bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in land use driven by urbanization impact nitrogen cycling and the microbial community composition in soils
Authors: Wang Haitao , Marshall Christopher W. , Cheng Minying , Xu Huijuan , Li Hu , Yang Xiaoru , Zheng Tianling
Published: March 2017

Transition of populations from rural to urban living causes landscape changes and alters the functionality of soil ecosystems. It is unclear how this urbanization disturbs the microbial ecology of soils and how the disruption influences nitrogen cycling. In this study, microbial communities in turfgrass-grown soils from urban and suburban areas around Xiamen City were compared to microbial communities in the soils from rural farmlands. The potential N2O emissions, potential denitrification activity, and abundances of denitrifiers were higher in the rural farmland soils compared with the turfgrass soils. Ammonia oxidizing archaea (AOA) were more abundant than ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB) in turfgrass soils. Within turfgrass soils, the potential nitrification activities and AOA abundances were higher in the urban than in the suburban soils. These results indicate a more pivotal role of AOA in nitrification, especially in urban soils. Microbial community composition was distinctly grouped along urbanization categories (urban, suburban, and rural) classified according to the population density, which can in part be attributed to the differences in soil properties. These observed changes could potentially have a broader impact on soil nutrient availability and greenhouse gas emissions.
Improved drought tolerance in wheat plants overexpressing a synthetic bacterial cold shock protein gene SeCspA
Authors: Yu Tai-Fei , Xu Zhao-Shi , Guo Jin-Kao , Wang Yan-Xia , Abernathy Brian , Fu Jin-Dong , Chen Xiao , Zhou Yong-Bin , Chen Ming , Ye Xing-Guo , Ma You-Zhi
Published: March 2017

Cold shock proteins (CSPs) enhance acclimatization of bacteria to adverse environmental circumstances. The Escherichia coli CSP genes CspA and CspB were modified to plant-preferred codon sequences and named as SeCspA and SeCspB. Overexpression of exogenous SeCspA and SeCspB in transgenic Arabidopsis lines increased germination rates, survival rates, and increased primary root length compared to control plants under drought and salt stress. Investigation of several stress-related parameters in SeCspA and SeCspB transgenic wheat lines indicated that these lines possessed stress tolerance characteristics, including lower malondialdehyde (MDA) content, lower water loss rates, lower relative Na+ content, and higher chlorophyll content and proline content than the control wheat plants under drought and salt stresses. RNA-seq and qRT-PCR expression analysis showed that overexpression of SeCsp could enhance the expression of stress-responsive genes. The field experiments showed that the SeCspA transgenic wheat lines had great increases in the 1000-grain weight and grain yield compared to the control genotype under drought stress conditions. Significant differences in the stress indices revealed that the SeCspA transgenic wheat lines possessed significant and stable improvements in drought tolerance over the control plants. No such improvement was observed for the SeCspB transgenic lines under field conditions. Our results indicated that SeCspA conferred drought tolerance and improved physiological traits in wheat plants.
Carbon sequestration by Australian tidal marshes
Authors: Macreadie Peter I. , Ollivier Q. R. , Kelleway J. J. , Serrano O. , Carnell P. E. , Ewers Lewis C. J. , Atwood T. B. , Sanderman J. , Baldock J. , Connolly R. M. , Duarte C. M. , Lavery P. S. , Steven A. , Lovelock C. E.
Published: March 2017

Australia’s tidal marshes have suffered significant losses but their recently recognised importance in CO2 sequestration is creating opportunities for their protection and restoration. We compiled all available data on soil organic carbon (OC) storage in Australia’s tidal marshes (323 cores). OC stocks in the surface 1 m averaged 165.41 (SE 6.96) Mg OC ha−1 (range 14–963 Mg OC ha−1). The mean OC accumulation rate was 0.55 ± 0.02 Mg OC ha−1 yr−1. Geomorphology was the most important predictor of OC stocks, with fluvial sites having twice the stock of OC as seaward sites. Australia’s 1.4 million hectares of tidal marshes contain an estimated 212 million tonnes of OC in the surface 1 m, with a potential CO2-equivalent value of $USD7.19 billion. Annual sequestration is 0.75 Tg OC yr−1, with a CO2-equivalent value of $USD28.02 million per annum. This study provides the most comprehensive estimates of tidal marsh blue carbon in Australia, and illustrates their importance in climate change mitigation and adaptation, acting as CO2 sinks and buffering the impacts of rising sea level. We outline potential further development of carbon offset schemes to restore the sequestration capacity and other ecosystem services provided by Australia tidal marshes.
Incidence and outcomes of uterine rupture among women with prior caesarean section: WHO Multicountry Survey on Maternal and Newborn Health
Authors: Motomura Kenichiro , Ganchimeg Togoobaatar , Nagata Chie , Ota Erika , Vogel Joshua P. , Betran Ana Pilar , Torloni Maria Regina , Jayaratne Kapila , Jwa Seung Chik , Mittal Suneeta , Dy Recidoro Zenaida , Matsumoto Kenji , Fujieda Mikiya , Nafiou Idi , Yunis Khalid , Qureshi Zahida , Souza Joao Paulo , Mori Rintaro
Published: March 2017

Caesarean section (CS) is increasing globally, and women with prior CS are at higher risk of uterine rupture in subsequent pregnancies. However, little is known about the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of uterine rupture in women with prior CS, especially in developing countries. To investigate this, we conducted a secondary analysis of the World Health Organization Multicountry Survey on Maternal and Newborn Health, which included data on delivery from 359 facilities in 29 countries. The incidence of uterine rupture among women with at least one prior CS was 0.5% (170/37,366), ranging from 0.2% in high-Human Development Index (HDI) countries to 1.0% in low-HDI countries. Factors significantly associated with uterine rupture included giving birth in medium- or low-HDI countries (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 2.0 and 3.88, respectively), lower maternal educational level (≤6 years) (AOR 1.71), spontaneous onset of labour (AOR 1.62), and gestational age at birth <37 weeks (AOR 3.52). Women with uterine rupture had significantly higher risk of maternal death (AOR 4.45) and perinatal death (AOR 33.34). Women with prior CS, especially in resource-limited settings, are facing higher risk of uterine rupture and subsequent adverse outcomes. Further studies are needed for prevention/management strategies in these settings.
Cumulative effects of suspended sediments, organic nutrients and temperature stress on early life history stages of the coral Acropora tenuis
Authors: Humanes Adriana , Ricardo Gerard F. , Willis Bette L. , Fabricius Katharina E. , Negri Andrew P.
Published: March 2017

Coral reproduction is vulnerable to both declining water quality and warming temperatures, with simultaneous exposures likely compounding the negative impact of each stressor. We investigated how early life processes of the coral Acropora tenuis respond to increasing levels of suspended sediments in combination with temperature or organic nutrients. Fertilization success and embryo development were more sensitive to suspended sediments than to high temperatures or nutrient enrichment, while larval development (after acquisition of cilia) and settlement success were predominantly affected by thermal stress. Fertilization success was reduced 80% by suspended sediments, and up to 24% by temperature, while the addition of nutrients to suspended sediments had no further impact. Larval survivorship was unaffected by any of these treatments. However, settlement success of larvae developing from treatment-exposed embryos was negatively affected by all three stressors (e.g. up to 55% by suspended sediments), while exposure only during later larval stages predominantly responded to temperature stress. Environmentally relevant levels of suspended sediments and temperature had the greatest impacts, affecting more processes than the combined impacts of sediments and nutrients. These results suggest that management strategies to maintain suspended sediments at low concentrations during coral spawning events will benefit coral recruitment, especially with warming climate.
Rat umbilical cord blood cells attenuate hypoxic–ischemic brain injury in neonatal rats
Authors: Nakanishi Keiko , Sato Yoshiaki , Mizutani Yuka , Ito Miharu , Hirakawa Akihiro , Higashi Yujiro
Published: March 2017

Increasing evidence has suggested that human umbilical cord blood cells (hUCBC) have a favorable effect on hypoxic–ischemic (HI) brain injury. However, the efficacy of using hUCBCs to treat this injury has been variable and the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Here, we investigated its effectiveness using stereological analysis in an allogeneic system to examine whether intraperitoneal injection of cells derived from UCBCs of green fluorescent protein (GFP)-transgenic rats could ameliorate brain injury in neonatal rats. Three weeks after the HI event, the estimated residual brain volume was larger and motor function improved more in the cell-injected rats than in the control (PBS-treated) rats. The GFP-positive cells were hardly detectable in the brain (0.0057% of injected cells) 9 days after injection. Although 60% of GFP-positive cells in the brain were Iba1-positive, none of these were positive for NeuroD or DCX. While the number of proliferating cells increased in the hippocampus, that of activated microglia/macrophages decreased and a proportion of M2 microglia/macrophages increased in the ipsilateral hemisphere of cell-injected rats. These results suggest that intraperitoneal injection of cells derived from UCBCs could ameliorate HI injury, possibly through an endogenous response and not by supplying differentiated neurons derived from the injected stem cells.
Lah is a transmembrane protein and requires Spa10 for stable positioning of Woronin bodies at the septal pore of Aspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Leonhardt Yannik , Kakoschke Sara Carina , Wagener Johannes , Ebel Frank
Published: March 2017

Woronin bodies are specialized, fungal-specific organelles that enable an immediate closure of septal pores after injury to protect hyphae from excessive cytoplasmic bleeding. In most Ascomycetes, Woronin bodies are tethered at the septal pore by so-called Lah proteins. Using the pathogenic mold Aspergillus fumigatus as a model organism, we show that the C-terminal 288 amino acids of Lah (LahC288) bind to the rim of the septal pore. LahC288 essentially consists of a membrane spanning region and a putative extracellular domain, which are both required for the targeting to the septum. In an A. fumigatus rho4 deletion mutant that has a severe defect in septum formation, LahC288 is recruited to spot-like structures in or at the lateral membrane. This suggests that LahC is recruited before Rho4 starts to govern the septation process. Accordingly, we found that in wild type hyphae Lah is bound before a cross-wall emerges and thus enables a tethering of Woronin bodies at the site of the newly formed septum. Finally, we identified Spa10, a member of a recently described family of septal pore-associated proteins, as a first protein that directly or indirectly interacts with LahC to allow a stable positioning of Woronin bodies at the mature septum.
Screening for diabetes mellitus among tuberculosis patients in Southern Nigeria: a multi-centre implementation study under programme settings
Authors: Ekeke Ngozi , Ukwaja Kingsley N. , Chukwu Joseph N. , Nwafor Charles C. , Meka Anthony O. , Egbagbe Eruke E. , Soyinka Festus O. , Alobu Isaac , Agujiobi Ifeanyi , Akingbesote Samuel , Igbinigie Osagie , Offor Job B. , Madichie Nelson O. , Alphonsus Chukwuka , Anyim Moses C. , Mbah Obinna K. , Oshi Daniel C.
Published: March 2017

Implementation studies are recommended to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of programmes. In Nigeria, little is known about the burden of diabetes mellitus (DM) among tuberculosis (TB) patients. The objective of this study was to determine screening efficacy, prevalence of DM and determinants of DM among TB patients. We report on a multi-centre implementation study carried-out in 13 health facilities in six States of Southern Nigeria. All newly diagnosed TB patients registered from March to October 2015 were screened for DM using current World Health Organisation guidelines. Overall, 2094 TB patients were evaluated, 196 (9.4%) were found to have DM. The prevalence of newly diagnosed DM was 5.5% (115/2094). DM prevalence varied according to age group; occurring in 2.2% of patients aged ≤ 25 years and 16.9% in patients aged (56–65) years. The additional yield of DM was 59% while the number needed to screen to detect a new case of DM was 18. Factors associated with DM were; age >40 years (aOR2.8, CI 2.1–3.9), rural residence (aOR2.3, 1.6–3.2), private health facility care (aOR2.0, 1.4–2.7), and having an occupation that engages in vigorous activity (aOR0.6, 0.4–0.9). The burden of DM among TB patients is high. Prioritization of DM screening for TB patients is indicated.
SrCo1−xTixO3−δ perovskites as excellent catalysts for fast degradation of water contaminants in neutral and alkaline solutions
Authors: Miao Jie , Sunarso Jaka , Su Chao , Zhou Wei , Wang Shaobin , Shao Zongping
Published: March 2017

Perovskite-like oxides SrCo1−xTixO3−δ (SCTx, x = 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6) were used as heterogeneous catalysts to activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for phenol degradation under a wide pH range, exhibiting more rapid phenol oxidation than Co3O4 and TiO2. The SCT0.4/PMS system produced a high activity at increased initial pH, achieving optimized performance at pH ≥ 7 in terms of total organic carbon removal, the minimum Co leaching and good catalytic stability. Kinetic studies showed that the phenol oxidation kinetics on SCT0.4/PMS system followed the pseudo-zero order kinetics and the rate on SCT0.4/PMS system decreased with increasing initial phenol concentration, decreased PMS amount, catalyst loading and solution temperature. Quenching tests using ethanol and tert-butyl alcohol demonstrated sulfate and hydroxyl radicals for phenol oxidation. This investigation suggested promising heterogeneous catalysts for organic oxidation with PMS, showing a breakthrough in the barriers of metal leaching, acidic pH, and low efficiency of heterogeneous catalysis.
DNA interference-mediated screening of maternal factors in the chordate Oikopleura dioica
Authors: Omotezako Tatsuya , Matsuo Masaki , Onuma Takeshi A. , Nishida Hiroki
Published: March 2017

The maternal contribution to the oocyte cytoplasm plays an important role during embryogenesis because it is involved in early cell fate specification and embryonic axis establishment. However, screening projects targeting maternal factors have only been conducted in a limited number of animal models, such as nematodes, fruit flies, and zebrafish, while few maternal genes have been analysed because of difficulties encountered in inhibiting gene products already expressed in the ovaries. Therefore, simple and efficient methods for large-scale maternal screening are necessary. The appendicularian Oikopleura dioica is a planktonic tunicate member of the chordates. Gonadal microinjection and a novel gene knockdown method, DNA interference (DNAi), have been developed for use in this animal with the aim of inhibiting gene functions during oogenesis within the gonad. In this study, we adapted these methods for large-scale maternal factor screening, and observed malformation phenotypes related to some maternal factors. Approximately 2000 (56.9%) ovary-enriched gene products were screened, of which the knockdown of seven encoding genes resulted in various abnormalities during embryonic development. Most of these were related to microtubules and cell adhesion-related proteins. We conclude that DNAi is a potentially powerful screening tool for the identification of novel maternal factors in chordates.
Sprint-interval but not continuous exercise increases PGC-1α protein content and p53 phosphorylation in nuclear fractions of human skeletal muscle
Authors: Granata Cesare , Oliveira Rodrigo S. F. , Little Jonathan P. , Renner Kathrin , Bishop David J.
Published: March 2017

Sprint interval training has been reported to induce similar or greater mitochondrial adaptations to continuous training. However, there is limited knowledge about the effects of different exercise types on the early molecular events regulating mitochondrial biogenesis. Therefore, we compared the effects of continuous and sprint interval exercise on key regulatory proteins linked to mitochondrial biogenesis in subcellular fractions of human skeletal muscle. Nineteen men, performed either 24 min of moderate-intensity continuous cycling at 63% of WPeak (CE), or 4 × 30-s “all-out” cycling sprints (SIE). Muscle samples (vastus lateralis) were collected pre-, immediately (+0 h) and 3 (+3 h) hours post-exercise. Nuclear p53 and PHF20 protein content increased at +0 h, with no difference between groups. Nuclear p53 phosphorylation and PGC-1α protein content increased at +0 h after SIE, but not CE. We demonstrate an exercise-induced increase in nuclear p53 protein content, an event that may relate to greater p53 stability - as also suggested by increased PHF20 protein content. Increased nuclear p53 phosphorylation and PGC-1α protein content immediately following SIE but not CE suggests these may represent important early molecular events in the exercise-induced response to exercise, and that SIE is a time-efficient and possibly superior option than CE to promote these adaptations.
Ultrafast quantum computation in ultrastrongly coupled circuit QED systems
Authors: Wang Yimin , Guo Chu , Zhang Guo-Qiang , Wang Gangcheng , Wu Chunfeng
Published: March 2017

The latest technological progress of achieving the ultrastrong-coupling regime in circuit quantum electrodynamics (QED) systems has greatly promoted the developments of quantum physics, where novel quantum optics phenomena and potential computational benefits have been predicted. Here, we propose a scheme to accelerate the nontrivial two-qubit phase gate in a circuit QED system, where superconducting flux qubits are ultrastrongly coupled to a transmission line resonator (TLR), and two more TLRs are coupled to the ultrastrongly-coupled system for assistant. The nontrivial unconventional geometric phase gate between the two flux qubits is achieved based on close-loop displacements of the three-mode intracavity fields. Moreover, as there are three resonators contributing to the phase accumulation, the requirement of the coupling strength to realize the two-qubit gate can be reduced. Further reduction in the coupling strength to achieve a specific controlled-phase gate can be realized by adding more auxiliary resonators to the ultrastrongly-coupled system through superconducting quantum interference devices. We also present a study of our scheme with realistic parameters considering imperfect controls and noisy environment. Our scheme possesses the merits of ultrafastness and noise-tolerance due to the advantages of geometric phases.
Analysis of Campylobacter jejuni infection in the gnotobiotic piglet and genome-wide identification of bacterial factors required for infection
Authors: de Vries Stefan P. W. , Linn Aileen , Macleod Kareen , MacCallum Amanda , Hardy Simon P. , Douce Gill , Watson Eleanor , Dagleish Mark P. , Thompson Hal , Stevenson Andy , Kennedy David , Baig Abiyad , Coward Chris , Maskell Duncan J. , Smith David G. E. , Grant Andrew J. , Everest Paul
Published: March 2017

To investigate how Campylobacter jejuni causes the clinical symptoms of diarrhoeal disease in humans, use of a relevant animal model is essential. Such a model should mimic the human disease closely in terms of host physiology, incubation period before onset of disease, clinical signs and a comparable outcome of disease. In this study, we used a gnotobiotic piglet model to study determinants of pathogenicity of C. jejuni. In this model, C. jejuni successfully established infection and piglets developed an increased temperature with watery diarrhoea, which was caused by a leaky epithelium and reduced bile re-absorption in the intestines. Further, we assessed the C. jejuni genes required for infection of the porcine gastrointestinal tract utilising a transposon (Tn) mutant library screen. A total of 123 genes of which Tn mutants showed attenuated piglet infection were identified. Our screen highlighted a crucial role for motility and chemotaxis, as well as central metabolism. In addition, Tn mutants of 14 genes displayed enhanced piglet infection. This study gives a unique insight into the mechanisms of C. jejuni disease in terms of host physiology and contributing bacterial factors.
Visualising recalcitrance by colocalisation of cellulase, lignin and cellulose in pretreated pine biomass using fluorescence microscopy
Authors: Donaldson Lloyd , Vaidya Alankar
Published: March 2017

Mapping the location of bound cellulase enzymes provides information on the micro-scale distribution of amenable and recalcitrant sites in pretreated woody biomass for biofuel applications. The interaction of a fluorescently labelled cellulase enzyme cocktail with steam-exploded pine (SEW) was quantified using confocal microscopy. The spatial distribution of Dylight labelled cellulase was quantified relative to lignin (autofluorescence) and cellulose (Congo red staining) by measuring their colocalisation using Pearson correlations. Correlations were greater in cellulose-rich secondary cell walls compared to lignin-rich middle lamella but with significant variations among individual biomass particles. The distribution of cellulose in the pretreated biomass accounted for 30% of the variation in the distribution of enzyme after correcting for the correlation between lignin and cellulose. For the first time, colocalisation analysis was able to quantify the spatial distribution of amenable and recalcitrant sites in relation to the histochemistry of cellulose and lignin. This study will contribute to understanding the role of pretreatment in enzymatic hydrolysis of recalcitrant softwood biomass.
Chemogenetic stimulation of the hypoglossal neurons improves upper airway patency
Authors: Fleury Curado Thomaz , Fishbein Kenneth , Pho Huy , Brennick Michael , Dergacheva Olga , Sennes Luiz U. , Pham Luu V. , Ladenheim Ellen E. , Spencer Richard , Mendelowitz David , Schwartz Alan R. , Polotsky Vsevolod Y.
Published: March 2017

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by recurrent upper airway obstruction during sleep. OSA leads to high cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The pathogenesis of OSA has been linked to a defect in neuromuscular control of the pharynx. There is no effective pharmacotherapy for OSA. The objective of this study was to determine whether upper airway patency can be improved using chemogenetic approach by deploying designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drug (DREADD) in the hypoglossal motorneurons. DREADD (rAAV5-hSyn-hM3(Gq)-mCherry) and control virus (rAAV5-hSyn-EGFP) were stereotactically administered to the hypoglossal nucleus of C57BL/6J mice. In 6–8 weeks genioglossus EMG and dynamic MRI of the upper airway were performed before and after administration of the DREADD ligand clozapine-N-oxide (CNO) or vehicle (saline). In DREADD-treated mice, CNO activated the genioglossus muscle and markedly dilated the pharynx, whereas saline had no effect. Control virus treated mice showed no effect of CNO. Our results suggest that chemogenetic approach can be considered as a treatment option for OSA and other motorneuron disorders.
Compelling experimental evidence of a Dirac cone in the electronic structure of a 2D Silicon layer
Authors: Sadeddine Sana , Enriquez Hanna , Bendounan Azzedine , Kumar Das Pranab , Vobornik Ivana , Kara Abdelkader , Mayne Andrew J. , Sirotti Fausto , Dujardin Gérald , Oughaddou Hamid
Published: March 2017

The remarkable properties of graphene stem from its two-dimensional (2D) structure, with a linear dispersion of the electronic states at the corners of the Brillouin zone (BZ) forming a Dirac cone. Since then, other 2D materials have been suggested based on boron, silicon, germanium, phosphorus, tin, and metal di-chalcogenides. Here, we present an experimental investigation of a single silicon layer on Au(111) using low energy electron diffraction (LEED), high resolution angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (HR-ARPES), and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). The HR-ARPES data show compelling evidence that the silicon based 2D overlayer is responsible for the observed linear dispersed feature in the valence band, with a Fermi velocity of "Equation missing" comparable to that of graphene. The STM images show extended and homogeneous domains, offering a viable route to the fabrication of silicene-based opto-electronic devices.
Heart rate variability indicates emotional value during pro-social economic laboratory decisions with large external validity
Authors: Fooken Jonas
Published: March 2017

The present study investigates the external validity of emotional value measured in economic laboratory experiments by using a physiological indicator of stress, heart rate variability (HRV). While there is ample evidence supporting the external validity of economic experiments, there is little evidence comparing the magnitude of internal levels of emotional stress during decision making with external stress. The current study addresses this gap by comparing the magnitudes of decision stress experienced in the laboratory with the stress from outside the laboratory. To quantify a large change in HRV, measures observed in the laboratory during decision-making are compared to the difference between HRV during a university exam and other mental activity for the same individuals in and outside of the laboratory. The results outside the laboratory inform about the relevance of laboratory findings in terms of their relative magnitude. Results show that psychologically induced HRV changes observed in the laboratory, particularly in connection with social preferences, correspond to large effects outside. This underscores the external validity of laboratory findings and shows the magnitude of emotional value connected to pro-social economic decisions in the laboratory.
The fusogenic peptide HA2 impairs selectivity of CXCR4-targeted protein nanoparticles
Authors: Sánchez-García L. , Serna N. , Mattanovich M. , Cazzanelli P. , Sánchez-Chardi A. , Conchillo-Solé O. , Cortés F. , Daura X. , Unzueta U. , Mangues R. , Villaverde A. , Vázquez E.
Published: March 2017

We demonstrate here that the genetic incorporation of the fusogenic peptide HA2 to a CXCR4-targeted protein nanoparticle dramatically reduces the specificity of the interaction between nanoparticles and cell receptor.
Facile embedding of single vanadium atoms at the anatase TiO2(101) surface
Authors: Koust Stig , Arnarson Logi , Moses Poul G. , Li Zheshen , Beinik Igor , Lauritsen Jeppe V. , Wendt Stefan
Published: March 2017

The interaction of V with anatase TiO2(101) is studied by high-resolution STM at various temperatures, and embedding of monomeric V is found.
High thermal stability of core–shell structures dominated by negative interface energy
Authors: Zhu Yong-Fu , Zhao Ning , Jin Bo , Zhao Ming , Jiang Qing
Published: March 2017

Superheating of the low-Tm(∞)-core is induced by the negative interface energy, improving thermal expansion, atomic diffusion and heat capacity accordingly.
Packing energetics determine the folding routes of the RNase-H proteins
Authors: Yadahalli Shilpa , Gosavi Shachi
Published: March 2017

The RNase-H proteins show a diverse range of folding routes with structurally distinct folding nuclei.
Culture-dependent enumeration methods failed to simultaneously detect disinfectant-injured and genetically modified Escherichia coli in drinking water
Authors: Li Jing , Liu Lu , Yang Dong , Liu Wei-li , Shen Zhi-Qiang , Qu Hong-mei , Qiu Zhi-Gang , Hou Ai-ming , Wang Da-Ning , Ding Chen-shi , Li Jun-Wen , Guo Jian-hua , Jin Min
Published: March 2017

A comparison of four culture-dependent enumeration methods for disinfectant-injured and GME. coliin water.
Fast, solvent-free and highly enantioselective fluorination of β-keto esters catalyzed by chiral copper complexes in a ball mill
Authors: Wang Yifeng , Wang Haojiang , Jiang Yidong , Zhang Cheng , Shao Juanjuan , Xu Danqian
Published: March 2017

A fast and highly enantioselective fluorination of β-keto esters catalyzed by diphenylamine linked bis(oxazoline)-Cu(OTf)2 complexes under solvent-free conditions has been developed using a planetary ball mill.
The microfluidic nebulator: production of sub-micrometer sized airborne drops
Authors: Amstad Esther , Spaepen Frans , Brenner Michael P. , Weitz David A.
Published: March 2017

Many powders employed in the food and pharmaceutical industries are produced through spray drying because it is a cost efficient process that offers control over the particle size.
Mapping neuroreceptors with metal-labeled radiopharmaceuticals
Authors: Chaturvedi S. , Kaul A. , Hazari Puja P. , Mishra Anil K.
Published: March 2017

Development in metal based radiopharmaceuticals – review on design considerations, ongoing research and future directions.
A simple in situ synthesis of magnetic M@CNTs by thermolysis of the hybrid perovskite [TPrA][M(dca)3]
Authors: Bermúdez-García Juan Manuel , Yáñez-Vilar Susana , García-Fernández Alberto , Sánchez-Andújar Manuel , Castro-García Socorro , Mira Jorge , Moreira Joaquim Agostinho , Centeno Teresa A. , Señarís-Rodríguez María Antonia
Published: March 2017

The incorporation of dicyanamide blocks in hybrid perovskites is a good strategy for the easy synthesis of M@CNTs.
Synthesis and antiproliferative activity of sulfa-Michael adducts and thiochromenes derived from carbohydrates
Authors: Luque-Agudo V. , Albarrán-Velo J. , Fernández-Bolaños J. G. , López O. , Light M. E. , Padrón J. M. , Lagunes I. , Román E. , Serrano J. A. , Gil M. V.
Published: March 2017

The synthesis of new carbohydrate-derived 3-nitro-2H-thiochromenes with potential antiproliferative activity is described.
Carbazole functionalized new bipolar ligand for monochromatic red light-emitting europium(iii) complex: combined experimental and theoretical study
Authors: Rajamouli B. , Dwaraka Viswanath C. S. , Giri S. , Jayasankar C. K. , Sivakumar V.
Published: March 2017

Complete energy transfer observed from carbazole functionalized bipolar ligand as well as β-diketonate to Eu(iii) ion and Eu(iii) complex shows efficient PLQE (41.4%) with appropriate CIE color coordinates (x = 0.64, y = 0.36).
Cycling stability of the Li3(V0.9Mg0.1)2(PO4)3/C cathode with an increase in the charge cut-off voltage
Authors: Min Xiujuan , Mu Deying , Li Ruhong , Dai Changsong
Published: March 2017

Li3(V0.9Mg0.1)2(PO4)3/C cathode had a decreasing cycling stability over a broad voltage range.
Swimming with a cage: low-Reynolds-number locomotion inside a droplet
Authors: Reigh Shang Yik , Zhu Lailai , Gallaire François , Lauga Eric
Published: March 2017

Inspired by recent experiments using synthetic microswimmers to manipulate droplets, we investigate the low-Reynolds-number locomotion of a model swimmer (a spherical squirmer) encapsulated inside a droplet of a comparable size in another viscous fluid.
Enhanced stability and metallic modification of polymeric and carbonaceous nanospheres through precursor engineering via a one-pot aqueous strategy assisted by iron ions
Authors: Zhu Xiaojing , Chong Jing , Hu Tao , Wang Xiufang , Tian Yong
Published: March 2017

Solidified polymer nanospheres and the corresponding mesoporous carbon nanospheres incorporated with ultra-fine Fe3O4nanocrystals were fabricated by a one-pot aqueous route assisted by iron ions.
Designing multifunctional 3D magnetic foam for effective insoluble oil separation and rapid selective dye removal for use in wastewater remediation
Authors: Zhang Yan Qiu , Yang Xiao Bin , Wang Zhen Xing , Long Jun , Shao Lu
Published: March 2017

A magnetic, multifunctional melamine foam (MF) containing Fe3O4 nanoparticles, poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate) (PSBMA) and polydopamine (PDA) was designed and fabricated via a simple mussel-inspired one-pot process, which not only can separate oil/water mixtures and emulsions but also has unique cationic-dye selective separation abilities.
Yolk-structured multifunctional up-conversion nanoparticles for synergistic photodynamic–sonodynamic antibacterial resistance therapy
Authors: Xu Feiya , Hu Min , Liu Chengcheng , Choi Seok Ki
Published: March 2017

The PDT and SDT combination in bacterial killing is better than a single strategy. NIR of UCNPs shows deeper tissue penetration than visible and UV light. Yolk-structured UCNPs show abundant loading space and better water solubility.
A one-pot route to thioamides discovered by gas-phase studies: palladium-mediated CO2 extrusion followed by insertion of isothiocyanates
Authors: Noor Asif , Li Jiawei , Khairallah George N. , Li Zhen , Ghari Hossein , Canty Allan J. , Ariafard Alireza , Donnelly Paul S. , O'Hair Richard A. J.
Published: March 2017

A palladium mediated synthesis of thioamides from aromatic carboxylic acids and substituted isothiocyanates was discovered by gas-phase experiments and theoretical studies.
Thermally driven bubble evolution at a heater wire in water characterized by high-speed transmission electron microscopy
Authors: Vance J. R. , Dillon S. J.
Published: March 2017

Using in situ high-speed transmission electron microscopy, we investigate the nucleation and thermocapillary migration of microbubbles in water.
Regioselective SN2 reactions for rapid syntheses of azido-inositols by one-pot sequence-specific nucleophilysis
Authors: Ravi Arthi , Hassan Syed Zahid , Vanikrishna Ajithkumar N. , Sureshan Kana M.
Published: March 2017

Sequential nucleophilysis of myo-inositol-disulfonate provides easy access to azido-inositols.
Rapid access to cyclopentadiene derivatives through gold-catalyzed cycloisomerization of ynamides with cyclopropenes by preferential activation of alkenes over alkynes
Authors: Cheng Xing , Zhu Lei , Lin Meijun , Chen Jianxin , Huang Xueliang
Published: March 2017

Double bond activation: the current transformation represents a rare example of preferential activation of alkenes over alkynes under gold catalysis.
Dimension-controlled assemblies of anion-responsive π-electronic systems bearing aryl substituents with fan-shaped geometries
Authors: Lakshmi Vellanki , Haketa Yohei , Yamakado Ryohei , Yasuda Nobuhiro , Maeda Hiromitsu
Published: March 2017

Pyrrole-4-aryl-substituted dipyrrolyldiketone BF2 complexes showed fan-shaped and rod-shaped geometries for anion-free states and receptor–anion complexes, respectively, as building units of dimension-controlled assemblies.
Positron insight into evolution of pore volume and penetration of the polymer network by n-heptane molecules in mesoporous XAD4
Authors: Zaleski Radosław , Kierys Agnieszka , Gorgol Marek
Published: March 2017

The swelling of the polymer skeleton due to the introduction of n-heptane: effects on mesopores and subnanometer free spaces.
Thermally induced breakup of metallic nanowires: experiment and theory
Authors: Schnedlitz Martin , Lasserus Maximilian , Knez Daniel , Hauser Andreas W. , Hofer Ferdinand , Ernst Wolfgang E.
Published: March 2017

We present time-resolved transmission electron microscopy studies of the degradation of Au, Ag, Cu and Ni nanowires deposited on a heated support.
Excimers from stable and persistent supramolecular radical-pairs in red/NIR-emitting organic nanoparticles and polymeric films
Authors: Blasi Davide , Nikolaidou Domna M. , Terenziani Francesca , Ratera Imma , Veciana Jaume
Published: March 2017

For the first time, using a carbon free-radical, excimeric emission from stable and persistent supramolecular radical-pairs has been observed.
Huge magnetoresistance induced by half-metal–semiconductor phase transition in a one-dimensional spin chain: a first-principles study
Authors: Zeng Jing , Chen Ke-Qiu
Published: March 2017

The change of magnetic configurations gives rise to the half-metal–semiconductor phase transition in the Co-salophene based spin chain, which eventually leads to the realization of huge magnetoresistance effect.
Exposing the G-quadruplex to electric fields: the role played by telomeres in the propagation of DNA errors
Authors: Cerón-Carrasco José Pedro , Jacquemin Denis
Published: March 2017

We use quantum calculations to assess the impact of external electric fields on the stability of G-quadruplex, a key structure in telomere functionality.
Atmospheric protein chemistry influenced by anthropogenic air pollutants: nitration and oligomerization upon exposure to ozone and nitrogen dioxide
Authors: Liu Fobang , Lakey Pascale S. J. , Berkemeier Thomas , Tong Haijie , Kunert Anna Theresa , Meusel Hannah , Cheng Yafang , Su Hang , Fröhlich-Nowoisky Janine , Lai Senchao , Weller Michael G. , Shiraiwa Manabu , Pöschl Ulrich , Kampf Christopher J.
Published: March 2017

The allergenic potential of airborne proteins may be enhanced via post-translational modification induced by air pollutants like ozone (O3) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). The molecular mechanisms and kinetics of the chemical modifications that enhance the allergenicity of proteins, however, are still not fully understood. Here, protein tyrosine nitration and oligomerization upon simultaneous exposure of O3 and NO2 were studied in coated-wall flow-tube and bulk solution experiments under varying atmospherically relevant conditions (5–200 ppb O3, 5–200 ppb NO2, 45–96% RH), using bovine serum albumin as a model protein. Generally, more tyrosine residues were found to react via the nitration pathway than via the oligomerization pathway. Depending on reaction conditions, oligomer mass fractions and nitration degrees were in the ranges of 2.5–25% and 0.5–7%, respectively. The experimental results were well reproduced by the kinetic multilayer model of aerosol surface and bulk chemistry (KM-SUB). The extent of nitration and oligomerization strongly depends on relative humidity (RH) due to moisture-induced phase transition of proteins, highlighting the importance of cloud processing conditions for accelerated protein chemistry. Dimeric and nitrated species were major products in the liquid phase, while protein oligomerization was observed to a greater extent for the solid and semi-solid phase states of proteins. Our results show that the rate of both processes was sensitive towards ambient ozone concentration, but rather insensitive towards different NO2 levels. An increase of tropospheric ozone concentrations in the Anthropocene may thus promote pro-allergic protein modifications and contribute to the observed increase of allergies over the past decades.
Stereoselective synthesis of novel adamantane derivatives with high potency against rimantadine-resistant influenza A virus strains
Authors: Kuznetsov Nikolai Yu. , Tikhov Rabdan M. , Godovikov Ivan A. , Medvedev Michael G. , Lyssenko Konstantin A. , Burtseva Elena I. , Kirillova Elena S. , Bubnov Yuri N.
Published: March 2017

A series of (R)- and (S)-isomers of new adamantane-substituted heterocycles were synthesized and tested for antiviral activity.
Adsorption and molecular siting of CO2, water, and other gases in the superhydrophobic, flexible pores of FMOF-1 from experiment and simulation
Authors: Moghadam Peyman Z. , Ivy Joshua F. , Arvapally Ravi K. , dos Santos Antonio M. , Pearson John C. , Zhang Li , Tylianakis Emmanouil , Ghosh Pritha , Oswald Iain W. H. , Kaipa Ushasree , Wang Xiaoping , Wilson Angela K. , Snurr Randall Q. , Omary Mohammad A.
Published: March 2017

CO2 isotherms for FMOF-1 reveal 11.0 mol L−1 max uptake and suggest framework expansion, substantiated by in situ neutron diffraction and GCMC simulations.
Ultra-high discharged energy density capacitor using high aspect ratio Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3 nanofibers
Authors: Luo Hang , Roscow James , Zhou Xuefan , Chen Sheng , Han Xianghui , Zhou Kechao , Zhang Dou , Bowen Chris R.
Published: March 2017

An ultra-high discharged energy density P(VDF-HFP) capacitor is achieved by introducing a small fraction of Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3 nanofibers.
Hierarchical NiO mesocrystals with tuneable high-energy facets for pseudocapacitive charge storage
Authors: Zheng Mingtao , Dong Hanwu , Xiao Yong , Hu Hang , He Chenglong , Liang Yeru , Lei Bingfu , Sun Luyi , Liu Yingliang
Published: March 2017

Hierarchical NiO mesocrystals with a cuboctahedron-like morphology and tuneable high-energy facets exhibited an exceptional pseudocapacitive charge storage performance.
Synthesis of graphene-like CuB23 nanosheets with a fast and stable response to H2S at ppb detection levels
Authors: Chen Ming Ming , Huang Chu Lin , Chu Wei , Hou Li Ping , Tong Dong Ge
Published: March 2017

CuB23 nanosheets exhibited a fast, stable and highly selective response to H2S at room temperature with a 1 ppb detection limit.
Polish Vocabulary Development in 2-Year-Olds: Comparisons With English Using the Language Development Survey
Authors: Rescorla Leslie , Constants Holly , Białecka-Pikul Marta , Stępień-Nycz Małgorzata , Ochał Anna
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The objective of this study was to compare vocabulary size and composition in 2-year-olds learning Polish or English as measured by the Language Development Survey (LDS; Rescorla, 1989).

Method

Participants were 199 Polish toddlers (
M
= 24.14 months,
SD
= 0.35) and 422 U.S. toddlers (
M
= 24.69 months,
SD
= 0.78).

Results

Test–retest reliability was .92, internal consistency was .99, and concurrent validity was .55. Girls had higher vocabulary scores than boys. Mean LDS score was significantly lower in Polish than in English, and fewer Polish children had LDS scores >200 words. Also, more words were reported for <25% of the children, and fewer words were reported for ≥75% of the children, in Polish than in English. The cross-linguistic correlation for word frequencies was .44. Noun dominance was comparable in the two languages, and 55 cross-linguistic word matches were found among the top 100 words. Although more Polish than U.S. children had <50 words (18.1% vs. 8.3%), children with <50 words and those with ≥50 words were generally acquiring the same words.

Conclusions

Vocabulary acquisition appeared to be slower in Polish than in English, probably because of the complexity of the language. However, the languages were very similar with respect to vocabulary composition findings.
An adjoint-based method for the numerical approximation of shape optimization problems in presence of fluid-structure interaction
Authors: Manzoni Andrea , Ponti Luca
Published: March 2017

In this work, we propose both a theoretical framework and a numerical method to tackle shape optimization problems related with fluid dynamics applications in presence of fluid-structure interactions. We present a general framework relying on the solution to a suitable adjoint problem and the characterization of the shape gradient of the cost functional to be minimized. We show how to derive a system of (first-order) optimality conditions combining several tools from shape analysis and how to exploit them in order to set a numerical iterative procedure to approximate the optimal solution. We also show how to deal efficiently with shape deformations (resulting from both the fluid-structure interaction and the optimization process). As benchmark case, we consider an unsteady Stokes flow in an elastic channel with compliant walls, whose motion under the effect of the flow is described through a linear Koiter shell model. Potential applications are related e.g. to design of cardiovascular prostheses in physiological flows or design of components in aerodynamics.
All-Arthroscopic Autologous Matrix-Induced Chondrogenesis-Aided Repair of a Patellar Cartilage Defect Using Dry Arthroscopy and a Retraction System
Authors: Puszkarz Mariusz , Kosmalska Lidia , Wiewiorski Martin , Sadlik Boguslaw
Published: March 2017

The technique of all-arthroscopic autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis (AMIC)-aided repair of patellar cartilage lesions using a retraction system and dry arthroscopy has been recently described. We report the first clinical and radiological data at a short-term follow-up. Twelve patients underwent AMIC-aided cartilage repair for a patellar lesion. All steps of the procedure were performed arthroscopically, which include the use of an intra-articularly placed retraction plate for distraction of the patellofemoral joint and evacuation of saline solution for collagen matrix insertion and fixation. Clinical assessment performed before surgery and at a mean follow-up time of 38 months (range: 24–70) included the following scores: Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), and visual analog scale (VAS). Magnetic resonance imaging was performed at the follow-up examination, including the magnetic resonance observation of cartilage repair tissue (MOCART) score. The mean KOOS and IKDC scores increased significantly (p < 0.01) from 50.3 and 37.4 points preoperatively to 90.1 and 79.4 postoperatively. The VAS score decreased from 7.8 to 2.3 points. Mean MOCART score at follow-up was 58.3 points. Cartilage repair of patellar lesions aided by a retraction system in a dry arthroscopy setup is a promising approach. Further studies are needed to evaluate this procedure and compare it to existing matrix implantation techniques. The level of evidence for the study is 4 (case series).
Pedobarographic Analysis in Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Kocadal Onur , Akman Budak , Şayli Uğur , Altıntaş Faik , Güven Melih
Published: March 2017

Pedobarographic gait analysis is a useful tool for the determination of loading distributions and alterations on the lower extremity and their reflection on the foot sole after many orthopaedic surgical applications. To date, there have been no studies evaluating the relationship between component alignment and changes of pedobarographic gait analysis in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We aimed to investigate the effects of TKA and prosthetic alignment on the distribution of pedobarographic parameters. Quantitative gait patterns of 47 patients were prospectively evaluated by using pedobarography 1 week before surgery and at the seventh month, on average, postoperatively. Component positions were assessed, and all applications were divided into three groups according to tibial component position as varus, neutral, and valgus. Pedobarographic results were compared between pre- and postoperative values for all applications and compared among the groups. Mean postoperative tibiofemoral angle was 5.4 degrees in valgus, and preoperative knee scores were markedly improved postoperatively. The range of tibial component alignment changed between 1 and 4 degrees in the varus and valgus groups. Plantar loading parameters (force and pressure) were significantly decreased in all operated knees, especially in forefoot and midfoot. In varus tibial components, plantar loading values decreased in midfoot and hindfoot. However, in the neutral and valgus groups, similar alterations of plantar loadings were obtained, which included decreasing in forefoot and midfoot with significant increase in hindfoot. Plantar loading distribution changed statistically significantly after TKA despite good clinical and radiographic results. Tibial component alignment was also responsible for plantar loading distribution. Tibial components in varus position create different foot loading characteristics compared with neutral and valgus aligned components. Pedobarographic evaluation in TKA allows clinicians to obtain a proper understanding of abnormal gait caused by component malposition.