bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamics of flow structures and surface shapes in the surface switching of rotating fluid
Authors: Iima M. , Tasaka Y.
Published: January 2016

We present a study of the dynamics of the free-surface shape of a flow in a cylinder driven by a rotating bottom. Near the critical Reynolds number of the laminar–turbulent transition of the boundary layer, the free surface exhibits irregular surface switching between axisymmetric and non-axisymmetric shapes, and the switching often occurs with a significant change in the free-surface height. Although such surface deformation is known to be caused by the flow structures, the detailed flow structures of a rotating fluid with a large surface deformation have yet to be analysed. We thus investigate the velocity distribution and surface shape dynamics and show that the flow field during the loss of its axisymmetry is similar to that predicted by the theory of Tophøj et al. (Phys. Rev. Lett., vol. 110, 2013, 194502). The slight difference observed by quantitative comparison is caused by the fact that the basic flow of our study contains a weak rigid-body rotation in addition to the potential flow assumed by the theory. Furthermore, the observed non-axisymmetric surface shape, which has an elliptic horizontal cross-section, is generally associated with a quadrupole vortex structure. It is also found that the relative position between the free surface and the flow structure changes before and after the detachment of the free surface from the bottom. The change just after the detachment is drastic and occurs via a transient dipole-like vortex structure.
Methane and nitrous oxide emissions as affected by long-term fertilizer management from double-cropping paddy fields in Southern China
Authors: TANG H.-M. , XIAO X.-P. , WANG K. , LI W.-Y. , LIU J. , SUN J.-M.
Published: January 2016

There is limited information about the influences of long-term fertilizer management on methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from double-cropping paddy fields in Southern China. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to characterize the changes of CH4 and N2O related to different fertilizer treatments based on a long-term field experiment. The experiment was initiated in 1986 and consisted of five treatments: unfertilized (CK), mineral fertilizer alone (MF), rice residues plus mineral fertilizer (RF), low manure rate plus mineral fertilizer (M1 + F), and high manure rate plus mineral fertilizer (M2 + F). Investigations were conducted over 2 years, from 2013 to 2014, to examine the CH4 and N2O emissions from paddy field of Southern China. The results indicated that M2 + F plots had the largest CH4 emissions during the early rice and late cropped rice and that MF and RF had larger N2O emissions than CK in both early and late cropped rice. When compared with the control, total N2O emissions in both rice-growing seasons increased in both MF and RF in 2013 and 2014. The global warming potentials (GWP) from paddy fields were ranked as M2 + F > M1 + F > RF > MF > CK. Meanwhile, the results demonstrated that CH4 and N2O emissions were closely associated with the soil redox potential and soil temperature. In summary, the incorporation of rice residues in addition to the use of mineral fertilizer (RF treatment) may be an effective fertilizer management practice for mitigating total GWP per grain yield and maintaining rice grain yield in southern China.
KIN AND NON-KIN MARRIAGES AND FAMILY STRUCTURE IN A RICH TRIBAL SOCIETY
Authors: Bakoush Omran , Bredan Amin , Denic Srdjan
Published: January 2016

Human consanguinity is often attributed to poverty, lack of education and social insecurity. Nevertheless, kin unions continue to be arranged in socioeconomically transformed societies. This study examined the structure of families and marriages in the rich tribal society of the United Arab Emirates, which has had a high gross domestic product for the last two generations and currently has one of the highest in the world. The respondents were 217 national medical students whose families are proportionally distributed to the population of the country emirates. The rate of parental consanguinity (defined as a union of any two cousins) was 36%. The social status and mean size of consanguineous and non-consanguineous families were not significantly different. In non-consanguineous families, polygamy was more common and the number of half-siblings per family was higher. The extended families were on average 7% larger among non-consanguineous families. In contrast, for the extended families of the participants’ grandparents, non-consanguineous families were smaller than their consanguineous counterparts. Participants from consanguineous families indicated that marriage of either a son or daughter was more difficult to arrange than did participants from non-consanguineous families. Though consanguineous parents had their offspring marry consanguineously more often than non-consanguineous parents, the numbers of married offspring in the two groups of families were not different. Consanguineous parents have more difficulty than non-consanguineous parents in finding spouses for themselves and for their offspring, and they arranged kin marriages for their children more often.
Microscopy and Cathodoluminescence Spectroscopy Characterization of Quartz Exhibiting Different Alkali–Silica Reaction Potential
Authors: Kuchařová Aneta , Götze Jens , Šachlová Šárka , Pertold Zdeněk , Přikryl Richard
Published: January 2016

Different quartz types from several localities in the Czech Republic and Sweden were examined by polarizing microscopy combined with cathodoluminescence (CL) microscopy, spectroscopy, and petrographic image analysis, and tested by use of an accelerated mortar bar test (following ASTM C1260). The highest alkali–silica reaction potential was indicated by very fine-grained chert, containing significant amounts of fine-grained to cryptocrystalline matrix. The chert exhibited a dark red CL emission band at ~640 nm with a low intensity. Fine-grained orthoquartzites, as well as fine-grained metamorphic vein quartz, separated from phyllite exhibited medium expansion values. The orthoquartzites showed various CL of quartz grains, from blue through violet, red, and brown. Two CL spectral bands at ~450 and ~630 nm, with various intensities, were detected. The quartz from phyllite displayed an inhomogeneous dark red CL with two CL spectral bands of low intensities at ~460 and ~640 nm. The massive coarse-grained pegmatite quartz from pegmatite was assessed to be nonreactive and displayed a typical short-lived blue CL (~480 nm). The higher reactivity of the fine-grained hydrothermal quartz may be connected with high concentrations of defect centers, and probably with amorphized micro-regions in the quartz, respectively; indicated by a yellow CL emission (~570 nm).
The North American Monsoon: Models Versus Observations
Authors: Adams David , Isaias Arturo , Lizárraga Carlos
Published: January 2016

Third Annual Regional Climatology and Meteorology Meeting for Northwest Mexico; Mexico City, Mexico, 4–5 June 2015
GADD45B mediates podocyte injury in zebrafish by activating the ROS-GADD45B-p38 pathway
Authors: Chen Z , Wan X , Hou Q , Shi S , Wang L , Chen P , Zhu X , Zeng C , Qin W , Zhou W , Liu Z
Published: January 2016

GADD45 gene has been implicated in cell cycle arrest, cell survival or apoptosis in a cell type specific and context-dependent manner. Members of GADD45 gene family have been found differentially expressed in several podocyte injury models, but their roles in podocytes are unclear. Using an in vivo zebrafish model of inducible podocyte injury that we have previously established, we found that zebrafish orthologs of gadd45b were induced upon the induction of podocyte injury. Podocyte-specific overexpression of zebrafish gadd45b exacerbated edema, proteinuria and foot-process effacement, whereas knockdown of gadd45b by morpholino-oligos in zebrafish larvae ameliorated podocyte injury. We then explored the role of GADD45B induction in podocyte injury using in vitro podocyte culture. We confirmed that GADD45B was significantly upregulated during the early phase of podocyte injury in cultured human podocytes and that podocyte apoptosis induced by TGF-β and puromycin aminonucleoside (PAN) was aggravated by GADD45B overexpression but ameliorated by shRNA-mediated GADD45B knockdown. We also showed that ROS inhibitor NAC suppressed PAN-induced GADD45B expression and subsequent activation of p38 MAPK pathway in podocytes and that inhibition of GADD45B diminished PAN-induced p38 MAPK activation. Taken together, our findings demonstrated that GADD45B has an important role in podocyte injury and may be a therapeutic target for the management of podocyte injury in glomerular diseases.
Flavonol and imidazole derivatives block HPV16 E6 activities and reactivate apoptotic pathways in HPV+ cells
Authors: Yuan C-H , Filippova M , Krstenansky J L , Duerksen-Hughes P J
Published: January 2016

High-risk human papillomaviruses (HR-HPVs) cause nearly all cases of cervical cancer, as well as approximately 30% of head and neck cancers. HPV 16 E6, one of two major viral oncogenes, protects cells from apoptosis by binding to and accelerating the degradation of several proteins important in apoptotic signaling, including caspase 8 and p53. We proposed that blocking the interactions between HPV E6 and its partners using small molecules had the potential to re-sensitize HPV+ cells to apoptosis. To test this idea, we screened libraries of small molecules for candidates that could block E6/caspase 8 binding and identified several candidates from different chemical classes. We tested hits for dose-dependency and specificity in vitro and for toxicity in a cell-based assay and then used this information to select the two best candidates for further testing: myricetin, a flavonol, and spinacine, an imidazole amino-acid derivative of histidine. Both compounds clearly inhibited the ability of E6 to bind in vitro to both caspase 8 and E6AP, the protein that mediates p53 degradation. In addition, both compounds were able to increase the level of caspase 8 and p53 in SiHa cervical cancer cells, resulting in an increase of caspase 3/7 activity. Finally, both myricetin and spinacine sensitized HPV+ cervical and oral cancer cells, but not HPV− cervical and oral cancer cells, to apoptosis induced by the cancer-specific ligand TRAIL, as well as the chemotherapeutic agents doxorubicin and cisplatin. New therapies based on this work may improve treatment for HPV+ cancer patients.
Inhibition of the MAP3 kinase Tpl2 protects rodent and human β-cells from apoptosis and dysfunction induced by cytokines and enhances anti-inflammatory actions of exendin-4
Authors: Varin E M , Wojtusciszyn A , Broca C , Muller D , Ravier M A , Ceppo F , Renard E , Tanti J-F , Dalle S
Published: January 2016

Proinflammatory cytokines exert cytotoxic effects on β-cells, and are involved in the pathogenesis of type I and type II diabetes and in the drastic loss of β-cells following islet transplantation. Cytokines induce apoptosis and alter the function of differentiated β-cells. Although the MAP3 kinase tumor progression locus 2 (Tpl2) is known to integrate signals from inflammatory stimuli in macrophages, fibroblasts and adipocytes, its role in β-cells is unknown. We demonstrate that Tpl2 is expressed in INS-1E β-cells, mouse and human islets, is activated and upregulated by cytokines and mediates ERK1/2, JNK and p38 activation. Tpl2 inhibition protects β-cells, mouse and human islets from cytokine-induced apoptosis and preserves glucose-induced insulin secretion in mouse and human islets exposed to cytokines. Moreover, Tpl2 inhibition does not affect survival or positive effects of glucose (i.e., ERK1/2 phosphorylation and basal insulin secretion). The protection against cytokine-induced β-cell apoptosis is strengthened when Tpl2 inhibition is combined with the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analog exendin-4 in INS-1E cells. Furthermore, when combined with exendin-4, Tpl2 inhibition prevents cytokine-induced death and dysfunction of human islets. This study proposes that Tpl2 inhibitors, used either alone or combined with a GLP-1 analog, represent potential novel and effective therapeutic strategies to protect diabetic β-cells.
Quantum interference in heterogeneous superconducting-photonic circuits on a silicon chip
Authors: Schuck C. , Guo X. , Fan L. , Ma X. , Poot M. , Tang H. X.
Published: January 2016

Quantum information processing holds great promise for communicating and computing data efficiently. However, scaling current photonic implementation approaches to larger system size remains an outstanding challenge for realizing disruptive quantum technology. Two main ingredients of quantum information processors are quantum interference and single-photon detectors. Here we develop a hybrid superconducting-photonic circuit system to show how these elements can be combined in a scalable fashion on a silicon chip. We demonstrate the suitability of this approach for integrated quantum optics by interfering and detecting photon pairs directly on the chip with waveguide-coupled single-photon detectors. Using a directional coupler implemented with silicon nitride nanophotonic waveguides, we observe 97% interference visibility when measuring photon statistics with two monolithically integrated superconducting single-photon detectors. The photonic circuit and detector fabrication processes are compatible with standard semiconductor thin-film technology, making it possible to implement more complex and larger scale quantum photonic circuits on silicon chips.
Cavity-excited Huygens’ metasurface antennas for near-unity aperture illumination efficiency from arbitrarily large apertures
Authors: Epstein Ariel , Wong Joseph P. S. , Eleftheriades George V.
Published: January 2016

One of the long-standing problems in antenna engineering is the realization of highly directive beams using low-profile devices. In this paper, we provide a solution to this problem by means of Huygens’ metasurfaces (HMSs), based on the equivalence principle. This principle states that a given excitation can be transformed to a desirable aperture field by inducing suitable electric and (equivalent) magnetic surface currents. Building on this concept, we propose and demonstrate cavity-excited HMS antennas, where the single-source-fed cavity is designed to optimize aperture illumination, while the HMS facilitates the current distribution that ensures phase purity of aperture fields. The HMS breaks the coupling between the excitation and radiation spectra typical to standard partially reflecting surfaces, allowing tailoring of the aperture properties to produce a desirable radiation pattern, without incurring edge-taper losses. The proposed low-profile design yields near-unity aperture illumination efficiencies from arbitrarily large apertures, offering new capabilities for microwave, terahertz and optical radiators.
Biochemical characterization of predicted Precambrian RuBisCO
Authors: Shih Patrick M. , Occhialini Alessandro , Cameron Jeffrey C. , Andralojc P John , Parry Martin A. J. , Kerfeld Cheryl A.
Published: January 2016

The antiquity and global abundance of the enzyme, RuBisCO, attests to the crucial and longstanding role it has played in the biogeochemical cycles of Earth over billions of years. The counterproductive oxygenase activity of RuBisCO has persisted over billions of years of evolution, despite its competition with the carboxylase activity necessary for carbon fixation, yet hypotheses regarding the selective pressures governing RuBisCO evolution have been limited to speculation. Here we report the resurrection and biochemical characterization of ancestral RuBisCOs, dating back to over one billion years ago (Gyr ago). Our findings provide an ancient point of reference revealing divergent evolutionary paths taken by eukaryotic homologues towards improved specificity for CO2, versus the evolutionary emphasis on increased rates of carboxylation observed in bacterial homologues. Consistent with these distinctions, in vivo analysis reveals the propensity of ancestral RuBisCO to be encapsulated into modern-day carboxysomes, bacterial organelles central to the cyanobacterial CO2 concentrating mechanism.
The novel tumour suppressor Madm regulates stem cell competition in the Drosophila testis
Authors: Singh Shree Ram , Liu Ying , Zhao Jiangsha , Zeng Xiankun , Hou Steven X.
Published: January 2016

Stem cell competition has emerged as a mechanism for selecting fit stem cells/progenitors and controlling tumourigenesis. However, little is known about the underlying molecular mechanism. Here we identify Mlf1-adaptor molecule (Madm), a novel tumour suppressor that regulates the competition between germline stem cells (GSCs) and somatic cyst stem cells (CySCs) for niche occupancy.Madmknockdown results in overexpression of the EGF receptor ligandvein(vn), which further activates EGF receptor signalling and integrin expression non-cell autonomously in CySCs to promote their overproliferation and ability to outcompete GSCs for niche occupancy. Conversely, expressing a constitutively activated form of theDrosophilaJAK kinase (hopTum−l) promotes Madm nuclear translocation, and suppressesvnand integrin expression in CySCs that allows GSCs to outcompete CySCs for niche occupancy and promotes GSC tumour formation. Tumour suppressor-mediated stem cell competition presented here could be a mechanism of tumour initiation in mammals.
Mapping female bodily features of attractiveness
Authors: Bovet Jeanne , Lao Junpeng , Bartholomée Océane , Caldara Roberto , Raymond Michel
Published: January 2016

“Beauty is bought by judgment of the eye” (Shakespeare, Love’s Labour’s Lost), but the bodily features governing this critical biological choice are still debated. Eye movement studies have demonstrated that males sample coarse body regions expanding from the face, the breasts and the midriff, while making female attractiveness judgements with natural vision. However, the visual system ubiquitously extracts diagnostic extra-foveal information in natural conditions, thus the visual information actually used by men is still unknown. We thus used a parametric gaze-contingent design while males rated attractiveness of female front- and back-view bodies. Males used extra-foveal information when available. Critically, when bodily features were only visible through restricted apertures, fixations strongly shifted to the hips, to potentially extract hip-width and curvature, then the breast and face. Our hierarchical mapping suggests that the visual system primary uses hip information to compute the waist-to-hip ratio and the body mass index, the crucial factors in determining sexual attractiveness and mate selection.
Exome sequencing reveals recurrent REV3L mutations in cisplatin-resistant squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck
Authors: Huang Kie Kyon , Jang Kang Won , Kim Sangwoo , Kim Han Sang , Kim Sung-Moo , Kwon Hyeong Ju , Kim Hye Ryun , Yun Hwan Jung , Ahn Myung Ju , Park Keon Uk , Ramnarayanan Kalpana , McPherson John R. , Zhang Shenli , Rhee Je-Keun , Vettore André L. , Das Kakoli , Ishimoto Takatsugu , Kim Joo Hang , Koh Yoon Woo , Kim Se Hun , Choi Eun Chang , Teh Bin Tean , Rozen Steven G. , Kim Tae-Min , Tan Patrick , Cho Byoung Chul
Published: January 2016

Dacomitinib, an irreversible pan-HER inhibitor, had shown modest clinical activity in squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck (SCCHN) patients. Therefore, validated predictive biomarkers are required to identify patients most likely to benefit from this therapeutic option. To characterize the genetic landscape of cisplatin-treated SCCHN genomes and identify potential predictive biomarkers for dacomitinib sensitivity, we performed whole exome sequencing on 18 cisplatin-resistant metastatic SCCHN tumors and their matched germline DNA. Platinum-based chemotherapy elevated the mutation rates of SCCHN compared to chemotherapy-naïve SCCHNs. Cisplatin-treated SCCHN genomes uniquely exhibited a novel mutational signature characterized by C:G to A:T transversions at CCR sequence contexts that may have arisen due to error-prone translesional synthesis. Somatic mutations in REV3L, the gene encoding the catalytic subunit of DNA polymerase ζ involved in translesional synthesis, are significantly enriched in a subset of patients who derived extended clinical benefit to dacomitinib (P = 0.04). Functional assays showed that loss-of-function of REV3L dramatically enhanced the sensitivity of SCCHN cells to dacomitinib by the loss of both translesion synthesis and homologous recombination pathways. Our data suggest that the ‘platinum’ mutational signature and inactivation of REV3L may inform treatment options in patients of recurrent SCCHN.
Unconventional Magnetism and Band Gap Formation in LiFePO4: Consequence of Polyanion Induced Non-planarity
Authors: Jena Ajit , Nanda B. R. K.
Published: January 2016

Oxygen plays a critical role in strongly correlated transition metal oxides as crystal field effect is one of the key factors that determine the degree of localization of the valence d/f states. Based on the localization, a set of conventional mechanisms such as Mott-Hubbard, Charge-transfer and Slater were formulated to explain the antiferromagnetic and insulating (AFI) phenomena in many of these correlated systems. From the case study on LiFePO4, through density-functional calculations, we demonstrate that none of these mechanisms are strictly applicable to explain the AFI behavior when the transition metal oxides have polyanions such as (PO4)3−. The symmetry-lowering of the metal-oxygen complex, to stabilize the polyanion, creates an asymmetric crystal field for d/f states. In LiFePO4 this field creates completely non-degenerate Fe-d states which, with negligible p-d and d-d covalent interactions, become atomically localized to ensure a gap at the Fermi level. Due to large exchange splitting, high spin state is favored and an antiferromagnetic configuration is stabilized. For the prototype LiFePO4, independent electron approximation is good enough to obtain the AFI ground state. Inclusion of additional correlation measures like Hubbard U simply amplifies the gap and therefore LiFePO4 can be preferably called as weakly coupled Mott insulator.
Multinucleation and Polykaryon Formation is Promoted by the EhPC4 Transcription Factor in Entamoeba histolytica
Authors: Cruz Olga Hernández de la , Marchat Laurence A. , Guillén Nancy , Weber Christian , Rosas Itzel López , Díaz-Chávez José , Herrera Luis , Rojo-Domínguez Arturo , Orozco Esther , López-Camarillo César
Published: January 2016

Entamoeba histolytica is the intestinal parasite responsible for human amoebiasis that is a leading cause of death in developing countries. In this protozoan, heterogeneity in DNA content, polyploidy and genome plasticity have been associated to alterations in mechanisms controlling DNA replication and cell division. Studying the function of the transcription factor EhPC4, we unexpectedly found that it is functionally related to DNA replication and multinucleation. Site-directed mutagenesis on the FRFPKG motif revealed that the K127 residue is required for efficient EhPC4 DNA-binding activity. Remarkably, overexpression of EhPC4 significantly increased cell proliferation, DNA replication and DNA content of trophozoites. A dramatically increase in cell size resulting in the formation of giant multinucleated trophozoites (polykaryon) was also found. Multinucleation event was associated to cytokinesis failure leading to abortion of ongoing cell division. Consistently, genome-wide profiling of EhPC4 overexpressing trophozoites revealed the up-regulation of genes involved in carbohydrates and nucleic acids metabolism, chromosome segregation and cytokinesis. Forced overexpression of one of these genes, EhNUDC (nuclear movement protein), led to alterations in cytokinesis and partially recapitulated the multinucleation phenotype. These data indicate for the first time that EhPC4 is associated with events related to polyploidy and genome stability in E. histolytica.
The opgC gene is required for OPGs succinylation and is osmoregulated through RcsCDB and EnvZ/OmpR in the phytopathogen Dickeya dadantii
Authors: Bontemps-Gallo Sébastien , Madec Edwige , Robbe-Masselot Catherine , Souche Erika , Dondeyne Jacqueline , Lacroix Jean-Marie
Published: January 2016

Osmoregulated periplasmic glucans (OPGs) are a family of periplasmic oligosaccharides found in the envelope of most Proteobacteria. They are required for virulence of zoo- and phyto-pathogens. The glucose backbone of OPGs is substituted by various kinds of molecules depending on the species, O-succinyl residues being the most widely distributed. In our model, Dickeya dadantii, a phytopathogenic bacteria causing soft rot disease in a wide range of plant species, the backbone of OPGs is substituted by O-succinyl residues in media of high osmolarity and by O-acetyl residues whatever the osmolarity. The opgC gene encoding a transmembrane protein required for the succinylation of the OPGs in D. dadantii was found after an in silico search of a gene encoding a protein with the main characteristics recovered in the two previously characterized OpgC of E. coli and R. sphaeroides, i.e. 10 transmembrane segments and one acyl-transferase domain. Characterization of the opgC gene revealed that high osmolarity expression of the succinyl transferase is controlled by both the EnvZ-OmpR and RcsCDB phosphorelay systems. The loss of O-succinyl residue did not affect the virulence of D. dadantii, suggesting that only the glucose backbone of OPGs is required for virulence.
Exploration of nucleosome positioning patterns in transcription factor function
Authors: Maehara Kazumitsu , Ohkawa Yasuyuki
Published: January 2016

The binding of transcription factors (TFs) triggers activation of specific chromatin regions through the recruitment and activation of RNA polymerase. Unique nucleosome positioning (NP) occurs during gene expression and has been suggested to be involved in various other chromatin functions. However, the diversity of NP that can occur for each function has not been clarified. Here we used MNase-Seq data to evaluate NP around 258 cis-regulatory elements in the mouse genome. Principal component analysis of the 258 elements revealed that NP consisted of five major patterns. Furthermore, the five NP patterns had predictive power for the level of gene expression. We also demonstrated that selective NP patterns appeared around TF binding sites. These results suggest that the NP patterns are correlated to specific functions on chromatin.
The Dilemma of Derelict Gear
Authors: Scheld A. M. , Bilkovic D. M. , Havens K. J.
Published: January 2016

Every year, millions of pots and traps are lost in crustacean fisheries around the world. Derelict fishing gear has been found to produce several harmful environmental and ecological effects, however socioeconomic consequences have been investigated less frequently. We analyze the economic effects of a substantial derelict pot removal program in the largest estuary of the United States, the Chesapeake Bay. By combining spatially resolved data on derelict pot removals with commercial blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) harvests and effort, we show that removing 34,408 derelict pots led to significant gains in gear efficiency and an additional 13,504 MT in harvest valued at US $21.3 million—a 27% increase above that which would have occurred without removals. Model results are extended to a global analysis where it is seen that US $831 million in landings could be recovered annually by removing less than 10% of the derelict pots and traps from major crustacean fisheries. An unfortunate common pool externality, the degradation of marine environments is detrimental not only to marine organisms and biota, but also to those individuals and communities whose livelihoods and culture depend on profitable and sustainable marine resource use.
Combining intra- and intermolecular charge-transfer: a new strategy towards molecular ferromagnets and multiferroics
Authors: Di Maiolo Francesco , Sissa Cristina , Painelli Anna
Published: January 2016

Organic ferroelectric materials are currently a hot research topic, with mixed stack charge transfer crystals playing a prominent role with their large, electronic-in-origin polarization and the possibility to tune the transition temperature down to the quantum limit and/or to drive the ferroelectric transition via an optical stimulus. By contrast and in spite of an impressive research effort, organic ferromagnets are rare and characterized by very low transition temperatures. Coexisting magnetic and electric orders in multiferroics offer the possibility to control magnetic (electric) properties by an applied electric (magnetic) field with impressive technological potential. Only few examples of multiferroics are known today, based on inorganics materials. Here we demonstrate that, by decorating mixed stack charge transfer crystals with organic radicals, a new family of robust molecular ferromagnets can be designed, stable up to ambient temperature and with a clear tendency towards multiferroic behaviour.
Temporal aspects of air pollutant measures in epidemiologic analysis: a simulation study
Authors: White Laura F , Yu Jeffrey , Jerrett Michael , Coogan Patricia
Published: January 2016

Numerous observational studies have assessed the association between ambient air pollution and chronic disease incidence, but there is no uniform approach to create an exposure metric that captures the variability in air pollution through time and determines the most relevant exposure window. The purpose of the present study was to assess ways of modeling exposure to air pollution in relation to incident hypertension. We simulated data on incident hypertension to assess the performance of six air pollution exposure metrics, using characteristics from the Black Women’s Health Study. Each metric made different assumptions about how to incorporate time trends in pollutant data and the most relevant window of exposure. We use observed values for particulate matter ≤2.5 microns (PM2.5) for this cohort to create the six exposure metrics and fit Cox proportional hazards models to the simulated data using the six metrics. The optimal exposure metric depends on the underlying association between PM2.5 and disease, which is unknown. Metrics that incorporate exposure information from multiple years tend to be more robust and suffer from less bias. This study provides insight into factors that influence the metric used to quantifying exposure to PM2.5 and suggests the need for careful sensitivity analyses.
Band transport across a chain of dopant sites in silicon over micron distances and high temperatures
Authors: Prati Enrico , Kumagai Kuninori , Hori Masahiro , Shinada Takahiro
Published: January 2016

Macroscopic manifestations of quantum mechanics are among the most spectacular effects of physics. In most of them, novel collective properties emerge from the quantum mechanical behaviour of their microscopic constituents. Others, like superconductivity, extend a property typical of the atomic scale to macroscopic length scale. Similarly, features of quantum transport in Hubbard systems which are only observed at nanometric distances in natural and artificial atoms embedded in quantum devices, could be in principle extended to macroscopic distances in microelectronic devices. By employing an atomic chain consists of an array of 20 atoms implanted along the channel of a silicon transistor with length of 1 μm, we extend to such unprecedented distance both the single electron quantum transport via sequential tunneling and to room temperature the features of the Hubbard bands. Their observation provides a new example of scaling of quantum mechanical properties, previously observed only at the nanoscale, up to lengths typical of microelectronics, by opening new perspectives towards passage of quantum states and band engineering in silicon devices.
Synthetic tactile perception induced by transcranial alternating-current stimulation can substitute for natural sensory stimulus in behaving rabbits
Authors: Márquez-Ruiz Javier , Ammann Claudia , Leal-Campanario Rocío , Ruffini Giulio , Gruart Agnès , Delgado-García José M.
Published: January 2016

The use of brain-derived signals for controlling external devices has long attracted the attention from neuroscientists and engineers during last decades. Although much effort has been dedicated to establishing effective brain-to-computer communication, computer-to-brain communication feedback for “closing the loop” is now becoming a major research theme. While intracortical microstimulation of the sensory cortex has already been successfully used for this purpose, its future application in humans partly relies on the use of non-invasive brain stimulation technologies. In the present study, we explore the potential use of transcranial alternating-current stimulation (tACS) for synthetic tactile perception in alert behaving animals. More specifically, we determined the effects of tACS on sensory local field potentials (LFPs) and motor output and tested its capability for inducing tactile perception using classical eyeblink conditioning in the behaving animal. We demonstrated that tACS of the primary somatosensory cortex vibrissa area could indeed substitute natural stimuli during training in the associative learning paradigm.
A Novel Controlled Release Immunosensor based on Benzimidazole Functionalized SiO2 and Cyclodextrin Functionalized Gold
Authors: Ma Hongmin , Wang Yaoguang , Wu Dan , Zhang Yong , Gao Jian , Ren Xiang , Du Bin , Wei Qin
Published: January 2016

A novel controlled release system-based sandwich-type immunosensor is fabricated to detect squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCCA). The 1-methyl-1H-benzimidazole functionalized mesoporous SiO2 (MBI-MS) is used to load methylene blue (MB). β-cyclodextrin functionalized gold (CD-Au) is introduced as the gatekeeper for encapsulating MB and capturing the adamantly functional detection antibody (ADA-Ab2). And pH stimulus serves as the trigger system to control the MB release. After the load of MB, the CD-Au blocks the pores of the MBI-MS by the host-guest interaction in the neutral condition. However, when the pH is below 7.0, CD-Au is separated from the surface of MBI-MS owing to the protonation of the aromatic amines. The encapsulated MB is released from the pores of MBI-MS and detected by square wave voltammetry. The controlled release immunosensor shows a relatively wide linear range from 0.001 to 20 ng·mL−1 with a low detection limit of 0.25 pg·mL−1. The immunosensor also shows good reproducibility and selectivity, which endows it broad application prospect in clinical research.
The preparation of hierarchical SAPO-34 crystals via post-synthesis fluoride etching
Authors: Chen Xiaoxin , Vicente Aurélie , Qin Zhengxing , Ruaux Valérie , Gilson Jean-Pierre , Valtchev Valentin
Published: January 2016

SAPO-34 (CHA-type) was subjected to treatment with a mixed NH4F–HF aqueous solution resulting in a hierarchical micro-mesoporous material with retained intrinsic properties.
Copper-catalyzed oxidative [2+2+1] annulation of 1,n-enynes with α-carbonyl alkyl bromides through C–Br/C–H functionalization
Authors: Hu Ming , Song Ren-Jie , Ouyang Xuan-Hui , Tan Fang-Lin , Wei Wen-Ting , Li Jin-Heng
Published: January 2016

The Cu-catalyzed oxidative [2+2+1] annulation of 1,n-enynes (n= 6, 7) with α-carbonyl alkyl bromides through C–Br/C–H functionalization has been developed.
An ion signal responsive dynamic protein nano-spring constructed by high ordered host–guest recognition
Authors: Si Chengye , Li Jiaxi , Luo Quan , Hou Chunxi , Pan Tiezheng , Li Hongbin , Liu Junqiu
Published: January 2016

A Ca2+responsive protein self-assembly nano-spring was developed through host–guest interactions between cucurbit[8]uril and tripeptide FGG tags of fusion protein FGG-recoverin-GST.
Construction of pillar[6]arene-based CO2 and UV dual-responsive supra-amphiphile and application in controlled self-assembly
Authors: Yang Jie , Shao Li , Yu Guocan
Published: January 2016

A gas and photo dual-responsive host–guest recognition was established in an aqueous medium. This recognition motif was further applied for the construction of a supra-amphiphile, which reversibly self-assembled into vesicles upon UV/vis irradiation or bubbling with N2/CO2.
First principles modeling of Mo6S9 nanowires via condensation of Mo4S6 clusters and the effect of iodine doping on structural and electronic properties
Authors: Laraib Iflah , Karthikeyan J. , Murugan P.
Published: January 2016

Doping of Iodine in Mo6S9 nanowire, core structure changes from Mo4 tetrahedra to Mo6 octahedron initially, and then, to Mo8 dodecahedron.
Computational study on the unbinding pathways of B-RAF inhibitors and its implication for the difference of residence time: insight from random acceleration and steered molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Niu Yuzhen , Li Shuyan , Pan Dabo , Liu Huanxiang , Yao Xiaojun
Published: January 2016

Random acceleration and steered molecular dynamics simulations reveal the unbinding pathway of B-RAF inhibitors and the difference in the residence time.
Transferability of different classical force fields for right and left handed α-helices constructed from enantiomeric amino acids
Authors: Biswas Santu , Sarkar Sujit , Pandey Prithvi Raj , Roy Sudip
Published: January 2016

The energetic differences between left and right handed alpha helical peptide chains constructed from enantiomeric amino acids are investigated using quantum chemical calculations.
Electronic transport properties of ultra-thin Ni and Ni–C nanowires
Authors: Zhang Leining , Wu Weikang , Zhou Yi , Ren Hongru , Dong Jichen , Li Hui
Published: January 2016

I–V characteristic curves of Ni–C nanowires with different C concentrations; the curves of current polarization at an applied bias of 0.4 V and spin electron polarization at the Fermi level; and the configurations of Ni–C nanowires with different C concentrations.
Alkaline earths as main group reagents in molecular catalysis
Authors: Hill Michael S. , Liptrot David J. , Weetman Catherine
Published: January 2016

The past decade has witnessed some remarkable advances in our appreciation of the structural and reaction chemistry of the heavier alkaline earth (Ae = Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba) elements.
Au/Ag core–shell nanocuboids for high-efficiency organic solar cells with broadband plasmonic enhancement
Authors: Liu Shenghua , Jiang Ruibin , You Peng , Zhu Xingzhong , Wang Jianfang , Yan Feng
Published: January 2016

We introduced Au@Ag core–shell nanocuboids with broadband plasmonic enhancement in organic photovoltaics, which show multimode localized surface plasmon resonance that can be tuned to match the light absorption spectra of the devices by changing the geometric size.
Enabling an integrated tantalum nitride photoanode to approach the theoretical photocurrent limit for solar water splitting
Authors: Liu Guiji , Ye Sheng , Yan Pengli , Xiong Fengqiang , Fu Ping , Wang Zhiliang , Chen Zheng , Shi Jingying , Li Can
Published: January 2016

The integrated architecture enables the Ta3N5photoanode to approach the theoretical photocurrent limit for solar water splitting.
HOTf-catalyzed sustainable one-pot synthesis of benzene and pyridine derivatives under solvent-free conditions
Authors: Zhang Xu , Wang Zhiqiang , Xu Kun , Feng Yuquan , Zhao Wei , Xu Xuefeng , Yan Yanlei , Yi Wei
Published: January 2016

Herein a versatile HOTf-catalyzed and solvent-free system for highly efficient one-pot synthesis of privileged benzene and pyridine derivatives has been developed using ketones and ketones with amines as simple substrates, respectively.
Concise asymmetric syntheses of novel phenanthroquinolizidines
Authors: Anton-Torrecillas Cintia , Loza María Isabel , Brea José , Gonzalez-Gomez Jose C.
Published: January 2016

A concise asymmetric synthesis of cytotoxic phenanthroquinolizidines with a quaternary center at C14a and a substituent at C9 is described.
Investigation the interaction between protamine sulfate and CdTe quantum dots with spectroscopic techniques
Authors: Xue Fangfang , Liu Lingzhi , Mi Yueyao , Han Heyou , Liang Jiangong
Published: January 2016

The fluorescence of QDs was quenched intensely by protamine sulfate with a combined dynamic and static quenching mechanism was proposed.
Influence of plasma macronutrient levels on hepatic metabolism: role of regulatory networks in homeostasis and disease states
Authors: Somvanshi Pramod R. , Patel Anilkumar K. , Bhartiya Sharad , Venkatesh K. V.
Published: January 2016

Multilevel regulations by metabolic, signaling and transcription pathways form a complex network that works to provide robust metabolic regulation in the liver. This analysis indicates that dietary perturbations in these networks can lead to insulin resistance.
Development of cell-laden 3D scaffolds for efficient engineered skin substitutes by collagen gelation
Authors: Yoon Hyeon , Lee Ji-Seon , Yim Haejun , Kim Geunhyung , Chun Wook
Published: January 2016

Cell-laden layered scaffolds containing keratinocytes and fibroblasts were fabricated using a 3D cell-printing technique. The scaffolds effectively promoted proliferation and migration, and can be efficiently used as engineered skin substitutes.
2,3,4-Trihydroxy benzophenone as a novel reducing agent for one-step synthesis of size-optimized gold nanoparticles and their application in colorimetric sensing of adenine at nanomolar concentration
Authors: Rawat Karuna A. , Kailasa Suresh Kumar
Published: January 2016

2,3,4-trihydroxy benzophenone acts as a novel reducing and stabilizing agent for one-step synthesis of size-optimized Au NPs and used as a probe for colorimetric sensing of adenine.
One-step synthesis of Ni3S2nanoplatelets on graphene for high performance supercapacitors
Authors: Ou Xuewu , Luo Zhengtang
Published: January 2016

A one-step hydrogen reduction synthesis of Ni3S2nanoplatelets on graphene surface has been developed for supercapacitors application.
Electrochemical sensing of guanine, adenine and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine at glassy carbon modified with single-walled carbon nanotubes covalently functionalized with lysine
Authors: Gutiérrez Alejandro , Gutierrez Fabiana A. , Eguílaz Marcos , González-Domínguez José M. , Hernández-Ferrer Javier , Ansón-Casaos Alejandro , Martínez María T. , Rivas Gustavo A.
Published: January 2016

Synthesis and characterization of l-lysine covalently functionalized SWCNT and analytical application for the highly sensitive quantification of guanine, adenine and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine.
High-efficiency visible-light AgI/Ag/Bi2MoO6 as a Z-scheme photocatalyst for environmental applications
Authors: Wang Yin , Niu Cheng-Gang , Zhang Lei , Wang Ying , Zhang Huan , Huang Da-Wei , Zhang Xue-Gang , Wang Liang , Zeng Guang-Ming
Published: January 2016

A novel ternary composite AgI/Ag/Bi2MoO6 photocatalyst was successfully synthesized by a facile hydrothermal method combined with an ultrasonic-assisted precipitation-photoreduction technique.
Nanostructuring of nanoporous iron carbide spheres via thermal degradation of triple-shelled Prussian blue hollow spheres for oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Zakaria Mohamed B.
Published: January 2016

A controlled thermal treatment of the triple-shelled Prussian blue hollow spheres yielded well-retained nanoporous iron carbide for efficient electrocatalytic ORR.
Effect of the blocked-sites phenomenon on the heterogeneous reaction of pyrene with N2O5/NO3/NO2
Authors: Zhang Peng , Sun Wanqi , Yang Bo , Shu Jinian , Dong Liang
Published: January 2016

To clarify whether the blocking reaction sites problem has a significant impact on heterogeneous reactions, experiments contrasting the order of pyrene (PY) particles' exposure to N2O5–O3 or O3–N2O5 in a heterogeneous process were conducted.
A simple room temperature fast reduction technique for preparation of a copper nanosheet powder
Authors: Shaik A. H. , Chakraborty J.
Published: January 2016

Growth of large nanosheets from small nanosheets by oriented attachment.
g-C3N4/Bi4O5I2 2D–2D heterojunctional nanosheets with enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activity
Authors: Tian Na , Zhang Yihe , Liu Chengyin , Yu Shixin , Li Min , Huang Hongwei
Published: January 2016

The 2D–2D heterojunctional g-C3N4/Bi4O5I2 nanosheets were successfully constructed based on band gap engineering design. It exhibits high visible-light-driven photocatalytic activity for degradation of RhB and NO removal.
The effect of additives on the properties of electrodeposited Ni–zircon composite coatings
Authors: Aruna S. T. , Lashmi P. G. , Seema H. M.
Published: January 2016

In the present study, the suitability of zircon powder as a new distributive phase for electrodeposited Ni composite coating is explored.
Using an innovative quality-by-design approach for the development of a stability-indicating UPLC/Q-TOF-ESI-MS/MS method for stressed degradation products of imatinib mesylate
Authors: Ren Zhihui , Zhang Xiaoxi , Wang Haiyuan , Jin Xinghua
Published: January 2016

Chromatography modeling softwares (DryLab®2000 plus and Design Expert®​8.0.6) were used to develop a stability indicating UPLC/Q-TOF-ESI-MS/MS method for the simultaneous determination of stressed degradation products of imatinib mesylate.​
Pillar[5]arene derivatives containing two dinitrophenyl rings: syntheses, conformations and the tubular self assembly in the solid state
Authors: Xue Min , Xu Xiaoyan , An Jianggen , Wang Jie , Yang Yong , Liu Yongsong
Published: January 2016

Pillar[5]arene derivatives with two dinitrophenyl rings were synthesized in 90% and 99% yields, respectively. The di(2,4-dinitro-5-fluoro-phenyl)-modified pillar[5]arene self assembled into column in the solid state.
The total synthesis of K-252c (staurosporinone) via a sequential C–H functionalisation strategy
Authors: Fox J. C. , Gilligan R. E. , Pitts A. K. , Bennett H. R. , Gaunt M. J.
Published: January 2016

A synthesis of the bioactive indolocarbazole alkaloid K-252c (staurosporinone)viaa sequential C–H functionalisation strategy is reported.
Two-in-one: cathode modification and improved solar cell blend stability through addition of modified fullerenes
Authors: George Zandra , Xia Yuxin , Sharma Anirudh , Lindqvist Camilla , Andersson Gunther , Inganäs Olle , Moons Ellen , Müller Christian , Andersson Mats R.
Published: January 2016

Addition of customised fullerenes to a polymer : fullerene bulk-heterojunction blend significantly increases the efficiency and the thermal stability after annealing at 140 °C.
The preparation and properties of carbon inverse opal papers using carbon fiber sheets as a framework
Authors: Lytle Justin C. , Banbury Julian M. , Blakney Rebekah A. , Burke Michaela S. , Clark Ryan P. A. , Fisher Robert D. , Frederiksen Sally V. , Marshall Ashley R. , McNally Marshall T. , Ostendorf Morgan L. , Serier Kelsey N. , Shiu Michael , Toivola Ryan E. , Travers Chelsea S. , Wright Erin R.
Published: January 2016

Carbon fiber papers enable carbon inverse opals to store electrochemical energy during and after mechanical flexure.
Stalagmite-like self-cleaning surfaces prepared by silanization of plasma-assisted metal-oxide nanostructures
Authors: Yang Ching-Yu , Chuang Shang-I , Lo Yu-Hsiang , Cheng Hsin-Ming , Duh Jenq-Gong , Chen Po-Yu
Published: January 2016

Robust stalagmite-like self-cleaning surfaces with good transparency and flexibility are developed by plasma-assisted nanofabrication and silanization under ambient conditions.
Polycaprolactone fibers with self-assembled peptide micro/nanotubes: a practical route towards enhanced mechanical strength and drug delivery applications
Authors: Liberato M. S. , Kogikoski S. , da Silva E. R. , de Araujo D. R. , Guha S. , Alves W. A.
Published: January 2016

The conjugation between micro/nanotubes of l,l-diphenylalanine and polycaprolactone has led to ductile composite fibers suitable for designing polymer membranes potentially usable as degradable skin patches in drug delivery.
Thermally induced reversible solid-state transformation of novel s-indacene 1,3,5,7-tetraone derivatives
Authors: Shen Xiaoqin , Zheng Yonghao , Wudl Fred
Published: January 2016

Novel electronically efficient s-indacene 1,3,5,7-tetraone derivatives were synthesized, which exhibit unique thermally induced polymorphic transformation.