bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stacking orders induced direct band gap in bilayer MoSe2-WSe2 lateral heterostructures
Authors: Hu Xiaohui , Kou Liangzhi , Sun Litao
Published: August 2016

The direct band gap of monolayer semiconducting transition-metal dichalcogenides (STMDs) enables a host of new optical and electrical properties. However, bilayer STMDs are indirect band gap semiconductors, which limits its applicability for high-efficiency optoelectronic devices. Here, we report that the direct band gap can be achieved in bilayer MoSe2-WSe2 lateral heterostructures by alternating stacking orders. Specifically, when Se atoms from opposite layers are stacked directly on top of each other, AA and A’B stacked heterostructures show weaker interlayer coupling, larger interlayer distance and direct band gap. Whereas, when Se atoms from opposite layers are staggered, AA’, AB and AB’ stacked heterostructures exhibit stronger interlayer coupling, shorter interlayer distance and indirect band gap. Thus, the direct/indirect band gap can be controllable in bilayer MoSe2-WSe2 lateral heterostructures. In addition, the calculated sliding barriers indicate that the stacking orders of bilayer MoSe2-WSe2 lateral heterostructures can be easily formed by sliding one layer with respect to the other. The novel direct band gap in bilayer MoSe2-WSe2 lateral heterostructures provides possible application for high-efficiency optoelectronic devices. The results also show that the stacking order is an effective strategy to induce and tune the band gap of layered STMDs.
Stable carbon isotope as a signal index for monitoring grassland degradation
Authors: Yao Hongyun , Wilkes Andreas , Zhu Guodong , Zhang Hongdan , Liu Xiaojuan , Dan Ding  , Zhai Xiajie , Tang Shiming , Chen Qing , Zhang Yujuan , Huang Ding , Wang Chengjie
Published: August 2016

Grassland degradation due to overgrazing is common in many areas of the world. This study analyzed the potential of the stable carbon isotope (δ13C) value as a structural microcosmic index to monitor processes of grassland degradation. The δ13C values of plant leaves, roots and soils in non-grazed (NG) and over-grazed (OG) grassland were measured from samples collected from the seven types of grassland in China. We found that the leaf δ13C values of palatable species (δ13Cleaf) and root δ13C values (δ13Croot) in OG grasslands were reduced compared with those from NG grasslands. Furthermore, the δ13Cleaf and δ13Csoil were positive correlation with elevation and latitude, δ13Croot was negative correlation with them at high altitude (3000~5000m) and δ13Croot and δ13Csoil were negative correlation with them at low altitude (0~2000m), respectively. Consequently, tracing of the δ13C variations in grassland ecosystem can provide a powerful tool to evaluate the degree of grassland degradation.
Polydopamine-Coated Manganese Complex/Graphene Nanocomposite for Enhanced Electrocatalytic Activity Towards Oxygen Reduction
Authors: Parnell Charlette M. , Chhetri Bijay , Brandt Andrew , Watanabe Fumiya , Nima Zeid A. , Mudalige Thilak K. , Biris Alexandru S. , Ghosh Anindya
Published: August 2016

Platinum electrodes are commonly used electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reactions (ORR) in fuel cells. However, this material is not economical due to its high cost and scarcity. We prepared an Mn(III) catalyst supported on graphene and further coated with polydopamine, resulting in superior ORR activity compared to the uncoated PDA structures. During ORR, a peak potential at 0.433 V was recorded, which is a significant shift compared to the uncoated material’s −0.303 V (both versus SHE). All the materials reduced oxygen in a wide pH range via a four-electron pathway. Rotating disk electrode and rotating ring disk electrode studies of the polydopamine-coated material revealed ORR occurring via 4.14 and 4.00 electrons, respectively. A rate constant of 6.33 × 106 mol−1s−1was observed for the polydopamine-coated material–over 4.5 times greater than the uncoated nanocomposite and superior to those reported for similar carbon-supported metal catalysts. Simply integrating an inexpensive bioinspired polymer coating onto the Mn-graphene nanocomposite increased ORR performance significantly, with a peak potential shift of over +730 mV. This indicates that the material can reduce oxygen at a higher rate but with lower energy usage, revealing its excellent potential as an ORR electrocatalyst in fuel cells.
Understanding the molecular basis of substrate binding specificity of PTB domains
Authors: Sain Neetu , Tiwari Garima , Mohanty Debasisa
Published: August 2016

Protein-protein interactions mediated by phosphotyrosine binding (PTB) domains play a crucial role in various cellular processes. In order to understand the structural basis of substrate recognition by PTB domains, multiple explicit solvent atomistic simulations of 100ns duration have been carried out on 6 PTB-peptide complexes with known binding affinities. MM/PBSA binding energy values calculated from these MD trajectories and residue based statistical pair potential score show good correlation with the experimental dissociation constants. Our analysis also shows that the modeled structures of PTB domains can be used to develop less compute intensive residue level statistical pair potential based approaches for predicting interaction partners of PTB domains.
Gravity driven deterministic lateral displacement for suspended particles in a 3D obstacle array
Authors: Du Siqi , Drazer German
Published: August 2016

We present a simple modification to enhance the separation ability of deterministic lateral displacement (DLD) systems by expanding the two-dimensional nature of these devices and driving the particles into size-dependent, fully three-dimensional trajectories. Specifically, we drive the particles through an array of long cylindrical posts, such that they not only move parallel to the basal plane of the posts as in traditional two-dimensional DLD systems (in-plane motion), but also along the axial direction of the solid posts (out-of-plane motion). We show that the (projected) in-plane motion of the particles is completely analogous to that observed in 2D-DLD systems. In fact, a theoretical model originally developed for force-driven, two-dimensional DLD systems accurately describes the experimental results. More importantly, we analyze the particles out-of-plane motion and observe, for certain orientations of the driving force, significant differences in the out-of-plane displacement depending on particle size. Therefore, taking advantage of both the in-plane and out-of-plane motion of the particles, it is possible to achieve the simultaneous fractionation of a polydisperse suspension into multiple streams.
Distinct Roles of Histone H3 and H2A Tails in Nucleosome Stability
Authors: Li Zhenhai , Kono Hidetoshi
Published: August 2016

Nucleosome breathing potentially increases the DNA exposure, which in turn recruits DNA-binding protein and regulates gene transcription. Numerous studies have shown the critical roles of N-terminal tails of histones H3 and H4 in gene expression; however, few studies have focused on the H2A C-terminal tail. Here we present thorough computational studies on a single nucleosome particle showing the linker DNA closing and opening, which is thought to be nucleosome breathing. With our simulation, the H2A C-terminal and H3 N-terminal tails were found to modulate the nucleosome conformation differently. The H2A C-terminal tail regulates nucleosome conformation by binding to linker DNA at different locations, whereas the H3 N-terminal tail regulates linker DNA by binding to it in different patterns. Further MD simulation on tail truncated structures corroborates this analysis. These findings replenish our understanding of the histone tail regulation mechanism on atomic level.
Testing the Neutral Theory of Biodiversity with Human Microbiome Datasets
Authors: Li Lianwei , Ma Zhanshan
Published: August 2016

The human microbiome project (HMP) has made it possible to test important ecological theories for arguably the most important ecosystem to human health—the human microbiome. Existing limited number of studies have reported conflicting evidence in the case of the neutral theory; the present study aims to comprehensively test the neutral theory with extensive HMP datasets covering all five major body sites inhabited by the human microbiome. Utilizing 7437 datasets of bacterial community samples, we discovered that only 49 communities (less than 1%) satisfied the neutral theory, and concluded that human microbial communities are not neutral in general. The 49 positive cases, although only a tiny minority, do demonstrate the existence of neutral processes. We realize that the traditional doctrine of microbial biogeography “Everything is everywhere, but the environment selects” first proposed by Baas-Becking resolves the apparent contradiction. The first part of Baas-Becking doctrine states that microbes are not dispersal-limited and therefore are neutral prone, and the second part reiterates that the freely dispersed microbes must endure selection by the environment. Therefore, in most cases, it is the host environment that ultimately shapes the community assembly and tip the human microbiome to niche regime.
The structural origin of metabolic quantitative diversity
Authors: Koshiba Seizo , Motoike Ikuko , Kojima Kaname , Hasegawa Takanori , Shirota Matsuyuki , Saito Tomo , Saigusa Daisuke , Danjoh Inaho , Katsuoka Fumiki , Ogishima Soichi , Kawai Yosuke , Yamaguchi-Kabata Yumi , Sakurai Miyuki , Hirano Sachiko , Nakata Junichi , Motohashi Hozumi , Hozawa Atsushi , Kuriyama Shinichi , Minegishi Naoko , Nagasaki Masao , Takai-Igarashi Takako , Fuse Nobuo , Kiyomoto Hideyasu , Sugawara Junichi , Suzuki Yoichi , Kure Shigeo , Yaegashi Nobuo , Tanabe Osamu , Kinoshita Kengo , Yasuda Jun , Yamamoto Masayuki
Published: August 2016

Relationship between structural variants of enzymes and metabolic phenotypes in human population was investigated based on the association study of metabolite quantitative traits with whole genome sequence data for 512 individuals from a population cohort. We identified five significant associations between metabolites and non-synonymous variants. Four of these non-synonymous variants are located in enzymes involved in metabolic disorders, and structural analyses of these moderate non-synonymous variants demonstrate that they are located in peripheral regions of the catalytic sites or related regulatory domains. In contrast, two individuals with larger changes of metabolite levels were also identified, and these individuals retained rare variants, which caused non-synonymous variants located near the catalytic site. These results are the first demonstrations that variant frequency, structural location, and effect for phenotype correlate with each other in human population, and imply that metabolic individuality and susceptibility for diseases may be elicited from the moderate variants and much more deleterious but rare variants.
Effects of moso bamboo encroachment into native, broad-leaved forests on soil carbon and nitrogen pools
Authors: Bai Shangbin , Conant Richard T. , Zhou Guomo , Wang Yixiang , Wang Nan , Li Yanhua , Zhang Kaiqiang
Published: August 2016

Across southern China, Moso bamboo has been encroaching on most neighboring secondary broad-leaved forests and/or coniferous plantations, leading to the land cover changes that alter abiotic and biotic conditions. Little is known about how this conversion alters soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N). We selected three sites, each with three plots arrayed along the bamboo encroachment pathway: moso bamboo forest (BF); transition zone, mixed forest plots (MF); and broad-leaved forest (BLF), and examined how bamboo encroachment affects soil organic C (SOC), soil total N, microbial biomass C (MBC), microbial biomass N (MBN), water-soluble organic C (WSOC), and water-soluble organic N (WSON) in three forests. Over nine years, moso bamboo encroachment leads to a decrease in SOC and total soil N, an increase in MBC and WSOC, and a decrease in MBN and WSON. Changes in soil C and N occurred mainly in the topsoil. We conclude that moso bamboo encroachment on broadleaved forest not only substantially altered soil C and N pools, but also changed the distribution pattern of C and N in the studied forest soils. Continued bamboo encroachment into evergreen broadleaved forests seems likely to lead to net CO2 emissions to the atmosphere as ecosystem C stocks decline.
Disruption of c-Kit Signaling in KitW-sh/W-sh Growing Mice Increases Bone Turnover
Authors: Lotinun Sutada , Krishnamra Nateetip
Published: August 2016

c-Kit tyrosine kinase receptor has been identified as a regulator of bone homeostasis. The c-Kit loss-of-function mutations in WBB6F1/J-KitW/W-v mice result in low bone mass. However, these mice are sterile and it is unclear whether the observed skeletal phenotype is secondary to a sex hormone deficiency. In contrast, C57BL/6J-KitW-sh/W-sh (Wsh/Wsh) mice, which carry an inversion mutation affecting the transcriptional regulatory elements of the c-Kit gene, are fertile. Here, we showed that Wsh/Wsh mice exhibited osteopenia with elevated bone resorption and bone formation at 6- and 9-week-old. The c-Kit Wsh mutation increased osteoclast differentiation, the number of committed osteoprogenitors, alkaline phosphatase activity and mineralization. c-Kit was expressed in both osteoclasts and osteoblasts and c-Kit expression was decreased in Wsh/Wshosteoclasts, but not osteoblasts, suggesting an indirect effect of c-Kit on bone formation. Furthermore, the osteoclast-derived coupling factor Wnt10b mRNA was increased in Wsh/Wsh osteoclasts. Conditioned medium from Wsh/Wsh osteoclasts had elevated Wnt10b protein levels and induced increased alkaline phosphatase activity and mineralization in osteoblast cultures. Antagonizing Wnt10b signaling with DKK1 or Wnt10b antibody inhibited these effects. Our data suggest that c-Kit negatively regulates bone turnover and disrupted c-Kit signaling couples increased bone resorption with bone formation through osteoclast-derived Wnt 10 b.
The ontogeny of Butyrophilin-like (Btnl) 1 and Btnl6 in murine small intestine
Authors: Lebrero-Fernández Cristina , Bas-Forsberg Anna
Published: August 2016

Murine Butyrophilin-like (Btnl) 1 and Btnl6 are primarily restricted to intestinal epithelium where they regulate the function of intraepithelial T lymphocytes. We recently demonstrated that Btnl1 and Btnl6 can form an intra-family heterocomplex and that the Btnl1-Btnl6 complex selectively expands Vγ7Vδ4 TCR IELs. To define the regulation of Btnl expression in the small intestine during ontogeny we examined the presence of Btnl1 and Btnl6 in the small bowel of newborn to 4-week-old mice. Although RNA expression of Btnl1 and Btnl6 was detected in the small intestine at day 0, Btnl1 and Btnl6 protein expression was substantially delayed and was not detectable in the intestinal epithelium until the mice reached 2–3 weeks of age. The markedly elevated Btnl protein level at week 3 coincided with a significant increase of γδ TCR IELs, particularly those bearing the Vγ7Vδ4 receptor. This was not dependent on gut microbial colonization as mice housed in germ-free conditions had normal Btnl protein levels. Taken together, our data show that the expression of Btnl1 and Btnl6 is delayed in the murine neonatal gut and that the appearance of the Btnl1 and Btnl6 proteins in the intestinal mucosa associates with the expansion of Vγ7Vδ4 TCR IELs.
Bioinformatic Analysis of Plasma Apolipoproteins A-I and A-II Revealed Unique Features of A-I/A-II HDL Particles in Human Plasma
Authors: Kido Toshimi , Kurata Hideaki , Kondo Kazuo , Itakura Hiroshige , Okazaki Mitsuyo , Urata Takeyoshi , Yokoyama Shinji
Published: August 2016

Plasma concentration of apoA-I, apoA-II and apoA-II-unassociated apoA-I was analyzed in 314 Japanese subjects (177 males and 137 females), including one (male) homozygote and 37 (20 males and 17 females) heterozygotes of genetic CETP deficiency. ApoA-I unassociated with apoA-II markedly and linearly increased with HDL-cholesterol, while apoA-II increased only very slightly and the ratio of apoA-II-associated apoA-I to apoA-II stayed constant at 2 in molar ratio throughout the increase of HDL-cholesterol, among the wild type and heterozygous CETP deficiency. Thus, overall HDL concentration almost exclusively depends on HDL with apoA-I without apoA-II (LpAI) while concentration of HDL containing apoA-I and apoA-II (LpAI:AII) is constant having a fixed molar ratio of 2 : 1 regardless of total HDL and apoA-I concentration. Distribution of apoA-I between LpAI and LpAI:AII is consistent with a model of statistical partitioning regardless of sex and CETP genotype. The analysis also indicated that LpA-I accommodates on average 4 apoA-I molecules and has a clearance rate indistinguishable from LpAI:AII. Independent evidence indicated LpAI:A-II has a diameter 20% smaller than LpAI, consistent with a model having two apoA-I and one apoA-II. The functional contribution of these particles is to be investigated.
Independent Manipulation of Topological Charges and Polarization Patterns of Optical Vortices
Authors: Yang Ching-Han , Chen Yuan-Di , Wu Shing-Trong , Fuh Andy Ying-Guey
Published: August 2016

We present a simple and flexible method to generate various vectorial vortex beams (VVBs) with a Pancharatnam phase based on the scheme of double reflections from a single liquid crystal spatial light modulator (SLM). In this configuration, VVBs are constructed by the superposition of two orthogonally polarized orbital angular momentum (OAM) eigenstates. To verify the optical properties of the generated beams, Stokes polarimetry is developed to measure the states of polarization (SOP) over the transverse plane, while a Shack–Hartmann wavefront sensor is used to measure the OAM charge of beams. It is shown that both the simulated and the experimental results are in good qualitative agreement. In addition, polarization patterns and OAM charges of generated beams can be controlled independently using the proposed method.
Bio- chemical and physical characterizations of mesenchymal stromal cells along the time course of directed differentiation
Authors: Chen Yin-Quan , Liu Yi-Shiuan , Liu Yu-An , Wu Yi-Chang , del Álamo Juan C. , Chiou Arthur , Lee Oscar K.
Published: August 2016

Cellular biophysical properties are novel biomarkers of cell phenotypes which may reflect the status of differentiating stem cells. Accurate characterizations of cellular biophysical properties, in conjunction with the corresponding biochemical properties could help to distinguish stem cells from primary cells, cancer cells and differentiated cells. However, the correlated evolution of these properties in the course of directed stem cells differentiation has not been well characterized. In this study, we applied video particle tracking microrheology (VPTM) to measure intracellular viscoelasticity of differentiating human mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (hMSCs). Our results showed that osteogenesis not only increased both elastic and viscous moduli, but also converted the intracellular viscoelasticity of differentiating hMSCs from viscous-like to elastic-like. In contrast, adipogenesis decreased both elastic and viscous moduli while hMSCs remained viscous-like during the differentiation. In conjunction with bio- chemical and physical parameters, such as gene expression profiles, cell morphology and cytoskeleton arrangement, we demonstrated that VPTM is a unique approach to quantify, with high data throughput, the maturation level of differentiating hMSCs and to anticipate their fate decisions. This approach is well suited for time-lapsed study of the mechanobiology of differentiating stem cells especially in three dimensional physico-chemical biomimetic environments including porous scaffolds.
Adipose- and muscle-derived Wnts trigger pancreatic β-cell adaptation to systemic insulin resistance
Authors: Kozinski Kamil , Jazurek Magdalena , Dobrzyn Pawel , Janikiewicz Justyna , Kolczynska Katarzyna , Gajda Anna , Dobrzyn Agnieszka
Published: August 2016

Wnt signaling molecules are associated with obesity, hyperlipidemia and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Here, we show that two Wnt proteins, WNT3a and WNT4, are specifically secreted by skeletal muscle and adipose tissue during the development of insulin resistance and play an important role in cross-talk between insulin-resistant tissues and pancreatic beta cells. The activation of Frizzled receptor and Wnt signaling in pancreatic islets via circulating WNT3a in blood resulted in higher insulin secretion and an increase in beta cell proliferation, thus leading to islet adaptation in a pre-diabetic state. Interestingly, in fully developed T2D, the expression profiles of Wnt3a and Wnt4 in adipose tissue and muscle cells and blood plasma levels of these proteins were opposite to the pre-diabetic state, thus favoring the downregulation of Wnt signaling in beta cells and resulting in dysfunctional pancreatic islets. These results demonstrate that alterations in the secretion profile of a canonical Wnt activator (WNT3a) and inhibitor (WNT4) from insulin-resistant tissues during the development of T2D are responsible for triggering progression from a pre-diabetic to a diabetic state. We also show here that WNT3a and WNT4 are potent myokines and their expression and secretion are regulated in response to nutritional and metabolic changes.
Ultra-dense SNP genetic map construction and identification of SiDt gene controlling the determinate growth habit in Sesamum indicum L.
Authors: Zhang Haiyang , Miao Hongmei , Li Chun , Wei Libin , Duan Yinghui , Ma Qin , Kong Jingjing , Xu Fangfang , Chang Shuxian
Published: August 2016

Sesame (Sesamum indicumL.) is an important oilseed crop and has an indeterminate growth habit. Here we resequenced the genomes of the parents and 120 progeny of an F2population derived from crossing Yuzhi 11 (indeterminate,Dt) and Yuzhi DS899 (determinate,dt1) and constructed an ultra-dense SNP map for sesame comprised of 3,041 bins including 30,193 SNPs in 13 linkage groups (LGs) with an average marker density of 0.10 cM. Results indicated that the same recessive gene controls the determinacy trait indt1and a second determinate line,dt2(08TP092). The QDt1 locus for the determinacy trait was located in the 18.0 cM–19.2 cM interval of LG8. The target SNP,SiDt27-1 and the determinacy gene, DS899s00170.023 (named here asSiDt), were identified in Scaffold 00170 of the Yuzhi 11 reference genome, based on genetic mapping and genomic association analysis. Unlike the G397A SNP change in thedt1genotype, theSiDtallele indt2line was lost from the genome. This example of map-based gene cloning in sesame provides proof-of-concept of the utility of ultra-dense SNP maps for accurate genome research in sesame.
Short-term intratracheal use of PEG-modified IL-2 and glucocorticoid persistently alleviates asthma in a mouse model
Authors: Wu Kefei , Ma Jiexian , Bai Weiya , Cui Xiaoxian , Han Tao , Wang Shiyuan , Xie Youhua , Xie Yanhui
Published: August 2016

Regulatory T (Treg) cells play an important role in allergic airway diseases and upregulation of Treg cells is a potential therapeutic strategy for asthma. In this study, we show that short-term intratracheal use of IL-2 combined with glucocorticoid alleviates antigen-induced airway inflammation and reduces airway hyperresponsiveness by expanding antigen-nonspecific Treg cells, with a decrease in T helper 2 (Th2) cells and Th2-associated cytokines. We also designed a long-acting polyethylene glycol (PEG)-modified IL-2 and demonstrated that the optimal dosage form is IL-2(PEG) plus budesonide, which can upregulate Treg cells and ameliorate asthma at a lower dose. The therapeutic effect was faster than treatment with dexamethasone and was effective at a low dose suitable for humans that could last for at least 6 weeks. This study unveils a new therapeutic regimen and suggests that such endogenous Treg therapy could be a useful tool to persistently alleviate asthma.
Pressure-induced Transformations of Dense Carbonyl Sulfide to Singly Bonded Amorphous Metallic Solid
Authors: Kim Minseob , Dias Ranga , Ohishi Yasuo , Matsuoka Takehiro , Chen Jing-Yin , Yoo Choong-Shik
Published: August 2016

The application of pressure, internal or external, transforms molecular solids into non-molecular extended network solids with diverse crystal structures and electronic properties. These transformations can be understood in terms of pressure-induced electron delocalization; however, the governing mechanisms are complex because of strong lattice strains, phase metastability and path dependent phase behaviors. Here, we present the pressure-induced transformations of linear OCS (R3m, Phase I) to bent OCS (Cm, Phase II) at 9 GPa; an amorphous, one-dimensional (1D) polymer at 20 GPa (Phase III); and an extended 3D network above ~35 GPa (Phase IV) that metallizes at ~105 GPa. These results underscore the significance of long-range dipole interactions in dense OCS, leading to an extended molecular alloy that can be considered a chemical intermediate of its two end members, CO2 and CS2.
Visible to near-infrared supercontinuum generation in yttrium orthosilicate bulk crystal and ion implanted planar waveguide
Authors: Xiang Bingxi , Ren Xikui , Ruan Shuangchen , Wang Lei , Yan Peiguang , Han Huangpu , Wang Meng , Yin Jinde
Published: August 2016

This paper reports on the supercontinuum generation in yttrium orthosilicate bulk crystal and 6-mm-long ion implanted planar waveguide. The waveguide is fabricated by 6 MeV oxygen ions implantation with fluence of 5 × 1014 ions/cm2 at room temperature. The yttrium orthosilicate bulk crystal and waveguide are pumped using a mode-locked Ti:Sapphire laser with a center wavelength of 800 nm. The generated broadest supercontinuum spans 720 nm (at −30 dB points) from 380 to 1100 nm in bulk crystal and 510 nm (at −30 dB points) from 490 to 1000 nm in ion implanted waveguide, respectively. Compared to the bulk crystal, the ion implanted waveguide requires almost three orders of magnitude lower pump power to achieve a similar level of broadening. The supercontinuum is generated in the normal dispersion regime and exhibits a relatively smooth spectral shape. Our research findings indicate that ion implantation is an efficient method to produce waveguide in yttrium orthosilicate crystal for low-threshold supercontinuum generation.
Self-organized Sr leads to solid state twinning in nano-scaled eutectic Si phase
Authors: Albu M. , Pal A. , Gspan C. , Picu R. C. , Hofer F. , Kothleitner G.
Published: August 2016

A new mechanism for twin nucleation in the eutectic Al-Si alloy with trace Sr impurities is proposed. Observations made by sub-angstrom resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy and X-ray probing proved the presence of <110> Sr columns located preferentially at twin boundaries. Density functional theory simulations indicate that Sr atoms bind in the Si lattice only along the <110> direction, with preferential positions at first and second nearest neighbors for interstitial and substitutional Sr, respectively. Density functional theory total energy calculations confirm that twin nucleation at Sr columns is energetically favorable. Hence, twins may nucleate in Si precipitates after solidification, which provides a different perspective to the currently accepted mechanism which suggests twin formation during precipitate growth.
MPT0G066, a novel anti-mitotic drug, induces JNK-independent mitotic arrest, JNK-mediated apoptosis and potentiates antineoplastic effect of cisplatin in ovarian cancer
Authors: Huang Han-Li , Chao Min-Wu , Li Ya-Chi , Chang Li-Hsun , Chen Chun-Han , Chen Mei-Chuan , Cheng Chun-Chun , Liou Jing-Ping , Teng Che-Ming , Pan Shiow-Lin
Published: August 2016

Developing new anticancer agents against ovarian cancer is an urgent medical need. MPT0G066, a novel synthetic arylsulfonamide compound, was shown to inhibit cell growth and decrease viability in human ovarian cancer cells. MPT0G066 induced arrest of the cell cycle at the multipolyploidy (MP) phase in SKOV3 and at the G2/M phase in A2780 cells, while increasing the proportion of cells in the subG1. Additionally, MPT0G066 induced c-Jun-NH2 terminal kinase (JNK) activation, influenced cell cycle regulatory and Bcl-2 family proteins, which triggered intrinsic apoptotic pathways through cleavage of caspase-3, -7, -9 and poly-(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). Flow cytometry analysis of p-glycoprotein (p-gp) function showed that MPT0G066 was not a substrate of p-gp. Additionally, it was shown that MPT0G066 could decrease cell viability in multiple-drug-resistant human ovarian cancer cells. Furthermore, the combination of MPT0G066 and cisplatin presented a synergistic cytotoxic effect against ovarian cancer cell lines in vitro. MPT0G066 also significantly suppressed the growth of ovarian carcinoma and potentiated the antineoplastic effects of cisplatin in vivo. In conclusion, these findings indicate that MPT0G066 can be a potential anticancer agent against ovarian cancer that worthy of further development.
Association of neuropeptide Y promoter polymorphism (rs16147) with perceived stress and cardiac vagal outflow in humans
Authors: Chang Hsin-An , Fang Wen-Hui , Chang Tieh-Ching , Huang San-Yuan , Chang Chuan-Chia
Published: August 2016

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is involved in resilience to stress and higher vagal (parasympathetic) activity has been associated with greater stress resilience. Thus, we examined whetherrs16147, a functional promoter polymorphism (C>T) of theNPYgene, could influence vagal tone during chronic high stress levels.NPYgenotyping, chronic psychological stress level measurement (using the Perceived Stress Scale [PSS]), cardiac autonomic function assessment (using short-term heart rate variability [HRV]) were performed in 1123 healthy, drug-free Han Chinese participants who were divided into low- and high-PSS groups. In the high-PSS group (n = 522), the root mean square of successive heartbeat interval differences and high frequency power (both HRV indices of parasympathetic activity) were significantly increased in T/T homozygotes compared to C/C homozygotes. However, no significant between-genotype difference was found in any HRV variable in the low-PSS group (n = 601). Our results are the first to demonstrate that functionalNPYvariation alters chronic stress-related vagal control, suggesting a potential parasympathetic role forNPYgene in stress regulation.
Epigenetic silencing of the NR4A3 tumor suppressor, by aberrant JAK/STAT signaling, predicts prognosis in gastric cancer
Authors: Yeh Chung-Min , Chang Liang-Yu , Lin Shu-Hui , Chou Jian-Liang , Hsieh Hsiao-Yen , Zeng Li-Han , Chuang Sheng-Yu , Wang Hsiao-Wen , Dittner Claudia , Lin Cheng-Yu , Lin Jora M. J. , Huang Yao-Ting , Ng Enders K. W. , Cheng Alfred S. L. , Wu Shu-Fen , Lin Jiayuh , Yeh Kun-Tu , Chan Michael W. Y.
Published: August 2016

While aberrant JAK/STAT signaling is crucial to the development of gastric cancer (GC), its effects on epigenetic alterations of its transcriptional targets remains unclear. In this study, by expression microarrays coupled with bioinformatic analyses, we identified a putative STAT3 target gene, NR4A3 that was downregulated in MKN28 GC daughter cells overexpressing a constitutively activated STAT3 mutant (S16), as compared to an empty vector control (C9). Bisulphite pyrosequencing and demethylation treatment showed that NR4A3 was epigenetically silenced by promoter DNA methylation in S16 and other GC cell lines including AGS cells, showing constitutive activation of STAT3. Subsequent experiments revealed that NR4A3 promoter binding by STAT3 might repress its transcription. Long-term depletion of STAT3 derepressed NR4A3 expression, by promoter demethylation, in AGS GC cells. NR4A3 re-expression in GC cell lines sensitized the cells to cisplatin and inhibited tumor growth in vitro and in vivo, in an animal model. Clinically, GC patients with high NR4A3 methylation, or lower NR4A3 protein expression, had significantly shorter overall survival. Intriguingly, STAT3 activation significantly associated only with NR4A3 methylation in low-stage patient samples. Taken together, aberrant JAK/STAT3 signaling epigenetically silences a potential tumor suppressor, NR4A3, in gastric cancer, plausibly representing a reliable biomarker for gastric cancer prognosis.
Kinetically driven switching and memory phenomena at the interface between a proton-conductive electrolyte and a titanium electrode
Authors: Hibino Takashi , Kobayashi Kazuyo , Nagao Masahiro
Published: August 2016

Numerous studies have examined the switching properties of semi- or ion-conductors and isolators; however, most of these have focused on the ohmic resistance characteristics. Here, we report a new type of polarity-dependent switching phenomenon obtained for electrical devices with the configuration: metal working electrode│Si0.97Al0.03H0.03P2O7-polytetrafluoroethylene composite electrolyte│Pt/C counter electrode. The counter electrode is reversibly active for the water vapor oxidation and evolution reactions. The composite electrolyte exhibits high withstanding voltage capability in the bias voltage range of ±7 V. When titanium was employed as the working electrode, the anodic polarization resistance was approximately two orders of magnitude greater than the cathodic polarization resistance. The ohmic resistance of the device was almost unchanged, regardless of the bias voltage polarity. Moreover, kinetically induced high-resistance/low-resistance states could be cyclically switched through positive/negative bias voltage pulses and these states were also confirmed to be memorized at open circuit.
Premature changes in neuronal excitability account for hippocampal network impairment and autistic-like behavior in neonatal BTBR T+tf/J mice
Authors: Cellot Giada , Maggi Laura , Di Castro Maria Amalia , Catalano Myriam , Migliore Rosanna , Migliore Michele , Scattoni Maria Luisa , Calamandrei Gemma , Cherubini Enrico
Published: August 2016

Coherent network oscillations (GDPs), generated in the immature hippocampus by the synergistic action of GABA and glutamate, both depolarizing and excitatory, play a key role in the construction of neuronal circuits. In particular, GDPs-associated calcium transients act as coincident detectors for enhancing synaptic efficacy at emerging GABAergic and glutamatergic synapses. Here, we show that, immediately after birth, in the CA3 hippocampal region of the BTBR T+tf/J mouse, an animal model of idiopathic autism, GDPs are severely impaired. This effect was associated with an increased GABAergic neurotransmission and a reduced neuronal excitability. In spite its depolarizing action on CA3 pyramidal cells (in single channel experiments EGABA was positive to Em), GABA exerted at the network level an inhibitory effect as demonstrated by isoguvacine-induced reduction of neuronal firing. We implemented a computational model in which experimental findings could be interpreted as the result of two competing effects: a reduction of the intrinsic excitability of CA3 principal cells and a reduction of the shunting activity in GABAergic interneurons projecting to principal cells. It is therefore likely that premature changes in neuronal excitability within selective hippocampal circuits of BTBR mice lead to GDPs dysfunction and behavioral deficits reminiscent of those found in autistic patients.
Impact of defect occupation on conduction in amorphous Ge2Sb2Te5
Authors: Kaes Matthias , Salinga Martin
Published: August 2016

Storage concepts employing the resistance of phase-change memory (PRAM) have matured in recent years. Attempts to model the conduction in the amorphous state of phase-change materials dominating the resistance of PRAM devices commonly invoke a connection to the electronic density-of-states (DoS) of the active material in form of a “distance between trap states s”. Here, we point out that s depends on the occupation of defects and hence on temperature. To verify this, we numerically study how the occupation in the DoS of Ge2Sb2Te5 is affected by changes of temperature and illumination. Employing a charge-transport model based on the Poole-Frenkel effect, we correlate these changes to the field- and temperature-dependent current-voltage characteristics of lateral devices of amorphous Ge2Sb2Te5, measured in darkness and under illumination. In agreement with our calculations, we find a pronounced temperature-dependence of s. As the device-current depends exponentially on the value of s, accounting for its temperature-dependence has profound impact on device modeling.
Molecular evolution of Wcor15 gene enhanced our understanding of the origin of A, B and D genomes in Triticum aestivum
Authors: Liu Fangfang , Si Hongqi , Wang Chengcheng , Sun Genlou , Zhou Erting , Chen Can , Ma Chuanxi
Published: August 2016

The allohexaploid bread wheat originally derived from three closely related species with A, B and D genome. Although numerous studies were performed to elucidate its origin and phylogeny, no consensus conclusion has reached. In this study, we cloned and sequenced the genesWcor15-2A, Wcor15-2BandWcor15-2Din 23 diploid, 10 tetraploid and 106 hexaploid wheat varieties and analyzed their molecular evolution to reveal the origin of the A, B and D genome inTriticum aestivum. Comparative analyses of sequences in diploid, tetraploid and hexaploid wheats suggest thatT. urartu, Ae. speltoidesandAe. tauschiisubsp.strangulataare most likely the donors of theWcor15-2A, Wcor15-2BandWcor15-2Dlocus in common wheat, respectively. TheWcor15genes from subgenomes A and D were very conservative without insertion and deletion of bases during evolution of diploid, tetraploid and hexaploid. Non-coding region ofWcor15-2Bgene from B genome might mutate during the first polyploidization fromAe. speltoidesto tetraploid wheat, however, no change has occurred for this gene during the second allopolyploidization from tetraploid to hexaploid. Comparison of theWcor15gene shed light on understanding of the origin of the A, B and D genome of common wheat.
Altered brain arginine metabolism in schizophrenia
Authors: Liu P , Jing Y , Collie N D , Dean B , Bilkey D K , Zhang H
Published: August 2016

Previous research implicates altered metabolism of l-arginine, a versatile amino acid with a number of bioactive metabolites, in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. The present study, for we believe the first time, systematically compared the metabolic profile of l-arginine in the frontal cortex (Brodmann’s area 8) obtained post-mortem from schizophrenic individuals and age- and gender-matched non-psychiatric controls (n=20 per group). The enzyme assays revealed no change in total nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity, but significantly increased arginase activity in the schizophrenia group. Western blot showed reduced endothelial NOS protein expression and increased arginase II protein level in the disease group. High-performance liquid chromatography and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometric assays confirmed significantly reduced levels of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), but increased agmatine concentration and glutamate/GABA ratio in the schizophrenia cases. Regression analysis indicated positive correlations between arginase activity and the age of disease onset and between l-ornithine level and the duration of illness. Moreover, cluster analyses revealed that l-arginine and its main metabolites l-citrulline, l-ornithine and agmatine formed distinct groups, which were altered in the schizophrenia group. The present study provides further evidence of altered brain arginine metabolism in schizophrenia, which enhances our understanding of the pathogenesis of schizophrenia and may lead to the future development of novel preventions and/or therapeutics for the disease.
Rapid and ultra-sensitive detection of foodborne pathogens by using miniaturized microfluidic devices: a review
Authors: Jiang Yuqian , Zou Shan , Cao Xudong
Published: August 2016

Identification and quantification of foodborne pathogens are becoming increasingly important to public health and food safety since the majority of foodborne illnesses and deaths are caused by pathogenic bacteria.
Regulating the antibiotic drug release from β-tricalcium phosphate ceramics by atmospheric plasma surface engineering
Authors: Canal C. , Modic M. , Cvelbar U. , Ginebra M.-P.
Published: August 2016

Atmospheric plasma jet is a new promising tool that leads to the design of controlled drug release from bioceramic matrices.
Graphene oxide and sulfonated polyanion co-doped hydrogel films for dual-layered membranes with superior hemocompatibility and antibacterial activity
Authors: He Chao , Shi Zhen-Qiang , Cheng Chong , Lu Hua-Qing , Zhou Mi , Sun Shu-Dong , Zhao Chang-Sheng
Published: August 2016

GO based dual-layered membranes with superior hemocompatibility and antibacterial activity have potential application for clinical hemodialysis and many other biomedical therapies.
Silicon carbon nanoparticles-based chemiluminescence probe for hydroxyl radical in PM2.5
Authors: Sun Mingxia , Deng Dongyan , Zhang Kexin , Lu Ting , Su Yingying , Lv Yi
Published: August 2016

A new SiC nanoparticles-based chemiluminescence probe for selective and sensitive detecting of ˙OH has been developed.
Rh-Catalyzed arylation of fluorinated ketones with arylboronic acids
Authors: Dobson Luca S. , Pattison Graham
Published: August 2016

The Rh-catalysed arylation of fluorinated ketones is reported. We show that difluoromethyl ketones are more reactive than trifluoromethyl ketones in this process.
Copper-catalysed cyanoalkylative cycloetherification of alkenes to 1,3-dihydroisobenzofurans: development and application to the synthesis of citalopram
Authors: Ha Tu M. , Wang Qian , Zhu Jieping
Published: August 2016

A copper-catalysed synthesis of the title heterocycles was developed and applied to a concise synthesis of an antidepressant.
Experimental and computational studies of the roles of MgO and Zn in talc for the selective formation of 1,3-butadiene in the conversion of ethanol
Authors: Hayashi Yoshihiro , Akiyama Sohta , Miyaji Akimitsu , Sekiguchi Yasumasa , Sakamoto Yasuharu , Shiga Akinobu , Koyama To-ru , Motokura Ken , Baba Toshihide
Published: August 2016

The one-step conversion of ethanol to 1,3-butadiene was performed using talc containing Zn (talc/Zn) as a catalyst.
Enhanced low-temperature ionic conductivity via different Li+ solvated clusters in organic solvent/ionic liquid mixed electrolytes
Authors: Aguilera Luis , Scheers Johan , Matic Aleksandar
Published: August 2016

We investigate Li+ coordination in mixed electrolytes based on ionic liquids (ILs) and organic solvents and its relation with the macroscopic properties such as phase behaviour and ionic conductivity.
Unraveling the sub-nanoscopic structure at interphase in a poly(vinyl alcohol)–MOF nanocomposite, and its role in thermo-mechanical properties
Authors: Sharma S. K. , Sudarshan K. , Pujari P. K.
Published: August 2016

Polymer chain framework at the interfacial region in PVA–MOF nanocomposites can be represented by a rigid but rather open network.
Mechanistic insights into ozone-initiated oxidative degradation of saturated hydrocarbons and polymers
Authors: Lee Richmond , Coote Michelle L.
Published: August 2016

Accurate quantum chemistry is used to identify the mechanism of ozonation of saturated C–H hydrocarbons and various polymer dimer units, and to show that the process can be catalysed by water and plays an important role in environmental polymer degradation.
Azobenzene-derived tris-β-diketonate lanthanide complexes: reversible trans-to-cis photoisomerization in solution and solid state
Authors: Lin Li-Rong , Wang Xuan , Wei Gao-Ning , Tang Hui-Hui , Zhang Hui , Ma Li-Hua
Published: August 2016

Azobenzene-derived tris-β-diketonate lanthanide complexes were synthesized and they show good trans-to-cis photoisomerization behavior both in solution and in the solid state.
Intramolecular Hg⋯π interactions of d-character with non-bridging atoms in mercury–aryl complexes
Authors: Lannes A. , Manceau A. , Rovezzi M. , Glatzel P. , Joly Y. , Gautier-Luneau I.
Published: August 2016

The late transition metal mercury, known for its propensity to not share 5d electrons, actually does so in short-range π-bonding and medium- to long-range π-interactions.
Insight into the reactivity of in situ formed {(NbO2)3SiW9}: synthesis, structure, and solution properties of a trimeric polytungstosilicate trapping a {MnNb9} core
Authors: Wang Haiying , Liang Zhijie , Wang Yaya , Zhang Dongdi , Ma Pengtao , Wang Jingping , Niu Jingyang
Published: August 2016

The first example of the trimeric polyoxometalate cluster, Cs10Na3[(SiW9Nb3O38)3MnO3(H2O)3]·18H2O (1a), has been synthesized using an in situ synthetic strategy and thoroughly characterized.
Hydrazine as a hydrogen carrier in the photocatalytic generation of H2using CdS quantum dots
Authors: Jana Manoj K. , Gupta Uttam , Rao C. N. R.
Published: August 2016

The compelling need for safe storage and transportation of H2has made liquid-phase materials safer H2-carriers with a high gravimetric and volumetric hydrogen density.
Muffin-like lanthanide complexes with an N5O2-donor macrocyclic ligand showing field-induced single-molecule magnet behaviour
Authors: Antal Peter , Drahoš Bohuslav , Herchel Radovan , Trávníček Zdeněk
Published: August 2016

Three mononuclear lanthanide complexes of a 2-pyridylmethyl pendant-armed 15-membered ligand {L} with general formula [Ln(L)(H2O)(NO3)](NO3)2(Ln = Tb (1), Dy (2), and Er (3)) are reported.
A new strategy to obtain tetranuclear cobalt(ii) metal–organic frameworks based on the [Co4(μ3-OH)2] cluster: synthesis, structures and properties
Authors: Li Ke , Lv Xiu-Xiu , Shi Lu-Lu , Liu Lu , Li Bao-Long , Wu Bing
Published: August 2016

Three MOFs based on [Co4(μ3-OH)2] with 4-, 6- and 8-connected frameworks exhibit antiferromagnetic interactions and are good photocatalysts.
Coordination chemistry of a low-coordinate non-metal element: the case of electrophilic terminal phosphinidene complexes
Authors: Villalba Franco José Manuel , Schnakenburg Gregor , Espinosa Ferao Arturo , Streubel Rainer
Published: August 2016

3-Imino-azaphosphiridine complex1reacts with CO to give 1,3-azaphosphetidinone complex2, whereas with isocyanides3a,bsubstitution occurred to yield the isocyanide-to-phosphinidene adducts4a,b.
Light-induced annihilation of Frenkel defects in organo-lead halide perovskites
Authors: Mosconi Edoardo , Meggiolaro Daniele , Snaith Henry J. , Stranks Samuel D. , De Angelis Filippo
Published: August 2016

The photoinduced removal of trap states due to Frenkel defects is found to enhance the PLQE of perovskite thin films.
A combined supplementation of vitamin B12and omega-3 fatty acids across two generations improves cardiometabolic variables in rats
Authors: Khaire Amrita , Rathod Richa , Randhir Karuna , Kale Anvita , Joshi Sadhana
Published: August 2016

Our earlier studies indicate that micronutrients (vitamin B12, folic acid) and omega-3 fatty acids especially docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are interlinked in one carbon cycle.
The effect of sun-dried raisins (Vitis viniferaL.) on thein vitrocomposition of the gut microbiota
Authors: Mandalari Giuseppina , Chessa Simona , Bisignano Carlo , Chan Luisa , Carughi Arianna
Published: August 2016

Modulation of the human gut microbiota has proven to have beneficial effects on host health. Sun-dried raisins exhibited prebiotic potential.
Co-loaded proteinase K/thyme oil liposomes for inactivation of Escherichia coli O157:H7 biofilms on cucumber
Authors: Cui Haiying , Ma Cuixia , Lin Lin
Published: August 2016

Proteinase K and thyme oil co-loaded liposomes effectively induce the dispersal of Escherichia coli O157:H7 biofilms on cucumbers.
Calcium tungstate: a convenient recoverable catalyst for hydrogen peroxide oxidation
Authors: Tressler Caitlin M. , Stonehouse Peter , Kyler Keith S.
Published: August 2016

Calcium tungstate was found to be an excellent catalyst for large scale “green” oxidations of organic substrates (amines, alkenes, alcohols, sulfides) with hydrogen peroxide.
Eco-friendly synthesis of indo dyes mediated by a bacterial laccase
Authors: Sousa Ana Catarina , Piedade M. Fátima M. M. , Martins Lígia O. , Robalo M. Paula
Published: August 2016

An enzymatic route was identified for the production of indo dyes, through oxidative coupling mediated by the bacterial CotA-laccase.