bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intelligent Urban Positioning: Integration of Shadow Matching with 3D-Mapping-Aided GNSS Ranging
Authors: Adjrad Mounir , Groves Paul D.
Published: August 2017

In dense urban areas, conventional Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) positioning can exhibit errors of tens of metres due to the obstruction and reflection of the signals by the surrounding buildings. By using Three-Dimensional (3D) mapping of the buildings, the accuracy can be significantly improved. This paper demonstrates the first integration of GNSS shadow matching with 3D-mapping-aided GNSS ranging. The integration is performed in the position domain, whereby separate ranging and shadow matching position solutions are computed, then combined using direction-dependent weighting. Two weighting strategies are compared, one based on the computation of ranging-based and shadow matching position error covariance matrices, and a deterministic approach based on the street azimuth. Using experimental data collected from a u-blox GNSS receiver, it is shown that both integrated position solutions are significantly more accurate than either shadow matching or 3D-mapping-aided ranging on their own. The overall Root Mean Square (RMS) horizontal accuracy obtained using covariance-based weighting was 6·1 m, a factor of four improvement on the 25·9 m obtained using conventional GNSS positioning. Results are also presented using smartphone data, where shadow matching is integrated with conventional GNSS positioning.
A semi-intrusive stochastic perturbation method for lift prediction and global sensitivity analysis
Authors: Suryawanshi Anup , Ghosh Debraj
Published: August 2017

Sensitivity analysis plays an important role in finding an optimal design of a structure under uncertainty. Quantifying relative importance of random parameters, which leads to a rank ordering, helps in developing a systematic and efficient way to reach the optimal design. In this work, lift prediction and sensitivity analysis of a potential flow around a submerged body is considered. Such flow is often used in the initial design stage of structures. The flow computation is carried out using a vortex-panel method. A few parameters of the submerged body and flow are considered as random variables. To improve the accuracy in lift prediction in a computationally efficient way, a new semi-intrusive stochastic perturbation method is proposed. Accordingly, a perturbation is applied at the linear system solving level involving the inuence coefficient matrix, as opposed to using perturbation in the lift quantity itself. This proposed method, which is partially analogous to the intrusive or Galerkin projection methods in spectral stochastic finite element methods, is found to be more accurate than using perturbation directly on the lift and faster than a direct simulation. The proposed semi-intrusive stochastic perturbation method is found to yield faster estimates of the Sobol’ indices, which are used for global sensitivity analysis. From global sensitivity analysis, the flow parameters are found to be more important than the parameters of the submerged body.
A decision model for making decisions under epistemic uncertainty and its application to select materials
Authors: Shahinur Sweety , Ullah A.M.M. Sharif , Noor-E-Alam Muhammad , Haniu Hiroyuki , Kubo Akihiko
Published: August 2017

This study deals with both a decision model for making decisions under epistemic uncertainty and how to use it for selecting optimal materials under the same uncertainty. In particular, the proposed decision model employs a set of possibilistic objective functions defined by fuzzy numbers to handle a set of conflicting criteria. In addition, the model can calculate the compliance of a piece of decision-relevant (imprecise) information with a given objective function. Moreover, the model is capable to aggregate the calculated compliances for the sake of ranking a given set of alternatives against the set of conflicting criteria. The problem of selecting materials for making the body of a vehicle is considered as an example. In this problem, the indices for selecting the materials are unknown because the specifications regarding the vehicle body are not given. In addition, the data relevant to material properties entails a great deal of imprecision. The presented decision model can quantify the above-mentioned epistemic uncertainty in a lucid manner and generate a list of optimal materials.
Chlamydia gallinacea: a widespread emerging Chlamydia agent with zoonotic potential in backyard poultry
Authors: LI L. , LUTHER M. , MACKLIN K. , PUGH D. , LI J. , ZHANG J. , ROBERTS J. , KALTENBOECK B. , WANG C.
Published: August 2017

Chlamydia gallinacea, a new chlamydial agent, has been reported in four European countries as well as Argentina and China. Experimentally infected chickens with C. gallinacea in previous study showed no clinical signs but had significantly reduced gains in body weight (6·5–11·4%). Slaughterhouse workers exposed to infected chickens have developed atypical pneumonia, indicating C. gallinacea is likely a zoonotic agent. In this study, FRET-PCR confirmed that C. gallinacea was present in 12·4% (66/531) of oral–pharyngeal samples from Alabama backyard poultry. Phylogenetic comparisons based on ompA variable domain showed that 16 sequenced samples represented 14 biotypes. We report for the first time the presence of C. gallinacea in North America, and this warrants further research on the organism's pathogenicity, hosts, transmission, and zoonotic potential.
Information for actuaries valuing Periodical Payment Orders
Authors:   The Institute and Faculty of Actuaries Periodical Payment Orders Working Party
Published: August 2017

Periodical Payment Orders (PPOs) have challenged actuarial professionals as they rose to prominence as a new means of settling third-party liability claims, consisting of regular payments in the future, usually for a claimant’s lifetime. This paper explores how this new settlement method has brought about new risks to consider for actuarial professionals working in Motor and Casualty insurance, or any other line where a claim for future periodical payments may arise. Life contingencies have entered the space of general insurance in a new way. In addition, actuarial professionals have investment risk to consider, and for PPOs the inflation risk is unusual, significant and not currently fully hedgeable. The paper highlights methods that could be considered for setting important assumptions, including mortality, indexation, investment return and PPO settlement propensity. For reserving actuaries, the paper explains that the nature of the liabilities does not lend itself to triangulation. Cash flow techniques are needed and actual-versus-expected results can be analysed for discount rate unwinding and mortality profit, for example. Scenario testing will be important to understand the sensitivity of the results and to explain them to senior management. Stochastic modelling is considered in the Capital Modelling section, amongst other significant considerations for actuarial practitioners working with PPOs in this field. Pricing is also affected, as PPOs are a proportion of large loss loadings. The paper also touches briefly on reporting requirements. This is to help provide some basic background for actuaries interacting with those undertaking financial reporting.
Purification procedure sensitizesBacillusendospores to free radicals from UVA radiation and photocatalysis
Authors: Krishna Vijay , Zhao Jue , Koopman Ben , Moudgil Brij
Published: August 2017

Many researchers are investigating the extreme resilience of bacterial endospores against chemical and physical inactivating agents. The presence of vegetative cells in spore suspensions can result in overly optimistic assessment of inactivating agents; therefore, various spore purification methods have been applied to separate spores from vegetative cells prior to testing. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of two widely used spore purification methodologies on spore integrity and susceptibility to ultraviolet-A (UVA) radiation and free radicals generated from photocatalysts.Bacillus subtilisandBacillus cereusspores were purified by procedures that involved heat shock alone or chemical washes, lysozyme treatment and heat shock (CLH). The purified spores were exposed to UVA radiation or free radicals generated by photocatalyst and susceptibility were evaluated in terms of survival ratio. The effect of purification procedure on the spore morphology was investigated with electron microscopy. The CLH purification process significantly damages spore coats and increases the susceptibility ofBacillusspores to UVA radiation and photocatalytic inactivation. It is therefore likely that the survival of CLH treated spores in extra-terrestrial environments would be less than that of the same spores purified by a less aggressive procedure.
Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate exposure impairs meiotic progression and DNA damage repair in fetal mouse oocytes in vitro
Authors: Liu Jing-Cai , Lai Fang-Nong , Li Ling , Sun Xiao-Feng , Cheng Shun-Feng , Ge Wei , Wang Yu-Feng , Li Lan , Zhang Xi-Feng , De Felici Massimo , Dyce Paul W , Shen Wei
Published: August 2017

Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), is the most common member of the class of phthalates that are used as plasticizers and have become common environmental contaminants. A number of studies have shown that DEHP exposure impacts reproductive health in both male and female mammals by acting as an estrogen analog. Here, we investigated the effects of DEHP on meiotic progression of fetal mouse oocytes by using an in vitro model of ovarian tissue culture. The results showed that 10 or 100 μM DEHP exposure inhibited the progression of oocytes throughout meiotic prophase I, specifically from the pachytene to diplotene stages. DEHP possibly impairs the ability to repair DNA double-strand breaks induced by meiotic recombination and as a consequence activates a pachytene check point. At later stages, such defects led to an increased number of oocytes showing apoptotic markers (TUNEL staining, expression of pro-apoptotic genes), resulting in reduced oocyte survival, gap junctions, and follicle assembly in the ovarian tissues. Microarray analysis of ovarian tissues exposed to DEHP showed altered expression of several genes including some involved in apoptosis and gonad development. The expression changes of some genes clustered in cell-cell communication and signal transduction, along with plasma membrane, extracellular matrix and ion channel function classes, were dependent on the DEHP concentration. Together, these results bring new support to the notion that exposure to DEHP during gestation might exert deleterious effects on ovary development, perturbing germ cell meiosis and the expression of genes involved in a wide range of biological processes including ovary development.
Pigment epithelium-derived factor promotes tumor metastasis through an interaction with laminin receptor in hepatocellular carcinomas
Authors: Hou Jianjing , Ge Chao , Cui Meiling , Liu Tengfei , Liu Xiaoqin , Tian Hua , Zhao Fangyu , Chen Taoyang , Cui Ying , Yao Ming , Li Jinjun , Li Hong
Published: August 2017

Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) has complex functions in tumor metastasis, but little is known about the roles of PEDF and its receptors in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here we found that high expression of PEDF is associated with shorter overall survival in HCC patients. Forced expression of PEDF enhanced HCC cell aggressive behavior in vitro and in vivo, whereas silencing PEDF expression reduced migration and invasion. Furthermore, PEDF expression led to changes in cell morphology and the expression of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related markers via ERK1/2 signaling pathway, including the upregulation of N-cadherin and slug, and the downregulation of E-cadherin in HCC cells. Our results further showed that PEDF could interact with laminin receptor (LR) and LR knockdown attenuated PEDF-induced migration, invasion and the change of EMT-related markers. More importantly, in clinical HCC specimens, we found that PEDF expression was correlated with subcellular localization of LR, and that high expression of PEDF and positive expression of LR predicted a poor prognosis. In conclusion, our results demonstrate a novel functional role of PEDF/LR axis in driving metastasis through ERK1/2-mediated EMT in HCC and provided a promising prognostic marker in HCC.
MicroRNA-519a-3p mediates apoptosis resistance in breast cancer cells and their escape from recognition by natural killer cells
Authors: Breunig Christian , Pahl Jens , Küblbeck Moritz , Miller Matthias , Antonelli Daniela , Erdem Nese , Wirth Cornelia , Will Rainer , Bott Alexander , Cerwenka Adelheid , Wiemann Stefan
Published: August 2017

Aggressive breast cancer is associated with poor patient outcome and characterized by the development of tumor cell variants that are able to escape from control of the immune system or are resistant to targeted therapies. The complex molecular mechanisms leading to immune escape and therapy resistance are incompletely understood. We have previously shown that high miR-519a-3p levels are associated with poor survival in breast cancer. Here, we demonstrate that miR-519a-3p confers resistance to apoptosis induced by TRAIL, FasL and granzyme B/perforin by interfering with apoptosis signaling in breast cancer cells. MiR-519a-3p diminished the expression of its direct target genes for TRAIL-R2 (TNFRSF10B) and for caspase-8 (CASP8) and its indirect target gene for caspase-7 (CASP7), resulting in reduced sensitivity and tumor cell apoptosis in response to apoptotic stimuli. Furthermore, miR-519a-3p impaired tumor cell killing by natural killer (NK) cells via downregulation of the NKG2D ligands ULBP2 and MICA on the surface of tumor cells that are crucial for the recognition of these tumor cells by NK cells. We determined that miR-519a-3p was overexpressed in more aggressive mutant TP53 breast cancer that was associated with poor survival. Furthermore, low levels of TRAIL-R2, caspase-7 and caspase-8 correlated with poor survival, suggesting that the inhibitory effect of miR-519a-3p on TRAIL-R2 and caspases may have direct clinical relevance in lowering patient’s prognosis. In conclusion, we demonstrate that miR-519a-3p is a critical factor in mediating resistance toward cancer cell apoptosis and impairing tumor cell recognition by NK cells. This joint regulation of apoptosis and immune cell recognition through miR-519a-3p supports the hypothesis that miRNAs are key regulators of cancer cell fate, facilitating cancer progression and evasion from immunosurveillance at multiple and interconnected levels.
Autophagy couteracts weight gain, lipotoxicity and pancreatic β-cell death upon hypercaloric pro-diabetic regimens
Authors: Fernández Álvaro F , Bárcena Clea , Martínez-García Gemma G , Tamargo-Gómez Isaac , Suárez María F , Pietrocola Federico , Castoldi Francesca , Esteban Lorena , Sierra-Filardi Elena , Boya Patricia , López-Otín Carlos , Kroemer Guido , Mariño Guillermo
Published: August 2017

In the last years, autophagy has been revealed as an essential pathway for multiple biological processes and physiological functions. As a catabolic route, autophagy regulation by nutrient availability has been evolutionarily conserved from yeast to mammals. On one hand, autophagy induction by starvation is associated with a significant loss in body weight in mice. Here, we demonstrate that both genetic and pharmacological inhibition of the autophagy process compromise weight loss induced by starvation. Moreover, autophagic potential also impacts on weight gain induced by distinct hypercaloric regimens. Atg4b-deficient mice, which show limited autophagic competence, exhibit a major increase in body weight in response to distinct obesity-associated metabolic challenges. This response is characterized by the presence of larger adipocytes in visceral fat tissue, increased hepatic steatosis, as well as reduced glucose tolerance and attenuated insulin responses. Similarly, autophagy-deficient mice are more vulnerable to experimentally induced type-I diabetes, showing an increased susceptibility to acute streptozotocin administration. Notably, pharmacological stimulation of autophagy in wild-type mice by spermidine reduced both weight gain and obesity-associated alterations upon hypercaloric regimens. Altogether, these results indicate that systemic autophagic activity influences the resilience of the organism to weight gain induced by high-calorie diets, as well as to the obesity-associated features of both type-1 and type-2 diabetes.
Identification and characterization of a novel botulinum neurotoxin
Authors: Zhang Sicai , Masuyer Geoffrey , Zhang Jie , Shen Yi , Lundin Daniel , Henriksson Linda , Miyashita Shin-Ichiro , Martínez-Carranza Markel , Dong Min , Stenmark Pål
Published: August 2017

Botulinum neurotoxins are known to have seven serotypes (BoNT/A–G). Here we report a new BoNT serotype, tentatively named BoNT/X, which has the lowest sequence identity with other BoNTs and is not recognized by antisera against known BoNTs. Similar to BoNT/B/D/F/G, BoNT/X cleaves vesicle-associated membrane proteins (VAMP) 1, 2 and 3, but at a novel site (Arg66-Ala67 in VAMP2). Remarkably, BoNT/X is the only toxin that also cleaves non-canonical substrates VAMP4, VAMP5 and Ykt6. To validate its activity, a small amount of full-length BoNT/X was assembled by linking two non-toxic fragments using a transpeptidase (sortase). Assembled BoNT/X cleaves VAMP2 and VAMP4 in cultured neurons and causes flaccid paralysis in mice. Thus, BoNT/X is a novel BoNT with a unique substrate profile. Its discovery posts a challenge to develop effective countermeasures, provides a novel tool for studying intracellular membrane trafficking, and presents a new potential therapeutic toxin for modulating secretions in cells.
Autonomous model protocell division driven by molecular replication
Authors: Taylor J. W. , Eghtesadi S. A. , Points L. J. , Liu T. , Cronin L.
Published: August 2017

The coupling of compartmentalisation with molecular replication is thought to be crucial for the emergence of the first evolvable chemical systems. Minimal artificial replicators have been designed based on molecular recognition, inspired by the template copying of DNA, but none yet have been coupled to compartmentalisation. Here, we present an oil-in-water droplet system comprising an amphiphilic imine dissolved in chloroform that catalyses its own formation by bringing together a hydrophilic and a hydrophobic precursor, which leads to repeated droplet division. We demonstrate that the presence of the amphiphilic replicator, by lowering the interfacial tension between droplets of the reaction mixture and the aqueous phase, causes them to divide. Periodic sampling by a droplet-robot demonstrates that the extent of fission is increased as the reaction progresses, producing more compartments with increased self-replication. This bridges a divide, showing how replication at the molecular level can be used to drive macroscale droplet fission.
Non-uniform self-assembly: On the anisotropic architecture of α-synuclein supra-fibrillar aggregates
Authors: Semerdzhiev Slav A. , Shvadchak Volodymyr V. , Subramaniam Vinod , Claessens Mireille M. A. E.
Published: August 2017

Although the function of biopolymer hydrogels in nature depends on structural anisotropy at mesoscopic length scales, the self-assembly of such anisotropic structures in vitro is challenging. Here we show that fibrils of the protein α-synuclein spontaneously self-assemble into structurally anisotropic hydrogel particles. While the fibrils in the interior of these supra-fibrillar aggregates (SFAs) are randomly oriented, the fibrils in the periphery prefer to cross neighboring fibrils at high angles. This difference in organization coincides with a significant difference in polarity of the environment in the central and peripheral parts of the SFA. We rationalize the structural anisotropy of SFAs in the light of the observation that αS fibrils bind a substantial amount of counterions. We propose that, with the progress of protein polymerization into fibrils, this binding of counterions changes the ionic environment which triggers a change in fibril organization resulting in anisotropy in the architecture of hydrogel particles.
Genome-wide dissection of heterosis for yield traits in two-line hybrid rice populations
Authors: Zhen Gang , Qin Peng , Liu Kai Yu , Nie Dong Yang , Yang Yuan Zhu , Deng Xing Wang , He Hang
Published: August 2017

Heterosis has been widely utilized in agriculture and is important for world food safety. Many genetic models have been proposed as mechanisms underlying heterosis during the past century, yet more evidence is needed to support such models. To investigate heterosis in two-line hybrid rice, we generated a partial diallel crossing scheme, which consisted of approximately 500 F1 hybrids derived from 14 male sterile lines and 39 restorer lines. In this population, increased panicle number played the most important role in yield heterosis of hybrid rice. Genome-wide association studies identified many QTLs related to the yield traits of F1 hybrids, better paternal heterosis and special combining ability. Relevant genes, includingHd3a,qGL3,OsmiR156h, andLAX2, were identified as candidates within these QTLs. Nearly forty percent of the QTLs had only two genotypes in the F1 hybrids, mainly because the maternal lines were under intense selective pressure. Further analysis found male sterile lines and restorer lines made different superior allele contributions to F1 hybrids, and their contributions varied among different traits. These results extend our understanding of the molecular basis of heterosis in two-line hybrid rice.
Maternal low intensity physical exercise prevents obesity in offspring rats exposed to early overnutrition
Authors: Ribeiro Tatiane Aparecida , Tófolo Laize Peron , Martins Isabela Peixoto , Pavanello Audrei , de Oliveira Júlio Cezar , Prates Kelly Valério , Miranda Rosiane Aparecida , da Silva Franco Claudinéia Conationi , Gomes Rodrigo Mello , Francisco Flávio Andrade , Alves Vander Silva , de Almeida Douglas Lopes , Moreira Veridiana Mota , Palma-Rigo Kesia , Vieira Elaine , Fabricio Gabriel Sergio , da Silva Rodrigues Marcos Ricardo , Rinaldi Wilson , Malta Ananda , de Freitas Mathias Paulo Cezar
Published: August 2017

Low intensity exercise during pregnancy and lactation may create a protective effect against the development of obesity in offspring exposed to overnutrition in early life. To test these hypotheses, pregnant rats were randomly assigned into 2 groups: Sedentary and Exercised, low intensity, on a rodent treadmill at 30% VO2Max /30-minute/session/3x/week throughout pregnancy and the lactation. Male offspring were raised in small litters (SL, 3 pups/dam) and normal litters (NL, 9 pups/dam) as models of early overnutrition and normal feed, respectively. Exercised mothers showed low mesenteric fat pad stores and fasting glucose and improved glucose-insulin tolerance, VO2max during lactation and sympathetic activity. Moreover, the breast milk contained elevated levels of insulin. In addition, SL of sedentary mothers presented metabolic dysfunction and glucose and insulin intolerance and were hyperglycemic and hyperinsulinemic in adulthood. SL of exercised mothers showed lower fat tissue accretion and improvements in glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, insulinemia and glycemia. The results suggest that maternal exercise during the perinatal period can have a possible reprogramming effect to prevent metabolic dysfunction in adult rat offspring exposed to early overnutrition, which may be associated with the improvement in maternal health caused by exercise.
Dynamic Mechano-Regulation of Myoblast Cells on Supramolecular Hydrogels Cross-Linked by Reversible Host-Guest Interactions
Authors: Hörning Marcel , Nakahata Masaki , Linke Philipp , Yamamoto Akihisa , Veschgini Mariam , Kaufmann Stefan , Takashima Yoshinori , Harada Akira , Tanaka Motomu
Published: August 2017

A new class of supramolecular hydrogels, cross-linked by host-guest interactions between β-cyclodextrin (βCD) and adamantane, were designed for the dynamic regulation of cell-substrate interactions. The initial substrate elasticity can be optimized by selecting the molar fraction of host- and guest monomers for the target cells. Moreover, owing to the reversible nature of host-guest interactions, the magnitude of softening and stiffening of the substrate can be modulated by varying the concentrations of free, competing host molecules (βCD) in solutions. By changing the substrate elasticity at a desired time point, it is possible to switch the micromechanical environments of cells. We demonstrated that the Young’s modulus of our “host-guest gels”, 4–11 kPa, lies in an optimal range not only for static (ex situ) but also for dynamic (in situ) regulation of cell morphology and cytoskeletal ordering of myoblasts. Compared to other stimulus-responsive materials that can either change the elasticity only in one direction or rely on less biocompatible stimuli such as UV light and temperature change, our supramolecular hydrogel enables to reversibly apply mechanical cues to various cell types in vitro without interfering cell viability.
Complete mitochondrial genomes of Anopheles stephensi and An. dirus and comparative evolutionary mitochondriomics of 50 mosquitoes
Authors: Hao You-Jin , Zou Yi-Lin , Ding Yi-Ran , Xu Wen-Yue , Yan Zhen-Tian , Li Xu-Dong , Fu Wen-Bo , Li Ting-Jing , Chen Bin
Published: August 2017

To better understand the phylogeny and evolution of mosquitoes, the complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) ofAnopheles stephensiandAn. diruswere sequenced and annotated, and a total of 50 mosquito mitogenomes were comparatively analyzed. The complete mitogenome ofAn. stephensiandAn. dirusis 1,5371 bp and 1,5406 bp long, respectively. The main features of the 50 mosquito mitogenomes are conservative: 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), two ribosomal RNA genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, positive AT-skew and negative GC-skew. The gene ordertrnA-trnRin ancestral insects is rearranged. All tRNA genes have the typical clover leaf secondary structure buttRNASer. The control regions are highly variable in size. PCGs show signals of purifying selection, but evidence for positive selection inND2,ND4andND6is found. Bayesian and Maximum Likelihood phylogenetic analyses based on all PCG nucleotides produce an identical tree topology and strongly support the monophyly of subgeneraCellia,Anopheles,KetersziaandNyssorhynchus, the sister relationship of the subgeneraNyssorhynchusandKeterszia, andCelliaandAnopheles. The most recent ancestor of the genusAnophelesand Culicini + Aedini exited ~145 Mya ago. This is the first comprehensive study of mosquito mitogenomes, which are effective for mosquito phylogeny at various taxonomic levels.
The Female Perspective of Personality in a Wild Songbird: Repeatable Aggressiveness Relates to Exploration Behaviour
Authors: Thys Bert , Pinxten Rianne , Raap Thomas , De Meester Gilles , Rivera-Gutierrez Hector F. , Eens Marcel
Published: August 2017

Males often express traits that improve competitive ability, such as aggressiveness. Females also express such traits but our understanding about why is limited. Intraspecific aggression between females might be used to gain access to reproductive resources but simultaneously incurs costs in terms of energy and time available for reproductive activities, resulting in a trade-off. Although consistent individual differences in female behaviour (i.e. personality) like aggressiveness are likely to influence these reproductive trade-offs, little is known about the consistency of aggressiveness in females. To quantify aggression we presented a female decoy to free-living female great tits (Parus major) during the egg-laying period, and assessed whether they were consistent in their response towards this decoy. Moreover, we assessed whether female aggression related to consistent individual differences in exploration behaviour in a novel environment. We found that females consistently differed in aggressiveness, although first-year females were on average more aggressive than older females. Moreover, conform life history theory predictions, ‘fast’ exploring females were more aggressive towards the decoy than ‘slow’ exploring females. Given that personality traits are often heritable, and correlations between behaviours can constrain short term adaptive evolution, our findings highlight the importance of studying female aggression within a multivariate behavioural framework.
A controlled ac Stark echo for quantum memories
Authors: Ham Byoung S.
Published: August 2017

A quantum memory protocol of controlled ac Stark echoes (CASE) based on a double rephasing photon echo scheme via controlled Rabi flopping is proposed. The double rephasing scheme of photon echoes inherently satisfies the no-population inversion requirement for quantum memories, but the resultant absorptive echo remains a fundamental problem. Herein, it is reported that the first echo in the double rephasing scheme can be dynamically controlled so that it does not affect the second echo, which is accomplished by using unbalanced ac Stark shifts. Then, the second echo is coherently controlled to be emissive via controlled coherence conversion. Finally a near perfect ultralong CASE is presented using a backward echo scheme. Compared with other methods such as dc Stark echoes, the present protocol is all-optical with advantages of wavelength-selective dynamic control of quantum processing for erasing, buffering, and channel multiplexing.
Traveling Theta Waves and the Hippocampal Phase Code
Authors: Leibold Christian , Monsalve-Mercado Mauro M.
Published: August 2017

Hippocampal place fields form a neuronal map of the spatial environment. In addition, the distance between two place field centers is proportional to the firing phase difference of two place cells with respect to the local theta rhythm. This consistency between spatial distance and theta phase is generally assumed to result from hippocampal phase precession: The firing phase of a place cell decreases with distance traveled in the place field. The rate of phase precession depends on place field width such that the phase range covered in a traversal of a place field is independent of field width. Width-dependent precession rates, however, generally disrupt the consistency between distance and phase differences. In this paper we provide a mathematical theory suggesting that this consistency can only be secured for different place field widths if phase precession starts at a width-dependent phase offset. These offsets are in accordance with the experimentally observed theta wave traveling from the dorsal to the ventral pole of the hippocampus. Furthermore the theory predicts that sequences of place cells with different widths should be ordered according to the end of the place field. The results also hold for considerably nonlinear phase precession profiles.
Tunable High-Pressure Field Operating on a Cationic Biphenyl Derivative Intercalated in Clay Minerals
Authors: Tominaga Makoto , Nishioka Yukihiro , Tani Seiji , Suzuki Yasutaka , Kawamata Jun
Published: August 2017

We propose a methodology for applying a pseudo uniaxial pressure to an organic molecule under ordinary temperature and pressure, namely by intercalation into smectites. The pseudo pressure on a biphenyl derivative (BP) was estimated from the averaged dihedral angle around the central bond of BP. In a high hydrostatic pressure field, biphenyl takes a planar conformation. In the interlayer space of synthetic saponite (SSA), the averaged dihedral angle of BP at a loading level of 27% versus the cation exchange capacity was ~26.3°, which indicates that the pseudo pressure applied to BP in the SSA interlayer space corresponds to 0.99 GPa. The high pseudo-pressure field in the interlayer space of SSA was also confirmed by absorption measurements. The dihedral angle around the central bond of the biphenyl moiety decreased to enhance the planarity of the molecule, mainly in response to the electrostatic force that operates between the negatively charged SSA layer and the interlayer cation. The pseudo pressure operating on BP in the smectite interlayer space could be controlled by varying the smectite layer charge density and/or the BP loading level. By using this methodology, controllable pseudo high-pressure properties of organic molecules can be obtained at ordinary temperatures and pressures.
Spatiotemporal Suicide Risk in Germany: A Longitudinal Study 2007–11
Authors: Helbich Marco , Plener Paul L. , Hartung Sebastian , Blüml Victor
Published: August 2017

Despite comprehensive prevention programs in Germany, suicide has been on the rise again since 2007. The underlying reasons and spatiotemporal risk patterns are poorly understood. We assessed the spatiotemporal risk of suicide per district attributable to multiple risk and protective factors longitudinally for the period 2007–11. Bayesian space–time regression models were fitted. The nationwide temporal trend showed an increase in relative risk (RR) of dying from suicide (RR 1.008, 95% credibility intervals (CI) 1.001–1.016), whereas district-specific deviations from the grand trend occurred. Striking patterns of amplified risk emerged in southern Germany. While the number of general practitioners was positively related (RR 1.003, 95% CI 1.000–1.006), income was negatively and non-linearly related with suicide risk, as was population density. Unemployment was associated and showed a marked nonlinearity. Neither depression prevalence nor mental health service supply were related. The findings are vital for the implementation of future suicide prevention programs. Concentrating preventive efforts on vulnerable areas of excess risk is recommended.
The white gene controls copulation success in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Xiao Chengfeng , Qiu Shuang , Robertson R. Meldrum
Published: August 2017

Characteristics of male courtship behavior in Drosophila melanogaster have been well-described, but the genetic basis of male-female copulation is largely unknown. Here we show that the white (w) gene, a classical gene for eye color, is associated with copulation success. 82.5% of wild-type Canton-S flies copulated within 60 minutes in circular arenas, whereas few white-eyed mutants mated successfully. The w+ allele exchanged to the X chromosome or duplicated to the Y chromosome in the white-eyed genetic background rescued the defect of copulation success. The w+-associated copulation success was independent of eye color phenotype. Addition of the mini-white (mw+) gene to the white-eyed mutant rescued the defect of copulation success in a manner that was mw+ copy number-dependent. Lastly, male-female sexual experience mimicked the effects of w+/mw+ in improving successful copulation. These data suggest that the w+ gene controls copulation success in Drosophila melanogaster.
Para-aortic lymph node metastases in pancreatic cancer should not be considered a watershed for curative resection
Authors: Hempel Sebastian , Plodeck Verena , Mierke Franz , Distler Marius , Aust Daniela E. , Saeger Hans-Detlev , Weitz Jürgen , Welsch Thilo
Published: August 2017

No international consensus regarding the resection of the para-aortic lymph node (PALN) station Ln16b1 during pancreatoduodenectomy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has been reached. The present retrospectively investigated 264 patients with PDAC who underwent curative pancreatoduodenectomy or total pancreatectomy between 2005–2015. In 95 cases, the PALN were separately labelled and histopathologically analysed. Metastatic PALN (PALN+) were found in 14.7% (14/95). PALN+ stage was associated with increased regional lymph node metastasis. The median overall survival (OS) of patients with metastatic PALN and with non-metastatic PALN (PALN−) was 14.1 and 20.2 months, respectively. Five of the PALN+ patients (36%) survived >19 months. The OS of PALN+ and those staged pN1 PALN− was not significantly different (P = 0.743). Patients who underwent surgical exploration or palliative surgery (n = 194) had a lower median survival of 8.8 (95% confidence interval: 7.3–10.1) months. PALN status could not be reliably predicted by preoperative computed tomography. We concluded that the survival data of PALN+ cases is comparable with advanced pN+ stages; one-third of the patients may expect longer survival after radical resection. Therefore, routine refusal of curative resection in the case of PALN metastasis is not indicated.
Correction: Corrigendum: Superior Adsorption and Regenerable Dye Adsorbent Based on Flower-Like Molybdenum Disulfide Nanostructure
Authors: Han Sancan , Liu Kerui , Hu Linfeng , Teng Feng , Yu Pingping , Zhu Yufang
Published: August 2017

Scientific Reports 7: Article number: 43599; published online: 08 March 2017; updated: 03 August 2017. The absorption maximum of MO changes upon adsorption to MoS2. Therefore, for calculations of the MO concentration from the absorption spectra shown in Figure 5C of the Article, the authors used λmax ~ 464 nm for time point 0 min and λmax ~ 475 nm for other time points.
Insights into charge carrier dynamics in organo-metal halide perovskites: from neat films to solar cells
Authors: Peng Jiajun , Chen Yani , Zheng Kaibo , Pullerits Tõnu , Liang Ziqi
Published: August 2017

Various transport measurements for perovskites are reviewed with profound insights into charge dynamics from neat films to solar cells.
A three dimensional, macroporous hybrid of a polyoxometalate and reduced graphene oxide with enhanced catalytic activity for stable and sensitive nonenzymatic detection of nitrite
Authors: Ma Guangran , Yang Min , Xu Fugang , Wang Li
Published: August 2017

In this study, a polyoxometalate (POM) and graphene oxide (GO) were hydrothermally treated to form a novel three-dimensional (3D) macroporous hybrid 3D-mp-rGO–POM for nitrite sensing.
Photoactivatable aggregation-induced emission of triphenylmethanol
Authors: Zheng Yue , Zheng Xiaokun , Xiang Yu , Tong Aijun
Published: August 2017

A solid photoactivatable fluorescent material which can be tuned “OFF–ON” by UV irradiation at two different wavelengths reversibly was developed.
The role of the capping bond effect on pyclen natY3+/90Y3+ chelates: full control of the regiospecific N-functionalization makes the difference
Authors: Le Fur Mariane , Beyler Maryline , Molnár Enikő , Fougère Olivier , Esteban-Gómez David , Tircsó Gyula , Platas-Iglesias Carlos , Lepareur Nicolas , Rousseaux Olivier , Tripier Raphaël
Published: August 2017

A dissymmetric pyclen based ligand shows astonishing natY3+ and 90Y3+ complexation properties.
Dicarboxylate mediated efficient morphology/phase tailoring of YPO4:Ln3+crystals and investigation of down-/up-conversion luminescence
Authors: Wang Zhihao , Li Ji-Guang , Zhu Qi , Kim Byung-Nam , Sun Xudong
Published: August 2017

Both hexagonal (h-) and tetragonal (t-) structured YPO4crystals with multiform morphologies of high uniformity were selectively synthesized by using dicarboxylates as morphology/structure modifiers.
A graphitic edge plane rich meso-porous carbon anode for alkaline water electrolysis
Authors: Shin Dongyoon , Choun Myounghoon , Ham Hyung Chul , Lee Jae Kwang , Lee Jaeyoung
Published: August 2017

Highly graphitic edge plane rich porous carbon structure might be the origin of electrocatalytic activity for oxygen evolution reaction in carbon based catalysts and the embedded metal particles play a role in forming the specific carbon structure along with improving degree of graphitization.
Indirect dynamics in SN2@N: insight into the influence of central atoms
Authors: Liu Xu , Zhao Chenyang , Yang Li , Zhang Jiaxu , Sun Rui
Published: August 2017

Central atoms can affect the SN2 kinetics and dynamics.
Transport properties and ionicity of phosphonium ionic liquids
Authors: Philippi F. , Rauber D. , Zapp J. , Hempelmann R.
Published: August 2017

Novel phosphonium-based ionic liquids with different anions as well as side chain composition and length in the cations exhibit transport properties deviating from ideal behaviour. This is attributed to the ionicity and is evident from the Haven ratio and the fractional Walden rule.
Titanium redox catalysis: insights and applications of an earth-abundant base metal
Authors: Davis-Gilbert Zachary W. , Tonks Ian A.
Published: August 2017

π-Acid ancillary ligands, reactants, or products can stabilize reactive low valent Ti intermediates through backbonding, and present opportunities for the development of vast new classes of Ti-catalyzed redox reactions with practical applications.
Flexibility and lability of a phenyl ligand in hetero-organometallic 3d metal–Sn(iv) compounds and their catalytic activity in Baeyer–Villiger oxidation of cyclohexanone
Authors: Hazra Susanta , Martins Nuno M. R. , Kuznetsov Maxim L. , Guedes da Silva M. Fátima C. , Pombeiro Armando J. L.
Published: August 2017

An intermetallic Ph-shift (SnIV-to-CoIII) leads to a CoIII(Ph)–SnIV(Ph) and a mononuclear CoIII(Ph) compounds, while a M⋯π(Ph) interaction in the NiII/CuII–SnIV systems represents an intermediate stage of that Ph-shift.
Large-scale, all polycrystalline diamond structures transferred onto flexible Parylene-C films for neurotransmitter sensing
Authors: Fan Bin , Zhu Yan , Rechenberg Robert , Rusinek Cory A. , Becker Michael F. , Li Wen
Published: August 2017

This paper presents a wafer-level fabrication technique capable of transferring multi-scale boron-doped diamond patterns from a rigid silicon substrate onto a Parylene-C substrate to achieve flexible diamond electrochemical sensors for neurotransmitter detection.
Flash crystallization kinetics of methane (sI) hydrate in a thermoelectrically-cooled microreactor
Authors: Chen Weiqi , Pinho Bruno , Hartman Ryan L.
Published: August 2017

High-pressure and sub-cooled microfluidics for the discovery of mixed heat-transfer–mass-transfer–crystallization-limited growth of methane hydrates.
Capacitive performance of ruthenium-coordinated polypyrrole
Authors: Zhou Yingzhi , Xie Yibing
Published: August 2017

Ruthenium coordinated polypyrrole is developed as an active electrode material for supercapacitors.
A reusable multichannel anthraimidazoledione-based receptor for Hg2+and Cu2+ions: ultrasensitive, economical and facile detection of Hg2+in real water sources through fluorescence readout
Authors: Ahmad Wani Manzoor , Thakur Neha , Pandey Mrituanjay D. , Pandey Rampal
Published: August 2017

A multichannel, ultrasensitive and selective receptor (1) has been developed for practical detection of Hg2+in various drinking waters.
Thermally triggered theranostics for pancreatic cancer therapy
Authors: Malekigorji Maryam , Alfahad Mohanad , Kong Thoo Lin Paul , Jones Stefanie , Curtis Anthony , Hoskins Clare
Published: August 2017

Heat initiated drug release from a hybrid nanoparticle surface after laser irradiation in pancreatic cancer models.
Current progress in black phosphorus materials and their applications in electrochemical energy storage
Authors: Qiu M. , Sun Z. T. , Sang D. K. , Han X. G. , Zhang H. , Niu C. M.
Published: August 2017

Recently, a new two-dimensional material, single- or few-layered black phosphorus (BP), has attracted considerable attention for applications in electrochemical energy storage, due to its ultrahigh theoretical capacity, and can hopefully become commercialized in the near future.
Simple and rapid fabrication of pencil-on-paper triboelectric nanogenerators with enhanced electrical performance
Authors: Jang Shin , Kim Hyounjin , Oh Je Hoon
Published: August 2017

Simple solution coating process allows large enhancement in electrical performance of pencil-on-paper triboelectric nanogenerators.
Rational geometrical engineering of palladium sulfide multi-arm nanostructures as a superior bi-functional electrocatalyst
Authors: Nandan R. , Nanda K. K.
Published: August 2017

One-pot, facile synthesis of geometrically tunable palladium sulfide nanodendrites (PSDNS) and open arm PSDNS (OPSDNS) as bi-functional superior ORR/MOR electro-catalysts.
Correction: First-principles prediction on bismuthylene monolayer as a promising quantum spin Hall insulator
Authors: Zhang Run-Wu , Zhang Chang-Wen , Ji Wei-Xiao , Yan Shi-Shen , Yao Yu-Gui
Published: August 2017

Correction for ‘First-principles prediction on bismuthylene monolayer as a promising quantum spin Hall insulator’ by Run-Wu Zhang, et al., Nanoscale, 2017, 9, 8207–8212.
Aggregation induced emission: a land of opportunities
Authors: Liu Bin , Pucci Andrea , Baumgartner Thomas
Published: August 2017

Guest editors Bin Liu, Andrea Pucci and Thomas Baumgartner introduce this Materials Chemistry Frontiers themed collection on aggregation induced emission.
Development of nutrient media to increase the accumulation of lipids without genetic modification of a lipogenic microorganism
Authors: Das Subhasish , Zarur Coelho Maria Alice , Amaral Priscilla F. F. , Sil Jayeeta
Published: August 2017

Lipid metabolism and citric acid production by Yarrowia lipolytica are metabolically inter-dependent and depletion in citric acid production by proper media development can increase lipid accumulation in Y. lipolytica upto 72% of biomass dry weight.
A new adsorbent of Pb(ii) ions from aqueous solution synthesized by mechanochemical preparation of sulfonated expanded graphite
Authors: Jiao Xuan , Zhang Lingyan , Qiu Yangshuai , Yuan Yunru
Published: August 2017

After the mechanochemical modification, sulfonated functional groups were able to be attached on the surface of SEG effectually, acted a significant role in the adsorption process, the schematic diagram of SEG interacted with Pb(ii) showing as below.
Efficient production of (R)-3-TBDMSO glutaric acid methyl monoester by manipulating the substrate pocket of Pseudozyma antarctica lipase B
Authors: Wu Jing , Wang Hongjiang , Yang Bin , Song Wei , Liang Chenchen , Liu Liming
Published: August 2017

Efficient production of optically pure (R)-3-substituted glutaric acid methyl monoesters, the multifunctional chiral building blocks used in the pharmaceutical industry, by manipulating the substrate pocket ofPseudozyma antarcticalipase B.
Enhanced polarization and dielectricity in BaTiO3:NiO nanocomposite films modulated by the microstructure
Authors: Chen M. J. , Ning X. K. , Wang S. F. , Fu G. S.
Published: August 2017

Parallel and vertical interfaces in vertically and parallelly aligned nanocomposite thin films have been shown to be an effective method to manipulate functionalities.
Interdomain flip-flop motion visualized in flavocytochrome cellobiose dehydrogenase using high-speed atomic force microscopy during catalysis
Authors: Harada Hirofumi , Onoda Akira , Uchihashi Takayuki , Watanabe Hiroki , Sunagawa Naoki , Samejima Masahiro , Igarashi Kiyohiko , Hayashi Takashi
Published: August 2017

To visualize the dynamic domain motion of class-I CDH from Phanerochaete chrysosporium (PcCDH) during catalysis using high-speed atomic force microscopy, the apo-form of PcCDH was anchored to a heme-immobilized flat gold surface that can fix the orientation of the CYT domain.
Remote C–H insertion of vinyl cations leading to cyclopentenones
Authors: Cleary Sarah E. , Hensinger Magenta J. , Brewer Matthias
Published: August 2017

Vinyl cations, generated by reacting β-hydroxy-α-diazo ketones with Lewis acids, undergo a 1,2-shift and C–H insertion to give cyclopentenone products.
Colloidal suspensions in one-phase mixed solvents under shear flow
Authors: Barbot Armand , Araki Takeaki
Published: August 2017

Rheologies properties of colloidal suspension in one-phase binary liquid mixtures are numerically studied. When approaching the phase separation point, the particles are aggregated and the viscosity is increased.
Revival of the nearly extinct fluorescence of coumarin 6 in water and complete transfer of energy to rhodamine 123
Authors: Banerjee Rajashree , Purkayastha Pradipta
Published: August 2017

Micelles can revive the dormant coumarin 6 fluorescence in water due to aggregation and the revived energy can be further transferred to rhodamine 123 through resonance energy transfer.