bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of asynchronous emergence of two lethal pathogens on amphibian assemblages
Authors: Rosa Gonçalo M. , Sabino-Pinto Joana , Laurentino Telma G. , Martel An , Pasmans Frank , Rebelo Rui , Griffiths Richard A. , Stöhr Anke C. , Marschang Rachel E. , Price Stephen J. , Garner Trenton W. J. , Bosch Jaime
Published: February 2017

Emerging diseases have been increasingly associated with population declines, with co-infections exhibiting many types of interactions. The chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis) and ranaviruses have extraordinarily broad host ranges, however co-infection dynamics have been largely overlooked. We investigated the pattern of co-occurrence of these two pathogens in an amphibian assemblage in Serra da Estrela (Portugal). The detection of chytridiomycosis in Portugal was linked to population declines of midwife-toads (Alytes obstetricans). The asynchronous and subsequent emergence of a second pathogen - ranavirus - caused episodes of lethal ranavirosis. Chytrid effects were limited to high altitudes and a single host, while ranavirus was highly pathogenic across multiple hosts, life-stages and altitudinal range. This new strain (Portuguese newt and toad ranavirus – member of the CMTV clade) caused annual mass die-offs, similar in host range and rapidity of declines to other locations in Iberia affected by CMTV-like ranaviruses. However, ranavirus was not always associated with disease, mortality and declines, contrasting with previous reports on Iberian CMTV-like ranavirosis. We found little evidence that pre-existing chytrid emergence was associated with ranavirus and the emergence of ranavirosis. Despite the lack of cumulative or amplified effects, ranavirus drove declines of host assemblages and changed host community composition and structure, posing a grave threat to all amphibian populations.
3D graphene preparation via covalent amide functionalization for efficient metal-free electrocatalysis in oxygen reduction
Authors: Ahmed Mohammad Shamsuddin , Kim Young-Bae
Published: February 2017

3D and porous reduced graphene oxide (rGO) catalysts have been prepared with sp3-hybridized 1,4-diaminobutane (sp3-DABu, rGO-sp3-rGO) and sp2-hybridized 1,4-diaminobenzene (sp2-DABe, rGO-sp2-rGO) through a covalent amidation and have employed as a metal-free electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in alkaline media. Both compounds have used as a junction between functionalized rGO layers to improve electrical conductivity and impart electrocatalytic activity to the ORR resulting from the interlayer charge transfer. The successful amidation and the subsequent reduction in the process of catalyst preparation have confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. A hierarchical porous structure is also confirmed by surface morphological analysis. Specific surface area and thermal stability have increased after successful the amidation by sp3-DABu. The investigated ORR mechanism reveals that both functionalized rGO is better ORR active than nonfunctionalized rGO due to pyridinic-like N content and rGO-sp3-rGO is better ORR active than rGO-sp2-rGO due to higher pyridinic-like N content and π-electron interaction-free interlayer charge transfer. Thus, the rGO-sp3-rGO has proven as an efficient metal-free electrocatalyst with better electrocatalytic activity, stability, and tolerance to the crossover effect than the commercially available Pt/C for ORR.
Transient ALT activation protects human primary cells from chromosome instability induced by low chronic oxidative stress
Authors: Coluzzi Elisa , Buonsante Rossella , Leone Stefano , Asmar Anthony J. , Miller Kelley L. , Cimini Daniela , Sgura Antonella
Published: February 2017

Cells are often subjected to the effect of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as a result of both intracellular metabolism and exposure to exogenous factors. ROS-dependent oxidative stress can induce 8-oxodG within the GGG triplet found in the G-rich human telomeric sequence (TTAGGG), making telomeres highly susceptible to ROS-induced oxidative damage. Telomeres are nucleoprotein complexes that protect the ends of linear chromosomes and their dysfunction is believed to affect a wide range of cellular and/or organismal processes. Acute oxidative stress was shown to affect telomere integrity, but how prolonged low level oxidative stress, which may be more physiologically relevant, affects telomeres is still poorly investigated. Here, we explored this issue by chronically exposing human primary fibroblasts to a low dose of hydrogen peroxide. We observed fluctuating changes in telomere length and fluctuations in the rates of chromosome instability phenotypes, such that when telomeres shortened, chromosome instability increased and when telomeres lengthened, chromosome instability decreased. We found that telomere length fluctuation is associated with transient activation of an alternative lengthening of telomere (ALT) pathway, but found no evidence of cell death, impaired proliferation, or cell cycle arrest, suggesting that ALT activation may prevent oxidative damage from reaching levels that threaten cell survival.
The diet of the first Europeans from Atapuerca
Authors: Pérez-Pérez Alejandro , Lozano Marina , Romero Alejandro , Martínez Laura M. , Galbany Jordi , Pinilla Beatriz , Estebaranz-Sánchez Ferran , Bermúdez de Castro José María , Carbonell Eudald , Arsuaga Juan Luís
Published: February 2017

Hominin dietary specialization is crucial to understanding the evolutionary changes of craniofacial biomechanics and the interaction of food processing methods’ effects on teeth. However, the diet-related dental wear processes of the earliest European hominins remain unknown because most of the academic attention has focused on Neandertals. Non-occlusal dental microwear provides direct evidence of the effect of chewed food particles on tooth enamel surfaces and reflects dietary signals over time. Here, we report for the first time the direct effect of dietary abrasiveness as evidenced by the buccal microwear patterns on the teeth of the Sima del Elefante-TE9 and Gran Dolina-TD6 Atapuerca hominins (1.2–0.8 million years ago − Myr) as compared with other Lower and Middle Pleistocene populations. A unique buccal microwear pattern that is found in Homo antecessor (0.96–0.8 Myr), a well-known cannibal species, indicates dietary practices that are consistent with the consumption of hard and brittle foods. Our findings confirm that the oldest European inhabitants ingested more mechanically-demanding diets than later populations because they were confronted with harsh, fluctuating environmental conditions. Furthermore, the influence of grit-laden food suggests that a high-quality meat diet from butchering processes could have fueled evolutionary changes in brain size.
Development of a pipeline for automated, high-throughput analysis of paraspeckle proteins reveals specific roles for importin α proteins
Authors: Major Andrew T. , Miyamoto Yoichi , Lo Camden Y. , Jans David A. , Loveland Kate L.
Published: February 2017

We developed a large-scale, unbiased analysis method to measure how functional variations in importin (IMP) α2, IMPα4 and IMPα6 each influence PSPC1 and SFPQ nuclear accumulation and their localization to paraspeckles. This addresses the hypothesis that individual IMP protein activities determine cargo nuclear access to influence cell fate outcomes. We previously demonstrated that modulating IMPα2 levels alters paraspeckle protein 1 (PSPC1) nuclear accumulation and affects its localization into a subnuclear domain that affects RNA metabolism and cell survival, the paraspeckle. An automated, high throughput, image analysis pipeline with customisable outputs was created using Imaris software coupled with Python and R scripts; this allowed non-subjective identification of nuclear foci, nuclei and cells. HeLa cells transfected to express exogenous full-length and transport-deficient IMPs were examined using SFPQ and PSPC1 as paraspeckle markers. Thousands of cells and >100,000 nuclear foci were analysed in samples with modulated IMPα functionality. This analysis scale enabled discrimination of significant differences between samples where paraspeckles inherently display broad biological variability. The relative abundance of paraspeckle cargo protein(s) and individual IMPs each influenced nuclear foci numbers and size. This method provides a generalizable high throughput analysis platform for investigating how regulated nuclear protein transport controls cellular activities.
A randomised clinical study to determine the effect of a toothpaste containing enzymes and proteins on plaque oral microbiome ecology
Authors: Adams S. E. , Arnold D. , Murphy B. , Carroll P. , Green A. K. , Smith A. M. , Marsh P. D. , Chen T. , Marriott R. E. , Brading M. G.
Published: February 2017

The numerous species that make up the oral microbiome are now understood to play a key role in establishment and maintenance of oral health. The ability to taxonomically identify community members at the species level is important to elucidating its diversity and association to health and disease. We report the overall ecological effects of using a toothpaste containing enzymes and proteins compared to a control toothpaste on the plaque microbiome. The results reported here demonstrate that a toothpaste containing enzymes and proteins can augment natural salivary defences to promote an overall community shift resulting in an increase in bacteria associated with gum health and a concomitant decrease in those associated with periodontal disease. Statistical analysis shows significant increases in 12 taxa associated with gum health including Neisseria spp. and a significant decrease in 10 taxa associated with periodontal disease including Treponema spp. The results demonstrate that a toothpaste containing enzymes and proteins can significantly shift the ecology of the oral microbiome (at species level) resulting in a community with a stronger association to health.
Low-dose radiation decreases tumor progression via the inhibition of the JAK1/STAT3 signaling axis in breast cancer cell lines
Authors: Kaushik Neha , Kim Min-Jung , Kim Rae-Kwon , Kumar Kaushik Nagendra , Seong Ki Moon , Nam Seon-Young , Lee Su-Jae
Published: February 2017

Breast cancer is a widely distributed type of cancer in women worldwide, and tumor relapse is the major cause of breast cancer death. In breast cancers, the acquisition of metastatic ability, which is responsible for tumor relapse and poor clinical outcomes, has been linked to the acquisition of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) program and self-renewal traits (CSCs) via various signaling pathways. These phenomena confer resistance during current therapies, thus creating a major hurdle in radiotherapy/chemotherapy. The role of very low doses of radiation (LDR) in the context of EMT has not yet to be thoroughly explored. Here, we report that a 0.1 Gy radiation dose reduces cancer progression by deactivating the JAK1/STAT3 pathway. Furthermore, LDR exposure also reduces sphere formation and inhibits the self-renewal ability of breast cancer cells, resulting in an attenuated CD44+/CD24− population. Additionally, in vivo findings support our data, providing evidence that LDR is a promising option for future treatment strategies to prevent cancer metastasis in breast cancer cases.
Nonlinear Black Phosphorus for Ultrafast Optical Switching
Authors: Uddin Siam , Debnath Pulak C. , Park Kichul , Song Yong-Won
Published: February 2017

The outstanding electronic and optical properties of black phosphorus (BP) in a two-dimensional (2D) but unique single-layer puckered structure have opened intense research interest ranging from fundamental physics to nanoscale applications covering the electronic and optical domains. The direct and controllable electronic bandgap facilitating wide range of tunable optical response coupled with high anisotropic in-plane properties made BP a promising nonlinear optical material for broadband optical applications. Here, we investigate ultrafast optical switching relying on the optical nonlinearity of BP. Wavelength conversion for modulated signals whose frequency reaches up to 20 GHz is realized by four-wave-mixing (FWM) with BP-deposited D-shaped fiber. In the successful demonstration of the FWM based wavelength conversion, performance parameter has been increased up to ~33% after employing BP in the device. It verifies that BP is able to perform efficient optical switching in the evanescent field interaction regime at very high speed. Our results might suggest that BP-based ultra-fast photonics devices could be potentially developed for broadband applications.
A Microfabricated 96-Well 3D Assay Enabling High-Throughput Quantification of Cellular Invasion Capabilities
Authors: Hao Rui , Wei Yuanchen , Li Chaobo , Chen Feng , Chen Deyong , Zhao Xiaoting , Luan Shaoliang , Fan Beiyuan , Guo Wei , Wang Junbo , Chen Jian
Published: February 2017

This paper presents a 96-well microfabricated assay to study three-dimensional (3D) invasion of tumor cells. A 3D cluster of tumor cells was first generated within each well by seeding cells onto a micro-patterned surface consisting of a central fibronectin-coated area that promotes cellular attachment, surrounded by a poly ethylene glycol (PEG) coated area that is resistant to cellular attachment. Following the formation of the 3D cell clusters, a 3D collagen extracellular matrix was formed in each well by thermal-triggered gelation. Invasion of the tumor cells into the extracellular matrix was subsequently initiated and monitored. Two modes of cellular infiltration were observed: A549 cells invaded into the extracellular matrix following the surfaces previously coated with PEG molecules in a pseudo-2D manner, while H1299 cells invaded into the extracellular matrix in a truly 3D manner including multiple directions. Based on the processing of 2D microscopic images, a key parameter, namely, equivalent invasion distance (the area of invaded cells divided by the circumference of the initial cell cluster) was obtained to quantify migration capabilities of these two cell types. These results validate the feasibility of the proposed platform, which may function as a high-throughput 3D cellular invasion assay.
A simple capacitive method to evaluate ethanol fuel samples
Authors: Vello Tatiana P. , de Oliveira Rafael F. , Silva Gustavo O. , de Camargo Davi H. S. , Bufon Carlos C. B.
Published: February 2017

Ethanol is a biofuel used worldwide. However, the presence of excessive water either during the distillation process or by fraudulent adulteration is a major concern in the use of ethanol fuel. High water levels may cause engine malfunction, in addition to being considered illegal. Here, we describe the development of a simple, fast and accurate platform based on nanostructured sensors to evaluate ethanol samples. The device fabrication is facile, based on standard microfabrication and thin-film deposition methods. The sensor operation relies on capacitance measurements employing a parallel plate capacitor containing a conformational aluminum oxide (Al2O3) thin layer (15 nm). The sensor operates over the full range water concentration, i.e., from approximately 0% to 100% vol. of water in ethanol, with water traces being detectable down to 0.5% vol. These characteristics make the proposed device unique with respect to other platforms. Finally, the good agreement between the sensor response and analyses performed by gas chromatography of ethanol biofuel endorses the accuracy of the proposed method. Due to the full operation range, the reported sensor has the technological potential for use as a point-of-care analytical tool at gas stations or in the chemical, pharmaceutical, and beverage industries, to mention a few.
Spatial complexity enhances predictability in food webs
Authors: Mougi Akihiko
Published: February 2017

The prediction of an ecosystem’s response to an environmental disturbance or the artificial control of ecosystems is a challenging task in ecology. Ecological theory predicts that disturbances frequently result in unexpected responses between interacting species due to the many indirect interactions within a complex community. However, such indeterminacy appears to be unusual in nature. Here using a meta-community food web, I show that spatiality is key to resolving this disparity. A moderate level of spatial coupling strength between habitats due to species migration increases the possibility of expected responses to press perturbation or predictability. Moreover, predictability increases with increasing spatial complexity, as measured by the number of local food webs and their connectivity. A meta-community network can attenuate the propagation of disturbances through indirect pathways due to species emigration to other habitats, thereby preserving the expected effect on the interacting species. These results suggest that the isolation of communities due to habitat destruction decreases the predictability of communities, thereby complicating the control of ecosystems.
Multivariate analysis of factors associated with kyphotic deformity after laminoplasty in cervical spondylotic myelopathy patients without preoperative kyphotic alignment
Authors: Cao JunMing , Zhang JingTao , Yang DaLong , Yang Liu , Shen Yong
Published: February 2017

The risk factors of post-laminoplasty kyphosis in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) without preoperative kyphotic alignment are not well known. This study aimed to compare clinical and radiological data between patients with or without post-laminoplasty kyphosis and to investigate the factors associated with post-laminoplasty kyphosis in CSM patients without preoperative kyphotic alignment. Patients (n = 194) who received unilateral expansive open-door cervical laminoplasty with miniplate fixation and completed a 1-year follow-up were enrolled. Patients were grouped according to whether they suffered from postoperative kyphosis (P) or not (NP). Postoperative kyphosis was observed in 21 (10.8%) patients. The recovery rates of the Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores at the 1-year follow-up in the P group were inferior to those in the NP group (31.9% vs. 65.2%, P < 0.001). Logistic regression with post-laminoplasty kyphosis as the dependent variable showed independent risks associated with an increased C2–7 sagittal vertical axis (SVA, odds ratio [OR] = 1.085, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.025–1.203, P = 0.015), destroyed facet joints (OR = 1.132, 95% CI = 1.068–1.208, P < 0.001), and cephalad vertebral level undergoing laminoplasty (CVLL, OR = 2.860, 95% CI = 1.164–6.847, P = 0.021). These findings suggest that CVLL, C2–7 SVA, and destroyed facet joints are associated with kyphosis after laminoplasty in CSM patients without preoperative kyphotic alignment.
Incorporation of the influenza A virus NA segment into virions does not require cognate non-coding sequences
Authors: Crescenzo-Chaigne Bernadette , Barbezange Cyril V. S. , Léandri Stéphane , Roquin Camille , Berthault Camille , van der Werf Sylvie
Published: February 2017

For each influenza virus genome segment, the coding sequence is flanked by non-coding (NC) regions comprising shared, conserved sequences and specific, non-conserved sequences. The latter and adjacent parts of the coding sequence are involved in genome packaging, but the precise role of the non-conserved NC sequences is still unclear. The aim of this study is to better understand the role of the non-conserved non-coding sequences in the incorporation of the viral segments into virions. The NA-segment NC sequences were systematically replaced by those of the seven other segments. Recombinant viruses harbouring two segments with identical NC sequences were successfully rescued. Virus growth kinetics and serial passages were performed, and incorporation of the viral segments was tested by real-time RT-PCR. An initial virus growth deficiency correlated to a specific defect in NA segment incorporation. Upon serial passages, growth properties were restored. Sequencing revealed that the replacing 5′NC sequence length drove the type of mutations obtained. With sequences longer than the original, point mutations in the coding region with or without substitutions in the 3′NC region were detected. With shorter sequences, insertions were observed in the 5′NC region. Restoration of viral fitness was linked to restoration of the NA segment incorporation.
Enhancing the anti-glioma therapy of doxorubicin by honokiol with biodegradable self-assembling micelles through multiple evaluations
Authors: Gao Xiang , Yu Ting , Xu Guangya , Guo Gang , Liu Xiaoxiao , Hu Xin , Wang Xiang , Liu Yanhui , Mao Qing , You Chao , Zhou Liangxue
Published: February 2017

Combination chemotherapy is an important protocol in glioma therapy and honokiol shows synergistic anticancer effects with doxorubicin. In this paper, honokiol (HK) and doxorubicin (Dox) co-loaded Methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(ε-caprolactone) (MPEG-PCL) nanoparticles were prepared with a assembly method. The particle size (about 34 nm), morphology, X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRD), in vitro release profile, cytotoxicity and cell proliferation effects were studied in detail. The results indicated that honokiol and doxorubicin could be efficiently loaded into MPEG-PCL nanoparticles simultaneously, and could be released from the micelles in an extended period in vitro. In addition, honokiol and doxorubicin loaded in MPEG-PCL nanoparticles could efficiently suppress glioma cell proliferation and induce cell apoptosis in vitro. Furthermore, Dox-HK-MPEG-PCL micelles inhibited glioma growth more significantly than Dox-MPEG-PCL and HK-MPEG-PCL in both nude mice and zebrafish tumor models. Immunohistochemical analysis indicated that DOX-HK-MPEG-PCL micelles improved Dox’s anti-tumor effect by enhancing tumor cell apoptosis, suppressing tumor cell proliferation, and inhibiting angiogenesis. Our data suggest that Dox-HK-MPEG-PCL micelles have the potential to be applied clinically in glioma therapy.
Specialized activities and expression differences for Clostridium thermocellum biofilm and planktonic cells
Authors: Dumitrache Alexandru , Klingeman Dawn M. , Natzke Jace , Rodriguez Jr Miguel , Giannone Richard J. , Hettich Robert L. , Davison Brian H. , Brown Steven D.
Published: February 2017

Clostridium (Ruminiclostridium) thermocellum is a model organism for its ability to deconstruct plant biomass and convert the cellulose into ethanol. The bacterium forms biofilms adherent to lignocellulosic feedstocks in a continuous cell-monolayer in order to efficiently break down and uptake cellulose hydrolysates. We developed a novel bioreactor design to generate separate sessile and planktonic cell populations for omics studies. Sessile cells had significantly greater expression of genes involved in catabolism of carbohydrates by glycolysis and pyruvate fermentation, ATP generation by proton gradient, the anabolism of proteins and lipids and cellular functions critical for cell division consistent with substrate replete conditions. Planktonic cells had notably higher gene expression for flagellar motility and chemotaxis, cellulosomal cellulases and anchoring scaffoldins, and a range of stress induced homeostasis mechanisms such as oxidative stress protection by antioxidants and flavoprotein co-factors, methionine repair, Fe-S cluster assembly and repair in redox proteins, cell growth control through tRNA thiolation, recovery of damaged DNA by nucleotide excision repair and removal of terminal proteins by proteases. This study demonstrates that microbial attachment to cellulose substrate produces widespread gene expression changes for critical functions of this organism and provides physiological insights for two cells populations relevant for engineering of industrially-ready phenotypes.
Proteomic Analysis of the Mediator Complex Interactome in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Uthe Henriette , Vanselow Jens T. , Schlosser Andreas
Published: February 2017

Here we present the most comprehensive analysis of the yeast Mediator complex interactome to date. Particularly gentle cell lysis and co-immunopurification conditions allowed us to preserve even transient protein-protein interactions and to comprehensively probe the molecular environment of the Mediator complex in the cell. Metabolic 15N-labeling thereby enabled stringent discrimination between bona fide interaction partners and nonspecifically captured proteins. Our data indicates a functional role for Mediator beyond transcription initiation. We identified a large number of Mediator-interacting proteins and protein complexes, such as RNA polymerase II, general transcription factors, a large number of transcriptional activators, the SAGA complex, chromatin remodeling complexes, histone chaperones, highly acetylated histones, as well as proteins playing a role in co-transcriptional processes, such as splicing, mRNA decapping and mRNA decay. Moreover, our data provides clear evidence, that the Mediator complex interacts not only with RNA polymerase II, but also with RNA polymerases I and III, and indicates a functional role of the Mediator complex in rRNA processing and ribosome biogenesis.
Water flow buffers shifts in bacterial community structure in heat-stressed Acropora muricata
Authors: Lee Sonny T. M. , Davy Simon K. , Tang Sen-Lin , Kench Paul S.
Published: February 2017

Deterioration of coral health and associated change in the coral holobiont’s bacterial community are often a result of different environmental stressors acting synergistically. There is evidence that water flow is important for a coral’s resistance to elevated seawater temperature, but there is no information on how water flow affects the coral-associated bacterial community under these conditions. In a laboratory cross-design experiment, Acropora muricata nubbins were subjected to interactive effects of seawater temperature (27 °C to 31 °C) and water flow (0.20 m s−1 and 0.03 m s−1). In an in situ experiment, water flow manipulation was conducted with three colonies of A. muricata during the winter and summer, by partially enclosing each colony in a clear plastic mesh box. 16S rRNA amplicon pyrosequencing showed an increase in the relative abundance of Flavobacteriales and Rhodobacterales in the laboratory experiment, and Vibrio spp. in the in situ experiment when corals were exposed to elevated temperature and slow water flow. In contrast, corals that were exposed to faster water flow under laboratory and in situ conditions had a stable bacterial community. These findings indicate that water flow plays an important role in the maintenance of specific coral-bacteria associations during times of elevated thermal stress.
Origin of asymmetric broadening of Raman peak profiles in Si nanocrystals
Authors: Gao Yukun , Yin Penggang
Published: February 2017

The asymmetric peak broadening towards the low-frequency side of the Raman-active mode of Si nanocrystals with the decreasing size has been extensively reported in the literatures. In this study, an atomic coordination model is developed to study the origin of the ubiquitous asymmetric peak on the optical phonon fundamental in the Raman spectra of Si nanocrystals. Our calculation results accurately replicate the line shape of the experimentally measured optical Raman curves. More importantly, it is revealed that the observed asymmetric broadening is mainly caused by the surface bond contraction and the quantum confinement.
Hybrid TiO2/graphene derivatives nanocomposites: is functionalized graphene better than pristine graphene for enhanced photocatalytic activity?
Authors: Yang Yin-Cai , Huang Wei-Qing , Xu Liang , Hu Wangyu , Peng P. , Huang Gui-Fang
Published: February 2017

Graphene (GR) and its derivatives are generally assumed to be electron shuttles in order to explain the improved photocatalytic activity of their nanocomposites (such as TiO2/GR).
Wood combustion particles induce adverse effects to normal and diseased airway epithelia
Authors: Krapf Manuel , Künzi Lisa , Allenbach Sandrine , Bruns Emily A. , Gavarini Ilaria , El-Haddad Imad , Slowik Jay G. , Prévôt André S. H. , Drinovec Luka , Močnik Griša , Dümbgen Lutz , Salathe Matthias , Baumlin Nathalie , Sioutas Constantinos , Baltensperger Urs , Dommen Josef , Geiser Marianne
Published: February 2017

Particulate matter from direct wood combustion emissions and their subsequent atmospheric oxidation affects airway epithelia of specific health status due to a combined effect of several chemical constituents.
Cu-Catalyzed intermolecular [3 + 3] annulation involving oxidative activation of an unreactive C(sp3)–H bond: access to pyrimidine derivatives from amidines and ketones
Authors: Guo Wei , Liu Dongqing , Liao Jianhua , Ji Fanghua , Wu Wanqing , Jiang Huanfeng
Published: February 2017

An efficient approach to pyrimidines through a copper-catalyzed oxidative unreactive C(sp3)–H bond and intermolecular [3 + 3] annulation of amidines and ketones is described.
Eosin Y-catalyzed photooxidation of triarylphosphines under visible light irradiation and aerobic conditions
Authors: Zhang Yanbin , Ye Cong , Li Shijie , Ding Aishun , Gu Guangxin , Guo Hao
Published: February 2017

A novel method for Eosin Y-catalyzed photooxidation of triarylphosphines under visible light irradiation and aerobic conditions was reported.
Immobilization of selenite from aqueous solution by structural ferrous hydroxide complexes
Authors: Zhang Yong , Fu Mao , Wu Deli , Zhang Yalei
Published: February 2017

Selenium species before and after reaction with FHCs were studied and classified into five groups.
Control of surface radical graft polymerization on polyester fibers by using Hansen solubility parameters as a measurement of the affinity of chemicals to materials
Authors: Tamizifar Maryam , Sun Gang
Published: February 2017

Several key interactive and controlling elements of the graft polymerization reaction of polyester fibers were identified, and corresponding affinity characters of each reaction component were quantified by using Hansen solubility theory.
Hierarchical CuBi2O4 microspheres as lithium-ion battery anodes with superior high-temperature electrochemical performance
Authors: Yin Hong , Cao Ming-Lei , Yu Xiang-Xiang , Li Chong , Shen Yan , Zhu Ming-Qiang
Published: February 2017

Hierarchical CuBi2O4 microspheres as anode materials for Li-ion batteries show superior high-temperature electrochemical performance due to its multilevel structure and outstanding thermostability.
Synthesis of Li2Ni2(MoO4)3 as a high-performance positive electrode for asymmetric supercapacitors
Authors: Du Dongwei , Lan Rong , Xie Kui , Wang Huanting , Tao Shanwen
Published: February 2017

A NASICON-type compound, Li2Ni2(MoO4)3 was successfully synthesized via a combustion method to be used as positive electrode for asymmetric supercapacitors with good performance.
Structure and stability of CaH2surfaces: on the possibility of electron-rich surfaces in metal hydrides for catalysis
Authors: Ong Phuong-Vu , Johnson Lewis E. , Hosono Hideo , Sushko Peter V.
Published: February 2017

Thermally activated CaH2hosts a high concentration of localized electrons which can promote reactions that require multi-electron transfer to break or make chemical bonds.
Cell-inspired biointerfaces constructed from patterned smart hydrogels for immunoassays in whole blood
Authors: Zhao Chunyu , Hou Jianwen , Chen Runhai , Xin Zhirong , Shi Hengchong , Wong Shing-Chung , Yin Jinghua , Shi Qiang
Published: February 2017

Inspired by stem-cell microstructure, hierarchical biointerfaces based on patterned smart hydrogels are generated for successful immunoassays in whole blood. And their sensitivity is controllable by temperature.
Energy efficient, one-step microwave-solvothermal synthesis of a highly electro-catalytic thiospinel NiCo2S4/graphene nanohybrid as a novel sustainable counter electrode material for Pt-free dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Krishnapriya R. , Praneetha S. , Rabel Arul Maximus , Vadivel Murugan A.
Published: February 2017

An efficient electro-catalytic NiCo2S4/graphene nanohybrid as an alternative to the Pt-free counter electrode for dye-sensitized solar cell devices.
Simulation and experimental analysis of a SAR micromixer with F-shape mixing units
Authors: Chen Xueye , Shen Jienan
Published: February 2017

In this work, a SAR micromixer with F-shape mixing units is analyzed by simulation and experimentation.
“Release and catch” catalysis by tungstate species for the oxidative cleavage of olefins
Authors: Yoshimura Yu , Ogasawara Yoshiyuki , Suzuki Kosuke , Yamaguchi Kazuya , Mizuno Noritaka
Published: February 2017

In the presence of tungstate species supported on zinc-modified tin dioxide (W/Zn–SnO2), oxidative cleavage of olefins and related compounds using H2O2 efficiently proceeds through a “release and catch” catalytic mechanism.
Three-dimensional TiO2 nanotube arrays combined with g-C3N4 quantum dots for visible light-driven photocatalytic hydrogen production
Authors: Zhang Qi , Wang Hua , Chen Shuo , Su Yan , Quan Xie
Published: February 2017

A 3D g-C3N4/TNA photocatalyst for visible light-driven hydrogen production.
Aqueous solutions of random poly(methyl methacrylate-co-acrylic acid): effect of the acrylic acid content
Authors: Gyurova Anna Y. , Halacheva Sylvia , Mileva Elena
Published: February 2017

.Effect of acrylic acid (AA) content on the bulk solution and air/water interfacial properties of PMMA–AA.
Dual Förster resonance energy transfer and morphology control to boost the power conversion efficiency of all-polymer OPVs
Authors: Liu Jiangang , Tang Bin , Liang Qiuju , Han Yanchun , Xie Zhiyuan , Liu Jun
Published: February 2017

Dual Förster resonance energy transfer was developed in a PTB7-Th (donor)/P(NDI2OD-T2) (accepter)/PF12TBT (the third component) ternary blend system.
Highly dispersed Ag/TiO2via adsorptive self-assembly for bactericidal application
Authors: Cao Chongjiang , Huang Jingcheng , Li Li , Zhao Chanjuan , Yao Jianfeng
Published: February 2017

The strong electrostatic adsorption (SEA) technique was used for the preparation of Ag/TiO2by driving the Ag precursor onto the TiO2surface.
Bio-inspired polydopamine coating as a facile approach to constructing polymer nanocomposites for energy storage
Authors: Wang Guanyao , Huang Xingyi , Jiang Pingkai
Published: February 2017

A mussel-inspired dopamine derivative (h-DOPA) is employed to modify anatase TiO2 NWs for the fabrication of high-energy-density polymer nanocomposites.
The Utilization of Social Media in the Hearing Aid Community
Authors: Choudhury Moumita , Dinger Zoë , Fichera Elena
Published: February 2017

Purpose

This study investigated the utilization of social media by the hearing aid (HA) community. The purpose of this survey was to analyze the participation of HA community in the social media websites.

Method

A systematic survey of online HA-related social media sources was conducted. Such sources were identified using appropriate search terms. Social media participation was quantified on the basis of posts and “likes.”

Results

Five hundred fifty-seven social media sources were identified, including 174 Twitter accounts, 172 YouTube videos, 91 Facebook pages, 20 Facebook groups, 71 blogs, and 29 forums. Twitter and YouTube platforms showed the highest level of activity among social media users. The HA-related community used social media sources for advice and support, information sharing, and service-related information.

Conclusions

HA users, other individuals, and organizations interested in HAs leave their digital footprint on a wide variety of social media sources. The community connects, offers support, and shares information on a variety of HA-related issues. The HA community is as active in social media utilization as other groups, such as the cochlear implant community, even though the patterns of their social media use are different because of their unique needs.
Laryngeal Aerodynamics in Healthy Older Adults and Adults With Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Matheron Deborah , Stathopoulos Elaine T. , Huber Jessica E. , Sussman Joan E.
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The present study compared laryngeal aerodynamic function of healthy older adults (HOA) to adults with Parkinson's disease (PD) while speaking at a comfortable and increased vocal intensity.

Method

Laryngeal aerodynamic measures (subglottal pressure, peak-to-peak flow, minimum flow, and open quotient [OQ]) were compared between HOAs and individuals with PD who had a diagnosis of hypophonia. Increased vocal intensity was elicited via monaurally presented multitalker background noise.

Results

At a comfortable speaking intensity, HOAs and individuals with PD produced comparable vocal intensity, rates of vocal fold closure, and minimum flow. HOAs used smaller OQs, higher subglottal pressure, and lower peak-to-peak flow than individuals with PD. Both groups increased speaking intensity when speaking in noise to the same degree. However, HOAs produced increased intensity with greater driving pressure, faster vocal fold closure rates, and smaller OQs than individuals with PD.

Conclusions

Monaural background noise elicited equivalent vocal intensity increases in HOAs and individuals with PD. Although both groups used laryngeal mechanisms as expected to increase sound pressure level, they used these mechanisms to different degrees. The HOAs appeared to have better control of the laryngeal mechanism to make changes to their vocal intensity.
Ligand-Controlled Chemoselective One-Pot Synthesis of Dibenzothiazepinones and Dibenzoxazepinones via Twice Copper-Catalyzed Cross-Coupling
Authors: Chen Yanyu , Peng Qiujun , Zhang Rong , Hu Jian , Zhou Yijun , Xu Lanting , Pan Xianhua
Published: February 2017

A highly efficient and generally applicable protocol, starting from 2-bromobenzamides and 2-bromo(thio)phenols via twice copper-catalyzed couplings to afford dibenzothiazepines and dibenzoxazepinones has been developed. High levels of yield and chemoselectivity are achieved in a single-pot reaction by using an appropriate ligand. Moreover, this facile methodology allows rapid access to a variety of bio­active compounds and known psychotropic drug, which should broaden its application in organic synthesis.
Unterschiede in der Selbst- und Fremdbeurteilung gesundheitsbezogener Lebensqualität bei Patienten mit leichter kognitiver Beeinträchtigung und Demenz vom Alzheimer-Typ
Authors: Heßmann Philipp , Dreier Maren , Brandes Iris , Dodel Richard , Baum Erika , Müller Matthias , Balzer-Geldsetzer Monika
Published: February 2017

Ziel Patienten mit einer Alzheimer-Demenz (AD) und leichten kognitiven Beeinträchtigungen (LKB) beurteilen ihre gesundheitsbezogene Lebensqualität (LQ) häufig besser als ihre Angehörigen. Einflussfaktoren dieses Beurteilungsunterschieds werden evaluiert.

Methodik Die LQ von 241 zu Hause lebenden Patienten wurde anhand des krankheitsspezifischen Quality of Life-Alzheimer’s Disease-Fragebogens (QoL-AD) erhoben.

Ergebnisse Das Verwandtschaftsverhältnis, depressive Symptome und die Alltagsfunktionalität stellen relevante Einflussfaktoren bei Beurteilungsunterschieden der LQ dar.

Schlussfolgerung Soziodemografische und klinische Variablen können Bewertungsunterschiede der LQ von Patienten mit AD und LKB teilweise erklären.
Quantum phases of Yang-Mills matrix model coupled to fundamental fermions
Authors: Pandey Mahul , Vaidya Sachindeo
Published: February 2017

By investigating the SU(2) Yang-Mills matrix model coupled to fundamental fermions in the adiabatic limit, we demonstrate quantum critical behaviour at special corners of the gauge field configuration space. The quantum scalar potential for the gauge field induced by the fermions diverges at the corners and is intimately related to points of enhanced degeneracy of the fermionic Hamiltonian. This in turn leads to superselection sectors in the Hilbert space of the gauge field, the ground states in different sectors being orthogonal to each other. As a consequence of our analysis, we show that 2-color quantum chromodynamics coupled to two Weyl fermions has three quantum phases. When coupled to a massless Dirac fermion, the number of quantum phases is four. One of these phases is the color-spin locked phase.
Variation in instrumental meat quality among 15 muscles from 14-month-old sheep and its relationship with fibre typing
Authors: Ithurralde Javier , Bianchi Gianni , Feed Oscar , Nan Fernando , Ballesteros Fernando , Garibotto Gustavo , Bielli Alejandro
Published: February 2017

The aims of the present study were to describe intermuscular differences in meat-quality traits in 15 young-sheep muscles, and to study the associations between meat quality and fibre typing across all (pooled) muscles as well as in previously selected homogeneous contractile–metabolic groups of muscles (slow-oxidative, intermediate and fast-glycolytic muscles). Meat-quality traits (pH, colour, expressed juice, cooking losses, tenderness and sarcomere length) and fibre typing were evaluated after 24 h of slaughter in 15 muscles from five cross-bred young sheep. Across all the studied muscles, intermuscular differences in some meat-quality traits (pH24, a* and expressed juice) seemed to be mainly explained by muscle oxidative activity, while intermuscular variation in other meat-quality traits (L*, b* and Warner–Bratzler shear force) were mainly explained by differences in fibre sizes. Within fast-glycolytic muscles, larger fast-glycolytic fibres and reduced oxidative activity were generally associated with lower ultimate pH, higher L* values, lower a* values and longer sarcomeres. Within intermediate muscles, larger fast-glycolytic fibres and reduced oxidative activity were generally associated with lower ultimate pH, higher L* values, shorter sarcomeres and reduced meat tenderness. Within slow-oxidative muscles, larger fast-glycolytic fibres and reduced oxidative activity were generally associated with lower amounts of expressed juice, lower a* values and reduced meat tenderness. The present study has contributed to a better understanding of the influence of muscle fibre types on intermuscular meat-quality variation, suggesting that although muscle fibre diversity may explain, at least in part, intermuscular differences in meat quality, these associations can also slightly vary among muscle contractile–metabolic groups.
Expression of protocadherin 11Yb (PCDH11Yb) in seminal germ cells is correlated with fertility status in men
Authors: Anilkumar Thottathil R. , Devi Anandavalli N. , Pillai Sathy M. , Jayakrishnan Krishnapillai , Oommen Oommen V. , Kumar Pradeep G.
Published: February 2017

Protocadherin 11 Y-linked (PCDH11Y), a member of the cadherin superfamily, is predominantly expressed in the central nervous system, is encoded by the Yp11.2 locus and exists in three isoforms: 11Ya, 11Yb and 11Yc. PCDH11Y is upregulated by retinoic acid signalling and is essential for spermatogonial differentiation and initiation of meiosis. PCDH11Y mediates Wnt signalling, which plays a crucial role in the differentiation of various cell types. PCDH11Y has been implicated in neuronal cell differentiation and proliferation, but its association with spermatogenesis has not yet been addressed. Hence, in order to address the possible role of PCDH11Y in relation to spermatogenesis, the expression analysis of PCDH11Y in the seminal germ cells of fertile and infertile males were carried out employing RT-PCR, western blotting and immunofluorescence analysis. In the present study, PCDH11Yb, but not PCDH11Ya or PCDH11Yc, was expressed in germ cells isolated from the semen of all 13 men with proven fertility. However, in several subjects from various infertility classes, there was complete absence or a significant reduction in the expression of PCDH11Yb. PCDH11Y exhibited prominent localisation on the head and midpiece region of spermatozoa from fertile men, whereas spermatozoa from infertile subjects had either weak or abnormal localisation patterns for PCDH11Y. In addition, downregulation of canonical Wnt signalling was correlated with defective expression of PCDH11Y in spermatozoa of infertile men, as evidenced by downregulation of the Wnt targets C-Myc and C-Jun. In conclusion, expression levels of PCDH11Yb in germ cells in the semen were correlated with the fertility status of men.
Homage to L. M. Coutinho: fire adaptations in cerrado plants
Authors: Pausas Juli G.
Published: February 2017

Professor Coutinho (1934–2016; Sao Paulo, Brazil) studied fire adaptations in Brazilian savannas during the 1970s, when very few researchers recognised fire as an evolutionary force. His main contributions were on fire-stimulated flowering, serotiny and nutrient cycling. However, he is little known, partly because he was not Anglo-Saxon but also because he was ahead of his time, when fire and evolution were still distant concepts.
Effects of land cover on coyote abundance
Authors: Cherry Michael J. , Howell Paige E. , Seagraves Cody D. , Warren Robert J. , Conner L. Mike
Published: February 2017

Context
Throughout the world, declines in large mammalian carnivores have led to the release of smaller meso-mammalian predators. Coyotes (Canis latrans) have increased in abundance, distribution and ecological influence following the extirpation of apex predators in North America. Coyotes have had substantial influence on many ecosystems in recently colonised portions of their range, but those influences can vary across land cover types. Thus, understanding the relationship between coyote abundance and land cover may enhance our ability to predict spatial variation in the ecological effects of coyotes.

Aims
Our objective was to examine the influence of landscape attributes on eastern coyote abundance to ultimately facilitate predictions of spatial variation in the effects of coyotes on prey populations, ecological communities and human interests.

Methods
We collected count data from repeated visits to 24 sites by eliciting howl responses from coyotes. We fit abundance models to howl-response data to examine the effects of landscape composition and configuration on coyote abundance in a mixed forest/agricultural ecosystem in south-western Georgia, USA.

Key results
Our investigation revealed that coyote abundance was positively associated with grasslands that were predominantly used for livestock production, and negatively associated with patch diversity.

Conclusions
Our results supported the prediction that coyotes would be positively associated with open habitats and that they are well adapted for areas structurally similar to the plains of central North America, where the species originated. In addition, these results suggest that aspects of fragmentation, such as patch diversity, can negatively affect coyote abundance. Our results highlight the importance of patch type and landscape juxtaposition on the abundance of coyotes in complex heterogeneous landscapes.

Implications
Our results further our understanding of the spatial variation in coyote abundances across a recently colonised portion of the species range. Combining howl-response surveys with abundance modelling is a promising approach for studying the associations between population dynamics of vocal canids and landscape structure over large spatial scales.