bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Large-scale fabrication of translucent and repairable superhydrophobic spray coatings with remarkable mechanical, chemical durability and UV resistance
Authors: Zhi Danfeng , Lu Yao , Sathasivam Sanjayan , Parkin Ivan P. , Zhang Xia
Published: April 2017

A simple and effective silica-polymer-based spray coating was developed to create a translucent, mechanically durable, chemically stable, healable and environmentally friendly superhydrophobic coating with UV resistance. The coating can be fabricated on soft substrates for water/oil separation.
Simple structured polyetheramines, Jeffamines, as efficient cathode interfacial layers for organic photovoltaics providing power conversion efficiencies up to 9.1%
Authors: Jiang Bing-Huang , Peng Ya-Juan , Chen Chih-Ping
Published: April 2017

The morphology and carrier transport of PTB7:PC71BM blend film were tailored through embedding the cathode modifying layer–Jeffamines. The Jeffamine D2000-derived inverted device displayed an enhanced PCE of 9.1% and a FF of 74.2%.
Surface hydroxyl groups regulate the osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells on titanium and tantalum metals
Authors: Yu Mengfei , Gong Jiaxing , Zhou Ying , Dong Lingqing , Lin Yihan , Ma Liang , Weng Wenjian , Cheng Kui , Wang Huiming
Published: April 2017

The comparative quantity of the distinct type of surface hydroxyl groups (bridging-OH and terminal-OH) plays the key role in cell–material interactions.
Synthesis and characterization of a novel indoline based nonlinear optical chromophore with excellent electro-optic activity and high thermal stability by modifying the π-conjugated bridges
Authors: Hu Chaolei , Chen Zhuo , Xiao Hongyan , Zhen Zhen , Liu Xinhou , Bo Shuhui
Published: April 2017

Electro-optic activity and thermal stability are increased a lot after modifying the π-conjugated bridges via introducing suitable isolation groups.
Gold mesoflowers with a high density of multilevel long sharp tips: synthesis and characterization
Authors: Tran Nhung Thi , Li Anran , Chen Peng , Wang Yi , Li Shuzhou , Liedberg Bo
Published: April 2017

A one-step, aqueous-based, and surfactant-free method to synthesize gold mesoflowers (AuMFs) with multilevel long sharp tips is reported.
Influence of electrode spacing and gas pressure on parameters of a runaway electron beam generating during the nanosecond breakdown in SF6 and nitrogen
Authors: Tarasenko Victor F. , Zhang Cheng , Kozyrev Andrey V. , Sorokin Dmitry A. , Hou Xingmin , Semeniuk Natalya S. , Burachenko Alexander G. , Yan Ping , Kozhevnikov Vasily Yu. , Baksht Evgenii Kh. , Lomaev Mikhail I. , Shao Tao
Published: April 2017

This study deals with experimental and theoretical simulation data showing the influence of electrode spacing and gas pressure on parameters of a supershort avalanche electron beam (SAEB) formed in SF6 and nitrogen at different rise times and amplitudes of a voltage pulse. Using GIN‐55‐01, VPG‐30‐200, and SLEP‐150M pulsers, tubular cathodes with a diameter of 6 mm, as well as gaps of 3, 5, and 8 mm, it was shown that the SAEB current amplitude can both increase and decrease depending on an electrode spacing, a waveform and a rise time of the voltage pulse, as well as the pressure of SF6 and nitrogen. It was established as a result of simulation that maximal voltage across the gap during the process of generation of runaway electrons and the thickness of an anode foil have a major effect on the SAEB current pulse amplitude.
Finite‐time exact tracking control for a class of non‐linear dynamical systems
Authors: Hussian Akbar , Zhao Xudong , Zong Guangdeng
Published: April 2017

In this study, a new distributed fast terminal sliding mode exactly tracking control method is proposed for a class of non‐integral cascade high‐order uncertain non‐linear systems. Based on the concept of hierarchical design, a series of decentralised sliding mode surfaces are first developed in the authors' design scheme. Every sliding mode surface is independent of each other, besides, on this designed sliding mode surface, finite‐time convergence characteristic can be guaranteed. By using backstepping technology and dynamic surface control method, a finite‐time exact tracking controller is finally developed. Based on Lyapunov stability theory, the stability of system has been theoretically proved, and in finite time, all the closed‐loop system signals ultimately converge to the origin. Simulation results verify the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
A Mild and Efficient Method for the Syntheses and Regioselective Ring-Opening of Aziridines
Authors: Ghosal Nirnita , Mahato Sachinta , Chatterjee Rana , Santra Sougata , Zyryanov Grigory , Majee Adinath
Published: April 2017

We have developed a new synthetic method for the synthesis of aziridines using Chloramine-T as an effective reagent in the presence of NH2OH·HCl and NaIO4. We found that the same combination of NH2OH·HCl and NaIO4 is also very effective for nucleophilic ring opening of aziridines.
Clinical Significance of Antinuclear and Antiextractable Nuclear Antigen Antibody in Childhood Immune Thrombocytopenia
Authors: Liu Qihui , Xu Hongzhen , Guan Xianmin , Shen Yali , Wen Xianhao , Guo Yuxia , Yu Jie , Su Yongchun
Published: April 2017

This study aims to determine the clinical significance of positive antinuclear/antiextractable nuclear antigen (ANA/A-ENA) antibody on manifestation and therapeutic response of childhood immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). Overall, 1,330 patients aged between 1 and 15.6 years diagnosed with primary ITP were retrospectively analyzed, excluding those with secondary ITP. Bleeding manifestations were recorded. All patients underwent autoantibody testing and follow-up for 32 months on average (range: 23–54 months). Steroid response was also assessed. Response rates were compared between ANA/A-ENA–positive and ANA/A-ENA–negative patients. Of all the patients enrolled, 84 tested positive only for ANA, 102 tested positive for A-ENA, 54 tested positive for both ANA and A-ENA, and 1,090 tested negative for both. Patients who were ANA/A-ENA positive were more likely to be female and older than 10 years. Patients who were A-ENA positive were more likely to have either persistent or chronic disease and suffer from life-threatening bleeding as well as poor short-term therapeutic response. We conclude that autoantibody testing is important to determine the short-term prognosis of ITP patients. Females, patients older than 10 years of age, and patients with either mixed positivity or A-ENA positivity should be more closely monitored.
Early Mitochondrial Adaptations in Skeletal Muscle to Obesity and Obesity Resistance Differentially Regulated by High-Fat Diet
Authors: Sun Jingyu , Huang Tao , Qi Zhengtang , You Songhui , Dong Jingmei , Zhang Chen , Qin Lili , Zhou Yunhe , Ding Shuzhe
Published: April 2017

The mechanism for different susceptibilities to obesity after short-term high-fat diet (HFD) feeding is largely unknown. Given the close association between obesity occurrence and mitochondrial dysfunction, the early events in skeletal muscle mitochondrial adaptations between HFD-induced obesity (DIO) and HFD-induced obesity resistant (DIO-R) lean phenotype under excess nutritional environment were explored.

ICR/JCL male mice were randomly divided into 2 groups, as follows: low-fat diet (LFD) and HFD groups. After 6 weeks on HFD, HFD-fed mice were classified as DIO or DIO-R according to their body weight gain. Serum parameters, oxidative stress biomarkers, the activation of AMPK/ACC axis, and the expression profiles of mitochondrial biogenesis were measured by using corresponding methods among the LFD control, DIO, and DIO-R groups.

Serum glucose, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, and high-density lipoprotein levels were significantly increased in DIO and DIO-R mice compared with LFD controls. However, DIO-R mice had significantly higher MDA levels and exhibited a significantly higher level of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) inactivation than DIO mice. Furthermore, the transcript and protein levels of transcriptional coactivator peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) coactivator 1α (PGC-1α) and estrogen-related receptor-α (ERRα) in DIO-R mice were significantly up-regulated compared with the DIO mice.

Although the body weight gain differed, the DIO and DIO-R mice had similar metabolic disturbance of glucose and lipids after short-term HFD consumption. The diverse alterations on fatty acid oxidation and mitochondrial biogenesis pathway induced by AMPK activation might be involved in different susceptibilities to obesity when consuming HFD.
Markers of Bone and Cartilage Turnover
Authors: Woitge Henning , Seibel Markus
Published: April 2017

Over the past few decades, scientists have been trying to identify tissue-specific markers that would help to better understand the pathogenesis of bone and cartilage diseases and could be used clinically for the screening, diagnosis and follow-up of bone or joint diseases. Historically, only a few components known to be involved in bone, mineral or cartilage turnover were available for this purpose (e. g., urine hydroxyproline, serum and urine calcium and phosphate levels). However, since most if not all of these substances have wider biological functions beyond bone, mineral and cartilage metabolism, their clinical value as tissue-specific markers was limited. Hence, there was a need to identify more specific indices of bone and cartilage metabolism. Since the 1980s, a number of collagenous and non-collagenous breakdown products as well as cell-specific enzymes have been discovered and developed into markers of musculoskeletal tissue metabolism. This review describes their chemical and biological function, available analytical methods and possible clinical applications.
Genetic Polymorphisms of Antioxidant and Antiglycation Enzymes and Diabetic Complications. How Much Can we Learn from the Genes?
Authors: Oikonomou Dimitrios , Groener Jan Benedikt , Cheko Ruan , Kender Zoltan , Kihm Lars , Fleming Thomas , Kopf Stefan , Nawroth Peter P
Published: April 2017

There is growing evidence that reactive metabolites, such as reactive oxygen species and dicarbonyls contribute to diabetic complications. Formation, accumulation, and detoxification of these metabolites are controlled by several enzymes, some of which have genetically determined levels of expression or function. This review not only gives an overview of the different SNPs studied in patients with diabetes mellitus type 1 and type 2, but in addition attempts to bridge the gap between a genetic study and clinical use. Therefore, not only the results of the studies are reviewed, but also their use in identification of subgroups where an increased or decreased risk for a diabetic complication is described, as well as their use in developing novel therapeutic options based on understanding the contribution of an enzyme to a given complication.
Decay instability of gravity-capillary waves on liquid hydrogen surfaces
Authors: Brazhnikov M. Yu. , Levchenko A. A. , Mezhov-Deglin L. P. , Remizov I. A.
Published: April 2017

Experiments on the decay instability of gravity-capillary waves excited by alternating electric fields with frequencies of 14–30 Hz on a charged liquid hydrogen surface in a rectangular cell are reported. An exponential increase in the amplitudes of the subharmonics caused by decay of the wave at the pump frequency is found. For the first time, the experimentally observed growth rate of the decay instability and damping coefficient for the surface waves in the rectangular cell yield an estimate of the coefficient for three-wave interactions of gravity-capillary waves in liquid hydrogen.
Vacancy-induced ferromagnetism in ZnO probed by spin-polarized positron annihilation spectroscopy
Authors: Maekawa Masaki , Abe Hiroshi , Miyashita Atsumi , Sakai Seiji , Yamamoto Shunya , Kawasuso Atsuo
Published: April 2017

We investigated the ferromagnetism of ZnO induced by oxygen implantation by using spin-polarized positron annihilation spectroscopy together with magnetization measurements. The magnetization measurements showed the appearance of ferromagnetism after oxygen implantation and its disappearance during post-implantation annealing at temperatures above 573 K. The Doppler broadening of annihilation radiation (DBAR) spectrum showed asymmetry upon field reversal after oxygen implantation. The obtained differential DBAR spectrum between positive and negative magnetic fields was well-explained with a theoretical calculation considering zinc vacancies. The disappearance of the field-reversal asymmetry of the DBAR spectrum as a result of annealing agreed with the observations of ferromagnetism by magnetization measurements. These results suggest the radiation-induced zinc vacancies to be the source of the observed ferromagnetism of ZnO.
Anomalous heat transfer in two polymorphs of para-bromobenzophenone
Authors: Romantsova O. O. , Horbatenko Yu. V. , Krivchikov A. I. , Korolyuk O. A. , Vdovichenko G. A. , Zloba D. I. , Pyshkin O. S.
Published: April 2017

The thermal conductivity of a polycrystalline sample of monoclinic polymorph of para-bromobenzophenone in the T = 3–320 K temperature range was measured using steady-state linear heat flow. The temperature dependences of thermal conductivity are presented as the sum of two independent contributions: a contribution that corresponds to the thermal conductivity of an orientationally ordered crystal structure, and a new additional thermally activated contribution that manifests itself above 130 K. A comparison is made with the data on the thermal conductivity of a single crystal triclinic polymorph of para-bromobenzophenone. It is established that the contribution corresponding to the thermal conductivity of the orientationally ordered crystal structure depends on the molecular crystal packing, and the characteristic activation energy of the thermal activation contribution, which is caused by the intramolecular vibrations of the C-Br bond, does not depend on the grain size or on the structure of the sample.
Photofragmentation dynamics and dissociation energies of MoO and CrO
Authors: Cooper Graham A. , Gentleman Alexander S. , Iskra Andreas , Mackenzie Stuart R.
Published: April 2017

Neutral metal-containing molecules and clusters present a particular challenge to velocity map imaging techniques. Common methods of choice for producing such species—such as laser ablation or magnetron sputtering—typically generate a wide variety of metal-containing species and, without the possibility of mass-selection, even determining the identity of the dissociating moiety can be challenging. In recent years, we have developed a velocity map imaging spectrometer equipped with a laser ablation source explicitly for studying neutral metal-containing species. Here, we report the results of velocity map imaging photofragmentation studies of MoO and CrO. In both cases, dissociation at the two- and three-photon level leads to fragmentation into a range of product channels, some of which can be confidently assigned to particular Mo* (Cr*) and O atom quantum states. Analysis of the kinetic energy release spectra as a function of photon energy allows precise determination of the ground state dissociation energies of MoO (=44 064 ± 133 cm−1) and CrO (=37 197 ± 78 cm−1), respectively.
Aerosol dynamics in a sputtering DC discharge
Authors: Michau A. , Arnas C. , Hassouni K.
Published: April 2017

An aerosol sectional model that describes the space-time evolution of the size distribution of carbon particles produced in a graphite cathode sputtering discharge is presented. The model includes the coupled phenomena of particle growth processes, due to coagulation and molecular surface deposition, particle nucleation as inferred from a molecular growth process, particle charging in the plasma, and particle drift-diffusion transport in the electrode gap. Comparison between simulation results and experiments showed that the model yields a satisfactory prediction of the particle cloud density and particle mean diameter in the electrode gap. It also yields a satisfactory prediction of the particle size distribution. The calculated size distribution shows two particle-populations: a first one with a very small size and just above the nucleus diameter and a second population, with a larger size, that determines the mean-diameter of the particle cloud. The sectional model also shows that simple aerosol models assuming single size particles significantly overestimate the particle density although it yields a satisfactory prediction for the particle size.
Rotation driven translational diffusion of polyatomic ions in water: A novel mechanism for breakdown of Stokes-Einstein relation
Authors: Banerjee Puja , Yashonath Subramanian , Bagchi Biman
Published: April 2017

While most of the existing theoretical and simulation studies have focused on simple, spherical, halide and alkali ions, many chemically, biologically, and industrially relevant electrolytes involve complex non-spherical polyatomic ions like nitrate, chlorate, and sulfate to name only a few. Interestingly, some polyatomic ions in spite of being larger in size show anomalously high diffusivity and therefore cause a breakdown of the venerable Stokes-Einstein (S-E) relation between the size and diffusivity. Here we report a detailed analysis of the dynamics of anions in aqueous potassium nitrate (KNO3) and aqueous potassium acetate (CH3COOK) solutions. The two ions, nitrate (NO3−) and acetate (CH3CO2−), with their similar size show a large difference in diffusivity values. We present evidence that the translational motion of these polyatomic ions is coupled to the rotational motion of the ion. We show that unlike the acetate ion, nitrate ion with a symmetric charge distribution among all periphery oxygen atoms shows a faster rotational motion with large amplitude rotational jumps which enhances its translational motion due to translational-rotational coupling. By creating a family of modified-charge model systems, we have analysed the rotational motion of asymmetric polyatomic ions and the contribution of it to the translational motion. These model systems help clarifying and establishing the relative contribution of rotational motion in enhancing the diffusivity of the nitrate ion over the value predicted by the S-E relation and also over the other polyatomic ions having asymmetric charge distribution like the acetate ion. In the latter case, reduced rotational motion results in lower diffusivity values than those with symmetric charge distribution. We propose translational-rotational coupling as a general mechanism of the breakdown of the S-E relation in the case of polyatomic ions.
Nonlinear Marangoni waves in a two-layer film with reflecting lateral boundaries
Authors: Nepomnyashchy Alexander A. , Simanovskii Ilya B.
Published: April 2017

Longwave Marangoni convection in a two-layer film of a finite lateral extent is considered. The analysis is carried out in the lubrication approximation. Numerical simulations are performed in the case of oscillatory instability, which takes place by heating from above. Reflecting conditions are applied on the boundaries of the computational region. A sequence of nonlinear wave regimes, which develop by the increase of the Marangoni number, is studied. The multistability of wave patterns has been revealed.
A double vacuum window mechanism for space-borne applications
Authors: Zilic K. , Aboobaker A. , Aubin F. , Geach C. , Hanany S. , Jarosik N. , Milligan M. , Sagiv I.
Published: April 2017

We present a vacuum window mechanism that is useful for applications requiring two different vacuum windows in series, with one of them movable and resealable. Such applications include space borne instruments that can benefit from a thin vacuum window at low ambient pressures but must also have an optically open aperture at atmospheric pressures. We describe the implementation and successful operation with the E and B experiment balloon-borne payload, a millimeter-wave instrument designed to measure the polarization of the cosmic microwave background radiation.
Light-responsive expansion-contraction of spherical nanoparticle grafted with azopolymers
Authors: Fu Jie , Zhang Xinghua , Miao Bing , Yan Dadong
Published: April 2017

Due to the very importance for both fundamental research and technological applications, smart materials with stimuli-responsive properties have been studied intensively. Theoretical investigation contributes to this endeavor through constructing and analyzing a model system which captures main features of the corresponding complex material, wherefrom useful insight can be provided to the trial-and-error experiments. We here report a theoretical study on the smart spherical nanoparticle grafted with light-responsive azobenzene-containing polymers. Utilizing the photoisomerization ability of the azobenzene group, nanoparticles can undergo a light-induced expansion-contraction transition. The wormlike chain based single chain in mean field theory, which has been developed by us recently, is used to investigate this transition in detail. Exploring a large parameter space, our results definitely determine the parameters, including the chain length and effective Kuhn length of grafted chain, nanoparticle radius, grafting density, and position of the azobenzene group along the chain contour, to admit optimum light-responsive behavior of the smart nanoparticle, which provides a guide for experimentalists to design this type of material in a rational manner.
Electromagnetic fluctuations in the intermediate frequency range originating from a plasma boundary layer
Authors: Enloe C. L. , Tejero E. M. , Crabtree C. , Ganguli G. , Amatucci W. E.
Published: April 2017

We demonstrate the transition in the waves generated by the electron-ion hybrid instability from a predominantly electrostatic to a predominantly electromagnetic character in a magnetized cylindrical laboratory plasma, in which we have induced sheared electron flow, transverse to the axial magnetic field and localized to a narrow azimuthal region. The transition occurs when the density of the plasma is increased, so that the electron skin depth is reduced to the same order as the wavelength of the waves. In the electromagnetic mode, we observe prominent bursts in the wave activity exhibiting substantial (up to 30%) frequency chirp, randomly occurring at a rate that is highly sensitive to the electric field structure in the boundary layer.
Modification of the luminescent characteristics belonging to the molecule that interacts with the exciton states of the J-aggregate
Authors: Ropakova I. Yu. , Sorokin A. V. , Zvyagin A. A. , Malyukin Yu. V.
Published: April 2017

A quantum theory for the light absorption and photoluminescence of a molecule (luminophore) interacting with a J-aggregate linear molecular chain is constructed. It is shown that together with the band states of Frenkel excitons in the molecular chain the contribution to light absorption and luminescence comes from local levels that split off from the exciton band as a result of the interaction between the molecular chain and the luminophore. It is also demonstrated that the contribution to light absorption and photoluminescence from local levels is non-linearly dependent on the coupling parameter between the luminophore and the J-aggregate molecular chain.
Enhanced transport properties in InAlGaN/AlN/GaN heterostructures on Si (111) substrates: The role of interface quality
Authors: Zhang Jie , Yang Xuelin , Cheng Jianpeng , Feng Yuxia , Ji Panfeng , Hu Anqi , Xu Fujun , Tang Ning , Wang Xinqiang , Shen Bo
Published: April 2017

We have investigated the structural and transport properties of InAlGaN/AlN/GaN heterostructures grown on Si substrates. By depositing the AlN spacer layer at a low temperature after the growth interruption, the surface morphology and interface quality have been significantly improved. Electron mobilities of 1620 cm2/Vs at room temperature and 8260 cm2/Vs at 77 K are achieved while delivering a high electron sheet density of about 2.0 × 1013 cm−2, resulting in an extremely low sheet resistance of 186 Ω/□ at room temperature and 37 Ω/□ at 77 K. The experimental results evidence that it is the high interface quality that contributes to the improvement of electron transport properties. Our results provide an effective approach to obtain high quality InAlGaN/GaN heterostructures.
Selective area deposited n-Al0.5Ga0.5N channel field effect transistors with high solar-blind ultraviolet photo-responsivity
Authors: Muhtadi S. , Hwang S. , Coleman A. , Asif F. , Lunev A. , Chandrashekhar M. V. S. , Khan A.
Published: April 2017

We report on AlGaN field effect transistors over AlN/sapphire templates with selective area grown n-Al0.5Ga0.5N channel layers for which a field-effect mobility of 55 cm2/V-sec was measured. Using a pulsed plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition deposited 100 A thick SiO2 layer as the gate-insulator, the gate-leakage currents were reduced by three orders of magnitude. These devices with or without gate insulators are excellent solar-blind ultraviolet detectors, and they can be operated either in the photoconductive or the photo-voltaic modes. In the photo-conductive mode, gain arising from hole-trapping in the depletion region leads to steady-state photoresponsivity as high as 1.2 × 106A/W at 254 nm, which drops sharply below 290 nm. A hole-trapping limited detector response time of 34 ms, fast enough for real-time flame-detection and imaging applications, was estimated.
Stability of semiconducting transition metal dichalcogenides irradiated by soft X-rays and low energy electrons
Authors: Walker Roger C. , Bhimanapati Ganesh R. , Shi Tan , Zhang Kehao , Eichfeld Sarah M. , Jovanovic Igor , Robinson Joshua A.
Published: April 2017

Semiconducting two-dimensional materials (2DMs) such as molybdenum disulfide and tungsten diselenide have attracted significant attention due to their unique electronic properties. Understanding their nanoscale radiation tolerance is needed for developing radiation-hardened nanoelectronics. Here, we report that the XPS environment of soft X-ray (E = 1.486 keV) exposure in a vacuum combined with a low energy electron flood gun leads to charge accumulation in the 2D layers over time, with little impact on layer chemistry. Additionally, the charging that induced the 2DM/substrate heterostructure depends more on the growth technique, the size of as-grown domains, and the surface coverage of the 2DM than the conductivity of the substrate. Charging is minimized for the combination of a continuous 2DM film and strong coupling between the 2DM and the substrate.
High-resolution characterization of multiferroic heterojunction using aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy
Authors: Yuan Zhoushen , Ruan Jieji , Xie Lin , Pan Xiaoqing , Wu Di , Wang Peng
Published: April 2017

Multiferroic tunnel junctions have been considered as potential candidates for nonvolatile memory devices. Understanding the atomic structure at the interface is crucial for optimizing the performances in such oxide electronics. Spatially resolved electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) combined with aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy is employed to measure the compositional profiles across the interfaces of different layers with atomic resolution. Two-dimensional elemental imaging with atomic resolution is demonstrated, and the influences of the interface sharpness, the terminal layer, and cation intermixing are investigated. An asymmetric sublattice intermixing at the Pr0.8Ca0.2MnO3/BaTiO3/La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 interface is observed, which can affect the local Mn valence and coupling. The reduction in the Mn valence at the interface is further studied using EELS near-edge fine structures.
Reinstatement of Varanus douarrha Lesson, 1830 as a valid species with comments on the zoogeography of monitor lizards (Squamata : Varanidae) in the Bismarck Archipelago, Papua New Guinea
Authors: Weijola Valter , Kraus Fred , Vahtera Varpu , Lindqvist Christer , Donnellan Stephen C.
Published: April 2017

The distribution and taxonomy of varanid lizards occurring in the Bismarck Archipelago is revised on the basis of field surveys, examination of museum vouchers and molecular phylogenetic analyses. A total of four species is recorded: Varanus indicus and Varanus finschi on New Britain and some of its offshore islands, Varanus douarrha on New Ireland, Lavongai and Djaul, and Varanus semotus on Mussau Island. V. douarrha, previously mistaken for both V. indicus and V. finschi, is shown to be the only species represented on New Ireland and is here resurrected as a valid taxon based on an integrated approach combining morphological and molecular evidence. Phylogenetic analyses of two mitochondrial genes suggest that V. indicus is a relatively recent immigrant to the Bismarck Islands, whereas V. douarrha, V. finschi and V. semotus have significantly longer histories in the island group. Together with the recently described V. semotus the revalidation of V. douarrha doubles the number of species known to occur in the Bismarck region and highlights an important component of both local and regional endemism.
csiLSFM combines light-sheet fluorescence microscopy and coherent structured illumination for a lateral resolution below 100 nm
Authors: Chang Bo-Jui , Perez Meza Victor Didier , Stelzer Ernst H. K.
Published: April 2017

Significance

Structured illumination microscopy (SIM) is a superresolution technique that illuminates the specimen with a sine-modulated pattern. The frequency of the illumination pattern, i.e., the inverse of the resolution, is limited by the angular aperture of the objective lens. SIM in combination with light-sheet-based fluorescence microscopy (csiLSFM) uses a pair of illumination objective lenses to form two counterpropagating light sheets that interfere in the fluorescent specimen at an angle π. The frequency of the illumination pattern becomes the physical limit of a linear interference pattern. Whereas SIM is restricted to flat specimens and surfaces, csiLSFM operates deep inside three-dimensional specimens. Our implementation is able to generate different spatial frequencies and thus sample the frequency space intelligently.
Endocannabinoid system acts as a regulator of immune homeostasis in the gut
Authors: Acharya Nandini , Penukonda Sasi , Shcheglova Tatiana , Hagymasi Adam T. , Basu Sreyashi , Srivastava Pramod K.
Published: April 2017

Significance

Exogenous cannabinoids such as marijuana exert their influence through cannabinoid receptors. Endogenous cannabinoids such as anandamide (AEA) function through the same receptors, and their physiological roles are a subject of intense study. Here, we show that AEA plays a pivotal role in maintaining immunological health in the gut. The immune system in the gut actively tolerates the foreign antigens present in the gut through mechanisms that are only partially understood. We show that AEA contributes to this critical process by promoting the presence of CX3CR1
hi
macrophages, which are immunosuppressive. These results uncover a major conversation between the immune and nervous systems. In addition, with the increasing prevalence of ingestion of exogenous marijuana, our study has significant implications for public health.
Cas1 and the Csy complex are opposing regulators of Cas2/3 nuclease activity
Authors: Rollins MaryClare F. , Chowdhury Saikat , Carter Joshua , Golden Sarah M. , Wilkinson Royce A. , Bondy-Denomy Joseph , Lander Gabriel C. , Wiedenheft Blake
Published: April 2017

Significance

Prokaryotes have adaptive immune systems that rely on CRISPRs (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) and diverse CRISPR-associated (
cas
) genes. Cas1 and Cas2 are conserved components of CRISPR systems that are essential for integrating fragments of foreign DNA into CRISPR loci. In type I-F immune systems, the Cas2 adaptation protein is fused to the Cas3 interference protein. Here we show that the Cas2/3 fusion protein from
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
stably associates with the Cas1 adaptation protein, forming a 375-kDa propeller-shaped Cas1–2/3 complex. We show that Cas1, in addition to being an essential adaptation protein, also functions as a repressor of Cas2/3 nuclease activity and that foreign DNA binding by the CRISPR RNA-guided surveillance complex activates the Cas2/3 nuclease.
Reading a 400,000-year record of earthquake frequency for an intraplate fault
Authors: Williams Randolph T. , Goodwin Laurel B. , Sharp Warren D. , Mozley Peter S.
Published: April 2017

Significance

U-Th dating of coseismic calcite veins in the Loma Blanca fault, New Mexico, quantifies an earthquake history spanning more than 400,000 years, the longest paleoseismic record ever documented for any fault. Data show that earthquakes on the Loma Blanca fault generally occurred at regular intervals, rather than aperiodically as previously hypothesized for faults in similar tectonic environments. However, periodic earthquake slip was interrupted by a relatively brief interval of increased earthquake frequency. Stable isotope data indicative of rapid CO2degassing suggest this interval was associated with elevated pore-fluid pressure. The Loma Blanca fault thus provides a record of “naturally induced” seismicity during which fault-valve behavior is inferred to have reduced earthquake recurrence intervals.
Quantifying the influence of global warming on unprecedented extreme climate events
Authors: Diffenbaugh Noah S. , Singh Deepti , Mankin Justin S. , Horton Daniel E. , Swain Daniel L. , Touma Danielle , Charland Allison , Liu Yunjie , Haugen Matz , Tsiang Michael , Rajaratnam Bala
Published: April 2017

Significance

Extreme climate events have increased in many regions. Efforts to test the influence of global warming on individual events have also increased, raising the possibility of operational, real-time, single-event attribution. We apply four attribution metrics to four climate variables at each available point on a global grid. We find that historical global warming has increased the severity and probability of the hottest monthly and daily events at more than 80% of the observed area and has increased the probability of the driest and wettest events at approximately half of the observed area. Our results suggest that scientifically durable operational attribution is possible but they also highlight the importance of carefully diagnosing and testing the physical causes of individual events.
NIP1;2 is a plasma membrane-localized transporter mediating aluminum uptake, translocation, and tolerance inArabidopsis
Authors: Wang Yuqi , Li Ruihong , Li Demou , Jia Xiaomin , Zhou Dangwei , Li Jianyong , Lyi Sangbom M. , Hou Siyu , Huang Yulan , Kochian Leon V. , Liu Jiping
Published: April 2017

Significance

Aluminum (Al) toxicity is a major constraint for crops grown on acid soils. Various plant species have adopted an Al exclusion/avoidance mechanism and/or internal tolerance mechanisms to ameliorate Al toxicity. InArabidopsis, the root organic acid exudation-based Al exclusion mechanism has been well characterized; however, no evidence for an internal Al tolerance mechanism has been reported. Here we identify NIP1;2 as an Al-malate transporter involved in Al removal from root cell walls and root-to-shoot Al translocation. We report that the NIP1;2-mediated Al-malate transport is dependent on Al-activated root malate efflux mediated by ALMT1 inArabidopsis. Taken together, our findings demonstrate the importance of the coordination between Al exclusion and internal Al detoxification mechanisms in Al tolerance inArabidopsis.
Mutant p53 perturbs DNA replication checkpoint control through TopBP1 and Treslin
Authors: Liu Kang , Lin Fang-Tsyr , Graves Joshua D. , Lee Yu-Ju , Lin Weei-Chin
Published: April 2017

Significance

Mutant form of p53 (mutp53) proteins are expressed at high levels in many human cancers and can promote tumor cell growth. However, their mechanisms of action have not been fully understood. Elucidation of the mechanisms may identify new therapeutic strategies for treating many cancers that contain mutp53s. We describe a role for several hotspot mutp53s in reducing the checkpoint response to replication stress through interacting with TopBP1. This finding provides a rationale for a synthetic lethality strategy to treat mutp53-harboring cancer cells with inhibitors of another ATR activator, DNA2. We also find that certain mutp53s directly promote DNA replication by bridging the interaction between TopBP1 and Treslin. These results uncover mechanisms by which mutp53 enhances DNA replication.
Mathematical model of chronic pancreatitis
Authors: Hao Wenrui , Komar Hannah M. , Hart Phil A. , Conwell Darwin L. , Lesinski Gregory B. , Friedman Avner
Published: April 2017

Significance

Chronic pancreatitis is a progressive inflammatory disease that inflicts hundreds of thousands of people annually in the United State alone, and it has no effective treatment. In the present paper we develop a mathematical model of the progression of the disease and use the model to evaluate the effect of two potential drugs, anti-TNF-

α

and anti-IL-6. The model is represented by a system of partial differential equations with carefully estimated parameters. The simulation of the model shows that both drugs can reduce significantly the progressive fibrosis of the pancreas. The model has the potential to generate an interesting clinically testable hypothesis.
Endocrine network essential for reproductive success in
Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Meiselman Matthew , Lee Sang Soo , Tran Raymond-Tan , Dai Hongjiu , Ding Yike , Rivera-Perez Crisalejandra , Wijesekera Thilini P. , Dauwalder Brigitte , Noriega Fernando Gabriel , Adams Michael E.
Published: April 2017

Significance

Endocrine networks are the foundation of estrous cycles in most vertebrates. However, hormones regulating reproduction in invertebrates often are examined in isolation rather than as part of an emergent endocrine context. Here we show that a highly conserved endocrine network consisting of ecdysone, ecdysis triggering hormone, and juvenile hormone interact in
Drosophila melanogaster
to promote reproductive success. These findings provide a foundation for future studies on the endocrine regulation of reproduction in invertebrates.
Gestational bisphenol-A exposure lowers the threshold for autoimmunity in a model of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Rogers James A. , Mishra Manoj K. , Hahn Jennifer , Greene Catherine J. , Yates Robin M. , Metz Luanne M. , Yong V. Wee
Published: April 2017

Significance

Gestational bisphenol-A exposure increases susceptibility to autoimmunity in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis; the disease manifested in adult male, but not female, mice when a suboptimal insult was applied. Bisphenol-A may be an environmental factor encountered during embryonic life that changes the immune system, leading to a lowered threshold for development of multiple sclerosis in later life.
Semibatch monomer addition as a general method to tune and enhance the mechanics of polymer networks via loop-defect control
Authors: Gu Yuwei , Kawamoto Ken , Zhong Mingjiang , Chen Mao , Hore Michael J. A. , Jordan Alex M. , Korley LaShanda T. J. , Olsen Bradley D. , Johnson Jeremiah A.
Published: April 2017

Significance

We demonstrate that slow monomer addition during step-growth polymer network formation changes the fraction of loop defects within the network, thus providing materials with tunable and significantly improved mechanical properties. This phenomenon is general to a range of network-forming reactions and offers a powerful method for tuning the mechanics of materials without changing their composition.
Microglial NFκB-TNFα hyperactivation induces obsessive–compulsive behavior in mouse models of progranulin-deficient frontotemporal dementia
Authors: Krabbe Grietje , Minami S. Sakura , Etchegaray Jon I. , Taneja Praveen , Djukic Biljana , Davalos Dimitrios , Le David , Lo Iris , Zhan Lihong , Reichert Meredith C. , Sayed Faten , Merlini Mario , Ward Michael E. , Perry David C. , Lee Suzee E. , Sias Ana , Parkhurst Christopher N. , Gan Wen-biao , Akassoglou Katerina , Miller Bruce L. , Farese Robert V. , Gan Li
Published: April 2017

Significance

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a disease characterized by degeneration of the frontal and/or temporal lobes of the brain. Symptoms of FTD include changes in personality, such as loss of social awareness and impulse control. A significant portion of inherited FTD cases are due to mutations in progranulin (PGRN). These mutations lead to a decrease in the production of PGRN. How lower levels of PGRN lead to FTD is unknown. Here, we show that humans carrying PGRN mutations and mice lacking PGRN display obsessive–compulsive disorders (OCDs). In mice, OCD behavior results partially from elevated levels of the cytokine TNFα and aberrant activation of immune cells of the brain known as microglia. Our findings provide evidence that targeting innate immune pathways could be a new therapeutic strategy to treat FTD.
Estrogen receptor β, a regulator of androgen receptor signaling in the mouse ventral prostate
Authors: Wu Wan-fu , Maneix Laure , Insunza Jose , Nalvarte Ivan , Antonson Per , Kere Juha , Yu Nancy Yiu-Lin , Tohonen Virpi , Katayama Shintaro , Einarsdottir Elisabet , Krjutskov Kaarel , Dai Yu-bing , Huang Bo , Su Wen , Warner Margaret , Gustafsson Jan-Åke
Published: April 2017

Significance

Prostate cancer is an androgen receptor (AR)-dependent disease. Goals in treatment of prostate cancer include keeping low Gleason grades low and preventing development of the lethal disease castration-resistant metastatic prostate cancer. The present study revealed that ERβ modulates AR signaling by repressing AR driver RORc and increasing AR corepressor DACH1/2. Loss of ERβ resulted in up-regulation of genes whose expression is associated with poor prognosis in prostate cancer accompanied by down-regulation of tumor-suppressive or tumor-preventive genes. Treatment of mice with an ERβ agonist resulted in the nuclear import of PTEN and repression of AR signaling. ERβ may be a promising target for treating early stage prostate cancer to prevent cancer progression.
Structure of Myo7b/USH1C complex suggests a general PDZ domain binding mode by MyTH4-FERM myosins
Authors: Li Jianchao , He Yunyun , Weck Meredith L. , Lu Qing , Tyska Matthew J. , Zhang Mingjie
Published: April 2017

Significance

MyTH4-FERM myosins (Myo7a, Myo7b, and Myo15a) regulate actin-bundle protrusion structures in various tissues, including brush border microvilli of intestines and stereocilia of inner ear hair cells. Mutations of the cargo binding MyTH4-FERM tandems of these myosins are frequently associated with human diseases, including hearing loss, vision defects, and digestive disorders, but with poorly understood mechanisms. In this work, we present the high-resolution crystal structure of Myo7b C-terminal MyTH4-FERM tandem (CMF) in complex with the USH1C PDZ3 domain. The structure, together with biochemical studies, indicates that binding to PDZ domain scaffold proteins is a general property of these myosins. The complex structure reported here also helps to explain why numerous mutations identified in Myo7a CMF can cause deafness and blindness in humans.
Morphotype of bacteroids in different legumes correlates with the number and type of symbiotic NCR peptides
Authors: Montiel Jesús , Downie J. Allan , Farkas Attila , Bihari Péter , Herczeg Róbert , Bálint Balázs , Mergaert Peter , Kereszt Attila , Kondorosi Éva
Published: April 2017

Significance

The mutualistic association between legumes and rhizobia has ecological and agronomical relevance because of its contribution to the global nitrogen cycle by biological nitrogen fixation. Legumes from the Inverted Repeat Lacking Clade (IRLC) impose irreversible differentiation to their endosymbionts through nodule-specific cysteine-rich (NCR) peptides. This study indicates that NCR gene families evolved via different pathways in IRLC species, in which their size and composition directly impacted the morphotype of their bacterial partners. The positive correlation between the diversity of NCRs with their physiological effects on bacteria provides a better understanding of the multiple roles played by this large family in nodule functioning.
‘I’m a Scouser’
Authors: Fitzgerald Richard , Thornborrow Joanna
Published: April 2017

Despite the emergence of newer forms of web-based political engagement, radio phone-ins continue to have a significant role in the enactment of the democratic process, providing a live forum for direct encounters between members of the public and politicians, beyond the professional forms of mediated encounters between studio journalists and politicians. In this paper, drawing on data from the BBC’s 2015 phone-in Election Call, we use Membership Categorisation Analysis to examine the ways in which political engagement is configured within this forum in the run up to the UK General Election in 2015. In particular, we examine how callers and politicians engage in live political debate through transforming personal experiences into politicised social categories. What emerges most significantly here is that, whereas in previous Election Call series participants configured political categories through personal social identities, in 2015 there is a particular emphasis on callers’ geographical locations as political categories.
Oncogenic β-catenin and PIK3CA instruct network states and cancer phenotypes in intestinal organoids
Authors: Riemer Pamela , Rydenfelt Mattias , Marks Matthias , van Eunen Karen , Thedieck Kathrin , Herrmann Bernhard G. , Blüthgen Nils , Sers Christine , Morkel Markus
Published: April 2017

Colorectal cancer is driven by cooperating oncogenic mutations. In this study, we use organotypic cultures derived from transgenic mice inducibly expressing oncogenic β-catenin and/or PIK3CAH1047R to follow sequential changes in cancer-related signaling networks, intestinal cell metabolism, and physiology in a three-dimensional environment mimicking tissue architecture. Activation of β-catenin alone results in the formation of highly clonogenic cells that are nonmotile and prone to undergo apoptosis. In contrast, coexpression of stabilized β-catenin and PIK3CAH1047R gives rise to intestinal cells that are apoptosis-resistant, proliferative, stem cell–like, and motile. Systematic inhibitor treatments of organoids followed by quantitative phenotyping and phosphoprotein analyses uncover key changes in the signaling network topology of intestinal cells after induction of stabilized β-catenin and PIK3CAH1047R. We find that survival and motility of organoid cells are associated with 4EBP1 and AKT phosphorylation, respectively. Our work defines phenotypes, signaling network states, and vulnerabilities of transgenic intestinal organoids as a novel approach to understanding oncogene activities and guiding the development of targeted therapies.
TANGO1 recruits Sec16 to coordinately organize ER exit sites for efficient secretion
Authors: Maeda Miharu , Katada Toshiaki , Saito Kota
Published: April 2017

Mammalian endoplasmic reticulum (ER) exit sites export a variety of cargo molecules including oversized cargoes such as collagens. However, the mechanisms of their assembly and organization are not fully understood. TANGO1L is characterized as a collagen receptor, but the function of TANGO1S remains to be investigated. Here, we show that direct interaction between both isoforms of TANGO1 and Sec16 is not only important for their correct localization but also critical for the organization of ER exit sites. The depletion of TANGO1 disassembles COPII components as well as membrane-bound ER-resident complexes, resulting in fewer functional ER exit sites and delayed secretion. The ectopically expressed TANGO1 C-terminal domain responsible for Sec16 binding in mitochondria is capable of recruiting Sec16 and other COPII components. Moreover, TANGO1 recruits membrane-bound macromolecular complexes consisting of cTAGE5 and Sec12 to the ER exit sites. These data suggest that mammalian ER exit sites are organized by TANGO1 acting as a scaffold, in cooperation with Sec16 for efficient secretion.