bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of maternal zinc supplementation on the cardiometabolic profile of Peruvian children: results from a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Mispireta M. L. , Caulfield L. E. , Zavaleta N. , Merialdi M. , Putnick D. L. , Bornstein M. H. , DiPietro J. A.
Published: October 2016

Zinc is an essential micronutrient for the development of the fetal renal, cardiovascular and metabolic systems; however, there is limited evidence of its effects on the postnatal cardiometabolic function. In this study, we evaluated the effect of maternal zinc supplementation during pregnancy on the cardiometabolic profile of the offspring in childhood. A total of 242 pregnant women were randomly assigned to receive a daily supplement containing iron+folic acid with or without zinc. A follow-up study was conducted when children of participating mothers were 4.5 years of age to evaluate their cardiometabolic profile, including anthropometric measures of body size and composition, blood pressure, lipid profile and insulin resistance. No difference in measures of child cardiometabolic risk depending on whether mothers received supplemental zinc during pregnancy. Our results do not support the hypothesis that maternal zinc supplementation reduces the risk of offspring cardiometabolic disease.
Family, Stability, and Respectability: Seven Generations of Africans and Afro-descendants in Eighteenth- and Nineteenth-Century Minas Gerais
Authors: Libby Douglas C.
Published: October 2016

This article focuses on the history of an Afro-descendant family over its seven generations in one region of Minas Gerais. Although it is notoriously difficult to trace families founded by slaves, this one is an exception: it has proved possible to trace this family over a century and a half, and with a remarkable level of detail, because its members mostly stayed in one place. The implications of their permanence go beyond mere genealogy or family reconstitution to challenge long-standing historiographical perspectives. Over the years many scholars have agreed that Brazilian colonial and early imperial society was characterized by the near-constant movement of all segments of the population. New frontiers opened by agriculture, ranching, and mining attracted some members of the elite, but also beckoned the less favored with new opportunities. This incessant movement has even been touted as an impediment to the advancement of family history in Brazil.
Die Rolle von Handlungszielen bei der Entstehung von Doppelaufgabenkosten
Authors: Janczyk Markus
Published: October 2016

Zusammenfassung. Mehrere Dinge gleichzeitig zu tun, funktioniert oft nicht ohne Leistungseinbußen. Solche Probleme und deren Ursachen werden im Rahmen der Multitasking-Forschung untersucht. Der vorliegende Artikel thematisiert, inwiefern den Zielen von Handlungen bei der Entstehung solcher Leistungseinbußen eine kritische Rolle zukommt. Handlungsziele in Form sensorisch wahrnehmbarer Umweltveränderungen („Handlungseffekte“) spielen in der Ideomotorischen Theorie der Handlungssteuerung eine wichtige Rolle, da ihre Antizipation als der Prozess der Handlungsauswahl gesehen wird. Nach einer kurzen Zusammenfassung der wichtigsten Evidenz für diese Annahme, werden Studien berichtet, die (a) dafür sprechen, dass keinerlei Leistungseinbußen entstehen, wenn eine motorische Bewegung nicht Teil einer Handlung ist, und (b) dass Handlungsziele das Ausmaß der Doppelaufgaben-Probleme bedeutend (mit–)bestimmen. Abschließend wird auf dieser Grundlage die Frage diskutiert, ob es mehrere Arten von Handlungen gibt, wie es verschiedentlich vorgeschlagen wurde. Zusammenfassend weisen die Befunde auf die wichtige Rolle von Zielen sowohl als mentale Vorläufer einer Körperbewegung im Rahmen von Handlungen, als auch bei der Entstehung von Problemen in Multitasking-Situationen hin.
Ordered fragmentation of oxide thin films at submicron scale
Authors: Guo L. , Ren Y. , Kong L. Y. , Chim W. K. , Chiam S. Y.
Published: October 2016

Crack formation is typically undesirable as it represents mechanical failure that compromises strength and integrity. Recently, there have also been numerous attempts to control crack formation in materials with the aim to prevent or isolate crack propagation. In this work, we utilize fragmentation, at submicron and nanometre scales, to create ordered metal oxide film coatings. We introduce a simple method to create modified films using electroplating on a prepatterned substrate. The modified films undergo preferential fragmentation at locations defined by the initial structures on the substrate, yielding ordered structures. In thicker films, some randomness in the characteristic sizes of the fragments is introduced due to competition between crack propagation and crack creation. The method presented allows patterning of metal oxide films over relatively large areas by controlling the fragmentation process. We demonstrate use of the method to fabricate high-performance electrochromic structures, yielding good coloration contrast and high coloration efficiency.
Human genome-wide RNAi screen reveals host factors required for enterovirus 71 replication
Authors: Wu Kan Xing , Phuektes Patchara , Kumar Pankaj , Goh Germaine Yen Lin , Moreau Dimitri , Chow Vincent Tak Kwong , Bard Frederic , Chu Justin Jang Hann
Published: October 2016

Enterovirus 71 (EV71) is a neurotropic enterovirus without antivirals or vaccine, and its host-pathogen interactions remain poorly understood. Here we use a human genome-wide RNAi screen to identify 256 host factors involved in EV71 replication in human rhabdomyosarcoma cells. Enrichment analyses reveal overrepresentation in processes like mitotic cell cycle and transcriptional regulation. We have carried out orthogonal experiments to characterize the roles of selected factors involved in cell cycle regulation and endoplasmatic reticulum-associated degradation. We demonstrate nuclear egress of CDK6 in EV71 infected cells, and identify CDK6 and AURKB as resistance factors. NGLY1, which co-localizes with EV71 replication complexes at the endoplasmatic reticulum, supports EV71 replication. We confirm importance of these factors for EV71 replication in a human neuronal cell line and for coxsackievirus A16 infection. A small molecule inhibitor of NGLY1 reduces EV71 replication. This study provides a comprehensive map of EV71 host factors and reveals potential antiviral targets.
Scattering-type scanning near-field optical microscopy with low-repetition-rate pulsed light source through phase-domain sampling
Authors: Wang Haomin , Wang Le , Xu Xiaoji G.
Published: October 2016

Scattering-type scanning near-field optical microscopy (s-SNOM) allows spectroscopic imaging with spatial resolution below the diffraction limit. With suitable light sources, s-SNOM is instrumental in numerous discoveries at the nanoscale. So far, the light sources have been limited to continuous wave or high-repetition-rate pulsed lasers. Low-repetition-rate pulsed sources cannot be used, due to the limitation of the lock-in detection mechanism that is required for current s-SNOM techniques. Here, we report a near-field signal extraction method that enables low-repetition-rate pulsed light sources. The method correlates scattering signals from pulses with the mechanical phases of the oscillating s-SNOM probe to obtain near-field signal, by-passing the apparent restriction imposed by the Nyquist–Shannon sampling theorem on the repetition rate. The method shall enable s-SNOM with low-repetition-rate pulses with high-peak-powers, such as femtosecond laser amplifiers, to facilitate investigations of strong light–matter interactions and nonlinear processes at the nanoscale.
The reaction of methyl peroxy and hydroxyl radicals as a major source of atmospheric methanol
Authors: Müller Jean-François , Liu Zhen , Nguyen Vinh Son , Stavrakou Trissevgeni , Harvey Jeremy N. , Peeters Jozef
Published: October 2016

Methyl peroxy, a key radical in tropospheric chemistry, was recently shown to react with the hydroxyl radical at an unexpectedly high rate. Here, the molecular reaction mechanisms are elucidated using high-level quantum chemical methodologies and statistical rate theory. Formation of activated methylhydrotrioxide, followed by dissociation into methoxy and hydroperoxy radicals, is found to be the main reaction pathway, whereas methylhydrotrioxide stabilization and methanol formation (from activated and stabilized methylhydrotrioxide) are viable minor channels. Criegee intermediate formation is found to be negligible. Given the theoretical uncertainties, useful constraints on the yields are provided by atmospheric methanol measurements. Using a global chemistry-transport model, we show that the only explanation for the high observed methanol abundances over remote oceans is the title reaction with an overall methanol yield of ∼30%, consistent with the theoretical estimates given their uncertainties. This makes the title reaction a major methanol source (115 Tg per year), comparable to global terrestrial emissions.
Enhanced flexural wave sensing by adaptive gradient-index metamaterials
Authors: Chen Y. Y. , Zhu R. , Barnhart M. V. , Huang G. L.
Published: October 2016

Increasing sensitivity and signal to noise ratios of conventional wave sensors is an interesting topic in structural health monitoring, medical imaging, aerospace and nuclear instrumentation. Here, we report the concept of a gradient piezoelectric self-sensing system by integrating shunting circuitry into conventional sensors. By tuning circuit elements properly, both the quality and quantity of the flexural wave measurement data can be significantly increased for new adaptive sensing applications. Through analytical, numerical and experimental studies, we demonstrate that a metamaterial-based sensing system (MBSS) with gradient bending stiffness can be designed by connecting gradient negative capacitance circuits to an array of piezoelectric patches (sensors). Furthermore, we demonstrate that the proposed system can achieve more than two orders of magnitude amplification of flexural wave signals to overcome the detection limit. This research encompasses fundamental advancements in the MBSS with improved performance and functionalities, and will yield significant advances for a range of applications.
Cu2O/CuO Bilayered Composite as a High-Efficiency Photocathode for Photoelectrochemical Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Yang Yang , Xu Di , Wu Qingyong , Diao Peng
Published: October 2016

Solar powered hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is one of the key reactions in solar-to-chemical energy conversion. It is desirable to develop photocathodic materials that exhibit high activity toward photoelectrochemical (PEC) HER at more positive potentials because a higher potential means a lower overpotential for HER. In this work, the Cu2O/CuO bilayered composites were prepared by a facile method that involved an electrodeposition and a subsequent thermal oxidation. The resulting Cu2O/CuO bilayered composites exhibited a surprisingly high activity and good stability toward PEC HER, expecially at high potentials in alkaline solution. The photocurrent density for HER was 3.15 mA·cm−2at the potential of 0.40 Vvs. RHE, which was one of the two highest reported at the same potential on copper-oxide-based photocathode. The high photoactivity of the bilayered composite was ascribed to the following three advantages of the Cu2O/CuO heterojunction: (1) the broadened light absorption band that made more efficient use of solar energy, (2) the large space-charge-region potential that enabled a high efficiency for electron-hole separation, and (3) the high majority carrier density that ensured a faster charge transportation rate. This work reveals the potential of the Cu2O/CuO bilayered composite as a promising photocathodic material for solar water splitting.
Identification of candidate genes associated with porcine meat color traits by genome-wide transcriptome analysis
Authors: Li Bojiang , Dong Chao , Li Pinghua , Ren Zhuqing , Wang Han , Yu Fengxiang , Ning Caibo , Liu Kaiqing , Wei Wei , Huang Ruihua , Chen Jie , Wu Wangjun , Liu Honglin
Published: October 2016

Meat color is considered to be the most important indicator of meat quality, however, the molecular mechanisms underlying traits related to meat color remain mostly unknown. In this study, to elucidate the molecular basis of meat color, we constructed six cDNA libraries from biceps femoris (Bf) and soleus (Sol), which exhibit obvious differences in meat color, and analyzed the whole-transcriptome differences between Bf (white muscle) and Sol (red muscle) using high-throughput sequencing technology. Using DEseq2 method, we identified 138 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between Bf and Sol. Using DEGseq method, we identified 770, 810, and 476 DEGs in comparisons between Bf and Sol in three separate animals. Of these DEGs, 52 were overlapping DEGs. Using these data, we determined the enriched GO terms, metabolic pathways and candidate genes associated with meat color traits. Additionally, we mapped 114 non-redundant DEGs to the meat color QTLs via a comparative analysis with the porcine quantitative trait loci (QTL) database. Overall, our data serve as a valuable resource for identifying genes whose functions are critical for meat color traits and can accelerate studies of the molecular mechanisms of meat color formation.
Tissue Specificity of Human Disease Module
Authors: Kitsak Maksim , Sharma Amitabh , Menche Jörg , Guney Emre , Ghiassian Susan Dina , Loscalzo Joseph , Barabási Albert-László
Published: October 2016

Genes carrying mutations associated with genetic diseases are present in all human cells; yet, clinical manifestations of genetic diseases are usually highly tissue-specific. Although some disease genes are expressed only in selected tissues, the expression patterns of disease genes alone cannot explain the observed tissue specificity of human diseases. Here we hypothesize that for a disease to manifest itself in a particular tissue, a whole functional subnetwork of genes (disease module) needs to be expressed in that tissue. Driven by this hypothesis, we conducted a systematic study of the expression patterns of disease genes within the human interactome. We find that genes expressed in a specific tissue tend to be localized in the same neighborhood of the interactome. By contrast, genes expressed in different tissues are segregated in distinct network neighborhoods. Most important, we show that it is the integrity and the completeness of the expression of the disease module that determines disease manifestation in selected tissues. This approach allows us to construct a disease-tissue network that confirms known and predicts unexpected disease-tissue associations.
Structural determinants of alternating (α1 → 4) and (α1 → 6) linkage specificity in reuteransucrase of Lactobacillus reuteri
Authors: Meng Xiangfeng , Pijning Tjaard , Dobruchowska Justyna M. , Yin Huifang , Gerwig Gerrit J. , Dijkhuizen Lubbert
Published: October 2016

The glucansucrase GTFA of Lactobacillus reuteri 121 produces an α-glucan (reuteran) with a large amount of alternating (α1 → 4) and (α1 → 6) linkages. The mechanism of alternating linkage formation by this reuteransucrase has remained unclear. GTFO of the probiotic bacterium Lactobacillus reuteri ATCC 55730 shows a high sequence similarity (80%) with GTFA of L. reuteri 121; it also synthesizes an α-glucan with (α1 → 4) and (α1 → 6) linkages, but with a clearly different ratio compared to GTFA. In the present study, we show that residues in loop977 (970DGKGYKGA977) and helix α4 (1083VSLKGA1088) are main determinants for the linkage specificity difference between GTFO and GTFA, and hence are important for the synthesis of alternating (α1 → 4) and (α1 → 6) linkages in GTFA. More remote acceptor substrate binding sites (i.e.+3) are also involved in the determination of alternating linkage synthesis, as shown by structural analysis of the oligosaccharides produced using panose and maltotriose as acceptor substrate. Our data show that the amino acid residues at acceptor substrate binding sites (+1, +2, +3…) together form a distinct physicochemical micro-environment that determines the alternating (α1 → 4) and (α1 → 6) linkages synthesis in GTFA.
Exploring 3D microstructural evolution in Li-Sulfur battery electrodes using in-situ X-ray tomography
Authors: Yermukhambetova Assiya , Tan Chun , Daemi Sohrab R. , Bakenov Zhumabay , Darr Jawwad A. , Brett Daniel J. L. , Shearing Paul R.
Published: October 2016

Lithium sulfur (Li-S) batteries offer higher theoretical specific capacity, lower cost and enhanced safety compared to current Li-ion battery technology. However, the multiple reactions and phase changes in the sulfur conversion cathode result in highly complex phenomena that significantly impact cycling life. For the first time to the authors’ knowledge, a multi-scale 3D in-situ tomography approach is used to characterize morphological parameters and track microstructural evolution of the sulfur cathode across multiple charge cycles. Here we show the uneven distribution of the sulfur phase fraction within the electrode thickness as a function of charge cycles, suggesting significant mass transport limitations within thick-film sulfur cathodes. Furthermore, we report a shift towards larger particle sizes and a decrease in volume specific surface area with cycling, suggesting sulfur agglomeration. Finally, we demonstrate the nano-scopic length-scale required for the features of the carbon binder domain to become discernible, confirming the need for future work on in-situ nano-tomography. We anticipate that X-ray tomography will be a powerful tool for optimization of electrode structures for Li-S batteries.
Redox enzyme-mimicking activities of CeO2 nanostructures: Intrinsic influence of exposed facets
Authors: Yang Yushi , Mao Zhou , Huang Wenjie , Liu Lihua , Li Junli , Li Jialiang , Wu Qingzhi
Published: October 2016

CeO2 nanoparticles (NPs) have been well demonstrated as an antioxidant in protecting against oxidative stress-induced cellular damages and a potential therapeutic agent for various diseases thanks to their redox enzyme-mimicking activities. The Ce3+/Ce4+ ratio and oxygen vacancies on the surface have been considered as the major originations responsible for the redox enzyme-mimicking activities of CeO2 NPs. Herein, CeO2 nanostructures (nanocubes and nanorods) exposed different facets were synthesized via a facile hydrothermal method. The characterizations by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and UV-Vis spectroscopy show that the Ce3+/Ce4+ ratio and oxygen vacancy content on the surfaces of as-synthesized CeO2 nanostructures are nearly at the same levels. Meanwhile, the enzymatic activity measurements indicate that the redox enzyme-mimicking activities of as-synthesized CeO2 nanostructures are greatly dependent on their exposed facets. CeO2 nanocubes with exposed {100} facets exhibit a higher peroxidase but lower superoxide dismutase activity than those of the CeO2 nanorods with exposed {110} facets. Our results provide new insights into the redox enzyme-mimicking activities of CeO2 nanostructures, as well as the design and synthesis of inorganic nanomaterials-based artificial enzymes.
Targeting of CYP17A1 Lyase by VT-464 Inhibits Adrenal and Intratumoral Androgen Biosynthesis and Tumor Growth of Castration Resistant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Maity Sankar N. , Titus Mark A. , Gyftaki Revekka , Wu Guanglin , Lu Jing-Fang , Ramachandran S. , Li-Ning-Tapia Elsa M. , Logothetis Christopher J. , Araujo John C. , Efstathiou Eleni
Published: October 2016

Cytochrome P450 17α-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase (CYP17A1) is a validated treatment target for the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Abiraterone acetate (AA) inhibits both 17α-hydroxylase (hydroxylase) and 17,20-lyase (lyase) reactions catalyzed by CYP17A1 and thus depletes androgen biosynthesis. However, coadministration of prednisone is required to suppress the mineralocorticoid excess and cortisol depletion that result from hydroxylase inhibition. VT-464, a nonsteroidal small molecule, selectively inhibits CYP17A1 lyase and therefore does not require prednisone supplementation. Administration of VT-464 in a metastatic CRPC patient presenting with high tumoral expression of both androgen receptor (AR) and CYP17A1, showed significant reduction in the level of both dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and serum PSA. Treatment of a CRPC patient-derived xenograft, MDA-PCa-133 expressing H874Y AR mutant with VT-464, reduced the increase in tumor volume in castrate male mice more than twice as much as the vehicle (P < 0.05). Mass spectrometry analysis of post-treatment xenograft tumor tissues showed that VT-464 significantly decreased intratumoral androgens but not cortisol. VT-464 also reduced AR signaling more effectively than abiraterone in cultured PCa cells expressing T877A AR mutant. Collectively, this study suggests that VT-464 therapy can effectively treat CRPC and be used in precision medicine based on androgen receptor mutation status.
Aortic arch calcification and risk of cardiovascular or all-cause and mortality in dialysis patients: A meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Ao , Wang Shiji , Li Hongxiang , Yang Juan , Wu Hui
Published: October 2016

Studies on aortic arch calcification (AAC) and mortality risk in maintenance dialysis patients have yielded conflicting findings. We conducted this meta-analysis to investigate the association between the presence of AAC and cardiovascular or all-cause and mortality risk in maintenance dialysis patients. Observational studies evaluating baseline AAC and cardiovascular or all-cause mortality risk in maintenance dialysis patients were searched through the PubMed and Embase, CNKI, VIP and Wanfang databases until January 2016. A total of 8 studies with 3,256 dialysis patients were identified. Compared with patients without AAC, the presence of AAC was associated with greater risk of cardiovascular mortality (hazard risk [HR] 2.30; 95% confidence intervals [CI] 1.78–2.97) and all-cause mortality (HR 1.44; 95% CI 1.19–1.75). Subgroup analyses indicated that the pooled HR for cardiovascular and all-cause mortality was 2.31 (95% CI 1.57–3.40) and 1.45 (95% CI 1.08–1.96) for the grade 2/3 AAC. Peritoneal dialysis patients with AAC had greater cardiovascular (HR 3.93 vs. HR 2.10) and all-cause mortality (HR 2.36 vs. HR 1.33) than hemodialysis patients. The AAC appears to be independently associated with excessive cardiovascular and all-cause mortality in maintenance dialysis patients. Regular follow-up AAC might be helpful to stratify mortality risk in dialysis patients.
Response of N2O emissions to biochar amendment in a cultivated sandy loam soil during freeze-thaw cycles
Authors: Liu Xiang , Wang Quan , Qi Zhiming , Han Jiangang , Li Lanhai
Published: October 2016

In the last decade, an increasing number of studies have reported that soil nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions can be reduced by adding biochar. However, the effect of biochar amendment on soil N2O emissions during freeze-thaw cycle (FTC) is still unknown. In this laboratory study, biochar (0%, 2% and 4%, w/w) was added into a cultivated sandy loam soil and then treated with 15 times of FTC (each FTC consisted of freeze at −5/−10 °C for 24 h and thaw at 5/10 °C for 24 h), to test whether biochar can mitigate soil N2O emissions during FTC, and estimate the relationships between N2O emissions and soil inorganic nitrogen contents/microbial biomass content/enzyme activities. The results showed that biochar amendment suppressed soil N2O emissions by 19.9–69.9% as compared to soils without biochar amendment during FTC. However, N2O emissions were only significantly correlated to soil nitrate nitrogen (NO3−-N) contents, which decreased after biochar amendment, indicating that the decreased soil nitrification by adding biochar played an important role in mitigating N2O emissions during FTC. Further studies are needed to estimate the effectiveness of biochar amendment on reducing freeze-thaw induced N2O emissions from different soils under field conditions.
Molecular size and solubility conditions of polysilane macromolecules with different topology
Authors: Mavrič Andraž , Badasyan Artem , Fanetti Mattia , Valant Matjaz
Published: October 2016

Solubility of polysilane macromolecules has so far been a scientific as well as technological problem due to a lack of understanding of their proper molecular size and agglomeration/de-agglomeration conditions. Here we show that, in contrary to previous reports, the polysilane molecules are inherently small enough to be, under right conditions, dissolved. We used a dynamic light scattering and a differential scanning calorimetry to show that even under a dilute regime the polymer molecules are agglomerated at room temperature and undergo de-agglomeration at slightly elevated temperatures of around 40 °C. The de-agglomeration results in formation of stable solutions of the polymer molecules of different topological structure in different organic solvents. We determined the polymer molecular sizes to be around 20 nm, much lower than previously reported. The measured molecular size was confirmed by transmission electron microscope imaging of the individual molecules.
Efficacy of focused low-intensity pulsed ultrasound therapy for the management of knee osteoarthritis: a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Jia Lang , Wang Yan , Chen Jinyun , Chen Wenzhi
Published: October 2016

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of focused low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (FLIPUS) therapy on the functional and health status of patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). A total of 106 subjects with bilateral KOA were randomized sequentially into two groups. Group I received FLIPUS + diclofenac sodium, and group II received sham FLIPUS + diclofenac sodium. The therapeutic effects of the interventions were evaluated by measuring changes in VAS pain, the WOMAC scores, and the LI scores after 10 days of treatment as well as changes in LI and VAS at follow-up, 4 and 12 weeks later. In addition, changes in the range of motion, ambulation speed, and the SF-36 in each group were recorded after 10 days of treatment. Compared with those in group II, patients in group Ishowed significant improvements in VAS, WOMAC, LI, ambulation speed, and most items in the SF-36 after 10 days of treatment. In addition, patients in group I showed significant improvements in LI and VAS at follow-up. There were no FLIPUS-related adverse events during and after the interventions. In conclusion, FLIPUS is a safe and effective treatment modality for relieving pain and improving the functions and quality of life of patients with KOA.
A simple and efficient method to visualize and quantify the efficiency of chromosomal mutations from genome editing
Authors: Fu Liezhen , Wen Luan , Luu Nga , Shi Yun-Bo
Published: October 2016

Genome editing with designer nucleases such as TALEN and CRISPR/Cas enzymes has broad applications. Delivery of these designer nucleases into organisms induces various genetic mutations including deletions, insertions and nucleotide substitutions. Characterizing those mutations is critical for evaluating the efficacy and specificity of targeted genome editing. While a number of methods have been developed to identify the mutations, none other than sequencing allows the identification of the most desired mutations, i.e., out-of-frame insertions/deletions that disrupt genes. Here we report a simple and efficient method to visualize and quantify the efficiency of genomic mutations induced by genome-editing. Our approach is based on the expression of a two-color fusion protein in a vector that allows the insertion of the edited region in the genome in between the two color moieties. We show that our approach not only easily identifies developing animals with desired mutations but also efficiently quantifies the mutation rate in vivo. Furthermore, by using LacZα and GFP as the color moieties, our approach can even eliminate the need for a fluorescent microscope, allowing the analysis with simple bright field visualization. Such an approach will greatly simplify the screen for effective genome-editing enzymes and identify the desired mutant cells/animals.
Colocalization of cerebral iron with Amyloid beta in Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: van Bergen J. M. G. , Li X. , Hua J. , Schreiner S. J. , Steininger S. C. , Quevenco F. C. , Wyss M. , Gietl A. F. , Treyer V. , Leh S. E. , Buck F. , Nitsch R. M. , Pruessmann K. P. , van Zijl P. C. M. , Hock C. , Unschuld P. G.
Published: October 2016

Quantitative Susceptibility Mapping (QSM) MRI at 7 Tesla and 11-Carbon Pittsburgh-Compound-B PET were used for investigating the relationship between brain iron and Amyloid beta (Aβ) plaque-load in a context of increased risk for Alzheimer's disease (AD), as reflected by the Apolipoprotein E ε4 (APOE-e4) allele and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in elderly subjects. Carriers of APOE-e4 with normal cognition had higher cortical Aβ-plaque-load than non-carriers. In MCI an association between APOE-e4 and higher Aβ-plaque-load was observable both for cortical and subcortical brain-regions. APOE-e4 and MCI was also associated with higher cortical iron. Moreover, cerebral iron significantly affected functional coupling, and was furthermore associated with increased Aβ-plaque-load (R2-adjusted = 0.80, p < 0.001) and APOE-e4 carrier status (p < 0.001) in MCI. This study confirms earlier reports on an association between increased brain iron-burden and risk for neurocognitive dysfunction due to AD, and indicates that disease-progression is conferred by spatial colocalization of brain iron deposits with Aβ-plaques.
Genetic analysis of Upland cotton dynamic heterosis for boll number per plant at multiple developmental stages
Authors: Shang Lianguang , Wang Yumei , Cai Shihu , Ma Lingling , Liu Fang , Chen Zhiwen , Su Ying , Wang Kunbo , Hua Jinping
Published: October 2016

Yield is an important breeding target. As important yield components, boll number per plant (BNP) shows dynamic character and strong heterosis in Upland cotton. However, the genetic basis underlying the dynamic heterosis is poorly understood. In this study, we conducted dynamic quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis for BNP and heterosis at multiple developmental stages and environments using two recombinant inbred lines (RILs) and two corresponding backcross populations. By the single-locus analysis, 23 QTLs were identified at final maturity, while 99 QTLs were identified across other three developmental stages. A total of 48 conditional QTLs for BNP were identified for the adjacent stages. QTLs detected at later stage mainly existed in the partial dominance to dominance range and QTLs identified at early stage mostly showed effects with the dominance to overdominance range during plant development. By two-locus analysis, we observe that epistasis played an important role not only in the variation of the performance of the RIL population but also in the expression of heterosis in backcross population. Taken together, the present study reveals that the genetic basis of heterosis is dynamic and complicated, and it is involved in dynamic dominance effect, epistasis and QTL by environmental interactions.
Effective gene expression in the rat dorsal root ganglia with a non-viral vector delivered via spinal nerve injection
Authors: Chang Ming-Fong , Hsieh Jung-Hsien , Chiang Hao , Kan Hung-Wei , Huang Cho-Min , Chellis Luke , Lin Bo-Shiou , Miaw Shi-Chuen , Pan Chun-Liang , Chao Chi-Chao , Hsieh Sung-Tsang
Published: October 2016

Delivering gene constructs into the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) is a powerful but challenging therapeutic strategy for sensory disorders affecting the DRG and their peripheral processes. The current delivery methods of direct intra-DRG injection and intrathecal injection have several disadvantages, including potential injury to DRG neurons and low transfection efficiency, respectively. This study aimed to develop a spinal nerve injection strategy to deliver polyethylenimine mixed with plasmid (PEI/DNA polyplexes) containing green fluorescent protein (GFP). Using this spinal nerve injection approach, PEI/DNA polyplexes were delivered to DRG neurons without nerve injury. Within one week of the delivery, GFP expression was detected in 82.8% ± 1.70% of DRG neurons, comparable to the levels obtained by intra-DRG injection (81.3% ± 5.1%, p = 0.82) but much higher than those obtained by intrathecal injection. The degree of GFP expression by neurofilament(+) and peripherin(+) DRG neurons was similar. The safety of this approach was documented by the absence of injury marker expression, including activation transcription factor 3 and ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 for neurons and glia, respectively, as well as the absence of behavioral changes. These results demonstrated the efficacy and safety of delivering PEI/DNA polyplexes to DRG neurons via spinal nerve injection.
Intracellular delivery of the PTEN protein using cationic lipidoids for cancer therapy
Authors: Altınoğlu Sarah A. , Wang Ming , Li Kathleen Q. , Li Yuyang , Xu Qiaobing
Published: October 2016

The PTEN tumor suppressor protein encapsulated in cationic lipid-like nanoparticles as a direct treatment approach for PTEN-deficient cancer cells.
Carbonyl-bridged energetic materials: biomimetic synthesis, organic catalytic synthesis, and energetic performances
Authors: Feng Yong-an , Qiu Hao , Yang Sa-sha , Du Jiang , Zhang Tong-lai
Published: October 2016

Carbonyl groups (CO) have been newly introduced as sole bridging groups in the field of energetic materials. Moreover, the biomimetic synthesis and energetic organic catalyst were used to synthesize new energetic compounds.
N–H cleavage as a route to new pincer complexes of high-valent rhenium
Authors: Kosanovich Alex J. , Shih Wei-Chun , Ramírez-Contreras Rodrigo , Ozerov Oleg. V.
Published: October 2016

Rhenium oxo complexes of a new PNN (phosphine-amido-amido) pincer ligand display rotameric isomerism and can be reversibly protonated.
Frustrated Lewis pair-mediated recrystallization of CH3NH3PbI3 for improved optoelectronic quality and high voltage planar perovskite solar cells
Authors: Jain Sagar Motilal , Qiu Zhen , Häggman Leif , Mirmohades Mohammad , Johansson Malin B. , Edvinsson Tomas , Boschloo Gerrit
Published: October 2016

Films of the hybrid lead halide perovskite CH3NH3PbI3 were found to react with pyridine vapor at room temperature leading to complete bleaching followed by recrystallization of the film.
Extra virgin olive oil: a key functional food for prevention of immune-inflammatory diseases
Authors: Aparicio-Soto Marina , Sánchez-Hidalgo Marina , Rosillo Ma Ángeles , Castejón Ma Luisa , Alarcón-de-la-Lastra Catalina
Published: October 2016

Extra virgin olive oil is described as a key bioactive food with multiple beneficial properties and it may be effective in the management of some immune-inflammatory diseases.
The modulatory effect of infusions of green tea, oolong tea, and black tea on gut microbiota in high-fat-induced obese mice
Authors: Liu Zhibin , Chen Zhichao , Guo Hongwen , He Dongping , Zhao Huiru , Wang Zhiyao , Zhang Wen , Liao Lan , Zhang Chen , Ni Li
Published: October 2016

Tea consumption has been identified to have a gut microbiota modulatory effect, which may be related to its anti-obesity effect.
Aqueous RAFT at pH zero: enabling controlled polymerization of unprotected acyl hydrazide methacrylamides
Authors: Hoff Emily A. , Abel Brooks A. , Tretbar Chase A. , McCormick Charles L. , Patton Derek L.
Published: October 2016

A first example of controlled radical polymerization of monomers containing unprotected acyl hydrazide pendent groups was demonstrated using aqueous RAFT polymerization at pH = 0.
Polyaniline nanofibers and their self-assembly into a film to be used as ammonia sensor
Authors: Yin Changqing , Duan Guotao , Cai Weiping
Published: October 2016

In this research, polyaniline nanofibers were synthesized by the HCl assisted interfacial polymerization method, where the morphologies and electrical properties of the nanofibers were controlled by the concentration of the HCl solution.
Cysteine redox state plays a key role in the inter-domain movements of HMGB1: a molecular dynamics simulation study
Authors: Panneerselvam Suresh , Durai Prasannavenkatesh , Yesudhas Dhanusha , Achek Asma , Kwon Hyuk-Kwon , Choi Sangdun
Published: October 2016

We have modelled and simulated different states of HMGB1, suggesting that the fully reduced HMGB1 maintains the inter-domain movements during the activity.
Non-stoichiometric Cu–In–S@ZnS nanoparticles produced in aqueous solutions as light harvesters for liquid-junction photoelectrochemical solar cells
Authors: Raevskaya Alexandra , Rosovik Oksana , Kozytskiy Andriy , Stroyuk Oleksandr , Dzhagan Volodymyr , Zahn Dietrich R. T.
Published: October 2016

A direct “green” aqueous synthesis of mercapto acetate-stabilized copper indium sulfide (CIS) nanoparticles (NPs) and core/shell CIS@ZnS NPs of a varied composition under ambient conditions and a temperature lower than 100 °C is reported.
Efficient capture of low partial pressure H2S by tetraethyl ammonium amino acid ionic liquids with absorption-promoted solvents
Authors: Wang Bing , Zhang Kai , Ren Shuhang , Hou Yucui , Wu Weize
Published: October 2016

Ethylene glycol can enhance the absorption capacity of H2S in ILs.
Nanoporous gold–copper oxide based all-solid-state micro-supercapacitors
Authors: Singh Balwant Kr , Shaikh Aasiya , Badrayyana Subramanya , Mohapatra Debananda , Dusane Rajiv O. , Parida Smrutiranjan
Published: October 2016

Development of nanoporous gold (NPG)-based micro-supercapacitor by simple annealing–dealloying processes.
Synergy of graphene oxide–silver nanocomposite and amphiphilic co-polymer F127 on antibacterial properties and permeability of PVDF membrane
Authors: Chen Gui-E , Wu Qiong , Sun Wei-Guang , Xu Zhen-Liang , Xu Sun-Jie , Zhu Wei-Wei , Zheng Xiao-Peng
Published: October 2016

Modified GO–Ag/PVDF membranes were successfully prepared based on an in situ reduction with excellent permeability, hydrophilicity, bactericidal activity.
Comparison of the effect of ethylene and hexene-1 co-monomers on the composition, microstructure, rheology, thermal and mechanical behaviour of randomized polypropylene hetero-phasic block co-polymers
Authors: Mousavi S. Omidreza , Jahani Y. , Arabi H.
Published: October 2016

Ethylene and hexene-1 co-monomers were applied to isotactic polypropylene reactor alloys to compare the effect of the co-monomer type on their interfacial interaction and impact strength.
Scandium triflate-catalyzed selective ring opening and rearrangement reaction of spiro-epoxyoxindole and carbonyl compounds
Authors: Jiang Hui , Jie Haohua , Li Jian
Published: October 2016

Scandium triflate-catalyzed reactions between spiro-epoxyoxindole and carbonyl compounds have been disclosed. Furthermore, an unprecedented rearrangement takes place to yield alkylidene oxindoles when aromatic aldehydes are used as carbonyl components.
Behaviour of cation–pi interaction in presence of external electric field
Authors: Sarmah Nabajit , Bhattacharyya Pradip Kr.
Published: October 2016

External electric field effects cation–π interaction.
Doxorubicin binds to duplex RNA with higher affinity than ctDNA and favours the isothermal denaturation of triplex RNA
Authors: Rubio Ana R. , Busto Natalia , Leal José M. , García Begoña
Published: October 2016

The higher affinity of DOX with AU to give the intercalated complex AU/DOX is responsible for the disproportionation of the groove binding complex, UAU/DOX, to give rise to the AU/DOX and the U/DOX complexes at 25 °C
Plasmon-induced oxidative stress and macromolecular damage in pathogenic bacteria
Authors: Silvero M. J. , Becerra M. C.
Published: October 2016

Bacterial death during PACT would be consequence of macromolecular damage by large amounts of radicals produced after plasmon excitation of nanoparticles.
Nonlinear optical response of platinum nanostructures and application for water detection in transformer oil
Authors: Mezher M. H. , Chong W. Y. , Zakaria R.
Published: October 2016

We report the fabrication of platinum nanostructures on an ITO substrate (Pt-NSs).
Solvothermal synthesis of flower-like CoS hollow microspheres with excellent microwave absorption properties
Authors: Huang Tingyuan , He Man , Zhou Yuming , Li Shiwei , Ding Binbin , Pan Wenlu , Huang Shuang , Tong Yuan
Published: October 2016

In this study, flower-like CoS hollow spheres (CHSs), synthesized via a facile solvothermal method in the presence of CTAB, were initially investigated as microwave absorbers.
(l)-Prolinamide imidazolium hexafluorophosphate ionic liquid as an efficient reusable organocatalyst for direct asymmetric aldol reaction in solvent-free condition
Authors: Yadav Geeta Devi , Singh Surendra
Published: October 2016

We have designed a new hydrophobic ionic liquid derived from bromoester oftrans-4-hydroxy-(l)-prolinamide andN-methylimidazole.
One step eco-friendly synthesis of Ag–reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite by phytoreduction for sensitive nitrite determination
Authors: Shaikh Aasiya , Parida Smrutiranjan , Böhm Sivasambu
Published: October 2016

One step green synthesis of a silver–reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite (Ag–RGO) and its application to construct a nitrite (NO2−) sensor.
Direct observation of spatial configuration and structural stability of locked Y-shaped DNA structure
Authors: Paul Tapas , Mishra Padmaja P.
Published: October 2016

A new building block unit (locked Y-DNA) and its structural properties for self-assembled, bottom-up, three-dimensional supramolecular nanoarchitectural probe ​have been introduced using single-molecule FRET imaging.
Epidemiology of Vocal Health in Young Adults Attending College in the United States
Authors: Hartley Naomi A. , Breen Ellen , Thibeault Susan L.
Published: October 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to document typical vocal health characteristics (including voice-related activities, behaviors, and symptomatology) of young adults attending college and to determine lifetime and point prevalence rates of voice disorders.

Method

Undergraduates at University of Wisconsin–Madison completed an anonymous online survey detailing vocal use, symptomatology, impact, sociodemographics, and voice-related quality of life. Univariate analyses and multivariate regression models isolated risk factors for lifetime and point prevalence rates of a voice disorder.

Results

Vocal health and associated factors were analyzed for 652 students (predominantly 18–25 years of age). Lifetime prevalence rate of a voice disorder was 33.9% (point prevalence = 4.45%). Change in voice function (odds ratio [OR] = 2.77), seasonal or chronic postnasal drip (OR = 2.11), hoarseness (OR = 2.08), and restrictions to social activity (OR = 2.07; all
p
< .05) were identified as the strongest predictors of disorder. A total of 46% of students reported some form of voice problem in the past year, most frequently lasting between 1 and 6 days (39%). Voice usage in social and work settings exceeded demands in the classroom.

Conclusions

Young adults in college frequently experience disturbances to vocal health; however, this is not usually perceived to interfere with communication. Relative weighting of risk factors appears to differ from older adults, highlighting the need for individualized evaluation and management, with reference to age-appropriate normative reference points.
Design of compact size and tunable band pass filter for WLAN applications
Authors: Boutejdar A. , Ibrahim A.A. , Ali W.A.E.
Published: October 2016

Compact size and tunable band pass filter based on open‐loop resonators is proposed. The proposed structure consists of dual‐armed microstrip open‐loop resonators. A second armed open‐loop resonator, which acts as band rejection resonator, is connected directly to the input and output ports to achieve the desired band pass behaviour. The open‐loop microstrip resonators are combined with four lumped capacitors to reduce the overall size of the proposed filter. The capacitors are inserted at places where maximum electric field is occurred in order to increase the effective capacitance and reduce the resonant frequency as well. The resonance frequency is translated from 6.75 to 5.3 GHz for WLAN applications. Consequently, the filter size will be more compact and the filter performance will be improved by enhancing the energy stored in the resonator. The proposed design using lumped capacitors represents a reduction in size of more than 35% when compared with conventional filter without using lumped capacitors. A good consistency is achieved between simulated and measured results.
Experimental investigation of multi‐path and metal‐stacking structure for 8‐shape on‐chip inductors on standard CMOS
Authors: Zou Wanghui , Chen Diping , Peng Wei , Zeng Yun
Published: October 2016

An experimental investigation reports on the effectiveness of multi‐path and metal‐stacking structure in regard to quality factor improvement for on‐chip 8‐shaped inductors on standard CMOS process. It is found that the multi‐path structure has little positive impact on the 8‐shaped inductors, while the metal‐stacking structure improves quality factor significantly. For a 0.5 nH 8‐shaped inductor with top two layers metal‐stacking, a good differential quality factor of ∼15 at 10 GHz and ∼17 at 13 GHz is obtained, which makes the inductor suitable for the design of low‐cost and interference‐immune over‐10 GHz radio‐frequency and high‐speed integrated circuits.
Small‐signal stability of power system integrated with ancillary‐controlled large‐scale DFIG‐based wind farm
Authors: Geng Hua , Xi Xinze , Yang Geng
Published: October 2016

In this study, small‐signal stability of the power system integrated with ancillary‐controlled large‐scale doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) based wind farm (WF) is studied. A model which considers grid code requirements and ancillary controllers is presented to indicate important DFIG dynamics for the study. The ancillary control of the WF which aims to improve power system voltage/frequency stability is evaluated from the small‐signal stability perspective. It is shown that the ancillary controller deteriorates power system low‐frequency oscillations and/or induces new lightly damped oscillation modes especially in a weak grid. The potential risks may restrict the WF to fulfil gird code requirements and threaten small‐signal stability of the power system. Meanwhile, this study reveals that wind power penetration level and WF connection impedance are two main factors which affect dynamic interactions between the WF and the power system and thus affect system small‐signal stability. The principle of the influence on the small‐signal stability with different grid weakness and ancillary control schemes is evaluated in this study by eigenvalue analysis and verified with time‐domain simulations.
Optimisation analysis of solar powered organic Rankine cycle system
Authors: Bataineh Khaled M.
Published: October 2016

This study investigates the performance of solar powered organic Rankine cycle (ORC) system. Parabolic trough collector PTC is utilised in this study. The selected site is located in the northern part of Jordan. Simulation models are built to assess the performance of system. The simulation models are built by means of mass and energy balances applied to every component of the system. The model simulates the hourly thermal behaviour of all system components. Different working fluids are compared. The effect of key operating variables on the system performance is examined. Simulation results show that there is an optimum values for mass flow rate, and inlet turbine pressure for each months. For the working fluid studied, the average daily overall efficiency ranges between 9 to 22% during summer time. The comparison between working fluids showed that the most efficient fluid is Butane. The optimal daily average overall efficiency reaches 18%. It is found that using PTC of area of 617 m2 with ORC is reliable system producing above 80 kW during summer time. Mass flow rates have major effect on the cost of energy production. Furthermore, this study presents design optimisation so that solar thermal power plant can achieve higher reliable continuous operation with system components.