bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Main Peak Extraction Method for High-Order BOC Signals
Authors: Liu Fang , Feng Yongxin
Published: May 2017

Binary Offset Carrier (BOC) modulation signals have been applied in Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) because they offer a higher positioning accuracy and higher multipath rejection. However, there is a drawback in that the autocorrelation functions have multiple side peaks, meaning that this technique also leads to the large main peak estimation error problem and a low correlation decision efficiency problem. In this paper, we propose a new Main Peak Extraction (MPE) method for high-order BOC signals to solve these problems. In the new method, the synthesis cross-correlation function is established, and the geometry graph is formatted to calculate the estimation main peak. We eliminate all side peaks and improve the main peak phase estimation precision under the condition that the sub-carrier phase is offset. The results of the simulation demonstrate that the new method can achieve better main peak decision efficiency, side peak cancellation ability and phase estimation performance than traditional methods.
IMAGE INPAINTING FROM PARTIAL NOISY DATA BY DIRECTIONAL COMPLEX TIGHT FRAMELETS
Authors: SHEN YI , HAN BIN , BRAVERMAN ELENA
Published: May 2017

Image inpainting methods recover true images from partial noisy observations. Natural images usually have two layers consisting of cartoons and textures. Methods using simultaneous cartoon and texture inpainting are popular in the literature by using two combined tight frames: one (often built from wavelets, curvelets or shearlets) provides sparse representations for cartoons and the other (often built from discrete cosine transforms) offers sparse approximation for textures. Inspired by the recent development on directional tensor product complex tight framelets ($\text{TP}\text{-}\mathbb{C}\text{TF}$s) and their impressive performance for the image denoising problem, we propose an iterative thresholding algorithm using tight frames derived from $\text{TP}\text{-}\mathbb{C}\text{TF}$s for the image inpainting problem. The tight frame $\text{TP}\text{-}\mathbb{C}\text{TF}_{6}$ contains two classes of framelets; one is good for cartoons and the other is good for textures. Therefore, it can handle both the cartoons and the textures well. For the image inpainting problem with additive zero-mean independent and identically distributed Gaussian noise, our proposed algorithm does not require us to tune parameters manually for reasonably good performance. Experimental results show that our proposed algorithm performs comparatively better than several well-known frame systems for the image inpainting problem.
ELM-KNN for photometric redshift estimation of quasars
Authors: Zhang Yanxia , Tu Yang , Zhao Yongheng , Tian Haijun
Published: May 2017

We explore photometric redshift estimation of quasars with the SDSS DR12 quasar sample. Firstly the quasar sample is separated into three parts according to different redshift ranges. Then three classifiers based on Extreme Learning Machine (ELM) are created in the three redshift ranges. Finally k-Nearest Neighbor (kNN) approach is applied on the three samples to predict photometric redshifts of quasars with multiwavelength photometric data. We compare the performance with different input patterns by ELM-KNN with that only by kNN. The experimental results show that ELM-KNN is feasible and superior to kNN (e.g. rms is 0.0751 vs. 0.2626 for SDSS sample), in other words, the ensemble method has the potential to increase regressor performance beyond the level reached by an individual regressor alone and will be a good choice when facing much more complex data.
The search of radio transients in the RATAN-600 radio telescope surveys
Authors: Zhelenkova Olga P. , Majorova Elena K.
Published: May 2017

We present the results of the search of variable sources and transient events in the archive data of the sky surveys conducted on 3.9 GHz on the RATAN-600 radio telescope of the Special Astrophysical Observatory of the Russian Academy of Sciences (SAO RAS) in 1980-1994. 17% of the total studied sources can be attributed to the variables in radio range. About half of them has significant variations in optical brightness according to the data of the catalogs. At the level of 3-5 r.m.s. we found three transient events. Two weak events probably associated with AGN activities or with cataclysmic events such as GRB and a supernova flash. The nature of the third event has not been established. According to our estimation the surface density of radio transients is 0.03 on one square angular degree with the detection level 8–11 mJy on 3.94 GHz.
Data Management in the Euclid Science Archive System
Authors: de Teodoro P. , Nieto S. , Altieri B.
Published: May 2017

Euclid is the ESA M2 mission and a milestone in the understanding of the geometry of the Universe. In total Euclid will produce up to 26 PB per year of observations. The Science Archive Systems (SAS) belongs to the Euclid Archive System (EAS) that sits in the core of the Euclid Science Ground Segment (SGS). The SAS is being built at the ESAC Science Data Centre (ESDC), which is responsible for the development and operations of the scientific archives for the Astronomy, Planetary and Heliophysics missions of ESA. The SAS is focused on the needs of the scientific community and is intended to provide access to the most valuable scientific metadata from the Euclid mission. In this paper we describe the architectural design of the system, implementation progress and the main challenges from the data management point of view in the building of the SAS.
Prototype-based Models for the Supervised Learning of Classification Schemes
Authors: Biehl Michael , Hammer Barbara , Villmann Thomas
Published: May 2017

An introduction is given to the use of prototype-based models in supervised machine learning. The main concept of the framework is to represent previously observed data in terms of so-called prototypes, which reflect typical properties of the data. Together with a suitable, discriminative distance or dissimilarity measure, prototypes can be used for the classification of complex, possibly high-dimensional data. We illustrate the framework in terms of the popular Learning Vector Quantization (LVQ). Most frequently, standard Euclidean distance is employed as a distance measure. We discuss how LVQ can be equipped with more general dissimilarites. Moreover, we introduce relevance learning as a tool for the data-driven optimization of parameterized distances.
Dealing with Uncertain Multimodal Photometric Redshift Estimations
Authors: Polsterer Kai L.
Published: May 2017

Due to limitations in available instrumentation and observation time, a spectroscopic determination of distance is not feasible for all objects in the sky. Therefore statistical methods that estimate redshifts, based on photometric measurement are of tremendous importance to many astrophysical questions. Determining cosmological parameters and understanding evolutionary processes in the universe are just two examples. When perform astrophysical analyses, it is necessary to treat the uncertainties of the estimates correctly. Over-simplification of results and the usage of wrong tools to evaluate the performance of probabilistic redshift estimates were commonly found in the literature. We present proper tools for evaluating uncertain redshift estimates and discuss the necessity of multimodal redshift distributions.
Optical light curves of FUor and FUor-like objects
Authors: Semkov Evgeni , Peneva Stoyanka , Ibryamov Sunay
Published: May 2017

Using recent data from photometric monitoring and data from the photographic plate archives we aim to study, the long-term photometric behavior of FUors. The construction of the historical light curves of FUors could be very important for determining the beginning of the outburst, the time to reach the maximum light, the rate of increase and decrease in brightness, the pre-outburst variability of the star. Our CCD photometric observations were performed with the telescopes of the Rozhen (Bulgaria) and Skinakas (Crete, Greece) observatories. Most suitable for long-term photometric study are the plate archives of the big Schmidt telescopes, as the telescopes at Kiso Observatory, Asiago Observatory, Palomar Observatory and others. In comparing our results with light curves of the well-studied FUors, we conclude that every new FUor object shows different photometric behavior. Each known FUor has a different rate of increase and decrease in brightness and a different light curve shape.
Transient events in LSST survey data
Authors: Aleksić Jovan , Vujčić Veljko , Jevremović Darko
Published: May 2017

Large Synoptic Survey Telescope will make great contributions to many scientific fields. One of the modules will be time-domain astronomy and detection of transient events. In this paper, some considerations about transient events and alerts are presented.
Target and (Astro-)WISE technologies Data federations and its applications
Authors: Valentijn E. A. , Begeman K. , Belikov A. , Boxhoorn D. R. , Brinchmann J. , McFarland J. , Holties H. , Kuijken K. H. , Kleijn G. Verdoes , Vriend W-J. , Williams O. R. , Roerdink J. B. T. M. , Schomaker L. R. B. , Swertz M. A. , Tsyganov A. , van Dijk G. J. W.
Published: May 2017

After its first implementation in 2003 the Astro-WISE technology has been rolled out in several European countries and is used for the production of the KiDS survey data. In the multi-disciplinary Target initiative this technology, nicknamed WISE technology, has been further applied to a large number of projects. Here, we highlight the data handling of other astronomical applications, such as VLT-MUSE and LOFAR, together with some non-astronomical applications such as the medical projects Lifelines and GLIMPS; the MONK handwritten text recognition system; and business applications, by amongst others, the Target Holding.

We describe some of the most important lessons learned and describe the application of the data-centric WISE type of approach to the Science Ground Segment of the Euclid satellite.
The changing landscape of astrostatistics and astroinformatics
Authors: Feigelson Eric D.
Published: May 2017

The history and current status of the cross-disciplinary fields of astrostatistics and astroinformatics are reviewed. Astronomers need a wide range of statistical methods for both data reduction and science analysis. With the proliferation of high-throughput telescopes, efficient large scale computational methods are also becoming essential. However, astronomers receive only weak training in these fields during their formal education. Interest in the fields is rapidly growing with conferences organized by scholarly societies, textbooks and tutorial workshops, and research studies pushing the frontiers of methodology. R, the premier language of statistical computing, can provide an important software environment for the incorporation of advanced statistical and computational methodology into the astronomical community.
Overcoming the crystallization and designability issues in the ultrastable zirconium phosphonate framework system
Authors: Zheng Tao , Yang Zaixing , Gui Daxiang , Liu Zhiyong , Wang Xiangxiang , Dai Xing , Liu Shengtang , Zhang Linjuan , Gao Yang , Chen Lanhua , Sheng Daopeng , Wang Yanlong , Diwu Juan , Wang Jianqiang , Zhou Ruhong , Chai Zhifang , Albrecht-Schmitt Thomas E. , Wang Shuao
Published: May 2017

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) based on zirconium phosphonates exhibit superior chemical stability suitable for applications under harsh conditions. These compounds mostly exist as poorly crystallized precipitates, and precise structural information has therefore remained elusive. Furthermore, a zero-dimensional zirconium phosphonate cluster acting as secondary building unit has been lacking, leading to poor designability in this system. Herein, we overcome these challenges and obtain single crystals of three zirconium phosphonates that are suitable for structural analysis. These compounds are built by previously unknown isolated zirconium phosphonate clusters and exhibit combined high porosity and ultrastability even in fuming acids. SZ-2 possesses the largest void volume recorded in zirconium phosphonates and SZ-3 represents the most porous crystalline zirconium phosphonate and the only porous MOF material reported to survive in aqua regia. SZ-2 and SZ-3 can effectively remove uranyl ions from aqueous solutions over a wide pH range, and we have elucidated the removal mechanism.
A-kinase anchoring protein BIG3 coordinates oestrogen signalling in breast cancer cells
Authors: Yoshimaru Tetsuro , Ono Masaya , Bando Yoshimi , Chen Yi-An , Mizuguchi Kenji , Shima Hiroshi , Komatsu Masato , Imoto Issei , Izumi Keisuke , Honda Junko , Miyoshi Yasuo , Sasa Mitsunori , Katagiri Toyomasa
Published: May 2017

Approximately 70% of breast cancer cells express oestrogen receptor alpha (ERα). Previous studies have shown that the Brefeldin A-inhibited guanine nucleotide-exchange protein 3–prohibitin 2 (BIG3-PHB2) complex has a crucial role in these cells. However, it remains unclear how BIG3 regulates the suppressive activity of PHB2. Here we demonstrate that BIG3 functions as an A-kinase anchoring protein that binds protein kinase A (PKA) and the α isoform of the catalytic subunit of protein phosphatase 1 (PP1Cα), thereby dephosphorylating and inactivating PHB2. E2-induced PKA-mediated phosphorylation of BIG3-S305 and -S1208 serves to enhance PP1Cα activity, resulting in E2/ERα signalling activation via PHB2 inactivation due to PHB2-S39 dephosphorylation. Furthermore, an analysis of independent cohorts of ERα-positive breast cancers patients reveal that both BIG3 overexpression and PHB2-S39 dephosphorylation are strongly associated with poor prognosis. This is the first demonstration of the mechanism of E2/ERα signalling activation via the BIG3–PKA–PP1Cα tri-complex in breast cancer cells.
Hydrodynamic cavitation in Stokes flow of anisotropic fluids
Authors: Stieger Tillmann , Agha Hakam , Schoen Martin , Mazza Marco G. , Sengupta Anupam
Published: May 2017

Cavitation, the nucleation of vapour in liquids, is ubiquitous in fluid dynamics, and is often implicated in a myriad of industrial and biomedical applications. Although extensively studied in isotropic liquids, corresponding investigations in anisotropic liquids are largely lacking. Here, by combining liquid crystal microfluidic experiments, nonequilibrium molecular dynamics simulations and theoretical arguments, we report flow-induced cavitation in an anisotropic fluid. The cavitation domain nucleates due to sudden pressure drop upon flow past a cylindrical obstacle within a microchannel. For an anisotropic fluid, the inception and growth of the cavitation domain ensued in the Stokes regime, while no cavitation was observed in isotropic liquids flowing under similar hydrodynamic parameters. Using simulations we identify a critical value of the Reynolds number for cavitation inception that scales inversely with the order parameter of the fluid. Strikingly, the critical Reynolds number for anisotropic fluids can be 50% lower than that of isotropic fluids.
Pyk2 modulates hippocampal excitatory synapses and contributes to cognitive deficits in a Huntington’s disease model
Authors: Giralt Albert , Brito Veronica , Chevy Quentin , Simonnet Clémence , Otsu Yo , Cifuentes-Díaz Carmen , de Pins Benoit , Coura Renata , Alberch Jordi , Ginés Sílvia , Poncer Jean-Christophe , Girault Jean-Antoine
Published: May 2017

The structure and function of spines and excitatory synapses are under the dynamic control of multiple signalling networks. Although tyrosine phosphorylation is involved, its regulation and importance are not well understood. Here we study the role of Pyk2, a non-receptor calcium-dependent protein-tyrosine kinase highly expressed in the hippocampus. Hippocampal-related learning and CA1 long-term potentiation are severely impaired in Pyk2-deficient mice and are associated with alterations in NMDA receptors, PSD-95 and dendritic spines. In cultured hippocampal neurons, Pyk2 has autophosphorylation-dependent and -independent roles in determining PSD-95 enrichment and spines density. Pyk2 levels are decreased in the hippocampus of individuals with Huntington and in the R6/1 mouse model of the disease. Normalizing Pyk2 levels in the hippocampus of R6/1 mice rescues memory deficits, spines pathology and PSD-95 localization. Our results reveal a role for Pyk2 in spine structure and synaptic function, and suggest that its deficit contributes to Huntington’s disease cognitive impairments.
MiCASA is a new method for quantifying cellular organization
Authors: Sornborger Andrew , Li Jie , Timmons Cullen , Lupu Floria , Eggenschwiler Jonathan , Takahama Yousuke , Manley Nancy R.
Published: May 2017

While many tools exist for identifying and quantifying individual cell types, few methods are available to assess the relationships between cell types in organs and tissues and how these relationships change during aging or disease states. We present a quantitative method for evaluating cellular organization, using the mouse thymus as a test organ. The thymus is the primary lymphoid organ responsible for generating T cells in vertebrates, and its proper structure and organization is essential for optimal function. Our method, Multitaper Circularly Averaged Spectral Analysis (MiCASA), identifies differences in the tissue-level organization with high sensitivity, including defining a novel type of phenotype by measuring variability as a specific parameter. MiCASA provides a novel and easily implemented quantitative tool for assessing cellular organization.
A promoter-proximal transcript targeted by genetic polymorphism controls E-cadherin silencing in human cancers
Authors: Pisignano Giuseppina , Napoli Sara , Magistri Marco , Mapelli Sarah N. , Pastori Chiara , Di Marco Stefano , Civenni Gianluca , Albino Domenico , Enriquez Claudia , Allegrini Sara , Mitra Abhishek , D’Ambrosio Gioacchino , Mello-Grand Maurizia , Chiorino Giovanna , Garcia-Escudero Ramon , Varani Gabriele , Carbone Giuseppina M. , Catapano Carlo V.
Published: May 2017

Long noncoding RNAs are emerging players in the epigenetic machinery with key roles in development and diseases. Here we uncover a complex network comprising a promoter-associated noncoding RNA (paRNA), microRNA and epigenetic regulators that controls transcription of the tumour suppressor E-cadherin in epithelial cancers. E-cadherin silencing relies on the formation of a complex between the paRNA and microRNA-guided Argonaute 1 that, together, recruit SUV39H1 and induce repressive chromatin modifications in the gene promoter. A single nucleotide polymorphism (rs16260) linked to increased cancer risk alters the secondary structure of the paRNA, with the risk allele facilitating the assembly of the microRNA-guided Argonaute 1 complex and gene silencing. Collectively, these data demonstrate the role of a paRNA in E-cadherin regulation and the impact of a noncoding genetic variant on its function. Deregulation of paRNA-based epigenetic networks may contribute to cancer and other diseases making them promising targets for drug discovery.
Rapid mass production of two-dimensional metal oxides and hydroxides via the molten salts method
Authors: Hu Zhimi , Xiao Xu , Jin Huanyu , Li Tianqi , Chen Ming , Liang Zhun , Guo Zhengfeng , Li Jia , Wan Jun , Huang Liang , Zhang Yanrong , Feng Guang , Zhou Jun
Published: May 2017

Because of their exotic electronic properties and abundant active sites, two-dimensional (2D) materials have potential in various fields. Pursuing a general synthesis methodology of 2D materials and advancing it from the laboratory to industry is of great importance. This type of method should be low cost, rapid and highly efficient. Here, we report the high-yield synthesis of 2D metal oxides and hydroxides via a molten salts method. We obtained a high-yield of 2D ion-intercalated metal oxides and hydroxides, such as cation-intercalated manganese oxides (Na0.55Mn2O4·1.5H2O and K0.27MnO2·0.54H2O), cation-intercalated tungsten oxides (Li2WO4 and Na2W4O13), and anion-intercalated metal hydroxides (Zn5(OH)8(NO3)2·2H2O and Cu2(OH)3NO3), with a large lateral size and nanometre thickness in a short time. Using 2D Na2W4O13 as an electrode, a high performance electrochemical supercapacitor is achieved. We anticipate that our method will enable new path to the high-yield synthesis of 2D materials for applications in energy-related fields and beyond.
Conjugation of squalene to gemcitabine as unique approach exploiting endogenous lipoproteins for drug delivery
Authors: Sobot Dunja , Mura Simona , Yesylevskyy Semen O. , Dalbin Laura , Cayre Fanny , Bort Guillaume , Mougin Julie , Desmaële Didier , Lepetre-Mouelhi Sinda , Pieters Grégory , Andreiuk Bohdan , Klymchenko Andrey S. , Paul Jean-Louis , Ramseyer Christophe , Couvreur Patrick
Published: May 2017

Once introduced in the organism, the interaction of nanoparticles with various biomolecules strongly impacts their fate. Here we show that nanoparticles made of the squalene derivative of gemcitabine (SQGem) interact with lipoproteins (LPs), indirectly enabling the targeting of cancer cells with high LP receptors expression. In vitro and in vivo experiments reveal preeminent affinity of the squalene-gemcitabine bioconjugates towards LP particles with the highest cholesterol content and in silico simulations further display their incorporation into the hydrophobic core of LPs. To the best of our knowledge, the use of squalene to induce drug insertion into LPs for indirect cancer cell targeting is a novel concept in drug delivery. Interestingly, not only SQGem but also other squalene derivatives interact similarly with lipoproteins while such interaction is not observed with liposomes. The conjugation to squalene represents a versatile platform that would enable efficient drug delivery by simply exploiting endogenous lipoproteins.
Ancient Egyptian mummy genomes suggest an increase of Sub-Saharan African ancestry in post-Roman periods
Authors: Schuenemann Verena J. , Peltzer Alexander , Welte Beatrix , van Pelt W. Paul , Molak Martyna , Wang Chuan-Chao , Furtwängler Anja , Urban Christian , Reiter Ella , Nieselt Kay , Teßmann Barbara , Francken Michael , Harvati Katerina , Haak Wolfgang , Schiffels Stephan , Krause Johannes
Published: May 2017

Egypt, located on the isthmus of Africa, is an ideal region to study historical population dynamics due to its geographic location and documented interactions with ancient civilizations in Africa, Asia and Europe. Particularly, in the first millennium BCE Egypt endured foreign domination leading to growing numbers of foreigners living within its borders possibly contributing genetically to the local population. Here we present 90 mitochondrial genomes as well as genome-wide data sets from three individuals obtained from Egyptian mummies. The samples recovered from Middle Egypt span around 1,300 years of ancient Egyptian history from the New Kingdom to the Roman Period. Our analyses reveal that ancient Egyptians shared more ancestry with Near Easterners than present-day Egyptians, who received additional sub-Saharan admixture in more recent times. This analysis establishes ancient Egyptian mummies as a genetic source to study ancient human history and offers the perspective of deciphering Egypt’s past at a genome-wide level.
Erratum: Biomimetic antimicrobial cloak by graphene-oxide agar hydrogel
Authors: Papi Massimiliano , Palmieri Valentina , Bugli Francesca , De Spirito Marco , Sanguinetti Maurizio , Ciancico Carlotta , Braidotti Maria Chiara , Gentilini Silvia , Angelani Luca , Conti Claudio
Published: May 2017

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML version of this paper. The error has not been fixed in the paper.
Erratum: Genomic variants in mouse model induced by azoxymethane and dextran sodium sulfate improperly mimic human colorectal cancer
Authors: Pan Qingfei , Lou Xiaomin , Zhang Ju , Zhu Yinghui , Li Fuqiang , Shan Qiang , Chen Xianwei , Xie Yingying , Su Siyuan , Wei Hanfu , Lin Liang , Wu Lin , Liu Siqi
Published: May 2017

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML version of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
Genome-wide association study of 1,5-anhydroglucitol identifies novel genetic loci linked to glucose metabolism
Authors: Li Man , Maruthur Nisa M. , Loomis Stephanie J. , Pietzner Maik , North Kari E. , Mei Hao , Morrison Alanna C. , Friedrich Nele , Pankow James S. , Nauck Matthias , Boerwinkle Eric , Teumer Alexander , Selvin Elizabeth , Köttgen Anna
Published: May 2017

1,5-anhydroglucitol (1,5-AG) is a biomarker of hyperglycemic excursions associated with diabetic complications. Because of its structural similarity to glucose, genetic studies of 1,5-AG can deliver complementary insights into glucose metabolism. We conducted genome-wide association studies of serum 1,5-AG concentrations in 7,550 European ancestry (EA) and 2,030 African American participants (AA) free of diagnosed diabetes from the ARIC Study. Seven loci in/near EFNA1/SLC50A1, MCM6/LCT, SI, MGAM, MGAM2, SLC5A10, and SLC5A1 showed genome-wide significant associations (P < 5 × 10−8) among EA participants, five of which were novel. Six of the seven loci were successfully replicated in 8,790 independent EA individuals, and MCM6/LCT and SLC5A10 were also associated among AA. Most of 1,5-AG-associated index SNPs were not associated with the clinical glycemic markers fasting glucose or the  HbA1c, and vice versa. Only the index variant in SLC5A1 showed a significant association with fasting glucose in the expected opposing direction. Products of genes in all 1,5-AG-associated loci have known roles in carbohydrate digestion and enteral or renal glucose transport, suggesting that genetic variants associated with 1,5-AG influence its concentration via effects on glucose metabolism and handling.
The effect of the neutral cytidine protonated analogue pseudoisocytidine on the stability of i-motif structures
Authors: Mir B. , Solés X. , González C. , Escaja N.
Published: May 2017

Incorporation of pseudoisocytidine (psC), a neutral analogue of protonated cytidine, in i-motifs has been studied by spectroscopic methods. Our results show that neutral psC:C base pairs can stabilize i-motifs at neutral pH, but the stabilization only occurs when psC:C base pairs are located at the ends of intercalated C:C+ stacks. When psC occupies central positions, the resulting i-motifs are only observed at low pH and psC:C+ or psC:psC+ hemiprotonated base pairs are formed instead of their neutral analogs. Overall, our results suggest that positively charged base pairs are necessary to stabilize this non-canonical DNA structure.
Inhibition of Steel Corrosion and Alkaline Zinc Oxide Dissolution by Dicarboxylate Bola-Amphiphiles: Self-Assembly Supersedes Host-Guest Conception
Authors: Schmelter Dirk , Langry Arthur , Koenig Andrej , Keil Patrick , Leroux Fabrice , Hintze-Bruening Horst
Published: May 2017

For many decorative applications like industrial and architectural paints, prevention of metal substrates from corrosion is a primary function of organic coatings. Triggered release of inhibitor species is generally accepted as a remedy for starting corrosion in case of coatings damage. A polyurethane based coating, doped with bola-amphiphiles of varying molecular weight but with a common head group motif that stems from ring-opened alkenyl succinic anhydride, enables passivation of the defect and mitigates cathodic delamination, if applied on cold rolled steel. An antagonistic effect results from the intercalation of the bola-amphiphiles into layered double hydroxide Zn2Al(OH)6 and subsequent incorporation of the hybrid phase into the organic matrix. In particular higher molecular weight bola-amphiphiles get immobilized through alkaline degradation of the layered framework in the basic milieu at the cathode. By means of sediments from colloidal states it is demonstrated that in-situ formed zinc oxide encapsulates the hybrid phase, evidenced by impeded dissolution of the ZnO based shell into caustic soda. While inhibition of steel corrosion results from a Donnan barrier layer, impeded zinc oxide dissolution is rooted in zinc catalyzed bola-amphiphile hydrolysis and layered deposition of the crystalline spacer diol hydrogenated bisphenol-A.
Photobiomodulation of human dermal fibroblasts in vitro: decisive role of cell culture conditions and treatment protocols on experimental outcome
Authors: Mignon C. , Uzunbajakava N. E. , Raafs B. , Botchkareva N. V. , Tobin D. J.
Published: May 2017

Photobiomodulation-based (LLLT) therapies show tantalizing promise for treatment of skin diseases. Confidence in this approach is blighted however by lamentable inconsistency in published experimental designs, and so complicates interpretation. Here we interrogate the appropriateness of a range of previously-reported treatment parameters, including light wavelength, irradiance and radiant exposure, as well as cell culture conditions (e.g., serum concentration, cell confluency, medium refreshment, direct/indirect treatment, oxygen concentration, etc.), in primary cultures of normal human dermal fibroblasts exposed to visible and near infra-red (NIR) light. Apart from irradiance, all study parameters impacted significantly on fibroblast metabolic activity. Moreover, when cells were grown at atmospheric O2 levels (i.e. 20%) short wavelength light inhibited cell metabolism, while negligible effects were seen with long visible and NIR wavelength. By contrast, NIR stimulated cells when exposed to dermal tissue oxygen levels (approx. 2%). The impact of culture conditions was further seen when inhibitory effects of short wavelength light were reduced with increasing serum concentration and cell confluency. We conclude that a significant source of problematic interpretations in photobiomodulation reports derives from poor optimization of study design. Further development of this field using in vitro/ex vivo models should embrace significant standardization of study design, ideally within a design-of-experiment setting.
Synthetic surfactant- and cross-linker-free preparation of highly stable lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles as potential oral delivery vehicles
Authors: Wang Taoran , Xue Jingyi , Hu Qiaobin , Zhou Mingyong , Chang Chao , Luo Yangchao
Published: May 2017

The toxicity associated with concentrated synthetic surfactants and the poor stability at gastrointestinal condition are two major constraints for practical applications of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) as oral delivery vehicles. In this study, a synthetic surfactant-free and cross-linker-free method was developed to fabricate effective, safe, and ultra-stable lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles (LPN). Bovine serum albumin (BSA) and dextran varying in molecular weights were first conjugated through Maillard reaction and the conjugates were exploited to emulsify solid lipid by a solvent diffusion and sonication method. The multilayer structure was formed by self-assembly of BSA-dextran micelles to envelope solid lipid via a pH- and heating-induced facile process with simultaneous surface deposition of pectin. The efficiency of different BSA-dextran conjugates was systematically studied to prepare LPN with the smallest size, the most homogeneous distribution and the greatest stability. The molecular interactions were characterized by Fourier transform infrared and fluorescence spectroscopies. Both nano spray drying and freeze-drying methods were tested to produce spherical and uniform pectin-coated LPN powders that were able to re-assemble nanoscale structure when redispersed in water. The results demonstrated the promise of a synthetic surfactant- and cross-linker-free technique to prepare highly stable pectin-coated LPN from all natural biomaterials as potential oral delivery vehicles.
Phytohormone ethylene-responsive Arabidopsis organ growth under light is in the fine regulation of Photosystem II deficiency-inducible AKIN10 expression
Authors: Kim Geun-Don , Cho Young-Hee , Yoo Sang-Dong
Published: May 2017

For photoautotrophic plants, light-dependent photosynthesis plays an important role in organismal growth and development. Under light, Arabidopsis hypocotyl growth is promoted by the phytohormone ethylene. Despite well-characterized ethylene signaling pathways, the functions of light in the hormone-inducible growth response still remain elusive. Our cell-based functional and plant-system-based genetic analyses with biophysical and chemical tools showed that a chemical blockade of photosystem (PS) II activity affects ethylene-induced hypocotyl response under light. Interestingly, ethylene responsiveness modulates PSII activity in retrospect. The lack of ethylene responsiveness-inducible PSII inefficiency correlates with the induction of AKIN10 expression. Consistently, overexpression of AKIN10 in transgenic plants suppresses ethylene-inducible hypocotyl growth promotion under illumination as in other ethylene-insensitive mutants. Our findings provide information on how ethylene responsiveness-dependent photosynthetic activity controls evolutionarily conserved energy sensor AKIN10 that fine-tunes EIN3-mediated ethylene signaling responses in organ growth under light.
Integration of vibrotactile frequency information beyond the mechanoreceptor channel and somatotopy
Authors: Kuroki Scinob , Watanabe Junji , Nishida Shin’ya
Published: May 2017

A wide variety of tactile sensations arise from the activation of several types of mechanoreceptor-afferent channels scattered all over the body, and their projections create a somatotopic map in the somatosensory cortex. Recent findings challenge the traditional view that tactile signals from different mechanoreceptor-channels/locations are independently processed in the brain, though the contribution of signal integration to perception remains obscure. Here we show that vibrotactile frequency perception is functionally enriched by signal integration across different mechanoreceptor channels and separate skin locations. When participants touched two sinusoidal vibrations of far-different frequency, which dominantly activated separate channels with the neighboring fingers or the different hand and judged the frequency of one vibration, the perceived frequency shifted toward the other (assimilation effect). Furthermore, when the participants judged the frequency of the pair as a whole, they consistently reported an intensity-based interpolation of the two vibrations (averaging effect). Both effects were similar in magnitude between the same and different hand conditions and significantly diminished by asynchronous presentation of the vibration pair. These findings indicate that human tactile processing is global and flexible in that it can estimate the ensemble property of a large-scale tactile event sensed by various receptors distributed over the body.
Solution-Processed Cu2Se Nanocrystal Films with Bulk-Like Thermoelectric Performance
Authors: Forster Jason D. , Lynch Jared J. , Coates Nelson E. , Liu Jun , Jang Hyejin , Zaia Edmond , Gordon Madeleine P. , Szybowski Maxime , Sahu Ayaskanta , Cahill David G. , Urban Jeffrey J.
Published: May 2017

Thermoelectric power generation can play a key role in a sustainable energy future by converting waste heat from power plants and other industrial processes into usable electrical power. Current thermoelectric devices, however, require energy intensive manufacturing processes such as alloying and spark plasma sintering. Here, we describe the fabrication of a p-type thermoelectric material, copper selenide (Cu2Se), utilizing solution-processing and thermal annealing to produce a thin film that achieves a figure of merit, ZT, which is as high as its traditionally processed counterpart, a value of 0.14 at room temperature. This is the first report of a fully solution-processed nanomaterial achieving performance equivalent to its bulk form and represents a general strategy to reduce the energy required to manufacture advanced energy conversion and harvesting materials.
Physiological characteristics of Magnetospirillum gryphiswaldense MSR-1 that control cell growth under high-iron and low-oxygen conditions
Authors: Wang Qing , Wang Xu , Zhang Weijia , Li Xianyu , Zhou Yuan , Li Dan , Wang Yinjia , Tian Jiesheng , Jiang Wei , Zhang Ziding , Peng Youliang , Wang Lei , Li Ying , Li Jilun
Published: May 2017

Magnetosome formation by Magnetospirillum gryphiswaldense MSR-1 is dependent on iron and oxygen levels. We used transcriptome to evaluate transcriptional profiles of magnetic and non-magnetic MSR-1 cells cultured under high-iron and low-iron conditions. A total of 80 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, including 53 upregulated and 27 downregulated under high-iron condition. These DEGs belonged to the functional categories of biological regulation, oxidation-reduction process, and ion binding and transport, and were involved in sulfur metabolism and cysteine/methionine metabolism. Comparison with our previous results from transcriptome data under oxygen-controlled conditions indicated that transcription of mam or mms was not regulated by oxygen or iron signals. 17 common DEGs in iron- and oxygen-transcriptomes were involved in energy production, iron transport, and iron metabolism. Some unknown-function DEGs participate in iron transport and metabolism, and some are potential biomarkers for identification of Magnetospirillum strains. IrrA and IrrB regulate iron transport in response to low-oxygen and high-iron signals, respectively. Six transcription factors were predicted to regulate DEGs. Fur and Crp particularly co-regulate DEGs in response to changes in iron or oxygen levels, in a proposed joint regulatory network of DEGs. Our findings provide new insights into biomineralization processes under high- vs. low-iron conditions in magnetotactic bacteria.
The evaluation of land consolidation policy in improving agricultural productivity in China
Authors: Jin Xiaobin , Shao Yang , Zhang Zhihong , Resler Lynn M. , Campbell James B. , Chen Guo , Zhou Yinkang
Published: May 2017

China is presently undergoing rapid economic development and unprecedented urbanization. Concerns over food security have prompted the Chinese government to implement large-scale land consolidation projects. However, no formal evaluation has been conducted on such projects. Thus, effectiveness of land consolidation policy remains uncertain. We obtained detailed geo-spatial information for 5328 land consolidation projects implemented between 2006 and 2010, and used time-series MODIS NDVI (2006–2016) data to assess effectiveness of China’s land consolidation policy in improving agricultural productivity. Our results show that the overall effectiveness of land consolidation in improving agricultural productivity is low, which lies in contrast to optimistic estimates based on regional statistical analysis and theoretical approaches. For projects (n = 560) implemented in 2006, about 29.5% showed significant (p < 0.05) increasing trends of MODIS NDVI after implementation of land consolidation. For 2007–2010, lower percentages (e.g., 25.9% in 2007 and 13.5% in 2010) of projects showed significant increasing trends. Furthermore, we found effectiveness of land consolidation projects displayed clear regional differences and driving factors are inconsistent with policy design. We anticipate our research to be a starting point for a more comprehensive evaluation involving longer time-series and higher spatial resolution data.
The progression pattern of male hyrax songs and the role of climactic ending
Authors: Demartsev Vlad , Ilany Amiyaal , Kershenbaum Arik , Geva Yair , Margalit Ori , Schnitzer Inbar , Barocas Adi , Bar-Ziv Einat , Koren Lee , Geffen Eli
Published: May 2017

The study of animal vocal signals can either focus on the properties of distinct vocal elements or address the signal as a whole. Although some attention has been given to the continuous progression patterns of bird songs, such patterns in mammalian vocalisations have been largely overlooked. We examined temporal changes in structural and acoustic parameters in male rock hyrax songs. We found a gradual increase in call frequency and amplitude towards the song ending, as well as an abrupt increase in bout syntactic complexity, peaking in the last quintile of a song. In musical terms, such a pattern can be described as a crescendo (amplitude increase) with a terminal climax. In Western music, crescendos are used to maintain attention and direct the listeners towards a memorable highpoint of the musical piece. This structure may have an analogous function in animal communication, recruiting audience attention towards the climactic and potentially most informative part of the signal. Our playback experiments revealed that hyrax males tend to reply more to songs with a climactic ending, indicating that this progression pattern is important for hyrax communication. We suggest that animal vocal communication research can benefit from adding musical concepts to the analysis toolbox.
Identification of 15 novel risk loci for coronary artery disease and genetic risk of recurrent events, atrial fibrillation and heart failure
Authors: Verweij Niek , Eppinga Ruben N. , Hagemeijer Yanick , van der Harst Pim
Published: May 2017

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the major cause of morbidity and mortality in the world. Identification of novel genetic determinants may provide new opportunities for developing innovative strategies to predict, prevent and treat CAD. Therefore, we meta-analyzed independent genetic variants passing P <× 10−5 in CARDIoGRAMplusC4D with novel data made available by UK Biobank. Of the 161 genetic variants studied, 71 reached genome wide significance (p < 5 × 10−8) including 15 novel loci. These novel loci include multiple genes that are involved in angiogenesis (TGFB1, ITGB5, CDH13 and RHOA) and 2 independent variants in the TGFB1 locus. We also identified SGEF as a candidate gene in one of the novel CAD loci. SGEF was previously suggested as a therapeutic target based on mouse studies. The genetic risk score of CAD predicted recurrent CAD events and cardiovascular mortality. We also identified significant genetic correlations between CAD and other cardiovascular conditions, including heart failure and atrial fibrillation. In conclusion, we substantially increased the number of loci convincingly associated with CAD and provide additional biological and clinical insights.
Mass spectrometry imaging identifies palmitoylcarnitine as an immunological mediator during Salmonella Typhimurium infection
Authors: Hulme Heather E. , Meikle Lynsey M. , Wessel Hannah , Strittmatter Nicole , Swales John , Thomson Carolyn , Nilsson Anna , Nibbs Robert J. B. , Milling Simon , Andren Per E. , Mackay C. Logan , Dexter Alex , Bunch Josephine , Goodwin Richard J. A. , Burchmore Richard , Wall Daniel M.
Published: May 2017

SalmonellaTyphimurium causes a self-limiting gastroenteritis that may lead to systemic disease. Bacteria invade the small intestine, crossing the intestinal epithelium from where they are transported to the mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) within migrating immune cells. MLNs are an important site at which the innate and adaptive immune responses converge but their architecture and function is severely disrupted duringS. Typhimurium infection. To further understand host-pathogen interactions at this site, we used mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) to analyse MLN tissue from a murine model ofS. Typhimurium infection. A molecule, identified as palmitoylcarnitine (PalC), was of particular interest due to its high abundance at loci ofS. Typhimurium infection and MLN disruption. High levels of PalC localised to sites within the MLNs where B and T cells were absent and where the perimeter of CD169+sub capsular sinus macrophages was disrupted. MLN cells culturedex vivoand treated with PalC had reduced CD4+CD25+T cells and an increased number of B220+CD19+B cells. The reduction in CD4+CD25+T cells was likely due to apoptosis driven by increased caspase-3/7 activity. These data indicate that PalC significantly alters the host response in the MLNs, acting as a decisive factor in infection outcome.
Solid Conical Cap-closing Hollow Tube Growth by Axial Screw Dislocations
Authors: Chu Yanhui , Li Jinjin , Chen Jikun
Published: May 2017

Exploration of the mechanisms for growth of the nanostructures is the key point to achieve nanomaterial syntheses with precisely controlled morphology and structure. Herein, we reported a new mechanism that realized the growth of solid conical cap-closing hollow tube by axial screw dislocations in the formation α-Al2O3 nanowires. A hollow tube was firstly grown by axial screw dislocations in the formation α-Al2O3 nanowires through vapor-phase synthesis. Afterwards, the hollow tube was closed up by generating a solid conical cap with axial screw dislocations based on the competition between the surface energy and the strain energy of screw dislocation controlled by the growth environment. The solid conical cap-closing hollow tube growth model based on the axial screw dislocations is expected to be a general growth mechanism for nanowires within low supersaturation. This study enriches the fundamental understanding with respective to the kinetics of nanostructured crystal growth and provides guidance to the precise structure control in nanosynthesis and manufacturing.
Oxygen atoms are critical in rendering THP-1 leukaemia cells susceptible to cold physical plasma-induced apoptosis
Authors: Bekeschus Sander , Wende Kristian , Hefny Mohamed Mokhtar , Rödder Katrin , Jablonowski Helena , Schmidt Anke , Woedtke Thomas von , Weltmann Klaus-Dieter , Benedikt Jan
Published: May 2017

Cold physical plasma has been suggested as a powerful new tool in oncology. However, some cancer cells such as THP-1 leukaemia cells have been shown to be resistant towards plasma-induced cell death, thereby serving as a good model for optimizing plasmas in order to foster pro-apoptotic anticancer effects. A helium/oxygen radio frequency driven atmospheric plasma profoundly induced apoptosis in THP-1 cells whereas helium, humidified helium, and humidified helium/oxygen plasmas were inefficient. Hydrogen peroxide – previously shown as central plasma-derived agent – did not participate in the killing reaction but our results suggest hypochlorous acid to be responsible for the effect observed. Proteomic analysis of THP-1 cells exposed to He/O2 plasma emphasized a prominent growth retardation, cell stress, apoptosis, and a pro-immunogenic profile. Altogether, a plasma setting that inactivates previously unresponsive leukaemia cells is presented. Crucial reactive species in the plasma and liquid environment were identified and discussed, deciphering the complexity of plasma from the gas phase into the liquid down to the cellular response mechanism. These results may help tailoring plasmas for clinical applications such as oxidation-insensitive types of cancer.
A New Solid Solution Approach for the Study of Self-Irradiating Damage in non-Radioactive Materials
Authors: Templeman Tzvi , Shandalov Michael , Schmidt Michael , Tal Amir , Sarusi Gabby , Yahel Eyal , Kelson Itzhak , Golan Yuval
Published: May 2017

A new method to produce a model system for the study of radiation damage in non-radioactive materials is presented. The method is based on homogenously dissolving minute amounts of 228Th ions in thin films in a controllable manner using a small volume chemical bath deposition technique. This approach is demonstrated for PbS films. The properties of the PbS (228Th) solid solution film activity were investigated by monitoring the accompanying radioactive processes. Electrical resistivity studies were performed and decay-event damage accumulation was measured, followed by isochronal annealing which presented two annealing stages and another two sub-stages. This is the first report on self-irradiating damage studies in IV-VI semiconductors and the resulting films present a novel method for the analysis of dilute defect systems in semiconductor thin films.