bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PPM1D controls nucleolar formation by up-regulating phosphorylation of nucleophosmin
Authors: Kozakai Yuuki , Kamada Rui , Furuta Junya , Kiyota Yuhei , Chuman Yoshiro , Sakaguchi Kazuyasu
Published: September 2016

An increase of nucleolar number and size has made nucleoli essential markers for cytology and tumour development. However, the underlying basis for their structural integrity and abundance remains unclear. Protein phosphatase PPM1D was found to be up-regulated in different carcinomas including breast cancers. Here, we demonstrate for the first time that PPM1D regulates nucleolar formation via inducing an increased phosphorylation of the nucleolar protein NPM. We show that PPM1D overexpression induces an increase in the nucleolar number regardless of p53 status. We also demonstrated that specific sequential phosphorylation of NPM is important for nucleolar formation and that PPM1D is a novel upstream regulator of this phosphorylation pathway. These results enhance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms that govern nucleoli formation by demonstrating that PPM1D regulates nucleolar formation by regulating NPM phosphorylation status through a novel signalling pathway, PPM1D-CDC25C-CDK1-PLK1.
Characterization of a knock-in mouse model of the homozygous p.V37I variant in Gjb2
Authors: Chen Ying , Hu Lingxiang , Wang Xueling , Sun Changling , Lin Xin , li Lei , Mei Ling , Huang Zhiwu , Yang Tao , Wu Hao
Published: September 2016

The homozygous p.V37I variant inGJB2is prevalent in East and Southeast Asians and may lead to mild-to-moderate hearing loss with reduced penetrance. To investigate the pathogenic mechanism underlying this variant, we generated a knock-in mouse model of homozygous p.V37I by an embryonic stem cell gene targeting method. Auditory brainstem response test showed that the knock-in mice developed progressive, mild-to-moderate hearing loss over the first 4–9 months. Overall no significant developmental and morphological abnormality was observed in the knock-in mouse cochlea, while confocal immunostaining and electron microscopic scanning revealed minor loss of the outer hair cells. Gene expression microarray analysis identified 105 up-regulated and 43 down-regulated genes in P5 knock-in mouse cochleae (P < 0.05 adjusted by the Benjamini & Hochberg method), among which four top candidate genes with the highest fold-changes or implication to deafnessFcer1g, NnmtandLars2andCuedc1were verified by quantitative real-time PCR. Our study demonstrated that the homozygous p.V37I knock-in mouse modeled the hearing phenotype of the human patients and can serve as a useful animal model for further studies. The differentially expressed genes identified in this study may shed new insights into the understanding of the pathogenic mechanism and the phenotypic modification of homozygous p.V37I.
Morphological change in cranial shape following the transition to agriculture across western Eurasia
Authors: Cheronet Olivia , Finarelli John A. , Pinhasi Ron
Published: September 2016

The Neolithic transition brought about fundamental social, dietary and behavioural changes in human populations, which, in turn, impacted skeletal morphology. Crania are shaped through diverse genetic, ontogenetic and environmental factors, reflecting various elements of an individual’s life. To determine the transition’s effect on cranial morphology, we investigated its potential impact on the face and vault, two elements potentially responding to different influences. Three datasets from geographically distant regions (Ukraine, Iberia, and the Levant plus Anatolia) were analysed. Craniometric measurements were used to compare the morphology of pre-transition populations with that of agricultural populations. The Neolithic transition corresponds to a statistically significant increase only in cranial breadth of the Ukrainian vaults, while facial morphology shows no consistent transformations, despite expected changes related to the modification of masticatory behaviour. The broadening of Ukrainian vaults may be attributable to dietary and/or social changes. However, the lack of change observed in the other geographical regions and the lack of consistent change in facial morphology are surprising. Although the transition from foraging to farming is a process that took place repeatedly across the globe, different characteristics of transitions seem responsible for idiosyncratic responses in cranial morphology.
Graphene quantum dots as a fluorescence-quenching probe for quantitative analysis of Ponceau 4R solution
Authors: Zhang Jianpo , Na Lihua , Jiang Yunxia , Lou Dawei , Jin Li
Published: September 2016

Quantitative analysis of Ponceau 4R in solution was achieved based on the fluorescence quenching of graphene quantum dots.
Chiral templating of alumina nanofilms by the atomic layer deposition process
Authors: Shalev O. L. , Carmiel Y. , Gottesman R. , Tirosh S. , Mastai Y.
Published: September 2016

The overall synthesis of novel chiral nanosized metal-oxide nanofilms and surfaces, based on the chiral templating of cellulose with alumina using the atomic layer deposition process.
Correction: Metal complexes as “protein surface mimetics”
Authors: Hewitt Sarah H. , Wilson Andrew J.
Published: September 2016

Correction for ‘Metal complexes as “protein surface mimetics”’ by Sarah H. Hewitt and Andrew J. Wilson, Chem. Commun., 2016, 52, 9745–9756.
Lipid-based nanovesicles for nanomedicine
Authors: Grimaldi N. , Andrade F. , Segovia N. , Ferrer-Tasies L. , Sala S. , Veciana J. , Ventosa N.
Published: September 2016

Multifunctional lipid-based nanovesicles (L-NVs) prepared by molecular self-assembly of membrane components together with (bio)-active molecules, by means of compressed CO2-media or other non-conventional methods lead to highly homogeneous, tailor-made nanovesicles that are used for advanced nanomedicine. Confocal microscopy image of siRNA transfection using L-NVs, reprinted with permission from de Jonge,et al.,Gene Therapy, 2006,13, 400–411.
First quadruple-glycine bridging mono-lanthanide-substituted borotungstate hybrids
Authors: Liu Jiancai , Yu Jing , Han Qing , Wen Yue , Chen Lijuan , Zhao Junwei
Published: September 2016

A class of novel organic–inorganic hybrid quadruple-glycine lanthanide-substituted Keggin-type borotungstates have been synthesized and characterized.
Screw-actuated displacement micropumps for thermoplastic microfluidics
Authors: Han J. Y. , Rahmanian O. D. , Kendall E. L. , Fleming N. , DeVoe D. L.
Published: September 2016

Screw-based micropumps enable precise software-defined flow control with integrated on-chip reagents for portable assays.
Theoretical design and characterization of high-efficiency organic dyes with different electron-withdrawing groups based on C275 toward dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Li Shuang-Bao , Gu Dong-Mei , Zhang Ji , Geng Yun , Zhang Min , Su Zhong-Min
Published: September 2016

The designed organic dye 7 with a naphthothiadiazole electron-withdrawing group will exhibit superior performance in comparison with C275 for dye-sensitized solar cells.
Diglycolamide-functionalized resorcinarene for rare earths extraction
Authors: Wehbie Moheddine , Arrachart Guilhem , Karamé Iyad , Ghannam Leila , Pellet-Rostaing Stéphane
Published: September 2016

Efficient extraction of rare earth elements from nitric acid solution has been performed with tetrafunctionalized resorcinarene.
High-performance carbon-based solid acid prepared by environmental and efficient recycling of PVC waste for cellulose hydrolysis
Authors: Li Tianjin , Shen Shuguang , Cai Bei , Wang Yuemei , Peng Xin , Li Yehui
Published: September 2016

Pyrolysis techniques can provide a way to convert polyvinyl chloride (PVC) waste into high value liquids and gases.
Temperature-induced single-crystal-to-single-crystal transformation of a binuclear Mn(ii) complex into a 1D chain polymer
Authors: Jiang Peng , Peng Fen , Chen Yanmei
Published: September 2016

The new binuclear Mn(ii) complex can transform into a new 1D chain structure in a SCSC transformation via dehydration.
Nitrogen(N)-doped activated carbon materials with a narrow pore size distribution derived from coal liquefaction residues as low-cost and high-activity oxygen reduction catalysts in alkaline solution
Authors: Zhao Lei , Wang Yanchao , Li Weibin
Published: September 2016

Coal liquefaction residues with a high content of nitrogen were used to prepare N-doped activated carbon as low-cost and high-activity oxygen reduction reaction catalyst.
Fe3O4@SiO2/Schiff base/Pd complex as an efficient heterogeneous and recyclable nanocatalyst for chemoselective N-arylation of O-alkyl primary carbamates
Authors: Sardarian A. R. , Zangiabadi M. , Inaloo I. Dindarloo
Published: September 2016

An Fe3O4@SiO2/Schiff base/Pd complex as an efficient, heterogeneous magnetically recoverable and reusable catalyst for the N-arylation of O-alkyl primary carbamates.
Green biosynthesis of ruthenium oxide nanoparticles on nickel foam as electrode material for supercapacitor applications
Authors: Ismail E. , Khamlich S. , Dhlamini M. , Maaza M.
Published: September 2016

Ruthenium(iv) oxide (RuO2) nanoparticles were synthesizedvia Aspalathus linearisnatural extract as a reducing/oxidizing agent, as well as a capping compound for supercapacitor applications.
Core–shell Co@SiO2 nanosphere immobilized Ag nanoparticles for hydrogen evolution from ammonia borane
Authors: Yao Qilu , Lu Zhang-Hui , Hu Yujuan , Chen Xiangshu
Published: September 2016

Silver nanoparticles anchored on core–shell Co@SiO2 nanospheres (Co@SiO2/Ag) have been facilely prepared by using an in situ generated approach, and exhibited higher catalytic activity than their monometallic counterparts for the hydrolysis of AB.
Scale inhibitors with a hyper-branched structure: preparation, characterization and scale inhibition mechanism
Authors: Huang Henghui , Yao Qi , Chen Hualin , Liu Bailing
Published: September 2016

In order to improve the scale inhibition efficiency of existing scale inhibitors for industrial water and to reduce the phosphorus pollution of water bodies, a new type of scale inhibitor with a hyper-branched structure has been developed.
Spontaneous mirror symmetry breaking in heterocatalytically coupled enantioselective replicators
Authors: Ribó Josep M. , Crusats Joaquim , El-Hachemi Zoubir , Moyano Albert , Hochberg David
Published: September 2016

Hypercycles proposed as a chemical basis for the selection of biological replicators may lead to homochirality when fed from achiral resources.
Iron supported on bioinspired green silica for water remediation
Authors: Alotaibi Khalid M. , Shiels Lewis , Lacaze Laure , Peshkur Tanya A. , Anderson Peter , Machala Libor , Critchley Kevin , Patwardhan Siddharth V. , Gibson Lorraine T.
Published: September 2016

We report, for the first time a green synthesis of iron supported on silica for water remediation.
n-Doping of organic semiconductors for enhanced electron extraction from solution processed solar cells using alkali metals
Authors: Schneider Tanja , Czolk Jens , Landerer Dominik , Gärtner Stefan , Puetz Andreas , Bruns Michael , Behrends Jan , Colsmann Alexander
Published: September 2016

Organic solar cells: sodium-doped electron extraction layers processed from toluene solution.
One-step bimodel grafting via a multicomponent reaction toward antifouling and antibacterial TFC RO membranes
Authors: Pan Ying , Ma Liujia , Lin Song , Zhang Yufeng , Cheng Bowen , Meng Jianqiang
Published: September 2016

A one-step bimodal grafting method was developed based on a multicomponent reaction to endow a TFC membrane with antifouling and antibacterial properties.
PtxIryalloy nanoparticles with fully tunable bulk and surface compositions
Authors: El Sawy Ehab N. , Handal Hala T. , Thangadurai V. , Birss Viola I.
Published: September 2016

PtxIrynanoparticles (NPs) are of great interest, largely due to their wide range of applications in gas phase catalysis, electrocatalysis, sensors, and more.
pH-Sensitive sulfamethazine-based hydrogels as potential embolic agents for transcatheter vascular embolization
Authors: Nguyen Quang Vinh , Lee Myung Su , Lym Jae Seung , Kim Young Il , Jae Hwan Jun , Lee Doo Sung
Published: September 2016

After delivery through a catheter, a three-dimensional hydrogel network was formed upon the change of environmental pH, and thus block the targeted blood vessels, as presented in white color under the fluoroscopic angiogram.
Hepatoprotective activity of viscosine is mediated by attenuation of hepatic macrophages and iNOS expression in CCl4-intoxicated rats
Authors: Ali Hamid , Kabir Nurul , Shah Muhammad Raza , Muhammad Akhtar , Ali Safdar , Mehmood Shahab , Ali Amjad , Ali Abid , Jahan Azra
Published: September 2016

This study investigated the molecular mechanism(s) of the protective effects of aC-alkylated flavonoid, viscosine on an animal model of CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity.
Optical detection of paramagnetic centres: From crystals to glass-ceramics
Authors: Rogulis Uldis
Published: September 2016

An unambiguous attribution of the absorption spectra to definite paramagnetic centres identified by the EPR techniques in the most cases is problematic. This problem may be solved by applying of a direct measurement techniques—the EPR detected via the magnetic circular dichroism, or briefly MCD–EPR. The present survey reports on the advantages and disadvantages applying the MCD–EPR techniques to simple and complex paramagnetic centres in crystals as well as glasses and glass-ceramics.
UV-VUV synchrotron radiation spectroscopy of NiWO4
Authors: Kuzmin A. , Pankratov V. , Kalinko A. , Kotlov A. , Shirmane L. , Popov A. I.
Published: September 2016

Photoluminescence and excitation spectra of microcrystalline and nanocrystalline nickel tungstate (NiWO4) were measured using UV-VUV synchrotron radiation source. The origin of the bands is interpreted using comparative analysis with isostructural ZnWO4 tungstate and based on the results of recent first-principles band structure calculations. The influence of the local atomic structure relaxation and of Ni2+ intra-ion d–d transitions on the photoluminescence band intensity are discussed.
Synchrotron-based far-infrared spectroscopy of nickel tungstate
Authors: Kalinko A. , Kuzmin A. , Roy P. , Evarestov R. A.
Published: September 2016

Monoclinic antiferromagnetic NiWO4 was studied by far-infrared (30–600 cm−1) absorption spectroscopy in the temperature range of 5–300 K using the synchrotron radiation from SOLEIL source. Two isomorphous CoWO4 and ZnWO4 tungstates were investigated for comparison. The phonon contributions in the far-infrared range of tungstates were interpreted using the first-principles spin-polarized linear combination of atomic orbital calculations. No contributions from magnetic excitations were found in NiWO4 and CoWO4 below their Neel temperatures down to 5 K.
Long-term evolution of luminescent properties in CdI2 crystals
Authors: Karbovnyk I. , Bolesta I. , Rovetskyi I. , Lesivtsiv V. , Shmygelsky Ya. , Velgosh S. , Popov A. I.
Published: September 2016

Fresh and aged melt-grown or gas-phase grown CdI2 crystals are studied by means of low-temperature photoluminescence spectroscopy. Noticeable transformations of emission spectra are observed after long-term aging. The formation of nanostructures containing cadmium oxide and cadmium hydroxide as well as the changes in local surrounding of iodine atoms and the possible growth of polytypic modifications of CdI2 are taken into account when considering the diversity of optical spectra.
Positron annihilation characterization of free volume in micro- and macro-modified Cu0.4Co0.4Ni0.4Mn1.8O4 ceramics
Authors: Klym H. , Ingram A. , Shpotyuk O. , Hadzaman I. , Solntsev V. , Hotra O. , Popov A. I.
Published: September 2016

Free volume and pore size distribution size in functional micro and macro-micro-modified Cu0.4Co0.4Ni0.4Mn1.8O4 ceramics are characterized by positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy in comparison with Hg-porosimetry and scanning electron microscopy technique. Positron annihilation results are interpreted in terms of model implication positron trapping and ortho-positronium decaying. It is shown that free volume of positron traps are the same type for macro and micro modified Cu0.4Co0.4Ni0.4Mn1.8O4 ceramics. Classic Tao-Eldrup model in spherical approximation is used to calculation of the size of nanopores smaller than 2 nm using the ortho-positronium lifetime.
Foam on troubled water: Capillary induced finite-time arrest of sloshing waves
Authors: Viola Francesco , Brun P.-T. , Dollet Benjamin , Gallaire François
Published: September 2016

Interfacial forces exceed gravitational forces on a scale small relative to the capillary length—two millimeters in the case of an air-water interface—and therefore dominate the physics of sub-millimetric systems. They are of paramount importance for various biological taxa and engineering processes where the motion of a liquid meniscus induces a viscous frictional force that exhibits a sublinear dependence in the meniscus velocity, i.e., a power law with an exponent smaller than one. Interested in the fundamental implications of this dependence, we use a liquid-foam sloshing system as a prototype to exacerbate the effect of sublinear friction on the macroscopic mechanics of multi-phase flows. In contrast to classical theory, we uncover the existence of a finite-time singularity in our system yielding the arrest of the fluid’s oscillations. We propose a minimal theoretical framework to capture this effect, thereby amending the paradigmatic damped harmonic oscillator model. Our results suggest that, although often not considered at the macroscale, sublinear capillary forces govern the friction at liquid-solid and liquid-liquid interfaces.
A numerical study on charged-particle scattering and radiography of a steep density gradient
Authors: Shao Guangchao , Wang Xiaofang
Published: September 2016

Electron and proton radiography of polystyrene planar targets with different density gradients is studied by Monte Carlo simulations in a regime that the incident charged-particle's kinetic energy is much higher than its energy loss in the targets. It is shown that by scattering of the electrons or protons, the density gradient causes modulations of the charged-particle beam transmitted from the target and the modulation contrast is sensitive only to a steep gradient, which suggests a novel diagnostic method wherein a steep density gradient could be distinguished from the scattering of a charged-particle beam in radiography. By using a 100-MeV charged-particle beam, it is found that the modulation is evident for a steep density gradient of width smaller than 1 μm for electron radiography and 0.6 μm for proton radiography, respectively, but almost negligible when the density gradient width is greater than 1 μm. The feasibility of diagnosing the steep density gradients in compressed matter is confirmed by the simulations of radiographing a laser-ablated planar foil. Simulations also show that it is possible to diagnose the density gradients inside a multilayered spherical capsule.
Two state coercivity driven by phase coexistence in vanadium sesquioxide/nickel bulk hybrid material
Authors: Urban C. , Quesada A. , Saerbeck T. , Garcia M. A. , de la Rubia M. A. , Valmianski I. , Fernández J. F. , Schuller I. K.
Published: September 2016

We developed a bulk hybrid material consisting of a vanadium sesquioxide (V2O3) matrix with nickel (Ni) rich inclusions that exhibit a switchable two-state magnetic coercivity. The V2O3 matrix magnetoelastically couples with the Ni-rich inclusions and its structural phase transition causes two possible magnetic coercivity states. Differences of up to 13% in the temperature window of 14 K are observed, depending whether the transition occurs from rhombohedral to monoclinic or vice versa. These findings provide a pathway for the development of bulk switchable coercivity materials. We present routes to further enhance the magnetoelastic effect by increasing the oxide/ferromagnetic material coupling.
Preliminary measurements of the edge magnetic field pitch from 2-D Doppler backscattering in MAST and NSTX-U (invited)
Authors: Vann R. G. L. , Brunner K. J. , Ellis R. , Taylor G. , Thomas D. A.
Published: September 2016

The Synthetic Aperture Microwave Imaging (SAMI) system is a novel diagnostic consisting of an array of 8 independently phased antennas. At any one time, SAMI operates at one of the 16 frequencies in the range 10-34.5 GHz. The imaging beam is steered in software post-shot to create a picture of the entire emission surface. In SAMI’s active probing mode of operation, the plasma edge is illuminated with a monochromatic source and SAMI reconstructs an image of the Doppler back-scattered (DBS) signal. By assuming that density fluctuations are extended along magnetic field lines, and knowing that the strongest back-scattered signals are directed perpendicular to the density fluctuations, SAMI’s 2-D DBS imaging capability can be used to measure the pitch of the edge magnetic field. In this paper, we present preliminary pitch angle measurements obtained by SAMI on the Mega Amp Spherical Tokamak (MAST) at Culham Centre for Fusion Energy and on the National Spherical Torus Experiment Upgrade at Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory. The results demonstrate encouraging agreement between SAMI and other independent measurements.
Computational characterization of competing energy and electron transfer states in bimetallic donor-acceptor systems for photocatalytic conversion
Authors: Fredin Lisa A. , Persson Petter
Published: September 2016

The rapidly growing interest in photocatalytic systems for direct solar fuel production such as hydrogen generation from water splitting is grounded in the unique opportunity to achieve charge separation in molecular systems provided by electron transfer processes. In general, both photoinduced and catalytic processes involve complicated dynamics that depend on both structural and electronic effects. Here the excited state landscape of metal centered light harvester-catalyst pairs is explored using density functional theory calculations. In weakly bound systems, the interplay between structural and electronic factors involved can be constructed from the various mononuclear relaxed excited states. For this study, supramolecular states of electron transfer and excitation energy transfer character have been constructed from constituent full optimizations of multiple charge/spin states for a set of three Ru-based light harvesters and nine transition metal catalysts (based on Ru, Rh, Re, Pd, and Co) in terms of energy, structure, and electronic properties. The complete set of combined charge-spin states for each donor-acceptor system provides information about the competition of excited state energy transfer states with the catalytically active electron transfer states, enabling the identification of the most promising candidates for photocatalytic applications from this perspective.
Characterization of electrical properties in axial Si-Ge nanowire heterojunctions using off-axis electron holography and atom-probe tomography
Authors: Gan Zhaofeng , Perea Daniel E. , Yoo Jinkyoung , He Yang , Colby Robert J. , Barker Josh E. , Gu Meng , Mao Scott X. , Wang Chongmin , Picraux S. T. , Smith David J. , McCartney Martha R.
Published: September 2016

Nanowires (NWs) consisting of P-doped Si/B-doped Ge axial heterojunctions were grown via vapor-liquid-solid synthesis using a combination of Au and AuGa catalyst particles. Off-axis electron holography (EH) was used to measure the electrostatic potential profile across the junction resulting from electrically active dopants, and atom-probe tomography (APT) was used to map total dopant concentration profiles. A comparison of the electrostatic potential profile measured from EH with simulations that were based on the APT results indicates that Ga atoms unintentionally introduced during AuGa catalyst growth were mostly electronically inactive. This finding was also corroborated by in situ electron-holography biasing experiments. Electronic band structure simulations guided by the experimental results helped to provide a much better explanation of the NW electrical behavior. Overall, this work demonstrates that the combination of EH, APT, in situ biasing, and simulations allows a more complete understanding of NW electrical properties to be developed.
Magnetic field control and wavelength tunability of SPP excitations using Al2O3/SiO2/Fe structures
Authors: Kaihara Terunori , Shimizu Hiromasa , Cebollada Alfonso , Armelles Gaspar
Published: September 2016

Here, we show the high wavelength tunability and magnetic field modulation of surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) of a waveguide mode that Double-layer Dielectrics and Ferromagnetic Metal, Al2O3/SiO2/Fe, trilayer structures exhibit when excited in the Otto configuration of attenuated total reflection setup. First by modeling, and then experimentally, we demonstrate that it is possible to tune the wavelength at which the angular dependent reflectance of these structures reaches its absolute minimum by simply adjusting the SiO2 intermediate dielectric layer thickness. This precise wavelength corresponds to the cut-off condition of SPPs' waveguide mode supported by the proposed structure, and it can be then switched between two values upon magnetization reversal of the Fe layer. In this specific situation, a large enhancement of the transverse magneto-optical effect is also obtained.
Time-of-flight electron energy loss spectroscopy using TM110 deflection cavities
Authors: Verhoeven W. , van Rens J. F. M. , van Ninhuijs M. A. W. , Toonen W. F. , Kieft E. R. , Mutsaers P. H. A. , Luiten O. J.
Published: September 2016

We demonstrate the use of two TM110 resonant cavities to generate ultrashort electron pulses and subsequently measure electron energy losses in a time-of-flight type of setup. The method utilizes two synchronized microwave cavities separated by a drift space of 1.45 m. The setup has an energy resolution of 12 ± 2 eV FWHM at 30 keV, with an upper limit for the temporal resolution of 2.7 ± 0.4 ps. Both the time and energy resolution are currently limited by the brightness of the tungsten filament electron gun used. Through simulations, it is shown that an energy resolution of 0.95 eV and a temporal resolution of 110 fs can be achieved using an electron gun with a higher brightness. With this, a new method is provided for time-resolved electron spectroscopy without the need for elaborate laser setups or expensive magnetic spectrometers.
A utility piezoelectric energy harvester with low frequency and high-output voltage: Theoretical model, experimental verification and energy storage
Authors: Zhang Guangyi , Gao Shiqiao , Liu Haipeng
Published: September 2016

In this paper, a utility piezoelectric energy harvester with low frequency and high-output voltage is presented. Firstly, the harvester’s three theoretical models are presented, namely the static model, the quasi static model and the dynamic vibration model. By analyzing the influence of the mass ratio of the mass block to the beam on output characteristics of the harvester, we compare the quasi static model and the dynamic vibration model and then define their applicable ranges. Secondly, simulation and experiments are done to verify the models, using the harvester with PZT-5H piezoelectric material, which are proved to be consistent with each other. The experimental results show that the output open-circuit voltage and the output power can reach up to 86.36V and 27.5mW respectively. The experiments are conducted when this harvester system is excited by the first modal frequency (58.90Hz) with the acceleration 10m/s2. In this low frequency vibration case, it is easy to capture the energy in the daily environment. In addition, LTC 3588-1 chip (Linear Technology Corporation) is used as the medium energy circuit to transfer charges from the PZT-5H electrode to the 0.22F 5V super capacitor and ML621 rechargeable button battery. For this super-capacitor, it takes about 100min for the capacitor voltage to rise from 0V to 3.6V. For this button battery, it takes about 200min to increase the battery voltage from 2.5V to 3.48V.
Elastic anisotropy of crystals
Authors: Kube Christopher M.
Published: September 2016

An anisotropy index seeks to quantify how directionally dependent the properties of a system are. In this article, the focus is on quantifying the elastic anisotropy of crystalline materials. Previous elastic anisotropy indices are reviewed and their shortcomings discussed. A new scalar log-Euclidean anisotropy measure AL is proposed, which overcomes these deficiencies. It is based on a distance measure in a log-Euclidean space applied to fourth-rank elastic tensors. AL is an absolute measure of anisotropy where the limiting case of perfect isotropy yields zero. It is a universal measure of anisotropy applicable to all crystalline materials. Specific examples of strong anisotropy are highlighted. A supplementary material provides an anisotropy table giving the values of AL for 2,176 crystallite compounds.
Atmospheric methane isotopic record favors fossil sources flat in 1980s and 1990s with recent increase
Authors: Rice Andrew L. , Butenhoff Christopher L. , Teama Doaa G. , Röger Florian H. , Khalil M. Aslam K. , Rasmussen Reinhold A.
Published: September 2016

Significance

There is no scientific consensus on the drivers of the atmospheric methane growth rate over the past three decades. Here, we report carbon and hydrogen isotopic measurements of atmospheric methane in archived air samples collected 1977–1998, and modeling of these with more contemporary data to infer changes in methane sources over the period 1984–2009. We present strong evidence that methane emissions from fossil fuel sectors were approximately constant in the 1980s and 1990s but increased significantly between 2000 and 2009. This finding challenges recent conclusions based on atmospheric ethane that fugitive fossil fuel emissions fell during much of this period. Emissions from other anthropogenic sources also increased, but were partially offset by reductions in wetland and fire emissions.
TLR9-mediated inflammation drives a Ccr2-independent peripheral monocytosis through enhanced extramedullary monocytopoiesis
Authors: Weaver Lehn K. , Chu Niansheng , Behrens Edward M.
Published: September 2016

Significance

Monocytes perpetuate inflammation during autoimmune diseases through chronic sensing of Toll-like receptor (TLR) signals. However, individual monocytes down-regulate their capacity to produce inflammation after an initial TLR-activating event. We now show that continuous TLR9 responsiveness in vivo corresponds to an accumulation of monocytes in peripherally inflamed tissues. Intriguingly, the production and positioning of monocytes occurs independent of the bone marrow, the canonical location of monocyte production during normal homeostasis. Instead, increases in peripheral monocyte numbers are dictated by the accumulation of functionally enhanced monocyte-producing cells in peripherally inflamed tissues. These novel insights into monocyte production and positioning during systemic inflammation implicate local production of TLR-responsive monocytes as a key mechanism contributing to systemic inflammation during autoimmunity.
E4F1-mediated control of pyruvate dehydrogenase activity is essential for skin homeostasis
Authors: Goguet-Rubio Perrine , Seyran Berfin , Gayte Laurie , Bernex Florence , Sutter Anne , Delpech Hélène , Linares Laetitia Karine , Riscal Romain , Repond Cendrine , Rodier Geneviève , Kirsh Olivier , Touhami Jawida , Noel Jean , Vincent Charles , Pirot Nelly , Pavlovic Guillaume , Herault Yann , Sitbon Marc , Pellerin Luc , Sardet Claude , Lacroix Matthieu , Le Cam Laurent
Published: September 2016

Significance

We found that the multifunctional protein E4 transcription factor 1 (E4F1) transcriptionally regulates a metabolic program involved in pyruvate metabolism that is required to maintain skin homeostasis. E4F1 deficiency in skin resulted in deregulated expression of
dihydrolipoamide acetlytransferase
(
Dlat
), a gene encoding the E2 subunit of the mitochondrial pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) complex. Accordingly,
E4f1
knock-out (KO) keratinocytes exhibited impaired PDH activity and a metabolic reprogramming associated with remodeling of their microenvironment and alterations of the basement membrane, leading to epidermal stem cell mislocalization and exhaustion of the epidermal stem cell pool. Our data reveal a central role for
Dlat
in the metabolic program regulated by E4F1 in skin and illustrate the importance of PDH activity in skin homeostasis.
E4F1 controls a transcriptional program essential for pyruvate dehydrogenase activity
Authors: Lacroix Matthieu , Rodier Geneviève , Kirsh Olivier , Houles Thibault , Delpech Hélène , Seyran Berfin , Gayte Laurie , Casas Francois , Pessemesse Laurence , Heuillet Maud , Bellvert Floriant , Portais Jean-Charles , Berthet Charlene , Bernex Florence , Brivet Michele , Boutron Audrey , Le Cam Laurent , Sardet Claude
Published: September 2016

Significance

Pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) deficiency is the cause of several human metabolic diseases. In mammals, the transcriptional control of PDH complex components and its impact on pathophysiology remain poorly understood. We show that E4 transcription factor 1 (E4F1) controls a transcriptional program essential for PDH activity that involves genes linked to human metabolic syndromes. Genetic inactivation of murine
E4f1
results in a strong decrease of PDH activity and severe perturbations of pyruvate metabolism. In concordance with the work of Legati et al., we show that striated muscle-specific
E4f1
KO animals display phenotypes that recapitulate these clinical symptoms, providing an exciting clinical perspective to the present work.
Humanized
H19/Igf2
locus reveals diverged imprinting mechanism between mouse and human and reflects Silver–Russell syndrome phenotypes
Authors: Hur Stella K. , Freschi Andrea , Ideraabdullah Folami , Thorvaldsen Joanne L. , Luense Lacey J. , Weller Angela H. , Berger Shelley L. , Cerrato Flavia , Riccio Andrea , Bartolomei Marisa S.
Published: September 2016

Significance

Genomic imprinting is essential for mammalian development. Curiously, elements that regulate genomic imprinting, the imprinting control regions (ICRs), often diverge across species. To understand whether the diverged ICR sequence plays a species-specific role at the
H19/insulin-like growth factor
2 (
Igf2
) imprinted locus, we generated a mouse in which the human ICR (hIC1) sequence replaced the endogenous mouse ICR. We show that the imprinting mechanism has partially diverged between mouse and human, depending on the parental origin of the hIC1 in mouse. We also suggest that our mouse model is optimal for studying the imprinting disorders Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome when hIC1 is maternally transmitted, and Silver–Russell syndrome when hIC1 is paternally transmitted.
Systemic peptide-mediated oligonucleotide therapy improves long-term survival in spinal muscular atrophy
Authors: Hammond Suzan M. , Hazell Gareth , Shabanpoor Fazel , Saleh Amer F. , Bowerman Melissa , Sleigh James N. , Meijboom Katharina E. , Zhou Haiyan , Muntoni Francesco , Talbot Kevin , Gait Michael J. , Wood Matthew J. A.
Published: September 2016

Significance

Splice-switching oligonucleotide (SSO) treatment in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) has quickly become a clinical reality, but without an effective delivery system, the practicalities of delivering SSO therapy efficiently might preclude its widespread use. Our peptide-conjugated SSOs are being designed for clinical trials for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Here, we report advanced phosphorodiamidate oligomer (PMO) internalizing peptide (Pip) peptides that effectively deliver SSOs bodywide and at doses an order-of-magnitude lower than required by naked SSOs in a mouse model of SMA. Furthermore, our peptide-SSO is able to deliver to the CNS of adult mice. This study thus presents an oligonucleotide showing activity in the CNS following a systemic route with peptide delivery.
Sound–meaning association biases evidenced across thousands of languages
Authors: Blasi Damián E. , Wichmann Søren , Hammarström Harald , Stadler Peter F. , Christiansen Morten H.
Published: September 2016

Significance

The independence between sound and meaning is believed to be a crucial property of language: across languages, sequences of different sounds are used to express similar concepts (e.g., Russian “ptitsa,” Swahili “ndege,” and Japanese “tori” all mean “bird”). However, a careful statistical examination of words from nearly two-thirds of the world’s languages reveals that unrelated languages very often use (or avoid) the same sounds for specific referents. For instance, words for tongue tend to have l or u, “round” often appears with r, and “small” with i. These striking similarities call for a reexamination of the fundamental assumption of the arbitrariness of the sign.
Comparative proteomics reveal distinct chaperone–client interactions in supporting bacterial acid resistance
Authors: Zhang Shuai , He Dan , Yang Yi , Lin Shixian , Zhang Meng , Dai Shizhong , Chen Peng R.
Published: September 2016

Significance

HdeA and HdeB are essential chaperones for many Gram-negative enteric bacteria to survive acid stress. How they cooperate to protect a broad range of client proteins from acid denaturation while avoiding nonspecific binding remains elusive. Here we developed a comparative proteomic strategy combining genetically encoded releasable photocross-linking with 2D difference gel electrophoresis, which allows an unbiased side-by-side comparison of the entire client pools from these two acid-activated chaperones in
Escherichia coli
. Our results reveal the existence of client specificities between these chaperones, and this pH-regulated client specificity mechanism demonstrates their seemingly paradoxical specific but promiscuous client recognition. Our comparative proteomic strategy provides a powerful platform for profiling protein–protein interactions under harsh conditions and for elucidating the otherwise elusive mode of action within native cellular contexts.
Toward combined delignification and saccharification of wheat straw by a laccase-containing designer cellulosome
Authors: Davidi Lital , Moraïs Sarah , Artzi Lior , Knop Doriv , Hadar Yitzhak , Arfi Yonathan , Bayer Edward A.
Published: September 2016

Significance

Lignocellulosic biomass is a potential major resource for renewable energy production. Plant cell-wall deconstruction, however, remains an inefficient process, mainly due to the recalcitrant nature of the lignin and cellulosic components, that requires chemical pretreatment methods prior to degradation. This study aims to overcome this barrier by combining two paradigms into a single system, by using a synthetic biology approach. The designed system integrates an engineered laccase (an oxidizing enzyme that acts on lignin) into a multienzyme cellulosome complex, thereby producing enhanced decomposition of wheat straw. These findings demonstrate the potential of introducing complementary enzymes that fail to occur together in nature into designer cellulosomes for improved lignocellulose conversion.
Stac3 has a direct role in skeletal muscle-type excitation–contraction coupling that is disrupted by a myopathy-causing mutation
Authors: Polster Alexander , Nelson Benjamin R. , Olson Eric N. , Beam Kurt G.
Published: September 2016

Significance

Recent work showed that absence of the protein Stac3 (SH3 and cysteine-rich domain 3) caused a failure of excitation–contraction (EC) coupling in skeletal muscle but not whether this failure was because the trafficking of other key proteins was altered or because Stac3 plays a direct role in coupling Ca
V
1.1 (the “sensor” of excitation) to RyR1 (type 1 ryanodine receptor, the Ca
2+
release channel). Here we show that reduced expression of Ca
V
1.1 could not account for the loss of EC coupling. Ca
2+
release was fully restored by WT Stac3 but only marginally by Stac3 bearing a point mutation causing Native American myopathy. Thus, Stac3 seems to be involved directly in the coupling of Ca
V
1.1 to RyR1.
The investment model of volunteering in the EU-27 countries: volunteering, skills development and employability. A multi-level analysis
Authors: Souto-Otero Manuel , Shields Robin
Published: September 2016

This article contributes to a better understanding of the social acceptance of the investment model of volunteering, that is, the view that volunteering can enhance employability through the development of professionally relevant knowledge and competences. Based on the analysis of Eurobarometer data, the article explores (1) the prevalence of the investment model of volunteering in the EU-27 countries and the extent to which this varies between individuals with the potential to make hiring decisions (IHP) and the general population, (2) the demographic factors associated with the acceptance of this model, (3) whether national differences in the acceptance of the model are better explained by variation between countries or cross-national demographic factors and (4) whether national institutional characteristics related to the competitiveness of the national labour market, the specificity of the education system, the strength of the continuing vocational training system and cultural factors influence acceptance. The results show that the acceptance of the investment model of volunteering is relatively widespread in Europe and that variation in the acceptance of the investment model among the general population is driven by both individual (age and class) and between-country differences (related to the strength of training for unemployed people), but variation is more attributable to differences between countries than cross-national demographic groups. IHP, on the other hand, tend to be more homogenous in their acceptance of the investment model than the general population.
Perceptual and Positional Saliencies Influence Children's Sequence Learning Differently with Age and Instructions at Test
Authors: Witt Arnaud , Vinter Annie
Published: September 2016

There is growing evidence that, faced with a complex environment, participants subdivide the incoming information into small perceptual units, called chunks. Although statistical properties have been identified as playing a key role in chunking, we wanted to determine whether perceptual (repetitions) and positional (initial units) features might provide immediate guidance for the parsing of information into chunks. Children aged 5 and 8 years were exposed to sequences of 3, 4, or 5 colours. Sequence learning was assessed either through an explicit generation test (Experiment 1) or through a recognition test (Experiment 2). Experiment 1 showed that perceptual and positional saliencies benefited learning and that sensitivity to repetitions was age dependent and permitted the formation of longer chunks (trigrams) in the oldest children. Experiment 2 suggested that children became sensitive to perceptual and positional saliencies regardless of age and that the both types of saliencies supported the formation of longer chunks in the oldest children. The discussion focuses on the multiple factors intervening in sequence learning and their differential effects as a function of the instructions used at test to assess sequence learning.
Breaking news from the HST: the central star of the Stingray Nebula is now returning towards the AGB
Authors: Reindl Nicole , Rauch T. , Miller Bertolami M. M. , Todt H. , Werner K.
Published: September 2016

SAO 244567 is a rare example of a star that allows us to witness stellar evolution in real time. Between 1971 and 1990, it changed from a B-type star into the hot central star of the Stingray Nebula. This observed rapid heating has been a mystery for decades, since it is in strong contradiction with the low mass of the star and canonical post-asymptotic giant branch (AGB) evolution. We speculated that SAO 244567 might have suffered from a late thermal pulse (LTP) and obtained new observations with Hubble Space Telescope (HST)/COS to follow the evolution of the surface properties of SAO 244567 and to verify the LTP hypothesis. Our non-LTE spectral analysis reveals that the star cooled significantly since 2002 and that its envelope is now expanding. Therefore, we conclude that SAO 244567 is currently on its way back towards the AGB, which strongly supports the LTP hypothesis. A comparison with state-of-the-art LTP evolutionary calculations shows that these models cannot fully reproduce the evolution of all surface parameters simultaneously, pointing out possible shortcomings of stellar evolution models. Thereby, SAO 244567 keeps on challenging stellar evolution theory and we highly encourage further investigations.
Cosmic signatures in earth's seismic tremor?
Authors: Mulargia Francesco
Published: September 2016

Even in absence of earthquakes, each site on earth experiences continuous elastic vibrations which are mostly traced to the nonlinear interactions of ocean waves. However, the fine structure of the spectrum at mHz frequencies shows many persistent and highly significant narrow bandwidth peaks in surprising coincidence with solar acoustic eigenmodes. The feasibility of a common cosmic origin is evaluated through an estimate of the gravitational wave cross-section of the earth, combined with its elastic response and with the stochastic amplification produced by the interference of the cosmic signal with tremor of oceanic origin. The measured spectral peaks appear compatible with a gravitational monochromatic illumination at strains h ≳ 10−20, larger than those expected for any known gravitational stellar source. Hence, a gravitational source attribution to the tremor spectral peaks would call for a population of unknown non-luminous sources with well-defined mass–distance ratios.
Caring for breast cancer survivors in primary care
Authors: Trotter Kathryn , Stouder April
Published: September 2016

Women with a history of breast cancer compose the largest group of cancer survivors. Physician assistants and nurse practitioners can play a key role in caring for cancer survivors in primary care settings. This article provides a brief overview and synthesis of current breast cancer guidelines, other resources, and clinical observations that may help primary care providers to translate plans developed by oncology specialists into primary care delivery.
Microsatellite instability in melanoma: a comprehensive review
Authors: Kubeček Ondřej , Kopecký Jindřich
Published: September 2016

Microsatellite instability (MSI) and mismatch repair deficiency are an emerging issue in oncology and molecular pathology. Besides being associated with better clinical outcome in colon cancer, MSI also harbors the potential to predict response to chemotherapy and immunotherapy. MSI was also observed in other solid tumors, including endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer, and melanoma, besides colon cancer. Strong evidence shows that MSI is a frequent event in melanoma. However, the data on MSI prevalence, pathogenesis, and clinical consequences in melanoma are limited. Therefore, we summarize the current knowledge on MSI in melanoma and outline future perspectives and clinical implications, including its role as a prognostic and/or a predictive factor.