bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Synergy of Double Cross-linking Agents on the Properties of Styrene Butadiene Rubber Foams
Authors: Shao Liang , Ji Zhan-You , Ma Jian-Zhong , Xue Chao-Hua , Ma Zhong-Lei , Zhang Jing
Published: November 2016

Sulfur (S) cross-linking styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) foams show high shrinkage due to the cure reversion, leading to reduced yield and increased processing cost. In this paper, double cross-linking system by S and dicumyl peroxide (DCP) was used to decrease the shrinkage of SBR foams. Most importantly, the synergy of double cross-linking agents was reported for the first time to our knowledge. The cell size and its distribution of SBR foams were investigated by FESEM images, which show the effect of DCP content on the cell structure of the SBR foams. The relationships between shrinkage and crystalline of SBR foams were analyzed by the synergy of double cross-linking agents, which were demonstrated by FTIR, Raman spectra, XRD, DSC and TGA. When the DCP content was 0.6 phr, the SBR foams exhibit excellent physical and mechanical properties such as low density (0.223 g/cm3), reduced shrinkage (2.25%) and compression set (10.96%), as well as elevated elongation at break (1.78 × 103%) and tear strength (54.63 N/mm). The results show that these properties are related to the double cross-linking system of SBR foams. Moreover, the double cross-linking SBR foams present high electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding properties compared with the S cross-linking SBR foams.
Radiocarbon Releases from the 2011 Fukushima Nuclear Accident
Authors: Xu Sheng , Cook Gordon T. , Cresswell Alan J. , Dunbar Elaine , Freeman Stewart P. H. T. , Hou Xiaolin , Jacobsson Piotr , Kinch Helen R. , Naysmith Philip , Sanderson David C. W. , Tripney Brian G.
Published: November 2016

Radiocarbon activities were measured in annual tree rings for the years 2009 to 2015 from Japanese cedar trees (Cryptomeria japonica) collected at six sites ranging from 2.5–38 km northwest and north of the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant. The 14C specific activity varied from 280.4 Bq kg−1 C in 2010 to 226.0 Bq kg−1 C in 2015. The elevated 14C activities in the 2009 and 2010 rings confirmed 14C discharges during routine reactor operations, whereas those activities that were indistinguishable from background in 2012–2015 coincided with the permanent shutdown of the reactors after the accident in 2011. High-resolution 14C analysis of the 2011 ring indicated 14C releases during the Fukushima accident. The resulted 14C activity decreased with increasing distance from the plant. The maximum 14C activity released during the period of the accident was measured 42.4 Bq kg−1 C above the natural ambient 14C background. Our findings indicate that, unlike other Fukushima-derived radionuclides, the 14C released during the accident is indistinguishable from ambient background beyond the local environment (~30 km from the plant). Furthermore, the resulting dose to the local population from the excess 14C activities is negligible compared to the dose from natural/nuclear weapons sources.
Importance of sampling frequency when collecting diatoms
Authors: Wu Naicheng , Faber Claas , Sun Xiuming , Qu Yueming , Wang Chao , Ivetic Snjezana , Riis Tenna , Ulrich Uta , Fohrer Nicola
Published: November 2016

There has been increasing interest in diatom-based bio-assessment but we still lack a comprehensive understanding of how to capture diatoms’ temporal dynamics with an appropriate sampling frequency (ASF). To cover this research gap, we collected and analyzed daily riverine diatom samples over a 1-year period (25 April 2013–30 April 2014) at the outlet of a German lowland river. The samples were classified into five clusters (1–5) by a Kohonen Self-Organizing Map (SOM) method based on similarity between species compositions over time. ASFs were determined to be 25 days at Cluster 2 (June-July 2013) and 13 days at Cluster 5 (February-April 2014), whereas no specific ASFs were found at Cluster 1 (April-May 2013), 3 (August-November 2013) (>30 days) and Cluster 4 (December 2013 - January 2014) (<1 day). ASFs showed dramatic seasonality and were negatively related to hydrological wetness conditions, suggesting that sampling interval should be reduced with increasing catchment wetness. A key implication of our findings for freshwater management is that long-term bio-monitoring protocols should be developed with the knowledge of tracking algal temporal dynamics with an appropriate sampling frequency.
Activating Transcription Factor 4 (ATF4) modulates Rho GTPase levels and function via regulation of RhoGDIα
Authors: Pasini Silvia , Liu Jin , Corona Carlo , Peze-Heidsieck Eugenie , Shelanski Michael , Greene Lloyd A.
Published: November 2016

In earlier studies, we showed that ATF4 down-regulation affects post-synaptic development and dendritic spine morphology in neurons through increased turnover of the Rho GTPase Cell Division Cycle 42 (Cdc42) protein. Here, we find that ATF4 down-regulation in both hippocampal and cortical neuron cultures reduces protein and message levels of RhoGDIα, a stabilizer of the Rho GTPases including Cdc42. This effect is rescued by an shATF4-resistant active form of ATF4, but not by a mutant that lacks transcriptional activity. This is, at least in part, due to the fact that Arhgdia, the gene encoding RhoGDIα, is a direct transcriptional target of ATF4 as is shown in ChIP assays. This pathway is not restricted to neurons. This is seen in an impairment of cell migration on ATF4 reduction in non-neuronal cells. In conclusion, we have identified a new cellular pathway in which ATF4 regulates the expression of RhoGDIα that in turn affects Rho GTPase protein levels, and thereby, controls cellular functions as diverse as memory and cell motility.
Reversible voltage dependent transition of abnormal and normal bipolar resistive switching
Authors: Wang Guangyu , Li Chen , Chen Yan , Xia Yidong , Wu Di , Xu Qingyu
Published: November 2016

Clear understanding the mechanism of resistive switching is the important prerequisite for the realization of high performance nonvolatile resistive random access memory. In this paper, binary metal oxide MoOx layer sandwiched by ITO and Pt electrodes was taken as a model system, reversible transition of abnormal and normal bipolar resistive switching (BRS) in dependence on the maximum voltage was observed. At room temperature, below a critical maximum voltage of 2.6 V, butterfly shaped I-V curves of abnormal BRS has been observed with low resistance state (LRS) to high resistance state (HRS) transition in both polarities and always LRS at zero field. Above 2.6 V, normal BRS was observed, and HRS to LRS transition happened with increasing negative voltage applied. Temperature dependent I-V measurements showed that the critical maximum voltage increased with decreasing temperature, suggesting the thermal activated motion of oxygen vacancies. Abnormal BRS has been explained by the partial compensation of electric field from the induced dipoles opposite to the applied voltage, which has been demonstrated by the clear amplitude-voltage and phase-voltage hysteresis loops observed by piezoelectric force microscopy. The normal BRS was due to the barrier modification at Pt/MoOx interface by the accumulation and depletion of oxygen vacancies.
Systems pharmacology exploration of botanic drug pairs reveals the mechanism for treating different diseases
Authors: Zhou Wei , Wang Jinan , Wu Ziyin , Huang Chao , Lu Aiping , Wang Yonghua
Published: November 2016

Multi-herb therapy has been widely used in Traditional Chinese medicine and tailored to meet the specific needs of each individual. However, the potential molecular or systems mechanisms of them to treat various diseases have not been fully elucidated. To address this question, a systems pharmacology approach, integrating pharmacokinetics, pharmacology and systems biology, is used to comprehensively identify the drug-target and drug-disease networks, exemplified by three representative Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae herb pairs for treating various diseases (coronary heart disease, dysmenorrheal and nephrotic syndrome). First, the compounds evaluation and the multiple targeting technology screen the active ingredients and identify the specific targets for each herb of three pairs. Second, the herb feature mapping reveals the differences in chemistry and pharmacological synergy between pairs. Third, the constructed compound-target-disease network explains the mechanisms of treatment for various diseases from a systematic level. Finally, experimental verification is taken to confirm our strategy. Our work provides an integrated strategy for revealing the mechanism of synergistic herb pairs, and also a rational way for developing novel drug combinations for treatments of complex diseases.
Auditory attentional selection is biased by reward cues
Authors: Asutay Erkin , Västfjäll Daniel
Published: November 2016

Auditory attention theories suggest that humans are able to decompose the complex acoustic input into separate auditory streams, which then compete for attentional resources. How this attentional competition is influenced by motivational salience of sounds is, however, not well-understood. Here, we investigated whether a positive motivational value associated with sounds could bias the attentional selection in an auditory detection task. Participants went through a reward-learning period, where correct attentional selection of one stimulus (CS+) lead to higher rewards compared to another stimulus (CS−). We assessed the impact of reward-learning by comparing perceptual sensitivity before and after the learning period, when CS+ and CS− were presented as distractors for a different target. Performance decreased after reward-learning when CS+ was a distractor, while it increased when CS− was a distractor. Thus, the findings show that sounds that were associated with high rewards captures attention involuntarily. Additionally, when successful inhibition of a particular sound (CS−) was associated with high rewards then it became easier to ignore it. The current findings have important implications for the understanding of the organizing principles of auditory perception and provide, for the first time, clear behavioral evidence for reward-dependent attentional learning in the auditory domain in humans.
The sensitivity of the DNA damage checkpoint prevents oocyte maturation in endometriosis
Authors: Hamdan Mukhri , Jones Keith T. , Cheong Ying , Lane Simon I. R.
Published: November 2016

Mouse oocytes respond to DNA damage by arresting in meiosis I through activity of the Spindle Assembly Checkpoint (SAC) and DNA Damage Response (DDR) pathways. It is currently not known if DNA damage is the primary trigger for arrest, or if the pathway is sensitive to levels of DNA damage experienced physiologically. Here, using follicular fluid from patients with the disease endometriosis, which affects 10% of women and is associated with reduced fertility, we find raised levels of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), which generate DNA damage and turn on the DDR-SAC pathway. Only follicular fluid from patients with endometriosis, and not controls, produced ROS and damaged DNA in the oocyte. This activated ATM kinase, leading to SAC mediated metaphase I arrest. Completion of meiosis I could be restored by ROS scavengers, showing this is the primary trigger for arrest and offering a novel clinical therapeutic treatment. This study establishes a clinical relevance to the DDR induced SAC in oocytes. It helps explain how oocytes respond to a highly prevalent human disease and the reduced fertility associated with endometriosis.
Multi-scale Adaptive Computational Ghost Imaging
Authors: Sun Shuai , Liu Wei-Tao , Lin Hui-Zu , Zhang Er-Feng , Liu Ji-Ying , Li Quan , Chen Ping-Xing
Published: November 2016

In some cases of imaging, wide spatial range and high spatial resolution are both required, which requests high performance of detection devices and huge resource consumption for data processing. We propose and demonstrate a multi-scale adaptive imaging method based on the idea of computational ghost imaging, which can obtain a rough outline of the whole scene with a wide range then accordingly find out the interested parts and achieve high-resolution details of those parts, by controlling the field of view and the transverse coherence width of the pseudo-thermal field illuminated on the scene with a spatial light modulator. Compared to typical ghost imaging, the resource consumption can be dramatically reduced using our scheme.
5-azacytidine affects TET2 and histone transcription and reshapes morphology of human skin fibroblasts
Authors: Manzoni Elena F. M. , Pennarossa Georgia , deEguileor Magda , Tettamanti Gianluca , Gandolfi Fulvio , Brevini Tiziana A. L.
Published: November 2016

Phenotype definition is controlled by epigenetic regulations that allow cells to acquire their differentiated state. The process is reversible and attractive for therapeutic intervention and for the reactivation of hypermethylated pluripotency genes that facilitate transition to a higher plasticity state. We report the results obtained in human fibroblasts exposed to the epigenetic modifier 5-azacytidine (5-aza-CR), which increases adult cell plasticity and facilitates phenotype change. Although many aspects controlling its demethylating action have been widely investigated, the mechanisms underlying 5-aza-CR effects on cell plasticity are still poorly understood. Our experiments confirm decreased global methylation, but also demonstrate an increase of both Formylcytosine (5fC) and 5-Carboxylcytosine (5caC), indicating 5-aza-CR ability to activate a direct and active demethylating effect, possibly mediated via TET2 protein increased transcription. This was accompanied by transient upregulation of pluripotency markers and incremented histone expression, paralleled by changes in histone acetylating enzymes. Furthermore, adult fibroblasts reshaped into undifferentiated progenitor-like phenotype, with a sparse and open chromatin structure. Our findings indicate that 5-aza-CR induced somatic cell transition to a higher plasticity state is activated by multiple regulations that accompany the demethylating effect exerted by the modifier.
HIV-1 Nef sequesters MHC-I intracellularly by targeting early stages of endocytosis and recycling
Authors: Dirk Brennan S. , Pawlak Emily N. , Johnson Aaron L. , Van Nynatten Logan R. , Jacob Rajesh A. , Heit Bryan , Dikeakos Jimmy D.
Published: November 2016

A defining characteristic of HIV-1 infection is the ability of the virus to persist within the host. Specifically, MHC-I downregulation by the HIV-1 accessory protein Nef is of critical importance in preventing infected cells from cytotoxic T-cell mediated killing. Nef downregulates MHC-I by modulating the host membrane trafficking machinery, resulting in the endocytosis and eventual sequestration of MHC-I within the cell. In the current report, we utilized the intracellular protein-protein interaction reporter system, bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC), in combination with super-resolution microscopy, to track the Nef/MHC-I interaction and determine its subcellular localization in cells. We demonstrate that this interaction occurs upon Nef binding the MHC-I cytoplasmic tail early during endocytosis in a Rab5-positive endosome. Disruption of early endosome regulation inhibited Nef-dependent MHC-I downregulation, demonstrating that Nef hijacks the early endosome to sequester MHC-I within the cell. Furthermore, super-resolution imaging identified that the Nef:MHC-I BiFC complex transits through both early and late endosomes before ultimately residing at the trans-Golgi network. Together we demonstrate the importance of the early stages of the endocytic network in the removal of MHC-I from the cell surface and its re-localization within the cell, which allows HIV-1 to optimally evade host immune responses.
LbCML38 and LbRH52, two reference genes derived from RNA-Seq data suitable for assessing gene expression in Lycium barbarum L.
Authors: Gong Lei , Yang Yajun , Chen Yuchao , Shi Jing , Song Yuxia , Zhang Hongxia
Published: November 2016

For quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis, the key prerequisite that determines result accuracy is the selection of appropriate reference gene(s). Goji (Lycium barbarumL.) is a multi-branched shrub belonging to the Solanaceae family. To date, no systematic screening or evaluation of reference gene(s) in Goji has been performed. In this work, we identified 18 candidate reference genes from the transcriptomic sequencing data of 14 samples of Goji at different developmental stages and under drought stress condition. The expression stability of these candidate genes was rigorously analyzed using qRT-PCR and four different statistical algorithms: geNorm, BestKeeper, NormFinder and RefFinder. Two novel reference genesLbCML38andLbRH52showed the most stable expression, whereas the traditionally used reference genes such asLbGAPDH, LbHSP90andLbTUBshowed unstable expression in the tested samples. Expression of a target geneLbMYB1was also tested and compared using optimal reference genesLbCML38andLbRH52, mediocre reference geneLbActin7, and poor reference geneLbHSP90as normalization standards, respectively. As expected, calculation of the target gene expression by normalization againstLbCML38, LbActin7orLbHSP90showed significant differences. Our findings suggest thatLbCML38andLbRH52can be used as reference genes for gene expression analysis in Goji.
Establishment of a novel tick-Babesia experimental infection model
Authors: Maeda Hiroki , Hatta Takeshi , Alim M Abdul , Tsubokawa Daigo , Mikami Fusako , Matsubayashi Makoto , Miyoshi Takeharu , Umemiya-Shirafuji Rika , Kawazu Shin-ichiro , Igarashi Ikuo , Mochizuki Masami , Tsuji Naotoshi , Tanaka Tetsuya
Published: November 2016

Ticks are potent vectors of many deadly human and animal pathogens. Tick-borne babesiosis is a well-recognized malaria-like disease that occurs worldwide and recently has attracted increased attention as an emerging zoonosis. Although the proliferation of Babesia organisms is essential in the vectors, their detailed lifecycle with time information for migration in ticks remains unknown. A novel study model for the elucidation of the migration speed of Babesia parasites in their vector tick, Haemaphysalis longicornis, has been developed using an artificial feeding system with quantitative PCR method. The detectable DNA of Babesia parasites gradually disappeared in the tick midgut at 1 day post engorgement (DPE), and in contrary increased in other organs. The results indicated that the Babesia parasite passed the H. longicornis midgut within 24 hours post engorgement, migrated to the hemolymph, and then proliferated in the organs except the midgut. This time point may be an important curfew for Babesia parasites to migrate in the tick lumen. We also visualized the Babesia parasites in the experimentally infected ticks and in their eggs using IFAT for detecting their cytoskeletal structure, which suggested the successful tick infection and transovarial transmission of the parasite. This model will shed light on the further understanding of tick-Babesia interactions.
Abscinazole-E3M, a practical inhibitor of abscisic acid 8′-hydroxylase for improving drought tolerance
Authors: Takeuchi Jun , Okamoto Masanori , Mega Ryosuke , Kanno Yuri , Ohnishi Toshiyuki , Seo Mitsunori , Todoroki Yasushi
Published: November 2016

Abscisic acid (ABA) is an essential phytohormone that regulates plant water use and drought tolerance. However, agricultural applications of ABA have been limited because of its rapid inactivation in plants, which involves hydroxylation of ABA by ABA 8′-hydroxylase (CYP707A). We previously developed a selective inhibitor of CYP707A, (−)-Abz-E2B, by structurally modifying S-uniconazole, which functions as an inhibitor of CYP707A and as a gibberellin biosynthetic enzyme. However, its synthetic yield is too low for practical applications. Therefore, we designed novel CYP707A inhibitors, Abz-T compounds, that have simpler structures in which the 1,2,3-triazolyl ring of (−)-Abz-E2B has been replaced with a triple bond. They were successfully synthesised in shorter steps, resulting in greater yields than that of (−)-Abz-E2B. In the enzymatic assays, one of the Abz-T compounds, (−)-Abz-E3M, acted as a strong and selective inhibitor of CYP707A, similar to (−)-Abz-E2B. Analysis of the biological effects in Arabidopsis revealed that (−)-Abz-E3M enhanced ABA’s effects more than (−)-Abz-E2B in seed germination and in the expression of ABA-responsive genes. Treatment with (−)-Abz-E3M induced stomatal closure and improved drought tolerance in Arabidopsis. Furthermore, (−)-Abz-E3M also increased the ABA response in rice and maize. Thus, (−)-Abz-E3M is a more practical and effective inhibitor of CYP707A than (−)-Abz-E2B.
Effectiveness of advanced carbohydrate counting in type 1 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Fu Shimin , Li Linjun , Deng Shuhua , Zan Liping , Liu Zhiping
Published: November 2016

Potential benefits of carbohydrate counting for glycemic control in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) remain inconclusive. Our aim is to systematically assess the efficacy of carbohydrate counting in patients with T1DM. We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and the Chinese Biology Medicine (CBM) up to December 2015. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with at least 3 months follow-up that evaluated carbohydrate counting compared with usual or other diabetes dietary education in patients with T1DM were included. Overall meta-analysis identified a significant decrease in HbA1c concentration with carbohydrate counting versus other diabetes diet method or usual diabetes dietary education (SMD: −0.35, 95%CI: −0.65 to −0.05, P = 0.023). Subgroup analysis restricted to trials which compared carbohydrate counting with usual diabetes dietary found a significant decrease in HbA1c in carbohydrate counting group (SMD: −0.68, 95%CI: −0.98 to −0.38, P = 0.000), and a similar result has emerged from six studies in adults (SMD: −0.40, 95%CI: −0.78 to −0.02, P = 0.037). Carbohydrate counting may confer positive impact on glucose control. Larger clinical trials are warranted to validate this positive impact.
Deep Breathing Practice Facilitates Retention of Newly Learned Motor Skills
Authors: Yadav Goldy , Mutha Pratik K.
Published: November 2016

Paced deep breathing practices, a core component of a number of meditation programs, have been shown to enhance a variety of cognitive functions. However, their effects on complex processes such as memory, and in particular, formation and retention of motor memories, remain unknown. Here we show that a 30-minute session of deep, alternate-nostril breathing remarkably enhances retention of a newly learned motor skill. Healthy humans learned to accurately trace a given path within a fixed time duration. Following learning, one group of subjects (n = 16) underwent the 30-minute breathing practice while another control group (n = 14) rested for the same duration. The breathing-practice group retained the motor skill strikingly better than controls, both immediately after the breathing session and also at 24 hours. These effects were confirmed in another group (n = 10) that rested for 30 minutes post-learning, but practiced breathing after their first retention test; these subjects showed significantly better retention at 24 hours but not 30 minutes. Our results thus uncover for the first time the remarkable facilitatory effects of simple breathing practices on complex functions such as motor memory, and have important implications for sports training and neuromotor rehabilitation in which better retention of learned motor skills is highly desirable.
Tomato consumption and prostate cancer risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Xu Xin , Li Jiangfeng , Wang Xiao , Wang Song , Meng Shuai , Zhu Yi , Liang Zhen , Zheng Xiangyi , Xie Liping
Published: November 2016

Previous studies have reported controversial results on the association between tomato consumption and prostate cancer risk. Hence, we performed a meta-analysis to comprehensively evaluate this relationship. A total of 24 published studies with 15,099 cases were included. Relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were pooled with a random-effects model. Tomato intake was associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer (RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.75–0.98, P = 0.019; P < 0.001 for heterogeneity, I2 = 72.7%). When stratified by study design, the RRs for case-control and cohort studies were 0.76 (95% CI 0.61–0.94, P = 0.010) and 0.96 (95% CI 0.84–1.10, P = 0.579), respectively. In the subgroup analysis by geographical region, significant protective effects were observed in Asian (RR 0.43, 95% CI 0.22–0.85, P = 0.015) and Oceania populations (RR 0.81, 95% CI 0.67–0.99, P = 0.035), but not in other geographical populations. Begg’s test indicated a significant publication bias (P = 0.015). Overall, tomato intake may have a weak protective effect against prostate cancer. Because of the huge heterogeneity and null results in cohort studies, further prospective studies are needed to explore the potential relationship between tomato consumption and prostate cancer risk.
Caveolin-1 modulates intraocular pressure: implications for caveolae mechanoprotection in glaucoma
Authors: Elliott Michael H. , Ashpole Nicole E. , Gu Xiaowu , Herrnberger Leonie , McClellan Mark E. , Griffith Gina L. , Reagan Alaina M. , Boyce Timothy M. , Tanito Masaki , Tamm Ernst R. , Stamer W. Daniel
Published: November 2016

Polymorphisms in the CAV1/2 genes that encode signature proteins of caveolae are associated with glaucoma, the second leading cause of blindness worldwide, and with its major risk factor, intraocular pressure (IOP). We hypothesized that caveolin-1 (Cav-1) participates in IOP maintenance via modulation of aqueous humor drainage from the eye. We localize caveolae proteins to human and murine conventional drainage tissues and show that caveolae respond to mechanical stimulation. We show that Cav-1-deficient (Cav-1−/−) mice display ocular hypertension explained by reduced pressure-dependent drainage of aqueous humor. Cav-1 deficiency results in loss of caveolae in the Schlemm’s canal (SC) and trabecular meshwork. However, their absence did not appear to impact development nor adult form of the conventional outflow tissues according to rigorous quantitative ultrastructural analyses, but did affect cell and tissue behavior. Thus, when IOP is experimentally elevated, cells of the Cav-1−/− outflow tissues are more susceptible to plasma membrane rupture indicating that caveolae play a role in mechanoprotection. Additionally, aqueous drainage from Cav-1−/− eyes was more sensitive to nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibition than controls, suggesting that excess NO partially compensates for outflow pathway dysfunction. These results provide a functional link between a glaucoma risk gene and glaucoma-relevant pathophysiology.
Tuning carrier lifetime in InGaN/GaN LEDs via strain compensation for high-speed visible light communication
Authors: Du Chunhua , Huang Xin , Jiang Chunyan , Pu Xiong , Zhao Zhenfu , Jing Liang , Hu Weiguo , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: November 2016

In recent years, visible light communication (VLC) technology has attracted intensive attention due to its huge potential in superior processing ability and fast data transmission. The transmission rate relies on the modulation bandwidth, which is predominantly determined by the minority-carrier lifetime in III-group nitride semiconductors. In this paper, the carrier dynamic process under a stress field was studied for the first time, and the carrier recombination lifetime was calculated within the framework of quantum perturbation theory. Owing to the intrinsic strain due to the lattice mismatch between InGaN and GaN, the wave functions for the holes and electrons are misaligned in an InGaN/GaN device. By applying an external strain that “cancels” the internal strain, the overlap between the wave functions can be maximized so that the lifetime of the carrier is greatly reduced. As a result, the maximum speed of a single chip was increased from 54 MHz up to 117 MHz in a blue LED chip under 0.14% compressive strain. Finally, a bandwidth contour plot depending on the stress and operating wavelength was calculated to guide VLC chip design and stress optimization.
Periodic F-actin structures shape the neck of dendritic spines
Authors: Bär Julia , Kobler Oliver , van Bommel Bas , Mikhaylova Marina
Published: November 2016

Most of the excitatory synapses on principal neurons of the forebrain are located on specialized structures called dendritic spines. Their morphology, comprising a spine head connected to the dendritic branch via a thin neck, provides biochemical and electrical compartmentalization during signal transmission. Spine shape is defined and tightly controlled by the organization of the actin cytoskeleton. Alterations in synaptic strength correlate with changes in the morphological appearance of the spine head and neck. Therefore, it is important to get a better understanding of the nanoscale organization of the actin cytoskeleton in dendritic spines. A periodic organization of the actin/spectrin lattice was recently discovered in axons and a small fraction of dendrites using super-resolution microscopy. Here we use a small probe phalloidin-Atto647N, to label F-actin in mature hippocampal primary neurons and in living hippocampal slices. STED nanoscopy reveals that in contrast to β-II spectrin antibody labelling, phalloidin-Atto647N stains periodic actin structures in all dendrites and the neck of nearly all dendritic spines, including filopodia-like spines. These findings extend the current view on F-actin organization in dendritic spines and may provide new avenues for understanding the structural changes in the spine neck during induction of synaptic plasticity, active organelle transport or tethering.
11β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 1(11β-HSD1) mediates insulin resistance through JNK activation in adipocytes
Authors: Peng Kesong , Pan Yong , Li Jieli , Khan Zia , Fan Mendi , Yin Haimin , Tong Chao , Zhao Yunjie , Liang Guang , Zheng Chao
Published: November 2016

Glucocorticoids are used to treat a number of human diseases but often lead to insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) is a key enzyme that catalyzes the intracellular conversion of cortisone to physiologically active cortisol. Despite the known role of 11β-HSD1 and active glucocorticoid in causing insulin resistance, the molecular mechanisms by which insulin resistance is induced remain elusive. The aim of this study is to identify these mechanisms in high fat diet (HFD) experimental models. Mice on a HFD were treated with 11β-HSD1 inhibitor as well as a JNK inhibitor. We then treated 3T3-L1-derived adipocytes with prednisone, a synthetic glucocorticoid, and cells with 11β-HSD1 overexpression to study insulin resistance. Our results show that 11β-HSD1 and JNK inhibition mitigated insulin resistance in HFD mice. Prednisone stimulation or overexpression of 11β-HSD1 also caused JNK activation in cultured adipocytes. Inhibition of 11β-HSD1 blocked the activation of JNK in adipose tissue of HFD mice as well as in cultured adipocytes. Furthermore, prednisone significantly impaired the insulin signaling pathway, and these effects were reversed by 11β-HSD1 and JNK inhibition. Our study demonstrates that glucocorticoid-induced insulin resistance was dependent on 11β-HSD1, resulting in the critical activation of JNK signaling in adipocytes.
Quantification of licit and illicit drugs on typical police station work surfaces using LC-MS/MS
Authors: Doran Gregory S. , Deans Ralph M. , De Filippis Carlo , Kostakis Chris , Howitt Julia A.
Published: November 2016

Licit and illicit drug use is widespread in the community and as a result, drug residues can be transferred onto handles and work surfaces in shared places.
Cathepsin B inhibitor screening in traditional Chinese medicines by electrophoretically mediated microanalysis
Authors: Han Jing , Chen Zilin
Published: November 2016

A method based on capillary electrophoresis screens cathepsin B inhibitors in traditional Chinese medicine.
A multi-analytical approach to the characterization of natural organic dyestuffs and inorganic substrates present in the 19th-century artistic oil paints manufactured by a French art materials supplier Richard Ainès
Authors: Otłowska Olga , Ślebioda Marek , Wachowiak Mirosław , Śliwka-Kaszyńska Magdalena
Published: November 2016

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of artistic paints produced in the 19thcentury by a French art materials supplier Richard Ainès.
Identification of cancer associated molecular changes in histologically benign vulval disease found in association with vulval squamous cell carcinoma using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Frost Jonathan , Ludeman Linmarie , Hillaby Kathryn , Gornall Robert , Lloyd Gavin , Kendall Catherine , Shore Angela C. , Stone Nick
Published: November 2016

Evaluation of infrared spectroscopy for assessing the biomolecular changes which occur in the vulva leading to the development of cancer.
Two-component reduction-sensitive lipid–polymer hybrid nanoparticles for triggered drug release and enhanced in vitro and in vivo anti-tumor efficacy
Authors: Zhang Liu-Jie , Wu Bo , Zhou Wei , Wang Cai-Xia , Wang Qian , Yu Hui , Zhuo Ren-Xi , Liu Zhi-Lan , Huang Shi-Wen
Published: November 2016

Two-component reduction-sensitive lipid–polymer hybrid nanoparticles composed of DLPE-S-S-MPEG and PCL were developed for intracellular reduction triggered delivery of DOX.
Gadolinium hybrid iron oxide nanocomposites for dual T1- and T2-weighted MR imaging of cell labeling
Authors: Zeng Yun , Wang Liqin , Zhou Zijian , Wang Xiaoyong , Zhang Yang , Wang Junqing , Mi Peng , Liu Gang , Zhou Liming
Published: November 2016

A new generation of dual T1- and T2-weighted MRI contrast agents is developed for cell labeling and tracking.
Oxygen vacancy induced Bi2WO6 for the realization of photocatalytic CO2 reduction over the full solar spectrum: from the UV to the NIR region
Authors: Kong Xin Ying , Choo Yen Yee , Chai Siang-Piao , Soh Ai Kah , Mohamed Abdul Rahman
Published: November 2016

Bi2WO6 with oxygen vacancies was demonstrated as an efficient photocatalyst for CO2 reduction into energy-rich CH4 over the UV-Vis-NIR full spectrum.
Molecular electrometer and binding of cations to phospholipid bilayers
Authors: Catte Andrea , Girych Mykhailo , Javanainen Matti , Loison Claire , Melcr Josef , Miettinen Markus S. , Monticelli Luca , Määttä Jukka , Oganesyan Vasily S. , Ollila O. H. Samuli , Tynkkynen Joona , Vilov Sergey
Published: November 2016

The molecular electrometer – reorientation of lipid head due to bound charge – allows direct quantitative vetting of simulations against noninvasive NMR experiments; most simulation models overestimated lipid–cation affinities.
Carbon nanotubes: a novel material for multifaceted applications in human healthcare
Authors: Kumar Sandeep , Rani Ruma , Dilbaghi Neeraj , Tankeshwar K. , Kim Ki-Hyun
Published: November 2016

Remarkable advances achieved in modern material technology, especially in device fabrication, have facilitated diverse materials to expand the list of their application fields.
A mechanistic study of the Lewis acid–Brønsted base–Brønsted acid catalysed asymmetric Michael addition of diethyl malonate to cyclohexenone
Authors: Samoilichenko Yuri , Kondratenko Veronica , Ezernitskaya Mariam , Lyssenko Konstantin , Peregudov Alexander , Khrustalev Victor , Maleev Victor , Moskalenko Margarita , North Michael , Tsaloev Alan , Gugkaeva Zalina T. , Belokon Yuri
Published: November 2016

Reaction shown to exhibit biomimetic behaviour.
Photo-induced magnetization and first-principles calculations of a two-dimensional cyanide-bridged Co–W bimetal assembly
Authors: Miyamoto Y. , Nasu T. , Ozaki N. , Umeta Y. , Tokoro H. , Nakabayashi K. , Ohkoshi S.
Published: November 2016

First-principles calculations show the optical transition from WIV to CoIII, which causes photo-induced magnetization of a Co–W bimetal assembly.
Determining time-weighted average concentrations of nitrate and ammonium in freshwaters using DGT with ion exchange membrane-based binding layers
Authors: Huang Jianyin , Bennett William W. , Welsh David T. , Teasdale Peter R.
Published: November 2016

Commercially-available AMI-7001 anion exchange and CMI-7000 cation exchange membranes were utilised as binding layers for DGT measurements of NO3–N and NH4–N in freshwaters.
Multi-day diurnal measurements of Ti-containing nanoparticle and organic sunscreen chemical release during recreational use of a natural surface water
Authors: Reed R. B. , Martin D. P. , Bednar A. J. , Montaño M. D. , Westerhoff P. , Ranville J. F.
Published: November 2016

A recreational water system was monitored for release of both mineral and organic sunscreen constituents for the first time.
On the effect of wearing personal nanoparticle monitors on the comparability of personal exposure measurements
Authors: Asbach Christof , Neumann Volker , Monz Christian , Dahmann Dirk , van Tongeren Martie , Alexander Carla , MacCalman Laura , Todea Ana Maria
Published: November 2016

Wearing of personal monitors for nanoparticle exposure studies does not affect the measurement performance compared to laboratory studies.
Olive oil and postprandial hyperlipidemia: implications for atherosclerosis and metabolic syndrome
Authors: Montserrat-de la Paz Sergio , Bermudez Beatriz , Cardelo Magdalena P. , Lopez Sergio , Abia Rocio , Muriana Francisco J. G.
Published: November 2016

Olive oil is the primary source of fat in the Mediterranean diet, which is associated with a significant improvement in health status, as measured by reduced mortality from several chronic diseases.
Altered levels of circulating cytokines and microRNAs in lean and obese individuals with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes
Authors: Nunez Lopez Yury O. , Garufi Gabriella , Seyhan Attila A.
Published: November 2016

Today obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D) have both reached epidemic proportions.
Advancements in rationally designed PGM-free fuel cell catalysts derived from metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Barkholtz Heather M. , Liu Di-Jia
Published: November 2016

A comprehensive review revealed metal–organic frameworks as promising precursors for preparing highly active PGM-free electro-catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction.
Supramolecular combinations of humic polyanions as potent microbicides with polymodal anti-HIV-activities
Authors: Zhernov Yury V. , Kremb Stephan , Helfer Markus , Schindler Michael , Harir Mourad , Mueller Constanze , Hertkorn Norbert , Avvakumova Nadezhda P. , Konstantinov Andrey I. , Brack-Werner Ruth , Schmitt-Kopplin Philippe , Perminova Irina V.
Published: November 2016

Anti-HIV potency of humic PAs is governed by scaffolds diversity.
2,6-Bis(5,6-diisopropyl-1,2,4-triazin-3-yl)pyridine: a highly selective N-donor ligand studied by TRLFS, liquid–liquid extraction and molecular dynamics
Authors: Beele Björn B. , Skerencak-Frech Andrej , Stein Arnulf , Trumm Michael , Wilden Andreas , Lange Steve , Modolo Giuseppe , Müllich Udo , Schimmelpfennig Bernd , Geist Andreas , Panak Petra J.
Published: November 2016

Studying the effect of modifications of BTP-ligands on the complexation and separation of Ln(iii) and An(iii).
New one-pot synthesis of N-fused isoquinoline derivatives by palladium-catalyzed C–H arylation: potent inhibitors of nucleotide pyrophosphatase-1 and -3
Authors: Ausekle Elina , Ejaz Syeda Abida , Khan Shafi Ullah , Ehlers Peter , Villinger Alexander , Lecka Joanna , Sévigny Jean , Iqbal Jamshed , Langer Peter
Published: November 2016

An efficient synthesis procedure for N-fused isoquinolines fromgem-difluoroalkenes is described, and biological evaluation of the sythesized products as inhibitors of h-NPP-1 and -3 is reported.
Direct optical observations of vesicular self-assembly in large-scale polymeric structures during photocontrolled biphasic polymerization
Authors: Szymański Jan K. , Pérez-Mercader Juan
Published: November 2016

In this report, we employ a photo-controlled polymerization protocol featuring a fluorescent initiator to follow the evolution of the generated self-assembled microscopic structures in a phase-separating dispersion polymerization medium.
Synthesis of triphenylphosphine-based microporous organic nanotube framework supported Pd catalysts with excellent catalytic activity
Authors: Xu Yang , Wang Tianqi , He Zidong , Zhong Aiqing , Yu Wei , Shi Buyin , Huang Kun
Published: November 2016

A novel synthesis of triphenylphosphine-based microporous organic nanotube frameworks (MONFs-PPh3) as a platform for Pd catalyst (MONFs-PPh3@Pd) is reported.
Poly(amidoamine)–BSA conjugates synthesised by Michael addition reaction retained enzymatic activity
Authors: Garcia D. R. , Lavignac N.
Published: November 2016

A bioconjugate synthesised using a “grafted to” method and Michael addition reaction retained the activity of the native protein.
Experimental and computational studies of protolytic and tautomeric equilibria of Erythrosin B and Eosin Y in water/DMSO
Authors: Vanzin D. , Freitas C. F. , Pellosi D. S. , Batistela V. R. , Machado A. E. H. , Pontes R. M. , Caetano W. , Hioka N.
Published: November 2016

The pKa of Eosin Y and Erythrosin B were experimentally and computationally studied in water/DMSO mixtures using UV-Vis spectra, orbital and electrostatic properties to understand the tautomers contribution in the protolithic equilibria.
Rhizoremediation of petroleum hydrocarbon, prospects and future
Authors: Shahzad Asim , Siddiqui Samina , Bano Asghari
Published: November 2016

Oil refineries generate several tones of oily waste which is dumped in an open pit within the vicinity of oil field.
Synthesis, characterization and photo-catalytic performance of meso-porous Si–N co-doped nano-spherical anatase TiO2 with high thermal stability
Authors: Wen PengChao , Ji WeiWei , Zhong Hao , Li Lin , Zhang Bi , Hao LuYuan , Xu Xin , Agathopoulos Simeon
Published: November 2016

Meso-porous Si–N co-doped nano-spherical anatase TiO2 with high thermal stability.
Enhanced antifungal activity of Ni-doped ZnO nanostructures under dark conditions
Authors: Kumar R. Saravana , Dananjaya S. H. S. , De Zoysa Mahanama , Yang Minyang
Published: November 2016

In this work we synthesized undoped and Ni-doped ZnO nanoparticles by reflux method, and investigated their cytotoxicity behavior using human cells (HEp2 and HEK293T) and antifungal activity against pathogenic Candida albicans fungi in vitro.
Enhancing the electrochemistry performance of Li4Ti5O12 for Li-ion battery anodes by a sol–gel assisted molten salt method and graphene modification
Authors: Guo Qingjun , Wang Qiang , Chen Gang , Shen Qixin , Li Bing
Published: November 2016

Graphene modified Li4Ti5O12 composites (G-LTO) with highly crystallinity and favourable dispersity were prepared via a sol–gel assisted molten salt synthesis process.
Three-dimensional porous polyaniline/graphene-coated activated carbon fiber electrodes for supercapacitors
Authors: Chu Hwei-Jay , Lee Chi-Young , Tai Nyan-Hwa
Published: November 2016

3D porous fiber electrodes were designed by forming the pultruded structure with a graphene cavity network covering.
Transition from strongly collective to completely isolated ultrafast magnetization dynamics in two-dimensional hexagonal arrays of nanodots with varying inter-dot separation
Authors: Mondal Sucheta , Choudhury Samiran , Barman Saswati , Otani YoshiChika , Barman Anjan
Published: November 2016

Ultrafast magnetization dynamics of hexagonal arrays of ferromagnetic nanodots shows transition between various collective dynamics with varying interdot separation promising their applications in magnetic storage, memory and communication devices.
Catalytic wet air oxidation of aqueous solution of phenol in a fixed bed reactor over Ru catalysts supported on ceria promoted MCM-41
Authors: Mondal Dilip Kumar , Mondal Chandona , Roy Shyamal
Published: November 2016

Catalytic wet air oxidation (CWAO) of phenol was carried out in a fixed bed reactor over a noble metal (Ru) supported on silica MCM-41 material.
Effect of SrFe12O19 nanopowder on the hydrogen sorption properties of MgH2
Authors: Mustafa N. S. , Sulaiman N. N. , Ismail M.
Published: November 2016

It was clearly shown that the TPD performance of MgH2 was improved by adding the SrFe12O19 nanopowder, resulting from the decrease of the onset dehydrogenation temperature of the doped sample as compared to the as-received and as-milled MgH2.
Effect of Ni substitution on structural stability, micromorphology, and electrochemical performance of Li2MnSiO4/C cathode materials
Authors: Deng Hui , Zhao Shi-Xi , Wu Xia , Wei Lei , Deng Yu-Feng , Nan Ce-Wen
Published: November 2016

Li2Mn1−xNixSiO4/C samples doped with different amounts of Ni show improved performances, especially the optimal capacity appears in the 5.0% Ni sample.
Modular supramolecular ureidopyrimidinone polymer carriers for intracellular delivery
Authors: Bakker Maarten H. , Kieltyka Roxanne E. , Albertazzi Lorenzo , Dankers Patricia Y. W.
Published: November 2016

Ureidopyrimidinone-based polymers in solution provide a new platform for intracellular drug delivery.
The effects of asymmetric bent-shaped compounds on the temperature range and electro-optical performances of liquid crystalline blue phases
Authors: Wang Xin , He Wan-Li , Yang Zhou , Wang Dong , Cao Hui , Zheng Zhi-Gang , Liu Zhen , Liu Xiang
Published: November 2016

Asymmetric bent-shaped molecules improve the temperature range and electro-optical performances of liquid crystalline blue phases.
Surface modification of promising cerium oxide nanoparticles for nanomedicine applications
Authors: Nanda Himansu Sekhar
Published: November 2016

Biocompatible organosilane surface modification of cerium oxide nanoparticles (CNPs) open promising therapeutic avenues in nanomedicine.
Isolation and characterization of antioxidant polysaccharides (PKCP-D70-2-a and PKCP-D70-2-b) from the Pinus koraiensis pinecone
Authors: Zhang Hua , Zhao Haitian , Zhou Xintao , Yang Xin , Shen Siyan , Wang Jing , Wang Zhenyu , Geng Lin
Published: November 2016

Water-soluble polysaccharides from Pinus koraiensis pinecone was fractionated using DEAE cellulose-52 and Sephadex G-100 successively to obtain two eluents named PKCP-D70-2-a and PKCP-D70-2-b.
Preparation and dye removal capacities of porous silver nanoparticle-containing composite hydrogels via poly(acrylic acid) and silver ions
Authors: Hou Caili , Ma Kai , Jiao Tifeng , Xing Ruirui , Li Kaikai , Zhou Jingxin , Zhang Lexin
Published: November 2016

Hierarchical composite hydrogels (PAA–Ag/AgNPs) are prepared via a simple self-assembly process and coordination reaction, and demonstrate good catalytic capability for wide applications.
Hierarchically porous ternary Au/ZnO@ZIF-8 nanocomposite: spatial in situ Au encapsulation and catalytic activity for the reduction of p-nitrophenol
Authors: Song Xiaokai , Sun Hongzhao , Cao Xin , Wang Zhixian , Zhao Dejian , Sun Jianhua , Zhang Haojie , Li Xiaopeng
Published: November 2016

A ternary Au/ZnO@ZIF-8 nanocomposite was prepared through in situ Au nanoparticles encapsulation from the ZnO surface into the ZIF-8 crystal matrix during its nucleation process, which exhibited high catalytic activity for the reduction of p-nitrophenol.
Direct contact four-point probe characterization of Si microwire absorbers for artificial photosynthesis
Authors: Engel J. T. , Blaikie B. E. , Kumar A. , Castañeda A. , Gupta A. , Oliver D. R.
Published: November 2016

We present a facile approach that achieves four-point electrical characterization of silicon microwires fabricated using a bottom-up vapour–liquid–solid process.
Ultrashort-laser-pulse-induced thermal lensing effect in pure H2O and a NaCl–H2O solution
Authors: Li Yi-Ci , Kuo Yu-Ting , Huang Po-Yuan , Lee Cheng-I. , Wei Tai-Huei
Published: November 2016

Using the Z-scan technique with 82 MHz 18 femtosecond (fs) laser pulses at 820 nm, we explore the thermal lensing effect induced in pure H2O and a NaCl–H2O solution. We verify the contributions of thermal and mass diffusions in NaCl–H2O.