bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome-wide association and high-resolution phenotyping link Oryza sativa panicle traits to numerous trait-specific QTL clusters
Authors: Crowell Samuel , Korniliev Pavel , Falcão Alexandre , Ismail Abdelbagi , Gregorio Glenn , Mezey Jason , McCouch Susan
Published: February 2016

Rice panicle architecture is a key target of selection when breeding for yield and grain quality. However, panicle phenotypes are difficult to measure and susceptible to confounding during genetic mapping due to correlation with flowering and subpopulation structure. Here we quantify 49 panicle phenotypes in 242 tropical rice accessions with the imaging platform PANorama. Using flowering as a covariate, we conduct a genome-wide association study (GWAS), detect numerous subpopulation-specific associations, and dissect multi-trait peaks using panicle phenotype covariates. Ten candidate genes in pathways known to regulate plant architecture fall under GWAS peaks, half of which overlap with quantitative trait loci identified in an experimental population. This is the first study to assess inflorescence phenotypes of field-grown material using a high-resolution phenotyping platform. Herein, we establish a panicle morphocline for domesticated rice, propose a genetic model underlying complex panicle traits, and demonstrate subtle links between panicle size and yield performance.
Probabilistic modelling of chromatin code landscape reveals functional diversity of enhancer-like chromatin states
Authors: Zhou Jian , Troyanskaya Olga G.
Published: February 2016

Interpreting the functional state of chromatin from the combinatorial binding patterns of chromatin factors, that is, the chromatin codes, is crucial for decoding the epigenetic state of the cell. Here we present a systematic map of Drosophila chromatin states derived from data-driven probabilistic modelling of dependencies between chromatin factors. Our model not only recapitulates enhancer-like chromatin states as indicated by widely used enhancer marks but also divides these states into three functionally distinct groups, of which only one specific group possesses active enhancer activity. Moreover, we discover a strong association between one specific enhancer state and RNA Polymerase II pausing, linking transcription regulatory potential and chromatin organization. We also observe that with the exception of long-intron genes, chromatin state transition positions in transcriptionally active genes align with an absolute distance to their corresponding transcription start site, regardless of gene length. Using our method, we provide a resource that helps elucidate the functional and spatial organization of the chromatin code landscape.
Selective silicate-directed motility in diatoms
Authors: Bondoc Karen Grace V. , Heuschele Jan , Gillard Jeroen , Vyverman Wim , Pohnert Georg
Published: February 2016

Diatoms are highly abundant unicellular algae that often dominate pelagic as well as benthic primary production in the oceans and inland waters. Being strictly dependent on silica to build their biomineralized cell walls, marine diatoms precipitate 240 × 1012 mol Si per year, which makes them the major sink in the global Si cycle. Dissolved silicic acid (dSi) availability frequently limits diatom productivity and influences species composition of communities. We show that benthic diatoms selectively perceive and behaviourally react to gradients of dSi. Cell speed increases under dSi-limited conditions in a chemokinetic response and, if gradients of this resource are present, increased directionality of cell movement promotes chemotaxis. The ability to exploit local and short-lived dSi hotspots using a specific search behaviour likely contributes to micro-scale patch dynamics in biofilm communities. On a global scale this behaviour might affect sediment–water dSi fluxes and biogeochemical cycling.
Chromatin remodeller SMARCA4 recruits topoisomerase 1 and suppresses transcription-associated genomic instability
Authors: Husain Afzal , Begum Nasim A. , Taniguchi Takako , Taniguchi Hisaaki , Kobayashi Maki , Honjo Tasuku
Published: February 2016

Topoisomerase 1, an enzyme that relieves superhelical tension, is implicated in transcription-associated mutagenesis and genome instability-associated with neurodegenerative diseases as well as activation-induced cytidine deaminase. From proteomic analysis of TOP1-associated proteins, we identify SMARCA4, an ATP-dependent chromatin remodeller; FACT, a histone chaperone; and H3K4me3, a transcriptionally active chromatin marker. Here we show that SMARCA4 knockdown in a B-cell line decreases TOP1 recruitment to chromatin, and leads to increases in Igh/c-Myc chromosomal translocations, variable and switch region mutations and negative superhelicity, all of which are also observed in response to TOP1 knockdown. In contrast, FACT knockdown inhibits association of TOP1 with H3K4me3, and severely reduces DNA cleavage and Igh/c-Myc translocations, without significant effect on TOP1 recruitment to chromatin. We thus propose that SMARCA4 is involved in the TOP1 recruitment to general chromatin, whereas FACT is required for TOP1 binding to H3K4me3 at non-B DNA containing chromatin for the site-specific cleavage.
Elastic spheres can walk on water
Authors: Belden Jesse , Hurd Randy C. , Jandron Michael A. , Bower Allan F. , Truscott Tadd T.
Published: February 2016

Incited by public fascination and engineering application, water-skipping of rigid stones and spheres has received considerable study. While these objects can be coaxed to ricochet, elastic spheres demonstrate superior water-skipping ability, but little is known about the effect of large material compliance on water impact physics. Here we show that upon water impact, very compliant spheres naturally assume a disk-like geometry and dynamic orientation that are favourable for water-skipping. Experiments and numerical modelling reveal that the initial spherical shape evolves as elastic waves propagate through the material. We find that the skipping dynamics are governed by the wave propagation speed and by the ratio of material shear modulus to hydrodynamic pressure. With these insights, we explain why softer spheres skip more easily than stiffer ones. Our results advance understanding of fluid-elastic body interaction during water impact, which could benefit inflatable craft modelling and, more playfully, design of elastic aquatic toys.
Realization of mid-infrared graphene hyperbolic metamaterials
Authors: Chang You-Chia , Liu Che-Hung , Liu Chang-Hua , Zhang Siyuan , Marder Seth R. , Narimanov Evgenii E. , Zhong Zhaohui , Norris Theodore B.
Published: February 2016

While metal is the most common conducting constituent element in the fabrication of metamaterials, graphene provides another useful building block, that is, a truly two-dimensional conducting sheet whose conductivity can be controlled by doping. Here we report the experimental realization of a multilayer structure of alternating graphene and Al2O3 layers, a structure similar to the metal-dielectric multilayers commonly used in creating visible wavelength hyperbolic metamaterials. Chemical vapour deposited graphene rather than exfoliated or epitaxial graphene is used, because layer transfer methods are easily applied in fabrication. We employ a method of doping to increase the layer conductivity, and our analysis shows that the doped chemical vapour deposited graphene has good optical properties in the mid-infrared range. We therefore design the metamaterial for mid-infrared operation; our characterization with an infrared ellipsometer demonstrates that the metamaterial experiences an optical topological transition from elliptic to hyperbolic dispersion at a wavelength of 4.5 μm.
Graphene-Iodine Nanocomposites: Highly Potent Bacterial Inhibitors that are Bio-compatible with Human Cells
Authors: Some Surajit , Sohn Ji Soo , Kim Junmoo , Lee Su-Hyun , Lee Su Chan , Lee Jungpyo , Shackery Iman , Kim Sang Kyum , Kim So Hyun , Choi Nakwon , Cho Il-Joo , Jung Hyo-Il , Kang Shinill , Jun Seong Chan
Published: February 2016

Graphene-composites, capable of inhibiting bacterial growth which is also bio-compatible with human cells have been highly sought after. Here we report for the first time the preparation of new graphene-iodine nano-composites via electrostatic interactions between positively charged graphene derivatives and triiodide anions. The resulting composites were characterized by X-ray photoemission spectroscopy, UV-spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and Scanning electron microscopy. The antibacterial potential of these graphene-iodine composites against Klebsiella pneumonia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus mirobilis, Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli was investigated. In addition, the cytotoxicity of the nanocomposite with human cells [human white blood cells (WBC), HeLa, MDA-MB-231, Fibroblast (primary human keratinocyte) and Keratinocyte (immortalized fibroblast)], was assessed. DGO (Double-oxidizes graphene oxide) was prepared by the additional oxidation of GO (graphene oxide). This generates more oxygen containing functional groups that can readily trap more H+, thus generating a positively charged surface area under highly acidic conditions. This step allowed bonding with a greater number of anionic triiodides and generated the most potent antibacterial agent among graphene-iodine and as-made povidone-iodine (PVP-I) composites also exhibited nontoxic to human cells culture. Thus, these nano-composites can be used to inhibit the growth of various bacterial species. Importantly, they are also very low-cytotoxic to human cells culture.
Inhibition of Chikungunya Virus Replication by 1-[(2-Methylbenzimidazol-1-yl) Methyl]-2-Oxo-Indolin-3-ylidene] Amino] Thiourea(MBZM-N-IBT)
Authors: Mishra Priyadarsee , Kumar Abhishek , Mamidi Prabhudutta , Kumar Sameer , Basantray Itishree , Saswat Tanuja , Das Indrani , Nayak Tapas Kumar , Chattopadhyay Subhasis , Subudhi Bharat Bhusan , Chattopadhyay Soma
Published: February 2016

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection is one of the most challenging human Arboviral infections with global significance and without any specific antiviral. In this investigation, 1-[(2-methylbenzimidazol-1-yl) methyl]-2-oxo-indolin-3-ylidene] amino] thiourea (MBZM-N-IBT) was synthesised as a molecular hybrid of 2-methyl benzimidazole and isatin-β-thiosemicarbazone and its anti-CHIKV property was evaluated. The release of infectious virus particles was calculated by plaque assay, expression profile of viral RNA was estimated by RT-PCR and viral protein profiles were assessed by Western blot and FACS analyses. The safety index of MBZM-N-IBT was found to be >21. The CHIKV infectious viral particle formation was abrogated around 76.02% by MBZM-N-IBT during infection in mammalian system and the viral RNA synthesis was reduced by 65.53% and 23.71% for nsP2 and E1 respectively. Surprisingly, the viral protein levels were reduced by 97% for both nsP2 and E2. In the time-of-addition experiment it abrogated viral infection at early as well as late phase of viral life cycle, which indicates about multiple mechanisms for its anti-CHIKV action.In silicoanalysis justified development of MBZM-N-IBT with good affinities for potential target proteins of CHIKV and related virus. With predictions of good drug-likeness property, it shows potential of a drug candidate which needs further experimental validation.
One-step Preparation of Nanoarchitectured TiO2 on Porous Al as Integrated Anode for High-performance Lithium-ion Batteries
Authors: Du Xianfeng , Wang Qianwen , Feng Tianyu , Chen Xizi , Li Liang , Li Long , Meng Xiangfei , Xiong Lilong , Sun Xiaofei , Lu Lu , Xu Youlong
Published: February 2016

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is an attractive anode material for energy storage devices due to its low-volume-change and high safety. However, TiO2 anodes usually suffer from poor electrical and ionic conductivity, thus causing dramatic degradation of electrochemical performance at rapid charge/discharge rates, which has hindered its use in energy storage devices. Here, we present a novel strategy to address this main obstacle via using nanoarchitectured TiO2 anode consisting of mesoporous TiO2 wrapped in carbon on a tunnel-like etched aluminum substrate prepared by a simple one-step approach. As a result of this nanoarchitecture arrangement, the anode exhibits excellent rate performance and superior cyclability. A rate up to 100 C is achieved with a high specific capacity of about 95 mA h g−1 and without apparent decay after 8,000 cycles.
Spinal cord injury affects the interplay between visual and sensorimotor representations of the body
Authors: Ionta Silvio , Villiger Michael , Jutzeler Catherine R , Freund Patrick , Curt Armin , Gassert Roger
Published: February 2016

The brain integrates multiple sensory inputs, including somatosensory and visual inputs, to produce a representation of the body. Spinal cord injury (SCI) interrupts the communication between brain and body and the effects of this deafferentation on body representation are poorly understood. We investigated whether the relative weight of somatosensory and visual frames of reference for body representation is altered in individuals with incomplete or complete SCI (affecting lower limbs’ somatosensation), with respect to controls. To study the influence of afferent somatosensory information on body representation, participants verbally judged the laterality of rotated images of feet, hands and whole-bodies (mental rotation task) in two different postures (participants’ body parts were hidden from view). We found that (i) complete SCI disrupts the influence of postural changes on the representation of the deafferented body parts (feet, but not hands) and (ii) regardless of posture, whole-body representation progressively deteriorates proportionally to SCI completeness. These results demonstrate that the cortical representation of the body is dynamic, responsive and adaptable to contingent conditions, in that the role of somatosensation is altered and partially compensated with a change in the relative weight of somatosensory versus visual bodily representations.
Introducing Discrete Frequency Infrared Technology for High-Throughput Biofluid Screening
Authors: Hughes Caryn , Clemens Graeme , Bird Benjamin , Dawson Timothy , Ashton Katherine M. , Jenkinson Michael D. , Brodbelt Andrew , Weida Miles , Fotheringham Edeline , Barre Matthew , Rowlette Jeremy , Baker Matthew J.
Published: February 2016

Accurate early diagnosis is critical to patient survival, management and quality of life. Biofluids are key to early diagnosis due to their ease of collection and intimate involvement in human function. Large-scale mid-IR imaging of dried fluid deposits offers a high-throughput molecular analysis paradigm for the biomedical laboratory. The exciting advent of tuneable quantum cascade lasers allows for the collection of discrete frequency infrared data enabling clinically relevant timescales. By scanning targeted frequencies spectral quality, reproducibility and diagnostic potential can be maintained while significantly reducing acquisition time and processing requirements, sampling 16 serum spots with 0.6, 5.1 and 15% relative standard deviation (RSD) for 199, 14 and 9 discrete frequencies respectively. We use this reproducible methodology to show proof of concept rapid diagnostics; 40 unique dried liquid biopsies from brain, breast, lung and skin cancer patients were classified in 2.4 cumulative seconds against 10 non-cancer controls with accuracies of up to 90%.
Courtship Pheromone Use in a Model Urodele, the Mexican Axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum)
Authors: Maex Margo , Van Bocxlaer Ines , Mortier Anneleen , Proost Paul , Bossuyt Franky
Published: February 2016

Sex pheromones have been shown to constitute a crucial aspect of salamander reproduction. Until now, courtship pheromones of Salamandridae and Plethodontidae have been intensively studied, but information on chemical communication in other urodelan families is essentially lacking. The axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum, Ambystomatidae) has a courtship display that suggests a key role for chemical communication in the orchestration of its sexual behavior, but no sex pheromones have yet been characterized from this species. Here we combined whole transcriptome analyses of the male cloaca with proteomic analyses of water in which axolotls were allowed to court to show that male axolotls secrete multiple ca. 20 kDa glycosylated sodefrin precursor-like factor (SPF) proteins during courtship. In combination with phylogenetic analyses, our data show that the male cloaca essentially secretes a courtship-specific clade of SPF proteins that is orthologous to salamandrid courtship pheromones. In addition, we identified an SPF protein for which no orthologs have been described from other salamanders so far. Overall, our study advocates a central role for SPF proteins during the courtship display of axolotls and adds knowledge on pheromone use in a previously unexplored deep evolutionary branch of salamander evolution.
The well-designed hierarchical structure of Musa basjoo for supercapacitors
Authors: Zheng Kaiwen , Fan Xiaorong , Mao Yingzhu , Lin Jingkai , Dai Wenxuan , Zhang Junying , Cheng Jue
Published: February 2016

Application of biological structure is one of the hottest topics in the field of science and technology. The unimaginable and excellent architectures of living beings supporting their vital activities have attracted the interests of worldwide researchers. An intriguing example is Musa basjoo which belongs to the herb, while appears like a tree. The profound mystery of structure and potential application of Musa basjoo have not been probed. Here we show the finding of the hierarchical structure of Musa basjoo and the outstanding electrochemical performance of the super-capacitors fabricated through the simple carbonization of Musa basjoo followed by KOH activation. Musa basjoo has three layers of structure: nanometer-level, micrometer-level and millimeter-level. The nanometer-level structure constructs the micrometer-level structure, while the micrometer-level structure constructs the millimeter-level structure. Based on this hierarchical structure, Musa basjoo reduces the unnecessary weight and therefore supports its huge body. The super-capacitors derived from Musa basjoo display a high specific capacitance and a good cycling stability. This enlightening work opens a window for the applications of the natural structure and we hope that more and more people could pay attention to the bio-inspired materials.
Biosynthetic route towards saxitoxin and shunt pathway
Authors: Tsuchiya Shigeki , Cho Yuko , Konoki Keiichi , Nagasawa Kazuo , Oshima Yasukatsu , Yotsu-Yamashita Mari
Published: February 2016

Saxitoxin, the most potent voltage-gated sodium channel blocker, is one of the paralytic shellfish toxins (PSTs) produced by cyanobacteria and dinoflagellates. Recently, putative biosynthetic genes of PSTs were reported in these microorganisms. We previously synthesized genetically predicted biosynthetic intermediates, Int-A’ and Int-C’2 and also Cyclic-C’ which was not predicted based on gene and identified them all in the toxin-producing cyanobacteriumAnabaena circinalis(TA04) and the dinoflagellateAlexandrium tamarense(Axat-2). This study examined the incorporation of15N-labeled intermediates into PSTs (C1 and C2) inA. circinalis(TA04). Conversions from Int-A’ to Int-C’2, from Int-C’2 to Cyclic-C’ and from Int-A’ and Int-C’2 to C1 and C2 were indicated using high resolution-LC/MS. However, Cyclic-C’ was not converted to C1 and C2 and was detected primarily in the extracellular medium. These results suggest that Int-A’ and Int-C’2 are genuine precursors of PSTs, but Int-C’2 converts partially to Cyclic-C’ which is a shunt product excreted to outside the cells. This paper provides the first direct demonstration of the biosynthetic route towards saxitoxin and a shunt pathway.
Early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease from elevated olfactory mucosal miR-206 level
Authors: Moon Jangsup , Lee Soon-Tae , Kong Il Gyu , Byun Jung-Ick , Sunwoo Jun-Sang , Shin Jung-Won , Shim Ji-Young , Park Ji-Hyun , Jeon Daejong , Jung Keun-Hwa , Jung Ki-Young , Kim Dong-Young , Lee Sang Kun , Kim Manho , Chu Kon
Published: February 2016

MicroRNA-206, which suppresses the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, is known to be elevated in the brains of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients. We performed intranasal biopsy of the olfactory epithelia of early dementia patients (n = 24) and cognitively healthy controls (n = 9). Patients with significant depression (n = 8) were analyzed separately, as their cognitive impairments were thought to be caused by their depression. Real-time PCR was performed on the biopsied tissues. The relative microRNA-206 level exhibited a 7.8-fold increase (P = 0.004) in the mild cognitive impairment group (CDR 0.5; n = 13) and a 41.5-fold increase (P < 0.001) in the CDR 1 group (n = 11). However, this level was not increased in the depression group, even in those with cognitive decline. Using the optimal cutoff value, the sensitivity/specificity for diagnosing CDR 0.5 and CDR 1 dementia were 87.5%/94.1% and 90.9%/93.3%, respectively. In ROC analysis, the AUCs were 0.942 and 0.976 in the CDR 0.5 and CDR 1 groups, respectively. The olfactory mucosal microRNA-206 level and cognitive assessment scores were significantly correlated in the non-depressed subjects with cognitive impairment. In conclusion, the olfactory mucosal microRNA-206 level can be easily measured and it can be utilized as an excellent biomarker for the diagnosis of early AD, including mild cognitive impairment.
Correction: Corrigendum: Gravity-driven postseismic deformation following the Mw 6.3 2009 L’Aquila (Italy) earthquake
Authors: Albano Matteo , Barba Salvatore , Saroli Michele , Moro Marco , Malvarosa Fabio , Costantini Mario , Bignami Christian , Stramondo Salvatore
Published: February 2016

The present work focuses on the postseismic deformation observed in the region of L’Aquila (central Italy) following the Mw 6.3 earthquake that occurred on April 6, 2009. A new, 16-month-long dataset of COSMO-SkyMed SAR images was analysed using the Persistent Scatterer Pairs interferometric technique. The analysis revealed the existence of postseismic ground subsidence in the mountainous rocky area of Mt Ocre ridge, contiguous to the sedimentary plain that experienced coseismic subsidence. The postseismic subsidence was characterized by displacements of 10 to 35 mm along the SAR line of sight. In the Mt Ocre ridge, widespread morphological elements associated with gravitational spreading have been previously mapped. We tested the hypothesis that the postseismic subsidence of the Mt Ocre ridge compensates the loss of equilibrium induced by the nearby coseismic subsidence. Therefore, we simulated the coseismic and postseismic displacement fields via the finite element method. We included the gravitational load and fault slip and accounted for the geometrical and rheological characteristics of the area. We found that the elastoplastic behaviour of the material under gravitational loading best explains the observed postseismic displacement. These findings emphasize the role of gravity in the postseismic processes at the fault scale.
Visualizing tropoelastin in a long-term human elastic fibre cell culture model
Authors: Halm M. , Schenke-Layland K. , Jaspers S. , Wenck H. , Fischer F.
Published: February 2016

Elastin is an essential protein found in a variety of tissues where resilience and flexibility are needed, such as the skin and the heart. When aiming to engineer suitable implants, elastic fibres are needed to allow adequate tissue renewal. However, the visualization of human elastogenesis remains in the dark. To date, the visualization of human tropoelastin (TE) production in a human cell context and its fibre assembly under live cell conditions has not been achieved. Here, we present a long-term cell culture model of human dermal fibroblasts expressing fluorescence-labelled human TE. We employed a lentiviral system to stably overexpress Citrine-labelled TE to build a fluorescent fibre network. Using immunofluorescence, we confirmed the functionality of the Citrine-tagged TE. Furthermore, we visualized the fibre assembly over the course of several days using confocal microscopy. Applying super resolution microscopy, we were able to investigate the inner structure of the elastin–fibrillin-1 fibre network. Future investigations will allow the tracking of TE produced under various conditions. In tissue engineering applications the fluorescent fibre network can be visualized under various conditions or it serves as a tool for investigating fibre degradation processes in disease-in-a-dish-models.
Spatial and seasonal variations of isoprene secondary organic aerosol in China: Significant impact of biomass burning during winter
Authors: Ding Xiang , He Quan-Fu , Shen Ru-Qin , Yu Qing-Qing , Zhang Yu-Qing , Xin Jin-Yuan , Wen Tian-Xue , Wang Xin-Ming
Published: February 2016

Isoprene is a substantial contributor to global secondary organic aerosol (SOA). The formation of isoprene SOA (SOAI) is highly influenced by anthropogenic emissions. Currently, there is rare information regarding SOAI in polluted regions. In this study, one-year concurrent observation of SOAI tracers was undertaken at 12 sites across China for the first time. The tracers formed from the HO2-channel exhibited higher concentrations at rural sites, while the tracer formed from the NO/NO2-channel showed higher levels at urban sites. 3-Methyltetrahydrofuran-3,4-diols exhibited linear correlations with their ring-opening products, C5-alkenetriols. And the slopes were steeper in the southern China than the northern China, indicating stronger ring-opening reactions there. The correlation analysis of SOAI tracers with the factor determining biogenic emission and the tracer of biomass burning (levoglucosan) implied that the high level of SOAI during summer was controlled by biogenic emission, while the unexpected increase of SOAI during winter was largely due to the elevated biomass burning emission. The estimated secondary organic carbon from isoprene (SOCI) exhibited the highest levels in Southwest China. The significant correlations of SOCI between paired sites implied the regional impact of SOAI in China. Our findings implicate that isoprene origins and SOAI formation are distinctive in polluted regions.
Portable Wideband Microwave Imaging System for Intracranial Hemorrhage Detection Using Improved Back-projection Algorithm with Model of Effective Head Permittivity
Authors: Mobashsher Ahmed Toaha , Mahmoud A. , Abbosh A. M.
Published: February 2016

Intracranial hemorrhage is a medical emergency that requires rapid detection and medication to restrict any brain damage to minimal. Here, an effective wideband microwave head imaging system for on-the-spot detection of intracranial hemorrhage is presented. The operation of the system relies on the dielectric contrast between healthy brain tissues and a hemorrhage that causes a strong microwave scattering. The system uses a compact sensing antenna, which has an ultra-wideband operation with directional radiation and a portable, compact microwave transceiver for signal transmission and data acquisition. The collected data is processed to create a clear image of the brain using an improved back projection algorithm, which is based on a novel effective head permittivity model. The system is verified in realistic simulation and experimental environments using anatomically and electrically realistic human head phantoms. Quantitative and qualitative comparisons between the images from the proposed and existing algorithms demonstrate significant improvements in detection and localization accuracy. The radiation and thermal safety of the system are examined and verified. Initial human tests are conducted on healthy subjects with different head sizes. The reconstructed images are statistically analyzed and absence of false positive results indicate the efficacy of the proposed system in future preclinical trials.
Individual speckle diffraction based 1D and 2D Random Grating Fabrication for detector and solar energy harvesting applications
Authors: Bingi Jayachandra , Murukeshan Vadakke Matham
Published: February 2016

Laser speckles and speckle patterns, which are formed by the random interference of scattered waves from optically rough surfaces, have found tremendous applications in a wide range of metrological and biomedical fields. Here, we demonstrate a novel edge diffraction phenomenon of individual speckle for the fabrication of 1D and 2D micron and sub-micron size random gratings. These random gratings exhibit broadband response with interesting diffusive diffraction patterns. As an immediate application for solar energy harvesting, significant reduction in transmission and enhanced absorption in thin “Si-random grating-Si” sandwich structure is demonstrated. This work has multifaceted significance where we exploited the individual speckle diffraction properties for the first time. Besides the solar harvesting applications, random gratings are suitable structures for fabrication of theoretically proposed random quantum well IR detectors and hence expected that this work will augur well for such studies in the near future.
Catenary nanostructures as compact Bessel beam generators
Authors: Li Xiong , Pu Mingbo , Zhao Zeyu , Ma Xiaoliang , Jin Jinjin , Wang Yanqin , Gao Ping , Luo Xiangang
Published: February 2016

Non-diffracting Bessel beams, including zero-order and high-order Bessel Beams which carry orbital angular momentum (OAM), enable a variety of important applications in optical micromanipulation, sub-diffraction imaging, high speed photonics/quantum communication, etc. The commonly used ways to create Bessel beams, including an axicon or a digital hologram written to a spatial light modulator (SLM), have great challenges to operate at the nanoscale. Here we theoretically design and experimentally demonstrate one kind of planar Bessel beam generators based on metasurfaces with analytical structures perforated in ultra-thin metallic screens. Continuous phase modulation between 0 to 2π is realized with a single element. In addition, due to the dispersionless phase shift stemming from spin-orbit interaction, the proposed device can work in a wide wavelength range. The results may find applications in future optical communication, nanofabrication and super-resolution imaging, etc.
An ultrafast turn-on thiol probe for protein labeling and bioimaging
Authors: Sun Jinyu , Zhang Liangwei , Zhang Xiaolong , Hu Yuesong , Ge Chunpo , Fang Jianguo
Published: February 2016

A novel ultrafast turn-on thiol probe was developed that can be successfully applied to label protein thiols and imaging them in living cells.
A highly selective fluorescent and colorimetric chemosensor for Hg2+ based on a new rhodamine derivative
Authors: Chen Jian , Li Ya , Zhong Weibang , Wang Hong , Zhang Peisheng , Jiang Jianhui
Published: February 2016

The design and synthesis of a novel chemosensor 1 based on rhodamine B and 4-chloro-7-nitro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazole and its application in fluorescence and colorimetric detection of Hg2+ in aqueous solution are reported.
Sequestering survivin to functionalized nanoparticles: a strategy to enhance apoptosis in cancer cells
Authors: Jenkins Ragini , Bandera Yuriy P. , Daniele Michael A. , Ledford LeAnna L. , Tietje Ashlee , Kelso Andrew A. , Sehorn Michael G. , Wei Yanzhang , Chakrabarti Mrinmay , Ray Swapan K. , Foulger Stephen H.
Published: February 2016

Survivin belongs to the family of inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAP) and is present in most cancers while being below detection limits in most terminally differentiated adult tissues, making it an attractive protein to target for diagnostic and, potentially, therapeutic roles.
Two-dimensional transition-metal oxide monolayers as cathode materials for Li and Na ion batteries
Authors: Leong Chon Chio , Pan Hui , Ho Sut Kam
Published: February 2016

Two-dimensional monolayers are attractive for applications in metal-ion batteries because of their low ion-diffusion barrier and volume expansion.
Polarization effects on the interfacial conductivity in LaAlO3/SrTiO3heterostructures: a first-principles study
Authors: Behtash Maziar , Nazir Safdar , Wang Yaqin , Yang Kesong
Published: February 2016

First-principles calculations predict the normalized electron carrier density (μ/μ0), the mobility (m*/m0), and the conductivity (σ/σ0) in LaAlO3/SrTiO3as a function of uniaxial strain.
Analysis of the 1A′ S1 ← 1A′ S0 and 2A′ D0 ← 1A′ S1 band systems in 1,2-dichloro-4-fluorobenzene by means of resonance-enhanced-multi-photon-ionization (REMPI) and mass-analyzed-threshold-ionization (MATI) spectroscopy
Authors: Krüger Sascha , Grotemeyer Jürgen
Published: February 2016

REMPI and MATI spectroscopy have been applied in order to investigate the vibrational structure of 1,2-dichloro-4-fluorobenzene (1,2,4-DCFB), in its first excited (S1) and cationic ground state (D0).
The atomistic origin of interface confinement and enhanced conversion efficiency in Si nanowire solar cells
Authors: He Yan , Quan Jun , Ouyang Gang
Published: February 2016

Dependence of the power conversion efficiency of SiNWs on their size and epitaxial layers.
Supramolecular aggregation of Ni(salen) with (C6F5)2Hg and [o-C6F4Hg]3
Authors: Tsunoda Mitsukimi , Fleischmann Martin , Jones J. Stuart , Bhuvanesh Nattamai , Scheer Manfred , Gabbaï François P.
Published: February 2016

Organomercurials (C6F5)2Hg and [o-C6F4Hg]3 interact with Ni(ii)-salen to form adducts held by arene-perfluoroarene and hydrogen bonding interactions, as well as interactions between Hg, the salen ligand, and Ni.
C
2-Symmetric ferrocenyl bisthiazoles: synthesis, photophysical, electrochemical and DFT studies
Authors: Maragani Ramesh , Gautam Prabhat , Mobin Shaikh M. , Misra Rajneesh
Published: February 2016

The single crystal X-ray structures of ferrocenyl-bisthiazoles 3 and 5 show skew-eclipsed conformations.
Multi-platform mass spectrometry analysis of the CSF and plasma metabolomes of rigorously matched amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson's disease and control subjects
Authors: Wuolikainen Anna , Jonsson Pär , Ahnlund Maria , Antti Henrik , Marklund Stefan L. , Moritz Thomas , Forsgren Lars , Andersen Peter M. , Trupp Miles
Published: February 2016

Schematic view of the study design and the mass spectrometry platforms used for metabolomics analysis.
Using hematite for photoelectrochemical water splitting: a review of current progress and challenges
Authors: Tamirat Andebet Gedamu , Rick John , Dubale Amare Aregahegn , Su Wei-Nien , Hwang Bing-Joe
Published: February 2016

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting is a promising technology for solar hydrogen production to build a sustainable, renewable and clean energy economy.
Polycatechol nanosheet: a superior nanocarrier for highly effective chemo-photothermal synergistic therapy in vivo
Authors: Bai J. , Jia X. D. , Ma Z. F. , Jiang X. E. , Sun X. P.
Published: February 2016

A superior nanocarrier is facilely prepared and loaded with photothermal agent and drug, which can efficiently kill cancer cells in vivo.
Phage-displayed macrocyclic glycopeptide libraries
Authors: Ng Simon , Derda Ratmir
Published: February 2016

In this report, we describe an efficient way to generate libraries of macrocyclic glycopeptides in one step by reacting phage-displayed libraries of peptides with dichloro-oxime derivatives.
Preparation of high-purity lead oxide from spent lead paste by low temperature burning and hydrometallurgical processing with ammonium acetate solution
Authors: Ma Cheng , Shu Yuehong , Chen Hongyu
Published: February 2016

Lead sulfate, lead dioxide and lead oxide are the main components of lead paste in a spent lead-acid battery.
Alginate-assisted enrichment and purification of mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Lin Jiao , Lu Xuewen , Lie Puchang , Zeng Lingwen
Published: February 2016

The umbilical cord contains different populations of stem/progenitor cells such as mesenchymal, hematopoietic, trophoblastic and endothelial cells.
An operational transformation of 3-carboxy-4-quinolones into 3-nitro-4-quinolones via ipso-nitration using polysaccharide supported copper nanoparticles: synthesis of 3-tetrazolyl bioisosteres of 3-carboxy-4-quinolones as antibacterial agents
Authors: Azad Chandra S. , Narula Anudeep K.
Published: February 2016

The 3-nitro-4-quinolones have been synthesizedviaipso nitration of 3-carboxy-4-quinolones by chitosan supported Cu nano-particles. The 3-nitro derivatives were converted into their 3-tetrazolyl bioisosteres which showed increased antibacterial activity.
Dual-functional anticoagulant and antibacterial blend coatings based on gemini quaternary ammonium salt waterborne polyurethane and heparin
Authors: Song Yuanqing , Gao Yunlong , Wan Xinyuan , Luo Feng , Li Jiehua , Tan Hong , Fu Qiang
Published: February 2016

A simple design of the dual-functional anticoagulant and antibacterial blend coatings with controlled release of heparin.
Phosphorescent soft salt for ratiometric and lifetime imaging of intracellular pH variations
Authors: Ma Yun , Liang Hua , Zeng Yi , Yang Huiran , Ho Cheuk-Lam , Xu Wenjuan , Zhao Qiang , Huang Wei , Wong Wai-Yeung
Published: February 2016

A novel soft salt based phosphorescent probe has been successfully developed for ratiometric and lifetime imaging of intracellular pH variations in real time.
High performance two-ply carbon nanocomposite yarn supercapacitors enhanced with a platinum filament and in situ polymerized polyaniline nanowires
Authors: Wang Qiufan , Wu Yunlong , Li Ting , Zhang Daohong , Miao Menghe , Zhang Aiqing
Published: February 2016

A two-ply yarn supercapacitor fabricated from Pt/CNT@PANI nanowire composite electrodes exhibits a high specific capacitance of 91.67 mF cm−2and a high energy density of 12.68 μW h cm−2.
Energy transfer in color-tunable water-dispersible Tb–Eu codoped CaF2 nanocrystals
Authors: Back M. , Marin R. , Franceschin M. , Sfar Hancha N. , Enrichi F. , Trave E. , Polizzi S.
Published: February 2016

The energy transfer process between Tb3+ and Eu3+ ions in water-dispersible CaF2 nanocrystals prepared using a simple process is reported. Fine colour control and long excited state lifetimes make the nanosystem suitable for biosensing applications.
Triplet exciton recycling of a phosphorescent emitter by an up-conversion process using a delayed fluorescence type low triplet energy host material
Authors: Jeon Sang Kyu , Oh Chan Seok , Kim Mounggon , Yook Kyoung Soo , Lee Jun Yeob
Published: February 2016

A low triplet energy host material with thermally activated delayed fluorescence character was applied as the host material of a blue phosphorescent emitter and was compared with a high triplet energy host material.
A scalable synthesis of N-doped Si nanoparticles for high-performance Li-ion batteries
Authors: Han Ying , Lin Ning , Qian Yuying , Zhou Jianbin , Tian Jie , Zhu Yongchun , Qian Yitai
Published: February 2016

N-doped Si nanoparticles were prepared synchronously using a nitridation process of Mg2Si, which exhibited excellent electrochemical performance for lithium ion batteries.
An electronic aromaticity index for large rings
Authors: Matito Eduard
Published: February 2016

We introduce a new electronic aromaticity index, AV1245, consisting of an average of the 4-center indices along the ring that keep a positional relationship of 1, 2, 4, 5.
Facile synthesis of new N-sulfonamidyl-4-thiazolidinone derivatives and their biological evaluation
Authors: Subhedar Dnyaneshwar D. , Shaikh Mubarak H. , Kalam Khan Firoz A. , Sangshetti Jaiprakash N. , Khedkar Vijay M. , Shingate Bapurao B.
Published: February 2016

A one-pot three-component facile synthesis of N-sulfonamidyl-4-thiazolidinone derivatives using a [HDBU][HSO4] reusable ionic liquid was carried out, together with an investigation into their antifungal and antioxidant properties and a molecular docking study.
Nazarov cyclization of divinyl ketones bearing an ester group at the β-position: a remarkable effect of α-substitution and alkene geometry on regioselectivity
Authors: Sudhakar Gangarajula , Raghavaiah Jakka , Mahesh Gaddam , Singarapu Kiran Kumar
Published: February 2016

The Nazarov cyclization of divinyl ketones with an ester at the β-position was examined with particular reference to where the cyclic double bond forms.
Ir(iii)-catalyzed C–H alkynylation of arenes under chelation assistance
Authors: Tang Guo-Dong , Pan Cheng-Ling , Xie Fang
Published: February 2016

An efficient and mild Ir(iii)-catalyzed, chelation assisted C–H alkynylation of arenes has been developed using hypervalent iodine alkynes as alkynylating reagents.
Construction of a highly efficient near-IR solid emitter based on naphthalene diimide with AIE-active tetraphenylethene periphery
Authors: Rananaware Anushri , La Duong Duc , Jackson Sam. M. , Bhosale Sheshanath V.
Published: February 2016

AIE-active TTPEcNDI shows distinct near-IR optical properties and self-assembles into hollow spheres, fibrils and leaf-like nanostructures via solvophobic control.
Methanol dissociation on bimetallic surfaces: validity of the general Brønsted–Evans–Polanyi relationship for O–H bond cleavage
Authors: Fajín José L. C. , Cordeiro M. Natália D. S. , Gomes José R. B.
Published: February 2016

Density functional theory calculations were used to study the dissociation of the O–H bond in methanol on several bimetallic transition metal surfaces, composed of elements showing high or moderate activity towards this reaction, namely, Ni, Rh, Ru, Ir, Pd, Au, Zn and Cu.
Correction: A polymeric membrane permeabilizer displaying densely packed arrays of crown ether lateral substituents
Authors: Liu Ming , Bertova Anna , Illy Nicolas , Brissault Blandine , Penelle Jacques , Ondrias Karol , Barbier Valessa
Published: February 2016

Correction for ‘A polymeric membrane permeabilizer displaying densely packed arrays of crown ether lateral substituents’ by Ming Liu et al., RSC Adv., 2012, 2, 8606–8609.
A non-fullerene electron acceptor modified by thiophene-2-carbonitrile for solution-processed organic solar cells
Authors: Li Shuixing , Yan Jielin , Li Chang-Zhi , Liu Feng , Shi Minmin , Chen Hongzheng , Russell Thomas P.
Published: February 2016

An effective strategy to obtain a non-fullerene acceptor with good absorption and high electron mobility by introducing thiophene-2-carbonitrile groups.
Highly stable and efficient inverted organic solar cells based on low-temperature solution-processed PEIE and ZnO bilayers
Authors: Jin Won-Yong , Ginting Riski Titian , Jin Sung-Ho , Kang Jae-Wook
Published: February 2016

Highly efficient and air-stable inverted organic solar cells were fabricated from solution-processed non-conjugated polyethylenimine ethoxylated as the polyelectrolyte, a zinc oxide bilayer as the electron transport layer, and an active layer of PTB7 and PC71BM.
Estimation of overbound on ionospheric spatial decorrelation over low‐latitude region for ground‐based augmentation systems
Authors: Reddy Ammana Supraja , Achanta Sarma Dattatreya
Published: February 2016

In ground‐based augmentation systems (GBAS), such as local area augmentation system (LAAS) of USA, variation of ionospheric delay between LAAS ground facility and the user leads to residual ionospheric error. Hence, the users need to compute the bounds on residual ionospheric error with the help of a parameter, σvertical_ionospheric_gradient (σvig). As σvig is a function of geographic region, the estimated value of σvig for mid‐latitude regions (4 mm/km) is not appropriate for low‐latitude regions where ionosphere is highly varying and is characterised by large spatial gradients. In this study, gradients are computed with processed total electron content data from 16 stations of global positioning system aided geo augmented navigation network and using the time‐step method. The distribution of gradients is compared with one‐sigma Gaussian distribution to obtain ‘inflation factor’. σvig overbound is computed for several days data comprising of quiet, moderate and storm conditions of ionosphere using the corresponding inflation factors. It is found that overbound values of 4.5 and 14.4 mm/km are required to bind the gradients under quiet and active conditions. These findings are useful for designing a safe and reliable GBAS for low‐latitude stations.
The Impact of Lectures (Given to Children from 9–11 Years) on the Recognition of Risk Situations for the Occurrence of Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Frandoloso Victor , Silva Felipe , Magnabosco Camilla
Published: February 2016

Introduction It is believed that the prevention of head trauma (TBI) can be achieved with campaigns to raise awareness about safety measures.

Methods Longitudinal, observational and analytical cohort study. Standardized questionnaires were administered to students from 4th to 6th grade elementary school, before and immediately after the intervention. Items on habits//exposure to TCEs were analyzed categorically as theoretical knowledge were evaluated semi-continuously. A randomly selected subgroup was subjected to the same questionnaires past 9 months of educational lectures.

Results A total of 117 students (55 girls) were interviewed initially (4th [n ¼ 14/117], 5th [n ¼ 54/117] and 6th [n ¼ 49/117] series, average age of 9.8, 10, 7 and 11.8 years). Of these, 22 students were submitted to the late posttest (7th grade, 12.7 years on average). Among the participants, 37% (43/116) students had already suffered/knew someone who suffered TBI, 58% (18/31) were involved in traffic accidents and 42% (13/31) were involved in accidents with bicycle, skates or skateboard. Among these subjects, 90.3% reported occasional use or never having used protection during play. A significant discrepancy was detected between safety habits and theoretical knowledge related to helmet use and the use of seat belts (effective use versus hits on knowledge of respectively 37% versus 61%, and 70% versus 92%). In the theoretical evaluation, improvement was observed only with regard to the importance of helmet usage (61% in the pretest, 72% in the immediate posttest and 95% in the late posttest).

Conclusion The high rate of experience with TBI coupled with the significant discrepancy between habits and knowledge regarding trauma prevention stress the need for effective measures leading to their actual implementation. The intervention increased awareness about the importance of helmet usage, suggesting partial effectivity from a theoretical standpoint.
Incidental Transient Cortical Blindness after Lung Resection
Authors: Oncel Murat , Sunam Guven , Varoglu Asuman , Karabagli Hakan , Yildiran Huseyin
Published: February 2016

Transient vision loss after major surgical procedures is a rare clinical complication. The most common etiologies are cardiac, spinal, head, and neck surgeries. There has been no report on vision loss after lung resection. A 65-year-old man was admitted to our clinic with lung cancer. Resection was performed using right upper lobectomy with no complications. Cortical blindness developed 12 hours later in the postoperative period. Results from magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion-weighted investigations were normal. The neurologic examination was normal. The blood glucose level was 92 mg/dL and blood gas analysis showed a PO2 of 82 mm Hg. After 24 hours, the patient began to see and could count fingers, and his vision was fully restored within 72 hours after this point. Autonomic dysfunction due to impaired microvascular structures in diabetes mellitus may induce posterior circulation dysfunction, even when the hemodynamic state is normal in the perioperative period. The physician must keep in mind that vision loss may occur after lung resection due to autonomic dysfunction, especially in older patients with diabetes mellitus.