, artists and photographers have long used manual inpainting to restore damaged paintings or manipulate photographs. Today, mathematicians apply powerful methods based on PDEs to automate this task. This book introduces the mathematical concept of PDEs for virtual image restoration. It gives the full picture, from the first modelling steps originating in Gestalt theory and arts restoration to the analysis of resulting PDE models, numerical realisation and real-world application. This broad approach also gives insight into functional analysis, variational calculus, optimisation and numerical analysis and will appeal to researchers and graduate students in mathematics with an interest in image processing and mathematical analysis.
Spectrum Management
Authors: Cave Martin , Webb William
Published: November 2015

With this definitive guide to radio spectrum management, you will learn from leading practitioners how spectrum can be managed effectively and made available both now and in the future. All aspects of spectrum management are covered in depth, from the fundamentals of radio spectrum and technical and economic basics, to detail on methods such as auctions, trading, and pricing, and emerging approaches including shared and dynamic spectrum access and new ways of licensing. With the help of real-world case studies, you will learn how this knowledge comes together in practice, as the authors illustrate the role of spectrum in the wider economy and offer valuable insights into key future trends. Authoritative and up to date, and bringing together the key technical, economic, and policy issues into one definitive resource, this is the essential guide for anyone working or studying in areas related to radio spectrum management.
Trusting Judgements
Authors: Burgman Mark A.
Published: November 2015

Policy- and decision-makers in government and industry constantly face important decisions without full knowledge of all the facts. They rely routinely on expert advice to fill critical scientific knowledge gaps. There are unprecedented opportunities for experts to influence decisions. Yet even the most experienced can be over-confident and error-prone, and the hidden risk is that scientists and other experts can over-reach, often with good intentions, placing more weight on the evidence they provide than is warranted. This book describes how to identify potentially risky advice, explains why group judgements outperform individual estimates, and provides an accessible and up-to-date guide to the science of expert judgement. Finally, and importantly, it outlines a simple, practical framework that will help policy- and decision-makers to ensure that the advice that they receive is relatively reliable and accurate, thus substantially improving the quality of information on which critical decisions are made.
Proofs and Refutations
Authors: Lakatos Imre
Published: November 2015

Imre Lakatos's Proofs and Refutations is an enduring classic, which has never lost its relevance. Taking the form of a dialogue between a teacher and some students, the book considers various solutions to mathematical problems and, in the process, raises important questions about the nature of mathematical discovery and methodology. Lakatos shows that mathematics grows through a process of improvement by attempts at proofs and critiques of these attempts, and his work continues to inspire mathematicians and philosophers aspiring to develop a philosophy of mathematics that accounts for both the static and the dynamic complexity of mathematical practice. With a specially commissioned Preface written by Paolo Mancosu, this book has been revived for a new generation of readers.
Models of Man
Authors: Hollis Martin
Published: November 2015

All social theorists and philosophers who seek to explain human action have a 'model of man'; a metaphysical view of human nature that requires its own theory of scientific knowledge. In this influential book, Martin Hollis examines the tensions that arise from the differing views of sociologists, economists and psychologists. He then develops a rationalist model of his own which connects personal and social identity through a theory of rational action and a priori knowledge, allowing humans to both act freely and still be a subject for scientific explanation. Presented in a fresh series livery and including a specially commissioned preface written by Geoffrey Hawthorn, Hollis's important work is made available to a new generation of readers.
Mobilizing Poor Voters
Authors: Szwarcberg Mariela
Published: November 2015

Democracy has provided opportunities for political representation and accountability, but it has also created incentives for creating and maintaining clientelistic networks. Why has clientelism consolidated with the introduction of democracy? Drawing on network analysis, Mobilizing Poor Voters answers this question by describing and explaining the emergence, maintenance, and disappearance of political, partisan, and social networks in Argentina. Combining qualitative and quantitative data gathered during twenty-four months of field research in eight municipalities in Argentina, Mobilizing Poor Voters shows that when party leaders distribute political promotions to party candidates based only on the number of voters they mobilize, party leaders incentivize the use of clientelistic strategies among candidates competing to mobilize voters in poor neighborhoods. The logic of perverse incentives examined in this book explains why candidates who use clientelism succeed in getting elected and re-elected over time, contributing to the consolidation of political machines at the local level.
The Operas of Maurice Ravel
Authors: Kilpatrick Emily
Published: November 2015

Maurice Ravel's operas L'Heure espagnole (1907/1911) and L'Enfant et les sortilèges (1919–25) are pivotal works in the composer's relatively small œuvre. Emerging from periods shaped by very distinct musical concerns and historical circumstances, these two vastly different works nevertheless share qualities that reveal the heart of Ravel's compositional aesthetic. In this comprehensive study, Emily Kilpatrick unites musical, literary, biographical and cultural perspectives to shed new light on Ravel's operas. In documenting the operas' history, setting them within the cultural canvas of their creation and pursuing diverse strands of analytical and thematic exploration, Kilpatrick reveals crucial aspects of the composer's working life: his approach to creative collaboration, his responsiveness to cultural, aesthetic and musical debate, and the centrality of language and literature in his compositional practice. The first study of its kind, this book is an invaluable resource for students, specialists, opera-goers and devotees of French music.
The Europeanization of Politics
Authors: Caramani Daniele
Published: November 2015

In a broadly comparative, historical and quantitative analysis, this study reveals the unity of European electorates and party systems. Investigating thirty countries in Western and Central-Eastern Europe over 150 years of electoral history, the author shows the existence of common alignments and parallel waves of electoral change across the continent. Europeanization appears through an array of indicators including cross-country deviation measures, uniform swings of votes, the correspondence between national arenas and European Parliament, as well as in the ideological convergence among parties of the same families. Based on a painstaking analysis of a large wealth of data, the study identifies the supra-national, domestic and diffusion factors at the origin of Europeanization. Building on previous work on the nationalization of politics, this new study makes the case for Europeanization in historical and electoral perspective, and points to the role of left-right in structuring the European party system along ideological rather than territorial lines. In the classical tradition of electoral and party literature, this book sheds a new light on Europe's democracy.
Why Love Leads to Justice
Authors: Richards David A. J.
Published: November 2015

This book tells the stories of notable historical figures who, by resisting patriarchal laws condemning adultery, gay and lesbian sex, and sex across the boundaries of religion and race, brought about lasting social and political change. Constitutional scholar David A. J. Richards investigates the lives of leading transgressive artists, social critics, and activists including George Eliot, Benjamin Britten, Christopher Isherwood, Bayard Rustin, James Baldwin, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Margaret Mead. Richards shows how ethical empowerment, motivated by love, allowed these figures to resist the injustices of anti-Semitism, racism, sexism, and homophobia, leading to the constitutional condemnation of these political evils in the United States, Britain, and beyond. Love and law thus grow together, and this book shows how and why. Drawing from developmental psychology (including studies of trauma), political theory, the history of social movements, literature, biography, and law, this book will be a thought-provoking tool for anyone interested in civil rights.
Fish oil supplemented for 9 months does not improve glycaemic control or insulin sensitivity in subjects with impaired glucose regulation: a parallel randomised controlled trial
Authors: Clark Louise F. , Thivierge M. C. , Kidd Claire A. , McGeoch Susan C. , Abraham Prakash , Pearson Donald W. M. , Horgan Graham W. , Holtrop Grietje , Thies Frank , Lobley Gerald E.
Published: November 2015

The effects of fish oil (FO) supplementation on glycaemic control are unclear, and positive effects may occur only when the phospholipid content of tissue membranes exceeds 14 % asn-3 PUFA. Subjects (n36, thirty-three completed) were paired based on metabolic parameters and allocated into a parallel double-blind randomised trial with one of each pair offered daily either 6 g of FO (3·9 gn-3 PUFA) or 6 g of maize oil (MO) for 9 months. Hyperinsulinaemic–euglycaemic–euaminoacidaemic (HIEGEAA) clamps (with [6,62H2glucose]) were performed at the start and end of the intervention. Endogenous glucose production (EGP) and whole-body protein turnover (WBPT) were each measured after an overnight fast. The primary outcome involved the effect of oil type on insulin sensitivity related to glycaemic control. The secondary outcome involved the effect of oil type on WBPT. Subjects on FO (n16) had increased erythrocyten-3 PUFA concentrations >14 %, whereas subjects on MO (n17) had unalteredn-3 PUFA concentrations at 9 %. Type of oil had no effect on fasting EGP, insulin sensitivity or total glucose disposal during the HIEGEAA clamp. In contrast, under insulin-stimulated conditions, total protein disposal (P=0·007) and endogenous WBPT (P=0·001) were both increased with FO. In an associated pilot study (n4, three completed), althoughn-3 PUFA in erythrocyte membranes increased to >14 % with the FO supplement, the enrichment in muscle membranes remained lower (8 %;P<0·001). In conclusion, long-term supplementation with FO, at amounts near the safety limits set by regulatory authorities in Europe and the USA, did not alter glycaemic control but did have an impact on WBPT.
Torque, chemistry and efficiency in molecular motors: a study of the rotary–chemical coupling in F1-ATPase
Authors: Mukherjee Shayantani , Bora Ram Prasad , Warshel Arieh
Published: November 2015

Detailed understanding of the action of biological molecular machines must overcome the challenge of gaining a clear knowledge of the corresponding free-energy landscape. An example for this is the elucidation of the nature of converting chemical energy to torque and work in the rotary molecular motor of F1-ATPase. A major part of the challenge involves understanding the rotary–chemical coupling from a non-phenomenological structure/energy description. Here we focused on using a coarse-grained model of F1-ATPase to generate a structure-based free-energy landscape of the rotary–chemical process of the whole system. In particular, we concentrated on exploring the possible impact of the position of the catalytic dwell on the efficiency and torque generation of the molecular machine. It was found that the experimentally observed torque can be reproduced with landscapes that have different positions for the catalytic dwell on the rotary–chemical surface. Thus, although the catalysis is undeniably required for torque generation, the experimentally observed position of the catalytic dwell at 80° might not have a clear advantage for the force generation by F1-ATPase. This further implies that the rotary–chemical couplings in these biological motors are quite robust and their efficiencies do not depend explicitly on the position of the catalytic dwells. Rather, the specific positioning of the dwells with respect to the rotational angle is a characteristic arising due to the structural construct of the molecular machine and might not bear any clear connection to the thermodynamic efficiency for the system.
Chromatin-remodeling and the initiation of transcription
Authors: Lorch Yahli , Kornberg Roger D.
Published: November 2015

The nucleosome serves as a general gene repressor by the occlusion of regulatory and promoter DNA sequences. Repression is relieved by the SWI/SNF-RSC family of chromatin-remodeling complexes. Research reviewed here has revealed the essential features of the remodeling process.
The nature of chemical innovation: new enzymes by evolution
Authors: Arnold Frances H.
Published: November 2015

I describe how we direct the evolution of non-natural enzyme activities, using chemical intuition and information on structure and mechanism to guide us to the most promising reaction/enzyme systems. With synthetic reagents to generate new reactive intermediates and just a few amino acid substitutions to tune the active site, a cytochrome P450 can catalyze a variety of carbene and nitrene transfer reactions. The cyclopropanation, N–H insertion, C–H amination, sulfimidation, and aziridination reactions now demonstrated are all well known in chemical catalysis but have no counterparts in nature. The new enzymes are fully genetically encoded, assemble and function inside of cells, and can be optimized for different substrates, activities, and selectivities. We are learning how to use nature's innovation mechanisms to marry some of the synthetic chemists’ favorite transformations with the exquisite selectivity and tunability of enzymes.
A dynamic spatial model of conflict escalation
Authors: BAUDAINS P. , FRY H.M. , DAVIES T.P. , WILSON A.G. , BISHOP S.R.
Published: November 2015

In both historical and modern conflicts, space plays a critical role in how interactions occur over time. Despite its importance, the spatial distribution of adversaries has often been neglected in mathematical models of conflict. In this paper, we propose an entropy-maximising spatial interaction method for disaggregating the impact of space, employing a general notion of ‘threat’ between two adversaries. This approach addresses a number of limitations that are associated with partial differential equation approaches to spatial disaggregation. We use this method to spatially disaggregate the Richardson model of conflict escalation, and then explore the resulting model with both analytical and numerical treatments. A bifurcation is identified that dramatically influences the resulting spatial distribution of conflict and is shown to persist under a range of model specifications. Implications of this finding for real-world conflicts are discussed.
Verified decision procedures for MSO on words based on derivatives of regular expressions
Authors: TRAYTEL DMITRIY , NIPKOW TOBIAS
Published: November 2015

Monadic second-order logic on finite words is a decidable yet expressive logic into which many decision problems can be encoded. Since MSO formulas correspond to regular languages, equivalence of MSO formulas can be reduced to the equivalence of some regular structures (e.g., automata). This paper presents a verified functional decision procedure for MSO formulas that is not based on automata but on regular expressions. Functional languages are ideally suited for this task: regular expressions are data types and functions on them are defined by pattern matching and recursion and are verified by structural induction. Decision procedures for regular expression equivalence have been formalized before, usually based on Brzozowski derivatives. Yet, for a straightforward embedding of MSO formulas into regular expressions, an extension of regular expressions with a projection operation is required. We prove total correctness and completeness of an equivalence checker for regular expressions extended in that way. We also define a language-preserving translation of formulas into regular expressions with respect to two different semantics of MSO. Our results have been formalized and verified in the theorem prover Isabelle. Using Isabelle's code generation facility, this yields purely functional, formally verified programs that decide equivalence of MSO formulas.
The Maintaining Factors of Social Anxiety: A Three-Group Comparison of a Clinical Sample with Highly Socially Anxious Students and Non-Anxious Students
Authors: Skocic Sonja , Jackson Henry , Hulbert Carol , Faber Christina
Published: November 2015

Background: Clark and Wells' (1995) cognitive model of social anxiety (CWM) explains the maintenance of social anxiety and has been used as a guide for treatment of Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD). Few studies have examined the components of the model together across different samples. Aims: This study had two distinct aims: to test the components of CWM and to examine how the variables of CWM may differ between clinical and non-clinical samples with varying levels of social anxiety. Method: Hypothesized relationships between three groups (i.e. a clinical sample of individuals diagnosed with SAD (ClinS), n = 40; socially anxious students (HSA), n = 40; and, non-anxious students (LSA), n = 40) were investigated. Results: Four out of five CWM variables tested were able to distinguish between highly socially anxious and non-anxious groups after controlling for age and depression. Conclusions: CWM variables are able to distinguish between high and low levels of social anxiety and are uniquely related to social anxiety over depression.
Design of dual band-notched lamp-shaped antenna with UWB characteristics
Authors: Yadav Swati , Gautam Anil Kumar , Kanaujia Binod Kumar
Published: November 2015

To restrict electromagnetic interference at WiMAX (3.3–3.7 GHz) and wireless local area network (WLAN) (5.15–5.825 GHz) bands operating within ultra wide bandwidth (UWB) band, a novel design of lamp-shaped UWB microstrip antenna with dual band-notched characteristics is presented. The proposed antenna is composed of a lamp-shaped radiating patch with two rectangular ground planes on both the sides of the radiator with the gap of 0.57 mm. To improve impedance mismatch at middle frequencies, two triangular strips one at each of the ground plane are added; whereas a rectangular slot is etched in the radiating patch to remove impedance mismatch at higher frequencies of the UWB band. Furthermore, an L-shaped slot in the radiator and two L-shaped slots in the ground plane are used to restrict electromagnetic interference (EMI) at WiMAX and WLAN bands, respectively, without affecting the electrical performance of the UWB antenna. Effects of the key parameters on the frequency range of the notched bands are also investigated. The proposed design shows a measured impedance bandwidth of 12.5 GHz (2.7–14.4 GHz), with the two band-notched bands of 3.0–3.9 and 4.9–5.8 GHz. The antenna is suitable to be integrated within the portable UWB devices without EMI interference at WiMAX and WLAN bands.
Mahogunin regulates fusion between amphisomes/MVBs and lysosomes via ubiquitination of TSG101
Authors: Majumder P , Chakrabarti O
Published: November 2015

Aberrant metabolic forms of the prion protein (PrP), membrane-associated CtmPrP and cytosolic (cyPrP) interact with the cytosolic ubiquitin E3 ligase, Mahogunin Ring Finger-1 (MGRN1) and affect lysosomes. MGRN1 also interacts with and ubiquitinates TSG101, an ESCRT-I protein, involved in endocytosis. We report that MGRN1 modulates macroautophagy. In cultured cells, functional depletion of MGRN1 or overexpression of CtmPrP and cyPrP blocks autophagosome–lysosome fusion, alleviates the autophagic flux and its degradative competence. Concurrently, the degradation of cargo from the endo-lysosomal pathway is also affected. This is significant because catalytic inactivation of MGRN1 alleviates fusion of lysosomes with either autophagosomes (via amphisomes) or late endosomes (either direct or mediated through amphisomes), without drastically perturbing maturation of late endosomes, generation of amphisomes or lysosomal proteolytic activity. The compromised lysosomal fusion events are rescued by overexpression of TSG101 and/or its monoubiquitination in the presence of MGRN1. Thus, for the first time we elucidate that MGRN1 simultaneously modulates both autophagy and heterophagy via ubiquitin-mediated post-translational modification of TSG101.
Mutations in RASA1 and GDF2 identified in patients with clinical features of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia
Authors: Hernandez Felicia , Huether Robert , Carter Lester , Johnston Tami , Thompson Jennifer , Gossage James R , Chao Elizabeth , Elliott Aaron M
Published: November 2015

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is an autosomal dominant vascular disorder caused by mutations in ENG, ACVRL1 and SMAD4, which function in regulating the transforming growth factor beta and bone morphogenetic protein signaling pathways. Symptoms of HHT can be present in individuals who test negative for mutations in these three genes indicating other genes may be involved. In this study, we tested for mutations in two genes, RASA1 and GDF2, which were recently reported to be involved in vascular disorders. To determine whether RASA1 and GDF2 have phenotypic overlap with HHT and should be included in diagnostic testing, we developed a next-generation sequencing assay to detect mutations in 93 unrelated individuals who previously tested negative for mutations in ENG, ACVRL1 and SMAD4, but were clinically suspected to have HHT. Pathogenic mutations in RASA1 were identified in two samples (2.15%) and a variant of unknown significance in GDF2 was detected in one sample. All three individuals experienced epistaxis with dermal lesions described in medical records as telangiectases. These results indicate that the inclusion of RASA1 and GDF2 screening in individuals suspected to have HHT will increase the detection rate and aid clinicians in making an accurate diagnosis.
Recombinase-based conditional and reversible gene regulation via XTR alleles
Authors: Robles-Oteiza Camila , Taylor Sarah , Yates Travis , Cicchini Michelle , Lauderback Brian , Cashman Christopher R. , Burds Aurora A. , Winslow Monte M. , Jacks Tyler , Feldser David M.
Published: November 2015

Synthetic biological tools that enable precise regulation of gene function within in vivo systems have enormous potential to discern gene function in diverse physiological settings. Here we report the development and characterization of a synthetic gene switch that, when targeted in the mouse germline, enables conditional inactivation, reports gene expression and allows inducible restoration of the targeted gene. Gene inactivation and reporter expression is achieved through Cre-mediated stable inversion of an integrated gene-trap reporter, whereas inducible gene restoration is afforded by Flp-dependent deletion of the inverted gene trap. We validate our approach by targeting the p53 and Rb genes and establishing cell line and in vivo cancer model systems, to study the impact of p53 or Rb inactivation and restoration. We term this allele system XTR, to denote each of the allelic states and the associated expression patterns of the targeted gene: eXpressed (XTR), Trapped (TR) and Restored (R).
Multipole plasmons and their disappearance in few-nanometre silver nanoparticles
Authors: Raza Søren , Kadkhodazadeh Shima , Christensen Thomas , Di Vece Marcel , Wubs Martijn , Mortensen N. Asger , Stenger Nicolas
Published: November 2015

Electron energy-loss spectroscopy can be used for detailed spatial and spectral characterization of optical excitations in metal nanoparticles. In previous electron energy-loss experiments on silver nanoparticles with radii smaller than 20 nm, only the dipolar surface plasmon resonance was assumed to play a role. Here, applying electron energy-loss spectroscopy to individual silver nanoparticles encapsulated in silicon nitride, we observe besides the usual dipole resonance an additional surface plasmon resonance corresponding to higher angular momenta for nanoparticle radii as small as 4 nm. We study the radius and electron beam impact position dependence of both resonances separately. For particles smaller than 4 nm in radius the higher-order surface plasmon mode disappears, in agreement with generalized non-local optical response theory, while the dipole resonance blueshift exceeds our theoretical predictions. Unlike in optical spectra, multipole surface plasmons are important in electron energy-loss spectra even of ultrasmall metallic nanoparticles.
Stable ultrathin partially oxidized copper film electrode for highly efficient flexible solar cells
Authors: Zhao Guoqing , Wang Wei , Bae Tae-Sung , Lee Sang-Geul , Mun ChaeWon , Lee Sunghun , Yu Huashun , Lee Gun-Hwan , Song Myungkwan , Yun Jungheum
Published: November 2015

Advances in flexible optoelectronic devices have led to an increasing need for developing highly efficient, low-cost, flexible transparent conducting electrodes. Copper-based electrodes have been unattainable due to the relatively low optical transmission and poor oxidation resistance of copper. Here, we report the synthesis of a completely continuous, smooth copper ultra-thin film via limited copper oxidation with a trace amount of oxygen. The weakly oxidized copper thin film sandwiched between zinc oxide films exhibits good optoelectrical performance (an average transmittance of 83% over the visible spectral range of 400–800 nm and a sheet resistance of 9 Ω sq−1) and strong oxidation resistance. These values surpass those previously reported for copper-based electrodes; further, the record power conversion efficiency of 7.5% makes it clear that the use of an oxidized copper-based transparent electrode on a polymer substrate can provide an effective solution for the fabrication of flexible organic solar cells.
Remote control of self-assembled microswimmers
Authors: Grosjean G. , Lagubeau G. , Darras A. , Hubert M. , Lumay G. , Vandewalle N.
Published: November 2015

Physics governing the locomotion of microorganisms and other microsystems is dominated by viscous damping. An effective swimming strategy involves the non-reciprocal and periodic deformations of the considered body. Here, we show that a magnetocapillary-driven self-assembly, composed of three soft ferromagnetic beads, is able to swim along a liquid-air interface when powered by an external magnetic field. More importantly, we demonstrate that trajectories can be fully controlled, opening ways to explore low Reynolds number swimming. This magnetocapillary system spontaneously forms by self-assembly, allowing miniaturization and other possible applications such as cargo transport or solvent flows.
Screening and Molecular Analysis of Single Circulating Tumor Cells Using Micromagnet Array
Authors: Huang Yu-Yen , Chen Peng , Wu Chun-Hsien , Hoshino Kazunori , Sokolov Konstantin , Lane Nancy , Liu Huaying , Huebschman Michael , Frenkel Eugene , Zhang John X. J.
Published: November 2015

Immunomagnetic assay has been developed to detect rare circulating tumor cells (CTCs), which shows clinical significance in cancer diagnosis and prognosis. The generation and fine-tuning of the magnetic field play essential roles in such assay toward effective single-cell-based analyses of target cells. However, the current assay has a limited range of field gradient, potentially leading to aggregation of cells and nanoparticles. Consequently, quenching of the fluorescence signal and mechanical damage to the cells may occur, which lower the system sensitivity and specificity. We develop a micromagnet-integrated microfluidic system for enhanced CTC detection. The ferromagnetic micromagnets, after being magnetized, generate localized magnetic field up to 8-fold stronger than that without the micromagnets and strengthen the interactions between CTCs and the magnetic field. The system is demonstrated with four cancer cell lines with over 97% capture rate, as well as with clinical samples from breast, prostate, lung and colorectal cancer patients. The system captures target CTCs from patient blood samples on a standard glass slide that can be examined using the fluorescence in-situ hybridization method for the single-cell profiling. All cells showed clear hybridization signals, indicating the efficacy of the compact system in providing retrievable cells for molecular studies.
Nano-sized precipitate stability and its controlling factors in a NiAl-strengthened ferritic alloy
Authors: Sun Zhiqian , Song Gian , Ilavsky Jan , Ghosh Gautam , Liaw Peter K.
Published: November 2015

Coherent B2-ordered NiAl-type precipitates have been used to reinforce solid-solution body-centered-cubic iron for high-temperature application in fossil-energy power plants. In this study, we investigate the stability of nano-sized precipitates in a NiAl-strengthened ferritic alloy at 700–950 °C using ultra-small angle X-ray scattering and electron microscopies. Here we show that the coarsening kinetics of NiAl-type precipitates is in excellent agreement with the ripening model in multicomponent alloys. We further demonstrate that the interfacial energy between the matrix and NiAl-type precipitates is strongly dependent on differences in the matrix/precipitate compositions. Our results profile the ripening process in multicomponent alloys by illustrating controlling factors of interfacial energy, diffusivities and element partitioning. The study provides guidelines to design and develop high-temperature alloys with stable microstructures for long-term service.
Folic acid protects against arsenic-mediated embryo toxicity by up-regulating the expression of Dvr1
Authors: Ma Yan , Zhang Chen , Gao Xiao-Bo , Luo Hai-Yan , Chen Yang , Li Hui-hua , Ma Xu , Lu Cai-Ling
Published: November 2015

As a nutritional factor, folic acid can prevent cardiac and neural defects during embryo development. Our previous study showed that arsenic impairs embryo development by down-regulating Dvr1/GDF1 expression in zebrafish. Here, we investigated whether folic acid could protect against arsenic-mediated embryo toxicity. We found that folic acid supplementation increases hatching and survival rates, decreases malformation rate and ameliorates abnormal cardiac and neural development of zebrafish embryos exposed to arsenite. Both real-time PCR analysis and whole in-mount hybridization showed that folic acid significantly rescued the decrease in Dvr1 expression caused by arsenite. Subsequently, our data demonstrated that arsenite significantly decreased cell viability and GDF1 mRNA and protein levels in HEK293ET cells, while folic acid reversed these effects. Folic acid attenuated the increase in subcellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and oxidative adaptor p66Shc protein expression in parallel with the changes in GDF1 expression and cell viability. P66Shc knockdown significantly inhibited the production of ROS and the down-regulation of GDF1 induced by arsenite. Our data demonstrated that folic acid supplementation protected against arsenic-mediated embryo toxicity by up-regulating the expression of Dvr1/GDF1 and folic acid enhanced the expression of GDF1 by decreasing p66Shc expression and subcellular ROS levels.
Soft resonator of omnidirectional resonance for acoustic metamaterials with a negative bulk modulus
Authors: Jing Xiaodong , Meng Yang , Sun Xiaofeng
Published: November 2015

Monopolar resonance is of fundamental importance in the acoustic field. Here, we present the realization of a monopolar resonance that goes beyond the concept of Helmholtz resonators. The balloon-like soft resonator (SR) oscillates omnidirectionally and radiates from all parts of its spherical surface, eliminating the need for a hard wall for the cavity and baffle effects. For airborne sound, such a low-modulus resonator can be made extremely lightweight. Deep subwavelength resonance is achieved when the SR is tuned by adjusting the shell thickness, benefiting from the large density contrast between the shell material and the encapsulated gas. The SR resonates with near-perfect monopole symmetry, as demonstrated by the theoretical and experimental results, which are in excellent agreement. For a lattice of SRs, a band gap occurs and blocks near-total transmission and the effective bulk modulus exhibits a prominent negative band, while the effective mass density remains unchanged. Our study shows that the SR is suitable for building 3D acoustic metamaterials and provides a basis for constructing left-handed materials as a new means of creating a negative bulk modulus.
Involvement of opsins in mammalian sperm thermotaxis
Authors: Pérez-Cerezales Serafín , Boryshpolets Sergii , Afanzar Oshri , Brandis Alexander , Nevo Reinat , Kiss Vladimir , Eisenbach Michael
Published: November 2015

A unique characteristic of mammalian sperm thermotaxis is extreme temperature sensitivity, manifested by the capacity of spermatozoa to respond to temperature changes of <0.0006 °C as they swim their body-length distance. The identity of the sensing system that confers this exceptional sensitivity on spermatozoa is not known. Here we show that the temperature-sensing system of mammalian spermatozoa involves opsins, known to be G-protein-coupled receptors that act as photosensors in vision. We demonstrate by molecular, immunological and functional approaches that opsins are present in human and mouse spermatozoa at specific sites, which depend on the species and the opsin type and that they are involved in sperm thermotaxis via two signalling pathways—the phospholipase C and the cyclic-nucleotide pathways. Our results suggest that, depending on the context and the tissue, mammalian opsins act not only as photosensors but also as thermosensors.
Emergence of Hemagglutinin Mutations During the Course of Influenza Infection
Authors: Cushing Anna , Kamali Amanda , Winters Mark , Hopmans Erik S. , Bell John M. , Grimes Susan M. , Xia Li C. , Zhang Nancy R. , Moss Ronald B. , Holodniy Mark , Ji Hanlee P.
Published: November 2015

Influenza remains a significant cause of disease mortality. The ongoing threat of influenza infection is partly attributable to the emergence of new mutations in the influenza genome. Among the influenza viral gene products, the hemagglutinin (HA) glycoprotein plays a critical role in influenza pathogenesis, is the target for vaccines and accumulates new mutations that may alter the efficacy of immunization. To study the emergence of HA mutations during the course of infection, we employed a deep-targeted sequencing method. We used samples from 17 patients with active H1N1 or H3N2 influenza infections. These patients were not treated with antivirals. In addition, we had samples from five patients who were analyzed longitudinally. Thus, we determined the quantitative changes in the fractional representation of HA mutations during the course of infection. Across individuals in the study, a series of novel HA mutations directly altered the HA coding sequence were identified. Serial viral sampling revealed HA mutations that either were stable, expanded or were reduced in representation during the course of the infection. Overall, we demonstrated the emergence of unique mutations specific to an infected individual and temporal genetic variation during infection.
Surface and Bulk Carbide Transformations in High-Speed Steel
Authors: Godec M. , Večko Pirtovšek T. , Šetina Batič B. , McGuiness P. , Burja J. , Podgornik B.
Published: November 2015

We have studied the transformation of carbides in AISI M42 high-speed steels in the temperature window used for forging. The annealing was found to result in the partial transformation of the large, metastable M2C carbides into small, more stable grains of M6C, with an associated change in the crystal orientation. In addition, MC carbides form during the transformation of M2C to M6C. From the high-speed-steel production point of view, it is beneficial to have large, metastable carbides in the cast structure, which later during annealing, before the forging, transform into a structure of polycrystalline carbides. Such carbides can be easily decomposed into several small carbides, which are then randomly distributed in the microstructure. The results also show an interesting difference in the carbide-transformation reactions on the surface versus the bulk of the alloy, which has implications for in-situ studies of bulk phenomena that are based on surface observations.
IDH mutation status is associated with a distinct hypoxia/angiogenesis transcriptome signature which is non-invasively predictable with rCBV imaging in human glioma
Authors: Kickingereder Philipp , Sahm Felix , Radbruch Alexander , Wick Wolfgang , Heiland Sabine , Deimling Andreas von , Bendszus Martin , Wiestler Benedikt
Published: November 2015

The recent identification of IDH mutations in gliomas and several other cancers suggests that this pathway is involved in oncogenesis; however effector functions are complex and yet incompletely understood. To study the regulatory effects of IDH on hypoxia-inducible-factor 1-alpha (HIF1A), a driving force in hypoxia-initiated angiogenesis, we analyzed mRNA expression profiles of 288 glioma patients and show decreased expression of HIF1A targets on a single-gene and pathway level, strong inhibition of upstream regulators such as HIF1A and downstream biological functions such as angio- and vasculogenesis in IDH mutant tumors. Genotype/imaging phenotype correlation analysis with relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV) MRI – a robust and non-invasive estimate of tumor angiogenesis – in 73 treatment-naive patients with low-grade and anaplastic gliomas showed that a one-unit increase in rCBV corresponded to a two-third decrease in the odds for an IDH mutation and correctly predicted IDH mutation status in 88% of patients. Together, these findings (1) show that IDH mutation status is associated with a distinct angiogenesis transcriptome signature which is non-invasively predictable with rCBV imaging and (2) highlight the potential future of radiogenomics (i.e. the correlation between cancer imaging and genomic features) towards a more accurate diagnostic workup of brain tumors.
Genetic evidence of a recent Tibetan ancestry to Sherpas in the Himalayan region
Authors: Bhandari Sushil , Zhang Xiaoming , Cui Chaoying , Bianba  , Liao Shiyu , Peng Yi , Zhang Hui , Xiang Kun , Shi Hong , Ouzhuluobu  , Baimakongzhuo  , Gonggalanzi  , Liu Shimin , Gengdeng  , Wu Tianyi , Qi Xuebin , Su Bing
Published: November 2015

Sherpas living around the Himalayas are renowned as high-altitude mountain climbers but when and where the Sherpa people originated from remains contentious. In this study, we collected DNA samples from 582 Sherpas living in Nepal and Tibet Autonomous Region of China to study the genetic diversity of both their maternal (mitochondrial DNA) and paternal (Y chromosome) lineages. Analysis showed that Sherpas share most of their paternal and maternal lineages with indigenous Tibetans, representing a recently derived sub-lineage. The estimated ages of two Sherpa-specific mtDNA sub-haplogroups (C4a3b1 and A15c1) indicate a shallow genetic divergence between Sherpas and Tibetans less than 1,500 years ago. These findings reject the previous theory that Sherpa and Han Chinese served as dual ancestral populations of Tibetans and conversely suggest that Tibetans are the ancestral populations of the Sherpas, whose adaptive traits for high altitude were recently inherited from their ancestors in Tibet.
Slc15a1 is involved in the transport of synthetic F5-peptide into the seminiferous epithelium in adult rat testes
Authors: Su Linlin , Zhang Yufei , Cheng Yan C. , Lee Will M. , Ye Keping , Hu Dahai
Published: November 2015

Spermiation and BTB restructuring, two critical cellular events that occur across seminiferous epithelium in mammalian testis during spermatogenesis, are tightly coordinated by biologically active peptides released from laminin chains. Our earlier study reported that F5-peptide, synthesized based on a stretch of 50 amino acids within laminin-γ3 domain IV, could reversibly induce the impairment of spermatogenesis, disruption of BTB integrity and germ cell loss and thus is a promising male contraceptive. However, how F5-peptide when administered intratesticularly enters seminiferous tubules and exerts effects beyond BTB is currently unknown. Here we demonstrated that Slc15a1, a peptide transporter also known as Pept1, was predominantly present in peritubular myoid cells, interstitial Leydig cells, vascular endothelial cells and germ cells, while absent in Sertoli cells or BTB site. The steady-state protein level of Slc15a1 in adult rat testis was not affected by F5-peptide treatment. Knockdown of Slc15a1 byin vivoRNAi in rat testis was shown to prevent F5-peptide induced disruptive effects on spermatogenesis. This study suggests that Slc15a1 is involved in the transport of synthetic F5-peptide into seminiferous epithelium and thus Slc15a1 is a novel target in testis that could be genetically modified to improve the bioavailability of F5-peptide as a prospective male contraceptive.
A combined technique for the pretreatment of ultra trace bisphenol A in environmental water based on magnetic matrix solid phase extraction assisted dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction
Authors: Diao Chunpeng , Yang Xiao , Sun Ailing , Liu Renmin
Published: November 2015

Magnetic matrix solid phase dispersion (MMSPD) assisted dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction (DLLME) for the ultrasensitive determination of bisphenol A (BPA) in environmental water was developed with HPLC-FLU detection.
Phosphorylation-induced formation of a cytochrome c-peptide complex: a novel fluorescent sensing platform for protein kinase assay
Authors: Wu Shuang , Kong Xiang-Juan , Cen Yao , Yu Ru-Qin , Chu Xia
Published: November 2015

A novel fluorescent sensing platform has been developed for protein kinase assay based on the phosphorylation-induced formation of a cytochrome c-peptide complex.
Novel synthesis of N-alkyl amines from tandem coupling of either methylamine or nitroalkane with aldehyde
Authors: Lu Shuanglong , Peng Jie , Wu Junjie , Li Chao , Cao Xueqin , Gu Hongwei
Published: November 2015

A novel tandem method was developed to synthesizeN-alkyl amines from coupling of either methylamine or nitroalkane with aldehyde.
From cellulose fibrils to single chains: understanding cellulose dissolution in ionic liquids
Authors: Yuan Xueming , Cheng Gang
Published: November 2015

Continued improvement on the structure of elementary fibrils, simulation of larger elementary fibrils and systematic work on the solution structure of cellulose in ILs are three interacting modules to unravel the mechanism of cellulose dissolution in ILs.
Open circuit voltage of organic solar cells: an in-depth review
Authors: Elumalai Naveen Kumar , Uddin Ashraf
Published: November 2015

Factors and governing mechanisms influencing the open circuit voltage – a key determinant for improving the device performance efficiency.
Inhibitory effects of small molecular peptides from Spirulina (Arthrospira) platensis on cancer cell growth
Authors: Wang Zhujun , Zhang Xuewu
Published: November 2015

Anti-proliferation activities of the identified peptide YGFVMPRSGLWFR.
Charge density distribution and theoretical analysis of low and high energy phosphate esters
Authors: Mermer Adrian , Lis Tadeusz , Starynowicz Przemysław
Published: November 2015

There is a strict relation between the energy of hydrolysis of phosphate esters and the extent of interactions between the p ester oxygen lone pair and the antibonding orbitals of the rest of the molecule. Its impact on experimental charge density distribution is analyzed.
Performance of hybrid nanostructured conductive cotton threads as LPG sensor at ambient temperature: preparation and analysis
Authors: Shimpi N. G. , Hansora D. P. , Yadav R. , Mishra S.
Published: November 2015

Fast recovery and quick response time for the detection of 50 ppm LPG have been demonstrated by hybrid (CNT/PANi/γ-Fe2O3) nanostructured cotton threads that can be used as wearable sensing textiles.
Assumption of interphase properties in classical Christensen–Lo model for Young's modulus of polymer nanocomposites reinforced with spherical nanoparticles
Authors: Zare Yasser
Published: November 2015

The significant reinforcement of polymer nanocomposites containing spherical nanoparticles which exceeds the predictions of classical models is commonly attributed to the formation of an interphase between polymer and nanoparticles.
One-pot synthesis of aminated multi-walled carbon nanotube using thiol-ene click chemistry for improvement of epoxy nanocomposites properties
Authors: Zabihi Omid , Ahmadi Mojtaba , Akhlaghi bagherjeri Mostafa , Naebe Minoo
Published: November 2015

A non-oxidative method based on thiol-ene click chemistry for functionalization of multi-walled carbon nanotube (CNT) was performed in order to improve the interfacial interactions between epoxy matrix and CNT.