bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Supplemental epilactose prevents metabolic disorders through uncoupling protein-1 induction in the skeletal muscle of mice fed high-fat diets
Authors: Murakami Yuki , Ojima-Kato Teruyo , Saburi Wataru , Mori Haruhide , Matsui Hirokazu , Tanabe Soichi , Suzuki Takuya
Published: September 2015

Obesity is one of the major health problems throughout the world. The present study investigated the preventive effect of epilactose – a rare non-digestible disaccharide – on obesity and metabolic disorders in mice fed high-fat (HF) diets. Feeding with HF diets increased body weight gain, fat pad weight and adipocyte size in mice (P<0·01), and these increases were effectively prevented by the use of supplemental epilactose without influencing food intake (P<0·01). Caecal pools of SCFA such as acetic and propionic acids in mice fed epilactose were higher compared with mice not receiving epilactose. Supplemental epilactose increased the expression of uncoupling protein (UCP)-1, which enhances energy expenditure, to 2-fold in the gastrocnemius muscle (P=0·04) and to 1·3-fold in the brown adipose tissue (P=0·02) in mice fed HF diets. Feeding HF diets induced pro-inflammatory macrophage infiltration into white adipose tissue, as indicated by the increased expression of monocyte chemotactic protein-1, TNF-α and F4/80, and these increases were attenuated by supplemental epilactose. In differentiated myogenic-like C2C12 cells, propionic acid, but not acetic or n-butyric acids, directly enhanced UCP-1 expression by approximately 2-fold (P<0·01). Taken together, these findings indicate that the epilactose-mediated increase in UCP-1 in the skeletal muscle and brown adipose tissue can enhance whole-body energy expenditure, leading to effective prevention of obesity and metabolic disorders in mice fed HF diets. It is suggested that propionic acid – a bacterial metabolite – acts as a mediator to induce UCP-1 expression in skeletal muscles.
Longitudinal association of dairy consumption with the changes in blood pressure and the risk of incident hypertension: the Framingham Heart Study
Authors: Wang Huifen , Fox Caroline S. , Troy Lisa M. , Mckeown Nicola M. , Jacques Paul F.
Published: September 2015

We aimed to examine the longitudinal association of dairy consumption with the changes in blood pressure (BP) and the risk of incident hypertension (HTN) among adults. This study included 2636 Framingham Heart Study Offspring Cohort members who participated in the 5th through 8th examinations (1991–2008) and were free of HTN at their first examination during the follow-up. Data collected at each examination included dietary intake (by a validated FFQ), BP (following standardised procedures) and anti-hypertensive medication use (by physician-elicited self-report). HTN was defined as systolic BP (SBP)≥140 mmHg, or diastolic BP (DBP)≥90 mmHg or anti-hypertensive medication use. We used repeated-measure and discrete-time hazard regressions to examine the associations of dairy consumption with the annualised BP change (n2075) and incident HTN (n2340; cases=1026), respectively. Covariates included demographic, lifestyle, overall diet quality, metabolic factors and medication use. Greater intakes of total dairy foods, total low-fat/fat-free dairy foods, low-fat/skimmed milk and yoghurt were associated with smaller annualised increments in SBP and a lower risk of projected HTN incidence. However, with the exception of total dairy foods and yoghurt, these inverse associations with HTN risk were attenuated as the follow-up time increased. For yoghurt, each additional serving was associated with 6 (95 % CI 1, 10) % reduced risk of incident HTN. Total dairy and total low-fat/fat-free dairy intakes were found to be inversely related to changes in DBP. Dairy consumption, as part of a nutritious and energy-balanced diet pattern, may benefit BP control and prevent or delay the onset of HTN.
Macrocytosis and sudden sensorineural hearing loss: a case report
Authors: McMurran A E L , Adair R A
Published: September 2015

Background:

Although other blood dyscrasias are known to cause sudden sensorineural hearing loss, macrocytosis has not previously been implicated in the absence of another causative agent.

Case report:

We present a case of bilateral sequential sudden sensorineural hearing loss in a patient with significant macrocytosis (mean corpuscular volume at presentation 124 fl) secondary to alcohol-induced liver dysfunction.

Conclusion:

A possible pathophysiological mechanism linking macrocytosis and sudden sensorineural hearing loss was identified, suggesting areas for further investigation.
Plasmodium prevalence across avian host species is positively associated with exposure to mosquito vectors
Authors: MEDEIROS MATTHEW C. I. , RICKLEFS ROBERT E. , BRAWN JEFFREY D. , HAMER GABRIEL L.
Published: September 2015

The prevalence of vector-borne parasites varies greatly across host species, and this heterogeneity has been used to relate infectious disease susceptibility to host species traits. However, a few empirical studies have directly associated vector-borne parasite prevalence with exposure to vectors across hosts. Here, we use DNA sequencing of blood meals to estimate utilization of different avian host species by Culex mosquitoes, and relate utilization by these malaria vectors to avian Plasmodium prevalence. We found that avian host species that are highly utilized as hosts by avian malaria vectors are significantly more likely to have Plasmodium infections. However, the effect was not consistent among individual Plasmodium taxa. Exposure to vector bites may therefore influence the relative number of all avian Plasmodium infections among host species, while other processes, such as parasite competition and host-parasite coevolution, delimit the host distributions of individual Plasmodium species. We demonstrate that links between avian malaria susceptibility and host traits can be conditioned by patterns of exposure to vectors. Linking vector utilization rates to host traits may be a key area of future research to understand mechanisms that produce variation in the prevalence of vector-borne pathogens among host species.
CHARTING BOETHIUS: MUSIC AND THE DIAGRAMMATIC TREE IN THE CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY’SDE INSTITUTIONE ARITHMETICA, MS II.3.12
Authors: Walden Daniel K. S.
Published: September 2015

This article discusses a full-page schematic diagram contained in a twelfth-century manuscript of Boethius’ De institutione arithmetica and De institutione musica from Christ Church Cathedral, Canterbury (Cambridge University Library MS Ii.3.12), which has not yet been the subject of any significant musicological study despite its remarkable scope and comprehensiveness. This diagrammatic tree, or arbor, maps the precepts of the first book of De institutione arithmetica into a unified whole, depicting the ways music and arithmetic are interrelated as sub-branches of the quadrivium. I suggest that this schematic diagram served not only as a conceptual and interpretative device for the scribe working through Boethius’ complex theoretical material, but also as a mnemonic guide to assist the medieval pedagogue wishing to instruct students in the mathematics of musica speculativa. The diagram constitutes a fully developed theoretical exercise in its own right, while also demonstrating the roles Boethian philosophy and mathematics played in twelfth-century musical scholarship.
A SOUND DOCTRINE: EARLY MODERN JESUITS AND THE SINGING OF THE CATECHISM
Authors: Filippi Daniele V.
Published: September 2015

The musical activities connected with the teaching of Christian doctrine in the early modern era have failed to attract substantial scholarly attention. In fact, the noteworthy and by no means obvious association between singing and catechism is a longue durée phenomenon, and one of the most ubiquitous and characteristic elements of Catholic sonic cultures in the period 1550–1800. Interconnected as these practices are with many different aspects of early modern culture, their study raises questions and offers insights not only on musical issues, but on problems of interdisciplinary relevance. The present essay discusses their role in the pastoral work of early modern Jesuits and, conversely, the role of the Society of Jesus in the development of this tradition. Three different phases are examined: the export of the method from Spain to Italy in the sixteenth century; its adaptation to the French environment in the early seventeenth century; its further development in the golden age of popular missions.
MARGUERITE DE VALOIS, REINE DE NAVARRE (1553–1615): PATRONESS AND PERFORMER
Authors: McGowan Margaret M.
Published: September 2015

This essay studies the role played by Marguerite de Valois in the cultural life of the French court from early childhood until her death in 1615. Trained to perform in public, Marguerite acquired languages and diplomatic skills, and cultivated music and dancing in particular. Her passion for dancing and the energy and mastery she displayed in performance is traced through the testimony of contemporary records (French, Italian and English), through her own recollections, and through a discussion of her patronage of musicians, poets and dancers.
An Adaptive Weighting based on Modified DOP for Collaborative Indoor Positioning
Authors: Jing Hao , Pinchin James , Hill Chris , Moore Terry
Published: September 2015

Indoor localisation has always been a challenging problem due to poor Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) availability in such environments. While inertial measurement sensors have become popular solutions for indoor positioning, they suffer large drifts after initialisation. Collaborative positioning enhances positioning robustness by integrating multiple localisation information, especially relative ranging measurements between local users and transmitters. However, not all ranging measurements are useful throughout the whole positioning process and integrating too much data will increase the computation cost. To enable a more reliable positioning system, an adaptive collaborative positioning algorithm is proposed which selects units for the collaborative network and integrates ranging measurement to constrain inertial measurement errors. The algorithm selects the network adaptively from three perspectives: the network geometry, the network size and the accuracy level of the ranging measurements between the units. The collaborative relative constraint is then defined according to the selected network geometry and anticipated measurement quality. In the case of trials with real data, the positioning accuracy is improved by 60% by adjusting the range constraint adaptively according to the selected network situation, while also improving the system robustness.
The Random Graph Intuition for the Tournament Game
Authors: CLEMENS DENNIS , GEBAUER HEIDI , LIEBENAU ANITA
Published: September 2015

In the tournament game two players, called Maker and Breaker, alternately take turns in claiming an unclaimed edge of the complete graph Kn and selecting one of the two possible orientations. Before the game starts, Breaker fixes an arbitrary tournament Tk on k vertices. Maker wins if, at the end of the game, her digraph contains a copy of Tk; otherwise Breaker wins. In our main result, we show that Maker has a winning strategy for k = (2 − o(1))log2n, improving the constant factor in previous results of Beck and the second author. This is asymptotically tight since it is known that for k = (2 − o(1))log2n Breaker can prevent the underlying graph of Maker's digraph from containing a k-clique. Moreover, the precise value of our lower bound differs from the upper bound only by an additive constant of 12.

We also discuss the question of whether the random graph intuition, which suggests that the threshold for k is asymptotically the same for the game played by two ‘clever’ players and the game played by two ‘random’ players, is supported by the tournament game. It will turn out that, while a straightforward application of this intuition fails, a more subtle version of it is still valid.

Finally, we consider the orientation game version of the tournament game, where Maker wins the game if the final digraph – also containing the edges directed by Breaker – possesses a copy of Tk. We prove that in that game Breaker has a winning strategy for k = (4 + o(1))log2n.
Highly Efficient and Stable Solar Cells Based on Thiazolothiazole and Naphthobisthiadiazole Copolymers
Authors: Saito Masahiko , Osaka Itaru , Suzuki Yasuhito , Takimiya Kazuo , Okabe Takashi , Ikeda Satoru , Asano Tsuyoshi
Published: September 2015

A critical issue in polymer-based solar cells (PSCs) is to improve the power conversion efficiency (PCE) as well as the stability. Here, we describe the development of new semiconducting polymers consisting of thiophene, thiazolothiazole and naphthobisthiadiazole in the polymer backbone. The polymers had good solubility and thus solution-processability, appropriate electronic structure with narrow band gaps of ~1.57 eV and low-lying HOMO energy levels of ~−5.40 eV and highly ordered structure with the favorable face-on backbone orientation. Solar cells based on the polymers and PC71BM exhibited quite high PCEs of up to 9%. More interestingly, the cells also demonstrated excellent stability as they showed negligible degradation of PCE when stored at 85˚C for 500 hours in the dark under nitrogen atmosphere. These results indicate that the newly developed polymers are promising materials for PSCs in the practical use.
A Drosera-bioinspired hydrogel for catching and killing cancer cells
Authors: Li Shihui , Chen Niancao , Gaddes Erin R. , Zhang Xiaolong , Dong Cheng , Wang Yong
Published: September 2015

A variety of bioinspired materials have been successfully synthesized to mimic the sophisticated structures or functions of biological systems. However, it is still challenging to develop materials with multiple functions that can be performed synergistically or sequentially. The purpose of this work was to demonstrate a novel bioinspired hydrogel that can interact with cancer cells, functionally similar to Drosera in catching and killing prey. This hydrogel had two layers with the top one functionalized with oligonucleotide aptamers and the bottom one functionalized with double-stranded DNA. The results show that the top hydrogel layer was able to catch target cells with high efficiency and specificity and that the bottom hydrogel layer could sequester doxorubicin (Dox) for sustained drug release. Importantly, the released Dox could kill 90% of the cells after 1-h residence of the cells on the hydrogel. After the cell release, this bifunctional hydrogel could be regenerated for continuous cell catching and killing. Therefore, the data presented in this study has successfully demonstrated the potential of developing a material system with the functions of attracting, catching and killing diseased cells (e.g., circulating tumor cells) or even invading microorganisms (e.g., bacteria).
Coupling Single Giant Nanocrystal Quantum Dots to the Fundamental Mode of Patch Nanoantennas through Fringe Field
Authors: Wang Feng , Karan Niladri S. , Minh Nguyen Hue , Ghosh Yagnaseni , Hollingsworth Jennifer A. , Htoon Han
Published: September 2015

Through single dot spectroscopy and numerical simulation studies, we demonstrate that the fundamental mode of gold patch nanoantennas have fringe-field resonance capable of enhancing the nano-emitters coupled around the edge of the patch antenna. This fringe-field coupling is used to enhance the radiative rates of core/thick-shell nanocrystal quantum dots (g-NQDs) that cannot be embedded into the ultra-thin dielectric gap of patch nanoantennas due to their large sizes. We attain 14 and 3 times enhancements in single exciton radiative decay rate and bi-exciton emission efficiencies of g-NQDs respectively, with no detectable metal quenching. Our numerical studies confirmed our experimental results and further reveal that patch nanoantennas can provide strong emission enhancement for dipoles lying not only in radial direction of the circular patches but also in the direction normal to the antennas surface. This provides a distinct advantage over the parallel gap-bar antennas that can provide enhancement only for the dipoles oriented across the gap.
Electrospun SF/PLCL nanofibrous membrane: a potential scaffold for retinal progenitor cell proliferation and differentiation
Authors: Zhang Dandan , Ni Ni , Chen Junzhao , Yao Qinke , Shen Bingqiao , Zhang Yi , Zhu Mengyu , Wang Zi , Ruan Jing , Wang Jing , Mo Xiumei , Shi Wodong , Ji Jing , Fan Xianqun , Gu Ping
Published: September 2015

Biocompatible polymer scaffolds are promising as potential carriers for the delivery of retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) in cell replacement therapy for the repair of damaged or diseased retinas. The primary goal of the present study was to investigate the effects of blended electrospun nanofibrous membranes of silk fibroin (SF) and poly(L-lactic acid-co-ε-caprolactone) (PLCL), a novel scaffold, on the biological behaviour of RPCs in vitro. To assess the cell-scaffold interaction, RPCs were cultured on SF/PLCL scaffolds for indicated durations. Our data revealed that all the SF/PLCL scaffolds were thoroughly cytocompatible and the SF:PLCL (1:1) scaffolds yielded the best RPC growth. The in vitro proliferation assays showed that RPCs proliferated more quickly on the SF:PLCL (1:1) than on the other scaffolds and the control. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and immunocytochemistry analyses demonstrated that RPCs grown on the SF:PLCL (1:1) scaffolds preferentially differentiated toward retinal neurons, including, most interestingly, photoreceptors. In summary, we demonstrated that the SF:PLCL (1:1) scaffolds can not only markedly promote RPC proliferation with cytocompatibility for RPC growth but also robustly enhance RPCs’ differentiation toward specific retinal neurons of interest in vitro, suggesting that SF:PLCL (1:1) scaffolds may have potential applications in retinal cell replacement therapy in the future.
Community Detection in Signed Networks: the Role of Negative ties in Different Scales
Authors: Esmailian Pouya , Jalili Mahdi
Published: September 2015

Extracting community structure of complex network systems has many applications from engineering to biology and social sciences. There exist many algorithms to discover community structure of networks. However, it has been significantly under-explored for networks with positive and negative links as compared to unsigned ones. Trying to fill this gap, we measured the quality of partitions by introducing a Map Equation for signed networks. It is based on the assumption that negative relations weaken positive flow from a node towards a community and thus, external (internal) negative ties increase the probability of staying inside (escaping from) a community. We further extended the Constant Potts Model, providing a map spectrum for signed networks. Accordingly, a partition is selected through balancing between abridgment and expatiation of a signed network. Most importantly, multi-scale spectrum of signed networks revealed how informative are negative ties in different scales and quantified the topological placement of negative ties between dense positive ones. Moreover, an inconsistency was found in the signed Modularity: as the number of negative ties increases, the density of positive ties is neglected more. These results shed lights on the community structure of signed networks.
A New Silicon Phase with Direct Band Gap and Novel Optoelectronic Properties
Authors: Guo Yaguang , Wang Qian , Kawazoe Yoshiyuki , Jena Puru
Published: September 2015

Due to the compatibility with the well-developed Si-based semiconductor industry, there is considerable interest in developing silicon structures with direct energy band gaps for effective sunlight harvesting. In this paper, using silicon triangles as the building block, we propose a new silicon allotrope with a direct band gap of 0.61 eV, which is dynamically, thermally and mechanically stable. Symmetry group analysis further suggests that dipole transition at the direct band gap is allowed. In addition, this new allotrope displays large carrier mobility (~104 cm/V · s) at room temperature and a low mass density (1.71 g/cm3), making it a promising material for optoelectronic applications.
Parameterization of clear-sky surface irradiance and its implications for estimation of aerosol direct radiative effect and aerosol optical depth
Authors: Xia Xiangao
Published: September 2015

Aerosols impact clear-sky surface irradiance ("Equation missing") through the effects of scattering and absorption. Linear or nonlinear relationships between aerosol optical depth (τa) and "Equation missing" have been established to describe the aerosol direct radiative effect on "Equation missing" (ADRE). However, considerable uncertainties remain associated with ADRE due to the incorrect estimation of "Equation missing" (τa in the absence of aerosols). Based on data from the Aerosol Robotic Network, the effects of τa, water vapor content (w) and the cosine of the solar zenith angle (μ) on "Equation missing" are thoroughly considered, leading to an effective parameterization of "Equation missing" as a nonlinear function of these three quantities. The parameterization is proven able to estimate "Equation missing" with a mean bias error of 0.32 W m−2, which is one order of magnitude smaller than that derived using earlier linear or nonlinear functions. Applications of this new parameterization to estimate τa from "Equation missing", or vice versa, show that the root-mean-square errors were 0.08 and 10.0 Wm−2, respectively. Therefore, this study establishes a straightforward method to derive "Equation missing" from τa or estimate τa from "Equation missing" measurements if water vapor measurements are available.
Continuous Reduction of Protein-Bound Uraemic Toxins with Improved Oxidative Stress by Using the Oral Charcoal Adsorbent AST-120 in Haemodialysis Patients
Authors: Yamamoto Suguru , Kazama Junichiro J. , Omori Kentaro , Matsuo Koji , Takahashi Yoshimitsu , Kawamura Kazuko , Matsuto Takayuki , Watanabe Hiroshi , Maruyama Toru , Narita Ichiei
Published: September 2015

Accumulation of protein-bound uraemic toxins (PBUTs) is one of the reasons for the development of uraemia-related complications including cardiovascular disease; however, conventional haemodialysis is limited in its ability to remove PBUTs. We aimed to examine whether the oral charcoal adsorbent AST-120 has an additive effect on PBUT removal in haemodialysis patients. During the 4-week study, anuric patients undergoing haemodialysis received AST-120 (6 g/day) in the last 2 weeks (n = 10) or the first 2 weeks (n = 10). Serum levels of total and free PBUTs such as indoxyl sulfate, p-cresyl sulfate and phenyl sulfate at the pre- and postdialysis sessions were measured before and after AST-120 use and after discontinuation. Levels of the oxidative stress markers oxidized albumin and 8-isoprostane were also measured. AST-120 use induced dramatic reduction of indoxyl sulfate (total, 45.7% [33.2–50.5%]; free, 70.4% [44.8–79.8%]), p-cresyl sulfate (total, 31.1% [25.0–48.0%]; free, 63.5% [49.3–70.9%]) and phenyl sulfate (free, 50.6% [32.3–71.2%]) levels; however, this effect disappeared after the discontinuation of AST-120. AST-120 use also induced substantial reduction of the oxidized albumin and 8-isoprostane levels. In conclusion, oral administration of AST-120 had additive effects on the continuous reduction of some PBUTs in anuric patients undergoing haemodialysis.
Mid-infrared Photoconductive Response in AlGaN/GaN Step Quantum Wells
Authors: Rong X. , Wang X. Q. , Chen G. , Zheng X. T. , Wang P. , Xu F. J. , Qin Z. X. , Tang N. , Chen Y. H. , Sang L. W. , Sumiya M. , Ge W. K. , Shen B.
Published: September 2015

AlGaN/GaN quantum structure is an excellent candidate for high speed infrared detectors based on intersubband transitions. However, fabrication of AlGaN/GaN quantum well infrared detectors suffers from polarization-induced internal electric field, which greatly limits the carrier vertical transport. In this article, a step quantum well is proposed to attempt solving this problem, in which a novel spacer barrier layer is used to balance the internal electric field. As a result, a nearly flat band potential profile is obtained in the step barrier layers of the AlGaN/GaN step quantum wells and a bound-to-quasi-continuum (B-to-QC) type intersubband prototype device with detectable photocurrent at atmosphere window (3–5 μm) is achieved in such nitride semiconductors.
Comparative quantitative trait loci for silique length and seed weight in Brassica napus
Authors: Fu Ying , Wei Dayong , Dong Hongli , He Yajun , Cui Yixin , Mei Jiaqin , Wan Huafang , Li Jiana , Snowdon Rod , Friedt Wolfgang , Li Xiaorong , Qian Wei
Published: September 2015

Silique length (SL) and seed weight (SW) are important yield-associated traits in rapeseed (Brassica napus). Although many quantitative trait loci (QTL) for SL and SW have been identified in B. napus, comparative analysis for those QTL is seldom performed. In the present study, 20 and 21 QTL for SL and SW were identified in doubled haploid (DH) and DH-derived reconstructed F2 populations in rapeseed, explaining 55.1–74.3% and 24.4–62.9% of the phenotypic variation across three years, respectively. Of which, 17 QTL with partially or completely overlapped confidence interval on chromosome A09, were homologous with two overlapped QTL on chromosome C08 by aligning QTL confidence intervals with the reference genomes of Brassica crops. By high density selective genotyping of DH lines with extreme phenotypes, using a Brassica single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array, the QTL on chromosome A09 was narrowed and aligned into 1.14-Mb region from 30.84 to 31.98 Mb on chromosome R09 of B. rapa and 1.05-Mb region from 27.21 to 28.26 Mb on chromosome A09 of B. napus. The alignment of QTL with Brassica reference genomes revealed homologous QTL on A09 and C08 for SL. The narrowed QTL region provides clues for gene cloning and breeding cultivars by marker-assisted selection.
Enzyme renaturation to higher activity driven by the sol-gel transition: Carbonic anhydrase
Authors: Vinogradov Vladimir V. , Avnir David
Published: September 2015

We describe a so-far unknown route for renaturing denatured enzymes, namely subjecting the denatured enzyme to an oxide sol-gel transition. The phenomenon was revealed in a detailed study of denatured carbonic anhydrase which was subjected to an alumina sol-gel transition, up to the thermally stabilizing entrapment in the final xerogel. Remarkably, not only that the killed enzyme regained its activity during the sol-gel process, but its activity increased to 180% of the native enzyme. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of enhanced activity following by renaturing (a “Phoenix effect”). Kinetic study which revealed a five-orders of magnitude (!) increase in the Arrhenius prefactor upon entrapment compared to solution. Circular dichroism analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, zeta potential analyses as well as synchronous fluorescence measurements, all of which were used to characterize the phenomenon, are consistent with a proposed mechanism which is based on the specific orienting interactions of the active site of the enzyme with respect to the alumina interface and its pores network.
Power enhancement of heat engines via correlated thermalization in a three-level “working fluid”
Authors: Gelbwaser-Klimovsky David , Niedenzu Wolfgang , Brumer Paul , Kurizki Gershon
Published: September 2015

We explore means of maximizing the power output of a heat engine based on a periodically-driven quantum system that is constantly coupled to hot and cold baths. It is shown that the maximal power output of such a heat engine whose “working fluid” is a degenerate V-type three-level system is that generated by two independent two-level systems. Hence, level degeneracy is a thermodynamic resource that may effectively double the power output. The efficiency, however, is not affected. We find that coherence is not an essential asset in such multilevel-based heat engines. The existence of two thermalization pathways sharing a common ground state suffices for power enhancement.
The C-terminus hot spot region helps in the fibril formation of bacteriophage-associated hyaluronate lyase (HylP2)
Authors: Shukla Harish , Singh Sudhir Kumar , Singh Amit Kumar , Mitra Kalyan , Akhtar Md. Sohail
Published: September 2015

The bacteriophage encoded hyaluronate lyases (HylP and HylP2) degrade hyaluronan and other glycosaminoglycans. HylP2 forms a functional fibril under acidic conditions in which its N-terminus is proposed to form the fibrillar core, leading to nucleation and acceleration of fibril formation. Here we report the presence of a hot spot region (A144GVVVY149) towards the carboxy terminus of HylP2, essential for the acceleration of fibril formation. The ‘hot spot’ is observed to be inherently mutated for valines (A178AMVMY183) in case of HylP. The N- terminal swapped chimeras between these phage HLs (NHylP2CHylP and NHylPCHylP2) or HylP did not form fibrils at acidic pH. However, seeding of prefibrils of HylP2 recompensed nucleation and led to fibrillation in NHylPCHylP2. The V147A mutation in the ‘hot spot’ region abolished fibril formation in HylP2. The M179V and M181V double mutations in the ‘hot spot’ region of HylP led to fibrillation with the seeding of prefibrils. It appears that fibrillation in HylP2 even though is initiated by the N-terminus, is accelerated by the conserved ‘hot spot’ region in the C-terminus. A collagenous (Gly-X-Y)10 motif in the N-terminus and a mutated ‘hot spot’ region in the C-terminus of HylP affect fibrillar nucleation and acceleration respectively.
Hyperactivation and in situ recruitment of inflammatory Vδ2 T cells contributes to disease pathogenesis in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Yin Shanshan , Mao Yujia , Li Xuemei , Yue Cai , Zhou Chen , Huang Linfang , Mo Wenxiu , Liang Di , Zhang Jianmin , He Wei , Zhang Xuan
Published: September 2015

In this study, we measured the proportion of peripheral Vδ2 T cells as well as the status and chemokine receptor expression profiles in SLE patients and healthy control (HC). In addition, Vδ2 T cell infiltration in the kidneys of patients with lupus nephritis was examined. The results showed that the percentage of peripheral Vδ2 T cells in new-onset SLE was decreased and negatively correlated with the SLE Disease Activity Index score and the severity of proteinuria. These cells had a decreased apoptosis but an increased proliferation and they showed increased accumulation in SLE kidneys. Moreover, IL-21 production and CD40L, CCR4, CCR7, CCR8, CXCR1 and CX3CR1 expression in Vδ2 T cells from SLE patients was significantly higher than from HC (p < 0.05) and these factors were downregulated in association with the repopulation of peripheral Vδ2 T cells in patients who were in remission (p < 0.05). In addition, anti-TCR Vδ2 antibodies activation significantly upregulated these chemokine receptors on Vδ2 T cells from HC and this effect was blocked by inhibitors of PLC-γ1, MAPK/Erk and PI3K signaling pathways. Our findings demonstrate that the distribution and function status of Vδ2 T cells from SLE patients are abnormal and these aberrations may contribute to disease pathogenesis.
Effects of concurrent caffeine and mobile phone exposure on local target probability processing in the human brain
Authors: Trunk Attila , Stefanics Gábor , Zentai Norbert , Bacskay Ivett , Felinger Attila , Thuróczy György , Hernádi István
Published: September 2015

Millions of people use mobile phones (MP) while drinking coffee or other caffeine containing beverages. Little is known about the potential combined effects of MP irradiation and caffeine on cognitive functions. Here we investigated whether caffeine intake and concurrent exposure to Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) MP-like irradiation may interactively influence neuro-cognitive function in an active visual oddball paradigm. In a full factorial experimental design, 25 participants performed a simple visual target detection task while reaction time (RT) and electroencephalogram (EEG) was recorded. Target trials were divided into Low and High probability sets based on target-to-target distance. We analyzed single trial RT and alpha-band power (amplitude) in the pre-target interval. We found that RT was shorter in High vs. Low local probability trials and caffeine further shortened RT in High probability trials relative to the baseline condition suggesting that caffeine improves the efficiency of implicit short-term memory. Caffeine also decreased pre-target alpha amplitude resulting in higher arousal level. Furthermore, pre-target gamma power positively correlated with RT, which may have facilitated target detection. However, in the present pharmacologically validated study UMTS exposure either alone or in combination with caffeine did not alter RT or pre-stimulus oscillatory brain activity.
Far-field characterization of the thermal dynamics in lasing microspheres
Authors: Ramírez J. M. , Navarro-Urrios D. , Capuj N. E. , Berencén Y. , Pitanti A. , Garrido B. , Tredicucci A.
Published: September 2015

This work reports the dynamical thermal behavior of lasing microspheres placed on a dielectric substrate while they are homogeneously heated-up by the top-pump laser used to excite the active medium. The lasing modes are collected in the far-field and their temporal spectral traces show characteristic lifetimes of about 2 ms. The latter values scale with the microsphere radius and are independent of the pump power in the studied range. Finite-Element Method simulations reproduce the experimental results, revealing that thermal dynamics is dominated by heat dissipated towards the substrate through the medium surrounding the contact point. The characteristic system scale regarding thermal transport is of few hundreds of nanometers, thus enabling an effective toy model for investigating heat conduction in non-continuum gaseous media and near-field radiative energy transfer.
Photoinduced electron transfer as a design concept for luminescent redox indicators
Authors: Magri David C.
Published: September 2015

The exploitation of photoinduced electron transfer as a general design principle for the development of luminescent redox indicators and logic gates is described. Potential future applications in biology, environmental analysis, biomedical diagnostics, corrosion science and materials science are mentioned.
A novel and highly sensitive electrochemical sensor based on a high-quality modified graphene electrode for the determination of hydrochlorothiazide in pharmaceutical formulations and human plasma
Authors: Er Engin , Çelikkan Hüseyin , Aksu M. Levent , Erk Nevin
Published: September 2015

An electrochemical sensing platform based on high-quality graphene was developed to detect hydrochlorothiazide (HCT) with a highly satisfactory electrochemical activity.
Microemulsification-based method: analysis of ethanol in fermentation broth of sugar cane
Authors: Giordano Gabriela F. , Shiroma Leandro Y. , Gobbi Angelo L. , Kubota Lauro T. , Lima Renato S.
Published: September 2015

Nanodroplets in thermodynamically stable dispersions allow naked eye determinations. An: analyte; W, O, and AP: water, oil, and amphiphile, respectively.
A novel AgNP/DNA/TPdye conjugate-based two-photon nanoprobe for GSH imaging in cell apoptosis of cancer tissue
Authors: Tang Qiao , Wang Ningning , Zhou Fulin , Deng Ting , Zhang Songbai , Li Jishan , Yang Ronghua , Zhong Wenwan , Tan Weihong
Published: September 2015

By combining DNA with a two-photon dye (TPdye) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), a novel two-photon nanoprobe for glutathione (GSH) imaging in cell apoptosis of cancer tissue was designed in the present study.
Ionic liquids as an electrolyte for the electro synthesis of organic compounds
Authors: Kathiresan Murugavel , Velayutham David
Published: September 2015

The use of ionic liquids (ILs) as a solvent and an electrolyte for electro organic synthesis has been reviewed.
(hkl)-Specific defects of MgO–CoO alloy produced by pulsed laser ablation in water
Authors: Chen Bang-Ying , Lin Shih-Siang , Shen Pouyan , Chen Shuei-Yuan
Published: September 2015

MgO–CoO particles with (hkl)-specific paracrystalline defects by pulsed laser ablation of solid-solution powders in water.
Molecular dynamics simulations for designing biomimetic pores based on internally functionalized self-assembling α,γ-peptide nanotubes
Authors: Calvelo Martín , Vázquez Saulo , García-Fandiño Rebeca
Published: September 2015

Internally functionalized peptide nanotubes composed of α- and γ-amino acids self assembled in lipid bilayers are studied using Molecular Dynamics simulations, projecting a promising future for their use as biomimetic channels when properly innerderivatized.
Functionalized ZnO/ZnO2 n–N straddling heterostructure achieved by oxygen plasma bombardment for highly selective methane sensing
Authors: Ghosh Sugato , Bhattacharyya Raghunath , Saha Hiranmay , Chaudhuri Chirasree Roy , Mukherjee Nillohit
Published: September 2015

Fabrication of a highly selective and stable methane sensor prototype based on ZnO/ZnO2 n–N heterostructure obtained by oxygen plasma bombardment of the ZnO–Zn(OH)2 precursor film is reported.
A colloidoscope of colloid-based porous materials and their uses
Authors: Phillips Katherine R. , England Grant T. , Sunny Steffi , Shirman Elijah , Shirman Tanya , Vogel Nicolas , Aizenberg Joanna
Published: September 2015

Colloids assemble into a variety of bioinspired structures for applications including optics, wetting, sensing, catalysis, and electrodes.
Research highlights: probing adsorbed organic coatings on nanoparticle surfaces
Authors: Louie Stacey M. , Pettibone John M.
Published: September 2015

We highlight three recent articles that probe interactions between ligands, polymers, and proteins on nanoparticles and demonstrate methodologies to characterize the adsorbed layer properties.
Fluorescent logic systems for sensing and molecular computation: structure–activity relationships in edge-detection
Authors: Ling Jue , Naren Gaowa , Kelly Jessica , Qureshi Adam , de Silva A. Prasanna
Published: September 2015

Molecular logic-based computation continues to throw up new applications in sensing and switching, the newest of which is the edge detection of objects. The scope of this phenomenon is mapped out by the use of structure–activity relationships, where several structures of the molecules and of the objects are examined. The different angles and curvatures of the objects are followed with good fidelity in the visualized edges, even when the objects are in reverse video.
A study of the catalytic ability of in situ prepared AgNPs–PMAA–PVP electrospun nanofibers
Authors: Zhong Lin , Yang Tong , Wang Jian , Huang Cheng Zhi
Published: September 2015

The catalysis of nanomaterials is interesting and attractive. Herein, electrospinning was employed to afford poly(methyl acrylate) (PMAA)–poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) electrospun nanofibers.
Investigation of magnetic and electrochemical sensing properties of novel Ba1/3Mn1/3Co1/3Fe2O4nanoparticles
Authors: Osman Nadir S. E. , Thapliyal Neeta , Moyo Thomas , Karpoormath Rajshekhar
Published: September 2015

Novel Ba1/3Mn1/3Co1/3Fe2O4nanoparticles were successfully synthesized, characterized and investigated for their magnetic and electrochemical sensing properties.
Facile synthesis of silver nanoparticle-decorated graphene oxide nanocomposites and their application for electrochemical sensing
Authors: Yang Ziyin , Qi Chengcheng , Zheng Xiaohui , Zheng Jianbin
Published: September 2015

TWEEN 80 was employed as the reducing agent, stabilizer and modifier in the synthesis of nanoparticle–graphene oxide nanocomposites.
Application of a novel cationic iridium(iii) complex as a red phosphor in warm white light-emitting diodes
Authors: Meng Guoyun , Chen Zeyu , Tang Huaijun , Liu Yong , Wei Liying , Wang Zhengliang
Published: September 2015

Warm white light-emitting diodes were obtained when the red-emitting iridium(iii) complex was added in LEDs based on blue GaN chips and YAG:Ce.
Oxygen orders differently under graphene: new superstructures on Ir(111)
Authors: Martínez-Galera A. J. , Schröder U. A. , Huttmann F. , Jolie W. , Craes F. , Busse C. , Caciuc V. , Atodiresei N. , Blügel S. , Michely T.
Published: September 2015

New arrangement of oxygen adatoms chemisorbed on Ir(111) induced by the graphene cover.
Ultra-rapid microwave synthesis of Li3−x−yMxN (M = Co, Ni and Cu) nitridometallates
Authors: Tapia-Ruiz Nuria , Laveda Josefa Vidal , Smith Ronald I. , Corr Serena A. , Gregory Duncan H.
Published: September 2015

Phase-pure ternary lithium nitrides with demonstrable Li+ ion vacancy concentrations can be synthesised by low power microwave reactions in times reduced by orders of magnitude over conventional heating approaches; the electrochemical performance of the materials has been determined.
An investigation of Pluronic P123–sodium cholate mixed system: micellization, gelation and encapsulation behavior
Authors: Ashraf Uzma , Chat Oyais Ahmad , Maswal Masrat , Jabeen Suraya , Dar Aijaz Ahmad
Published: September 2015

We report impact of sodium cholate on micellization and gelation of P123.
Heterogeneous alkaline earth metal–transition metal bimetallic catalysts for synthesis of biodiesel from low grade unrefined feedstock
Authors: Kwong Tsz-Lung , Yung Ka-Fu
Published: September 2015

A bimetallic alkaline earth metal–transition metal oxide, synthesized through a method of direct low-temperature decomposition of the bimetallic complex, is reported for the synthesis of biodiesel.
Origin of large field-induced strain of azobenzene/polyurethane blend dielectric elastomers
Authors: Renard Christophe , Wang Dongrui , Han Bao-Zhong , Dang Zhi-Min
Published: September 2015

The origin of the highly enhanced electromechanical response of polyurethane blended with strong polar azobenzenes was carefully characterized and proposed.
XPS in development of chemical sensors
Authors: Mazzotta Elisabetta , Rella Simona , Turco Antonio , Malitesta Cosimino
Published: September 2015

XPS represents a powerful tool for investigation of chemistry involved in chemical sensors, as analytes and recognition elements interact at a device surface, the region analyzed by the spectroscopic technique.
In situ liquid-cell transmission electron microscopy for direct observation of concentration-dependent growth and dissolution of silver nanoparticles
Authors: Ahn Tae-Young , Hong Seung-Pyo , Kim Seong-Il , Kim Young-Woon
Published: September 2015

Real-time liquid-cell transmission electron microscopy was utilized to gain insight into the growth and dissolution of silver nanoparticles.
LDH/MgCO3hybrid multilayer on an aluminium substrate as a novel high-temperature CO2adsorbent
Authors: Qiao Yaqian , Wang Junya , Huang Liang , Zheng Qianwen , O'Hare Dermot , Wang Qiang
Published: September 2015

LDH/MgCO3hybrid multilayer on an Al substrate as a novel high-temperature CO2adsorbent is reported.
A straightforward method for automated Fmoc-based synthesis of bio-inspired peptide crypto-thioesters
Authors: Terrier Victor P. , Adihou Hélène , Arnould Mathieu , Delmas Agnès F. , Aucagne Vincent
Published: September 2015

A bio-inspired method for the synthesis of peptide thioester surrogates for native chemical ligation was developed. The process can be fully automated and does not require postsynthetic steps.
Light and heat control over secondary structure and amyloid-like fiber formation in an overcrowded-alkene-modified Trp zipper
Authors: Poloni Claudia , Stuart Marc C. A. , van der Meulen Pieter , Szymanski Wiktor , Feringa Ben L.
Published: September 2015

The use of an overcrowded alkene photoswitch to control a model β-hairpin peptide is described. The light-induced, large conformational change has major influence on the secondary structure and the aggregation of the peptide, permitting the triggered formation of amyloid-like fibrils.
Design of porous Ag platelet structures with tunable porosity and high catalytic activity
Authors: Xu Man , Sui Yongming , Wang Chao , Zhou Bo , Wei Yingjin , Zou Bo
Published: September 2015

Porous Ag structures have recently attracted great interest due to their unique characteristics, relatively low cost and good biocompatibility.
Correction: Improving the stability and selectivity for the oxygen-evolution reaction on semiconducting WO3 photoelectrodes with a solid-state FeOOH catalyst
Authors: Lhermitte Charles R. , Garret Verwer J. , Bartlett Bart M.
Published: September 2015

Correction for ‘Improving the stability and selectivity for the oxygen-evolution reaction on semiconducting WO3 photoelectrodes with a solid-state FeOOH catalyst’ by Charles R. Lhermitte et al., J. Mater. Chem. A, 2016, DOI: 10.1039/c5ta04747a.
Electrical stimulation of human mesenchymal stem cells on biomineralized conducting polymers enhances their differentiation towards osteogenic outcomes
Authors: Hardy John G. , Sukhavasi Rushi C. , Aguilar David , Villancio-Wolter Maria K. , Mouser David J. , Geissler Sydney A. , Nguy Lindsey , Chow Jacqueline K. , Kaplan David L. , Schmidt Christine E.
Published: September 2015

Tissue scaffolds allowing the behaviour of the cells that reside on them to be controlled are of particular interest for tissue engineering.
Photo-controlled host–guest interaction as a new strategy to improve the preparation of “breathing” hollow polymer nanospheres for controlled drug delivery
Authors: Zhang Haitao , Tian Wei , Suo Rongtian , Yue Yang , Fan Xiaodong , Yang Zhen , Li Hui , Zhang Wanbin , Bai Yang
Published: September 2015

Photo-controlled host–guest interaction is used to improve the core removal method for preparing “breathing” hollow nanospheres as drug delivery.
Functionalized Salen ligands linking with non-conjugated bridges: unique and colorful aggregation-induced emission, mechanism, and applications
Authors: Cheng Jinghui , Li Yuanxi , Sun Rui , Liu Jiaoyan , Gou Fei , Zhou Xiangge , Xiang Haifeng , Liu Jin
Published: September 2015

A series of novel, simple, and useful Salen ligands (56 samples) linking with different non-conjugated alkyl bridges have a small π-conjugated system but exhibit strong red, green, and blue AIE.
Histone acetylation regulates orphan nuclear receptor NR4A1 expression in hypercholesterolaemia
Authors: Xie Xina , Song Xuhong , Yuan Song , Cai Haitao , Chen Yequn , Chang Xiaolan , Liang Bin , Huang Dongyang
Published: September 2015

Hypercholesterolaemia and inflammation are correlated with atherogenesis. Orphan nuclear receptor NR4A1, as a key regulator of inflammation, is closely associated with lipid levels in vivo. However, the mechanism by which lipids regulate NR4A1 expression remains unknown. We aimed to elucidate the underlying mechanism of NR4A1 expression in monocytes during hypercholesterolaemia, and reveal the potential role of NR4A1 in hypercholesterolaemia-induced circulating inflammation. Circulating leucocytes were collected from blood samples of 139 patients with hypercholesterolaemia and 139 sex- and age-matched healthy subjects. We found that there was a low-grade inflammatory state and higher expression of NR4A1 in patients. Both total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in plasma were positively correlated with NR4A1 mRNA level. ChIP revealed that acetylation of histone H3 was enriched in the NR4A1 promoter region in patients. Human mononuclear cell lines THP-1 and U937 were treated with cholesterol. Supporting our clinical observations, cholesterol enhanced p300 acetyltransferase and decreased HDAC7 (histone deacetylase 7) recruitment to the NR4A1 promoter region, resulting in histone H3 hyperacetylation and further contributing to NR4A1 up-regulation in monocytes. Moreover, cytosporone B, an NR4A1 agonist, completely reversed cholesterol-induced IL-6 (interleukin 6) and MCP-1 (monocyte chemoattractant protein 1) expression to below basal levels, and knockdown of NR4A1 expression by siRNA not only mimicked, but also exaggerated the effects of cholesterol on inflammatory biomarker up-regulation. Thus we conclude that histone acetylation contributes to the regulation of NR4A1 expression in hypercholesterolaemia, and that NR4A1 expression reduces hypercholesterolaemia-induced inflammation.