bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inelastic mean free path of low‐energy electrons in condensed media: beyond the standard models
Authors: Emfietzoglou Dimitris , Kyriakou Ioanna , Garcia‐Molina Rafael , Abril Isabel
Published: December 2015

The most established approach for ‘practical’ calculations of the inelastic mean free path (IMFP) of low‐energy electrons (~10 eV to ~10 keV) is based on optical‐data models of the dielectric function. Despite nearly four decades of efforts, the IMFP of low‐energy electrons is often not known with the desired accuracy. A universal conclusion is that the predictions of the most popular models are in rather fair agreement above a few hundred electron volts but exhibit considerable differences at lower energies. However, this is the energy range where their two main approximations, namely, the random‐phase approximation (RPA) and the Born approximation, may be invalid. After a short overview of the most popular optical‐data models, we present an approach to include exchange and correlation (XC) effects in IMFP calculations, thus going beyond the RPA and Born approximation. The key element is the so‐called many‐body local‐field correction (LFC). XC effects among the screening electrons are included using a time‐dependent local‐density approximation for the LFC. Additional XC effects related to the incident and struck electrons are included through the vertex correction calculated using a screened‐Hubbard formula for the LFC. The results presented for liquid water reveal that XC may increase the IMFP by 15–45% from its Born–RPA value, yielding much better agreement with available experimental data. The present work provides a manageable, yet rigorous, approach to improve upon the standard models for IMFP calculations, through the inclusion of XC effects at both the level of screening and the level of interaction. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of cerium ions and shelf‐life of hybrid solution as pretreatment for AA 2024 aluminum alloy on its anticorrosion performance
Authors: Bravo‐Anagua Ernesto , Aoki Idalina Vieira
Published: December 2015

This paper proposes the use of an organic–inorganic hybrid GPTMS/TEOS/γ‐APS film for pretreatment of AA2024 aluminum alloy and to study the influence of the presence of Ce (III) and Ce (IV) ions and ageing of the hybrid solution. The hybrid synthesis was based in TEOS (tetraethyl orthosilicate) as the inorganic precursor, GPTMS (3‐glicidoxypropyltrimethoxy silane) as monomer and coupling agent and γ‐APS (gamma‐aminopropyltrimethoxysilane) as crosslinking promoter. 400 and 100 ppm of Ce (III) or Ce (IV) ions were added in the hydrolysis solution acidified with acetic acid and allowed to complete the reaction for 72 h. After hydrolysis, the mixture was diluted in the dilution ratios 1 : 3 or 1 : 4 before standing for 60 min polymerize. The hybrid film was applied on AA2024 specimens using a ‘dip‐coater’. The coated specimens were cured in an oven at 150 °C for 1 h. Hybrid films anticorrosion behavior was evaluated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and scanning vibrating electrode. It was concluded that the film containing Ce (III) or Ce (IV) ions imparts higher protection to substrate comparing with hybrid films without cerium ions. For short immersion times, hybrid films with Ce (IV) ions for both dilution ratios presented better protective properties. Hybrid film with Ce (III) at dilution ratios 1 : 4 and 1 : 3 presented better corrosion protection and self‐healing in 0.1 mol l‐1 NaCl solution, and it was indeed better noticed when testing hybrid films after longer times of immersion in the electrolyte. Kinematic viscosity of the hybrid solution has slightly increased in the presence of Ce (IV) for longer shelf‐life. Hybrid film thickness increased for longer shelf‐life of the hybrid solution. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inhibition effect of azole derivate on corrosion activity of copper in rolling oil
Authors: Xiong Sang , Sun Jianlin , Yan Xudong , Xu Yang
Published: December 2015

Corrosion rates are influenced by the formation of inhibitor aggregates on the copper surface. Laser scanning confocal microscope was used to investigate the adsorbed structures of benzotriazole, N‐((6‐methyl‐1H‐benzo[d][1,2,3]triazol‐1‐yl)methyl)‐N‐octyloctan‐1‐amine (MBA) and 2,5‐bis (ethyldisulfanyl)‐1,3,4‐thiadiazole at copper surface in relation to their performance as a corrosion inhibitor. The increase of water contact angle in the presence of inhibitor indicates its strong adsorption to the copper, and laser scanning confocal microscope visualization confirms the formation of MBA aggregates. The aggregates change from hemispherical to cylindrical shape with MBA concentration increasing in rolling oil, resulting in a decrease in corrosion rates as determined by mass loss measurements. Compared with 2,5‐bis (ethyldisulfanyl)‐1,3,4‐thiadiazole, oil‐added MBA has a quicker adsorption and formation speed of cylindrical aggregates and a lower corrosion rate. The adsorption of inhibitors on copper surface obeys Langmuir isotherm and physisorption and chemisorption mechanism. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
AES characterization of oxide films formed on nickel‐base alloys at Supercritical Water Reactor (SCWR) conditions
Authors: Maffiotte C. , Sáez‐Maderuelo A. , Gómez‐Briceño D.
Published: December 2015

Austenitic alloys have shown good resistance to corrosion under light water reactor operating conditions. By this reason, these materials have been considered to be part of the new supercritical water reactor, one of the highly efficient, low waste production and simply designed Generation IV nuclear reactors. The water chemistry control and the material response to corrosion in operating conditions of the supercritical water reactor take an outstanding interest in order to minimize the release of corrosion products and their subsequent transformation into radioactive products. One nickel‐base alloy, Alloy 690TT, and one austenitic stainless steel, Alloy 800 mod, were studied under supercritical water conditions (500 °C, 25 MPa and 8 ppm of dissolved oxygen). The effect of shot‐peening surface finish was also studied on Alloy 800 mod. The corrosion rate of these alloys was evaluated by means of gravimetry. Surface analysis and subsequent depth profiles were made using Auger electron spectroscopy in order to characterize the oxide films (quantitative composition and thickness) of the different alloys as well as the influence of shot‐peening on the oxidation process. According to these results, it can be concluded that shoot‐peening favours the incorporation of chromium to the oxide layer in case of Alloy 800 mod, and the thickness of the oxide layer on Alloy 690TT is higher than on Alloy 800 mod. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TEM investigation of barrier‐like anodic oxide films on aluminum
Authors: Schneider M. , Lämmel C. , Hübner R. , Gierth U. , Michaelis A.
Published: December 2015

The present study focuses mainly on non‐electrochemical investigation of thin barrier‐like oxide films formed under different pulse frequencies. The TEM investigation principally shows amorphous oxide films, which are dense and free of pores. The various pulse experiments have no influence on these film properties. The oxide growth factor was calculated to 1.06 nmV−1 in all cases. The microstructure (crystallographic orientation, grain boundaries) of the underlying substrate does not affect the oxide films. Independent of the pulse frequency, electrolyte species are not incorporated into the oxide films. The evidenced differences in the film thickness are caused by intrinsic peculiarities of the high‐field mechanism of growing oxide. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Widening with thresholds via binary search
Authors: Kim Sol , Heo Kihong , Oh Hakjoo , Yi Kwangkeun
Published: December 2015

In this paper, we present a useful technique for implementing practical static program analyzers that use widening. Our technique aims to improve the efficiency of the conventional widening‐with‐thresholds technique at a small precision compromise. In static analysis, widening is used to accelerate (or converge) fixed point iterations. Unfortunately, this acceleration often comes with a significant loss in analysis precision. A standard method to improve the precision is to apply the widening with a set of thresholds. However, this technique may significantly slow down the analysis, because in practice it is commonplace to use a large set of thresholds. In worst case, the technique increases the analysis cost by the sizeNof the threshold set. In this paper, we propose a technique to reduce the worst case by, by employing a binary search in the process of applying threshold values. We formalize the technique in the abstract interpretation framework and show that, by experiments with a realistic static analyzer for C, our technique considerably improves the efficiency (by 81.5%) of the existing method with a small compromise (20.9%) on the analysis precision. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Wind‐induced inter‐story drift analysis and equivalent static wind load for multiple targets of tall buildings
Authors: Fu J. Y. , Zheng Q. X. , Wu J. R. , Huang Y. Q.
Published: December 2015

In super high‐rise buildings with varying story heights, the wind‐induced inter‐story drifts might violate the specified limit. However, these effects have seldom been concerned in wind‐induced response analysis. The theory and application of equivalent static wind load (ESWL) for wind‐induced inter‐story drifts of super high‐rise buildings were studied in this paper. A spectral decomposition method suitable for multi‐point excitation problems was firstly proposed. The formula of ESWL targeting for largest inter‐story drift was derived. For more reasonable structural design, the ESWL for multiple targets including displacement atop of building and inter‐story drifts at all story levels is put forward, in which the dominant modal inertial forces are adopted as the based load vectors. The presented methods were finally verified by its application for the wind‐induced response analysis for a tallest super tall building in Guangzhou. The researched results showed that the proposed spectral decomposition method not only has the same precision as the complete quadratic combination method but also possesses higher computation efficiency. The ESWL for multiple targets produces the same static responses for all the specified wind‐induced response, so it is much more rational for wind‐resistant structural design. Meanwhile, it is more reasonable to select the wind‐induced responses in the same direction simultaneously as the targeted values for obtaining the required ESWLs; however, the ESWL targeting for the wind‐induced responses in all degrees of freedom would generate more queer and unrealistic ESWLs distribution. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ferrocenyl Ionic Compounds Based on 5‐Ferrocenyl‐1H‐tetrazole. Synthesis, Characterization, Migration, and Catalytic Effects During Combustion
Authors: Gao Xiaoni , An Ting , Li Jizhen , Zhao Fengqi , Fan Xuezhong , Li Xinyan , Zhang Guofang , Gao Ziwei
Published: December 2015

Ferrocenyl ionic compounds, consisting of the 5‐ferrocenyltetrazolate anion and a guanidinium or a 1‐alkyl‐3‐methylimidazolium cation, were synthesized and characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and UV/Vis spectroscopy, as well as elementary analysis. The molecular structures of four compounds were additionally confirmed by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Results of the TG and DSC analyses showed that some compounds display high thermal stability. Cyclic voltammetry investigations suggested that the compounds exhibit redox waves for the ferrocenyl groups and are considered as irreversible redox systems. Migration studies revealed that migration trends of the compounds are much lower than that of 2, 2‐bis(ethylferrocenyl)propane (Catocene), extensively used in composite solid propellants. Their catalytic performances for thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate (AP), 1, 3,5‐trinitro‐1, 3,5‐triazacyclohexane (RDX), and 1, 2,5, 7‐tetranitro‐1, 3,5, 7‐tetraazacyclooctane (HMX) were evaluated by DSC and/or TG techniques. Most of the compounds exhibit high catalytic efficiency in the thermal degradation of AP and RDX. Those of the guanidine‐containing compounds 1–3 are better, implying that nitrogen‐rich moieties are beneficial to enhancing released heats of some energetic materials. These guanidine salts could be used as ferrocene‐based burning rate catalyst candidates in composite solid propellants.
Evidence for action on improving the maternal and newborn health workforce: The basis for quality care
Authors: Campbell Jim , Sochas Laura , Cometto Giorgio , Matthews Zoë
Published: December 2015

Ambitious new goals to end preventable maternal and newborn deaths will not only require increased coverage but also improved quality of care. Unfortunately, current levels of quality in the delivery of maternal and newborn care are low in high‐burden countries, for reasons that are intimately linked with inadequate planning and management of the maternal and newborn health workforce. The Global Strategy on Human Resources for Health is a key opportunity to strengthen global and country‐level accountability frameworks for the health workforce and its capacity to deliver quality care. In order to succeed, maternal and newborn health specialists must embrace this strategy and its linkages with the new Global Strategy for Women's, Children's, and Adolescents’ Health; action is needed across high‐ and low‐income countries; and any accountability framework must be underpinned by ambitious, measurable indicators and strengthened data collection on human resources for health.
Constructing new global models of social security: How international organizations defined the field of social cash transfers in the 2000s
Authors: VON GLISZCZYNSKI MORITZ , LEISERING LUTZ
Published: December 2015

Social cash transfers to the poor have mushroomed in countries of the global South and on global agendas since the 2000s. Around 2000, there was no clear picture if social cash transfers would make it to global agendas. By the end of the 2000s, a repertoire of four models of social cash transfers had been codified by international organizations. Based on an in-depth analysis of all major documents by international organizations and applying a model of ideational change in global arenas, we trace the trajectories of the four models: who developed the models during the 2000s, how were they constructed, and what forces propelled the process? We find that the process was driven by an extension of the domains of international organizations (‘socialization of global politics’) and by an opening of global discourses and development policies to ‘social’ concerns. But organizational domains and global discourses, especially on development, also constrained the concept of social cash transfers, reducing it to four models that reflect a fragmented and incomplete universalism. We conclude that global social policy, conceived as ‘socialization of global politics’, is not a simple ‘uploading’ of ‘social’ ideas from European traditions, but an active process of social construction in global arenas.
Coenzyme Q10:A Review of Its Promise as a Neuroprotectant
Authors: Young A. Joyce , Johnson Stephanie , Steffens David C. , Doraiswamy P. Murali
Published: December 2015

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a powerful antioxidant that buffers the potential adverse consequences of free radicals produced during oxidative phosphorylation in the inner mitochondrial membrane. Oxidative stress, resulting in glutathione loss and oxidative DNA and protein damage, has been implicated in many neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease. Experimental studies in animal models suggest that CoQ10 may protect against neuronal damage that is produced by ischemia, atherosclerosis and toxic injury. Though most have tended to be pilot studies, there are published preliminary clinical trials showing that CoQ10 may offer promise in many brain disorders. For example, a 16-month randomized, placebo-controlled pilot trial in 80 subjects with mild Parkinson's disease found significant benefits for oral CoQ10 1,200 mg/day to slow functional deterioration. However, to date, there are no published clinical trials of CoQ10 in Alzheimer's disease. Available data suggests that oral CoQ10 seems to be relatively safe and tolerated across the range of 300–2,400 mg/day. Randomized controlled trials are warranted to confirm CoQ10's safety and promise as a clinically effective neuroprotectant.
Darstellung und Bewertung neuropsychologischer Therapieverfahren am Beispiel PC-gestützter Trainingsprogramme – ein Projekt des Arbeitskreises Aufmerksamkeit und Gedächtnis der GNP
Authors: Wilbertz Alfred , Heinemann Dörthe , Fimm Bruno , Geiger-Riess Mirijam , Günther Thomas , Schächtele Beate , Schellig Dieter , Schuri Uwe
Published: December 2015

Zusammenfassung. Die Mehrzahl PC-gestützter Trainingsprogramme erhebt den Anspruch einer theoriegeleiteten Konzeption und weckt entsprechend hohe Erwartungen. Wissenschaftliche Wirksamkeitsnachweise existieren nur für wenige Verfahren. Der Arbeitskreis Aufmerksamkeit & Gedächtnis der GNP präsentiert hier die Struktur einer Programmrezension, die eine übersichtliche Zusammenfassung und transparente Bewertung von Trainingsprogrammen unter Bezug auf insgesamt 20 neuropsychologische, technische und pragmatische Kriterien erlaubt. Schließlich beschreiben wir den Aufbau eines Manuals, das für alle Kriterien die qualitäts-bestimmenden Programmeigenschaften spezifiziert und durch die Erstellung einer Rezension führt; das komplette Manual ist in diesem Heft abgedruckt. Die mit dieser Zeitschrift begonnene Veröffentlichung von Beispielrezensionen wird in loser Folge fortgesetzt.
Leitlinie „Neuropsychologische Begutachtung“
Authors: Neumann-Zielke Ludger , Bahlo Simone , Diebel Andrea , Riepe Johannes , Roschmann Rupert , Schötzau-Fürwentsches Peter , Wetzig Lutz
Published: December 2015

Zusammenfassung. Die Begutachtung der Auswirkungen von Hirnschädigungen auf die Teilhabe (ICF-WHO) wird als eine in der Regel interdisziplinär zu lösende Aufgabe verstanden. Diese Leitlinie beschreibt den Stellenwert des neuropsychologischen Gutachtens. Die üblichen Fragestellungen werden unter Berücksichtigung der unterschiedlichen Auftraggeber und der rechtlichen Rahmenbedingungen dargestellt. Die Qualitätsanforderungen an neuropsychologische Gutachter werden spezifiziert. Kernstück der Leitlinie ist der Prozess der neuropsychologischen Begutachtung (Planung, Durchführung der Untersuchung und Abfassung des Gutachtens). Eine Checkliste zur Beurteilung neuropsychologischer Gutachten rundet den Beitrag ab.
The immunological effect of hyaluronan in tumor angiogenesis
Authors: Spinelli Fiorella M , Vitale Daiana L , Demarchi Gianina , Cristina Carolina , Alaniz Laura
Published: December 2015

The relationship between the immune system and angiogenesis has been described in several contexts, both in physiological and pathological conditions, as pregnancy and cancer. In fact, different types of immune cells, such as myeloid, macrophages and denditric cells, are able to modulate tumor neovascularization. On the other hand, tumor microenvironment also includes extracellular matrix components like hyaluronan, which has a deregulated synthesis in different tumors. Hyaluronan is a glycosaminoglycan, normally present in the extracellular matrix of tissues in continuous remodeling (embryogenesis or wound healing processes) and acts as an important modulator of cell behavior by different mechanisms, including angiogenesis. In this review, we discuss hyaluronan as a modulator of tumor angiogenesis, focusing in intracellular signaling mediated by its receptors expressed on different immune cells. Recent observations suggest that the immune system is an important component in tumoural angiogenesis. Therefore, immune modulation could have an impact in anti‐angiogenic therapy as a new therapeutic strategy, which in turn might improve effectiveness of treatment in cancer patients.
The allometry of the smallest: superlinear scaling of microbial metabolic rates in the Atlantic Ocean
Authors: García Francisca C , García-Martín Enma Elena , Taboada Fernando González , Sal Sofía , Serret Pablo , López-Urrutia Ángel
Published: December 2015

Prokaryotic planktonic organisms are small in size but largely relevant in marine biogeochemical cycles. Due to their reduced size range (0.2 to 1 μm in diameter), the effects of cell size on their metabolism have been hardly considered and are usually not examined in field studies. Here, we show the results of size-fractionated experiments of marine microbial respiration rate along a latitudinal transect in the Atlantic Ocean. The scaling exponents obtained from the power relationship between respiration rate and size were significantly higher than one. This superlinearity was ubiquitous across the latitudinal transect but its value was not universal revealing a strong albeit heterogeneous effect of cell size on microbial metabolism. Our results suggest that the latitudinal differences observed are the combined result of changes in cell size and composition between functional groups within prokaryotes. Communities where the largest size fraction was dominated by prokaryotic cyanobacteria, especially Prochlorococcus, have lower allometric exponents. We hypothesize that these larger, more complex prokaryotes fall close to the evolutionary transition between prokaryotes and protists, in a range where surface area starts to constrain metabolism and, hence, are expected to follow a scaling closer to linearity.
Concurrent BMP7 and FGF9 signalling governs AP-1 function to promote self-renewal of nephron progenitor cells
Authors: Muthukrishnan Sree Deepthi , Yang Xuehui , Friesel Robert , Oxburgh Leif
Published: December 2015

Self-renewal of nephron progenitor cells (NPCs) is governed by BMP, FGF and WNT signalling. Mechanisms underlying cross-talk between these pathways at the molecular level are largely unknown. Here we delineate the pathway through which the proliferative BMP7 signal is transduced in NPCs in the mouse. BMP7 activates the MAPKs TAK1 and JNK to phosphorylate the transcription factor JUN, which in turn governs transcription of AP-1-element containing G1-phase cell cycle regulators such as Myc and Ccnd1 to promote NPC proliferation. Conditional inactivation of Tak1 or Jun in cap mesenchyme causes identical phenotypes characterized by premature depletion of NPCs. While JUN is regulated by BMP7, we find that its partner FOS is regulated by FGF9. We demonstrate that BMP7 and FGF9 coordinately regulate AP-1 transcription to promote G1-S cell cycle progression and NPC proliferation. Our findings identify a molecular mechanism explaining the important cooperation between two major NPC self-renewal pathways.
A highly reversible room-temperature lithium metal battery based on crosslinked hairy nanoparticles
Authors: Choudhury Snehashis , Mangal Rahul , Agrawal Akanksha , Archer Lynden A.
Published: December 2015

Rough electrodeposition, uncontrolled parasitic side-reactions with electrolytes and dendrite-induced short-circuits have hindered development of advanced energy storage technologies based on metallic lithium, sodium and aluminium electrodes. Solid polymer electrolytes and nanoparticle-polymer composites have shown promise as candidates to suppress lithium dendrite growth, but the challenge of simultaneously maintaining high mechanical strength and high ionic conductivity at room temperature has so far been unmet in these materials. Here we report a facile and scalable method of fabricating tough, freestanding membranes that combine the best attributes of solid polymers, nanocomposites and gel-polymer electrolytes. Hairy nanoparticles are employed as multifunctional nodes for polymer crosslinking, which produces mechanically robust membranes that are exceptionally effective in inhibiting dendrite growth in a lithium metal battery. The membranes are also reported to enable stable cycling of lithium batteries paired with conventional intercalating cathodes. Our findings appear to provide an important step towards room-temperature dendrite-free batteries.
Clinical correlation between HBV infection and concomitant bacterial infections
Authors: Li Wei , Jin Ronghua , Chen Peng , Zhao Guoxian , Li Ning , Wu Hao
Published: December 2015

Bacterial infections are common in patients suffering viral hepatitis and critical for prognosis. However, any correlation between HBV and concomitant bacterial infections is not well characterized. A retrospective study was conducted from Jan 2012 to Jan 2014 on 1333 hospitalized patients infected with bacteria. Among them, 491 HBV-infected patients were co-infected with E. coli (268), S. aureus (61), P. aeruginosa (64) or K. pneumoniae (98). A group of 300 complication-free chronically HBV-infected patients were controls. We found that HBV DNA levels were elevated in patients with each of the bacterial infections (all P < 0.05). ALT and HBeAg were strong determinants of high HBV DNA concentration. Patterns of determinants varied in infections by Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Patients with HBV DNA ≥ 2000 IU/mL had higher rates of all four concomitant bacterial infections (all P < 0.001). All types of strains isolated from HBV-positive patients showed less resistance to tested antimicrobials. The HBV DNA serum concentrations were inversely correlated to the number of ineffective antimicrobials in E. coli, P. aeruginosa and K. pneumoniae infections (P = 0.022, 0.017 and 0.016, respectively), but not S. aureus (P = 0.194). In conclusion, bacterial infections are associated with a high level of HBV replication, which, in turn, has a significant positive impact on bacterial resistance to antimicrobials. These correlations vary between Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.
Spectra of weighted scale-free networks
Authors: Zhang Zhongzhi , Guo Xiaoye , Yi Yuhao
Published: December 2015

Much information about the structure and dynamics of a network is encoded in the eigenvalues of its transition matrix. In this paper, we present a first study on the transition matrix of a family of weight driven networks, whose degree, strength and edge weight obey power-law distributions, as observed in diverse real networks. We analytically obtain all the eigenvalues, as well as their multiplicities. We then apply the obtained eigenvalues to derive a closed-form expression for the random target access time for biased random walks occurring on the studied weighted networks. Moreover, using the connection between the eigenvalues of the transition matrix of a network and its weighted spanning trees, we validate the obtained eigenvalues and their multiplicities. We show that the power-law weight distribution has a strong effect on the behavior of random walks.
Theoretical assessment of feasibility to sequence DNA through interlayer electronic tunneling transport at aligned nanopores in bilayer graphene
Authors: Prasongkit Jariyanee , Feliciano Gustavo T. , Rocha Alexandre R. , He Yuhui , Osotchan Tanakorn , Ahuja Rajeev , Scheicher Ralph H.
Published: December 2015

Fast, cost effective, single-shot DNA sequencing could be the prelude of a new era in genetics. As DNA encodes the information for the production of proteins in all known living beings on Earth, determining the nucleobase sequences is the first and necessary step in that direction. Graphene-based nanopore devices hold great promise for next-generation DNA sequencing. In this work, we develop a novel approach for sequencing DNA using bilayer graphene to read the interlayer conductance through the layers in the presence of target nucleobases. Classical molecular dynamics simulations of DNA translocation through the pore were performed to trace the nucleobase trajectories and evaluate the interaction between the nucleobases and the nanopore. This interaction stabilizes the bases in different orientations, resulting in smaller fluctuations of the nucleobases inside the pore. We assessed the performance of a bilayer graphene nanopore setup for the purpose of DNA sequencing by employing density functional theory and non-equilibrium Green’s function method to investigate the interlayer conductance of nucleobases coupling simultaneously to the top and bottom graphene layers. The obtained conductance is significantly affected by the presence of DNA in the bilayer graphene nanopore, allowing us to analyze DNA sequences.
Improving Protein Fold Recognition by Deep Learning Networks
Authors: Jo Taeho , Hou Jie , Eickholt Jesse , Cheng Jianlin
Published: December 2015

For accurate recognition of protein folds, a deep learning network method (DN-Fold) was developed to predict if a given query-template protein pair belongs to the same structural fold. The input used stemmed from the protein sequence and structural features extracted from the protein pair. We evaluated the performance of DN-Fold along with 18 different methods on Lindahl’s benchmark dataset and on a large benchmark set extracted from SCOP 1.75 consisting of about one million protein pairs, at three different levels of fold recognition (i.e., protein family, superfamily and fold) depending on the evolutionary distance between protein sequences. The correct recognition rate of ensembled DN-Fold for Top 1 predictions is 84.5%, 61.5% and 33.6% and for Top 5 is 91.2%, 76.5% and 60.7% at family, superfamily and fold levels, respectively. We also evaluated the performance of single DN-Fold (DN-FoldS), which showed the comparable results at the level of family and superfamily, compared to ensemble DN-Fold. Finally, we extended the binary classification problem of fold recognition to real-value regression task, which also show a promising performance. DN-Fold is freely available through a web server at http://iris.rnet.missouri.edu/dnfold.
The genome sequence of Sea-Island cotton (Gossypium barbadense) provides insights into the allopolyploidization and development of superior spinnable fibres
Authors: Yuan Daojun , Tang Zhonghui , Wang Maojun , Gao Wenhui , Tu Lili , Jin Xin , Chen Lingling , He Yonghui , Zhang Lin , Zhu Longfu , Li Yang , Liang Qiqi , Lin Zhongxu , Yang Xiyan , Liu Nian , Jin Shuangxia , Lei Yang , Ding Yuanhao , Li Guoliang , Ruan Xiaoan , Ruan Yijun , Zhang Xianlong
Published: December 2015

Gossypium hirsutumcontributes the most production of cotton fibre, butG. barbadenseis valued for its better comprehensive resistance and superior fibre properties. However, the allotetraploid genome ofG. barbadensehas not been comprehensively analysed. Here we present a high-quality assembly of the 2.57 gigabase genome ofG. barbadense, including 80,876 protein-coding genes. The double-sized genome of the A (or At) (1.50 Gb) against D (or Dt) (853 Mb) primarily resulted from the expansion of Gypsy elements, including Peabody and Retrosat2 subclades in the Del clade and the Athila subclade in the Athila/Tat clade. Substantial gene expansion and contraction were observed and rich homoeologous gene pairs with biased expression patterns were identified, suggesting abundant gene sub-functionalization occurred by allopolyploidization. More specifically, theCesAgene family has adapted differentially temporal expression patterns, suggesting an integrated regulatory mechanism ofCesAgenes from At and Dt subgenomes for the primary and secondary cellulose biosynthesis of cotton fibre in a “relay race”-like fashion. We anticipate that theG. barbadensegenome sequence will advance our understanding the mechanism of genome polyploidization and underpin genome-wide comparison research in this genus.
Programmable thermal emissivity structures based on bioinspired self-shape materials
Authors: Athanasopoulos N. , Siakavellas N. J.
Published: December 2015

Programmable thermal emissivity structures based on the bioinspired self-shape anisotropic materials were developed at macro-scale and further studied theoretically at smaller scale. We study a novel concept, incorporating materials that are capable of transforming their shape via microstructural rearrangements under temperature stimuli, while avoiding the use of exotic shape memory materials or complex micro-mechanisms. Thus, programmed thermal emissivity behaviour of a surface is achievable. The self-shape structure reacts according to the temperature of the surrounding environment or the radiative heat flux. A surface which incorporates self-shape structures can be designed to quickly absorb radiative heat energy at low temperature levels, but is simultaneously capable of passively controlling its maximum temperature in order to prevent overheating. It resembles a “game” of colours, where two or more materials coexist with different values of thermal emissivity/ absorptivity/ reflectivity. The transformation of the structure conceals or reveals one of the materials, creating a surface with programmable – and therefore, variable- effective thermal emissivity. Variable thermal emissivity surfaces may be developed with a total hemispherical emissivity ratio (εEff_H/εEff_L) equal to 28.
Cyclosporine A protects podocytes by regulating WAVE1 phosphorylation
Authors: Li Xuejuan , Ding Fangrui , Wang Suxia , Li Baihong , Ding Jie
Published: December 2015

Accumulating evidence suggests that podocytes are direct targets of many classic antiproteinuric drugs. The immunosuppressive drug cyclosporine A (CsA), which is a calcineurin inhibitor, is used to treat proteinuric kidney diseases. One novel mechanism by which CsA reduces proteinuria is by directly stabilizing the podocyte cytoskeleton. Previous studies showed that calcineurin can directly regulate WAVE1 within mouse striatal slices. In this study, WAVE1 was expressed in podocytes and was localized in the podocyte cell bodies and foot processes (FPs). WAVE1 expression increased in bothin vivoandin vitromodels of puromycin aminonucleoside (PAN)-induced podocyte injury. CsA restored WAVE1 expression and also partially rescued the disordered F-actin arrangement after PAN injury. Co-immunoprecipitation assays showed that calcineurin directly interacted with WAVE1 and regulated WAVE1 phosphorylation in podocytes. Synaptopodin is a well-characterized target of CsA. WAVE1 overexpression and synaptopodin knockdown experiments directly demonstrated that WAVE1 expression is not dependent on synaptopodin expression and vice versa. Overexpression of WAVE1 using a WAVE1 plasmid disrupted F-actin structure and promoted podocyte migration compared with the empty vector group. Therefore, WAVE1 may be a novel molecular target for the maintenance of podocyte FPs and for antiproteinuric treatment in the future.
SerpinB3 and Yap Interplay Increases Myc Oncogenic Activity
Authors: Turato Cristian , Cannito Stefania , Simonato Davide , Villano Gianmarco , Morello Elisabetta , Terrin Liliana , Quarta Santina , Biasiolo Alessandra , Ruvoletto Mariagrazia , Martini Andrea , Fasolato Silvano , Zanus Giacomo , Cillo Umberto , Gatta Angelo , Parola Maurizio , Pontisso Patrizia
Published: December 2015

SerpinB3 has been recently described as an early marker of liver carcinogenesis, but the potential mechanistic role of this serpin in tumor development is still poorly understood. Overexpression of Myc often correlates with more aggressive tumour forms, supporting its involvement in carcinogenesis. Yes-associated protein (Yap), the main effector of the Hippo pathway, is a central regulator of proliferation and it has been found up-regulated in hepatocellular carcinomas. The study has been designed to investigate and characterize the interplay and functional modulation of Myc by SerpinB3 in liver cancer. Results from this study indicate that Myc was up-regulated by SerpinB3 through calpain and Hippo-dependent molecular mechanisms in transgenic mice and hepatoma cells overexpressing human SerpinB3 and also in human hepatocellular carcinomas. Human recombinant SerpinB3 was capable to inhibit the activity of Calpain in vitro, likely reducing its ability to cleave Myc in its non oncogenic Myc-nick cytoplasmic form. SerpinB3 indirectly increased the transcription of Myc through the induction of Yap pathway. These findings provide for the first time evidence that SerpinB3 can improve the production of Myc through direct and indirect mechanisms that include the inhibition of generation of its cytoplasmic form and the activation of Yap pathway.
Endothelial Rictor is crucial for midgestational development and sustained and extensive FGF2-induced neovascularization in the adult
Authors: Aimi Fabio , Georgiopoulou Stavroula , Kalus Ina , Lehner Fabienne , Hegglin Alica , Limani Përparim , Gomes de Lima Vinicius , Rüegg Markus A , Hall Michael N. , Lindenblatt Nicole , Haas Elvira , Battegay Edouard J. , Humar Rok
Published: December 2015

To explore the general requirement of endothelial mTORC2 during embryonic and adolescent development, we knocked out the essential mTORC2 component Rictor in the mouse endothelium in the embryo, during adolescence and in endothelial cells in vitro. During embryonic development, Rictor knockout resulted in growth retardation and lethality around embryonic day 12. We detected reduced peripheral vascularization and delayed ossification of developing fingers, toes and vertebrae during this confined midgestational period. Rictor knockout did not affect viability, weight gain and vascular development during further adolescence. However during this period, Rictor knockout prevented skin capillaries to gain larger and heterogeneously sized diameters and remodeling into tortuous vessels in response to FGF2. Rictor knockout strongly reduced extensive FGF2-induced neovascularization and prevented hemorrhage in FGF2-loaded matrigel plugs. Rictor knockout also disabled the formation of capillary-like networks by FGF2-stimulated mouse aortic endothelial cells in vitro. Low RICTOR expression was detected in quiescent, confluent mouse aortic endothelial cells, whereas high doses of FGF2 induced high RICTOR expression that was associated with strong mTORC2-specific protein kinase Cα and AKT phosphorylation. We demonstrate that the endothelial FGF-RICTOR axis is not required during endothelial quiescence, but crucial for midgestational development and sustained and extensive neovascularization in the adult.
De novo and comparative transcriptome analysis of cultivated and wild spinach
Authors: Xu Chenxi , Jiao Chen , Zheng Yi , Sun Honghe , Liu Wenli , Cai Xiaofeng , Wang Xiaoli , Liu Shuang , Xu Yimin , Mou Beiquan , Dai Shaojun , Fei Zhangjun , Wang Quanhua
Published: December 2015

Spinach (Spinacia oleraceaL.) is an economically important green leafy vegetable crop. In this study, we performed deep transcriptome sequencing for nine spinach accessions: three from cultivated S.oleracea, three from wildS. turkestanicaand three from wildS. tetrandra. A total of approximately 100 million high-quality reads were generated, which werede novoassembled into 72,151 unigenes with a total length of 46.5 Mb. By comparing sequences of these unigenes against different protein databases, nearly 60% of them were annotated and 50% could be assigned with Gene Ontology terms. A total of 387 metabolic pathways were predicted from the assembled spinach unigenes. From the transcriptome sequencing data, we were able to identify a total of ~320,000 high-quality single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Phylogenetic analyses using SNPs as well as gene expression profiles indicated thatS. turkestanicawas more closely related to the cultivatedS.oleraceathanS. tetrandra. A large number of genes involved in responses to biotic and abiotic stresses were found to be differentially expressed between the cultivated and wild spinach. Finally, an interactive online database (http://www.spinachbase.org) was developed to allow the research community to efficiently retrieve, query, mine and analyze our transcriptome dataset.
A fully roll-to-roll gravure-printed carbon nanotube-based active matrix for multi-touch sensors
Authors: Lee Wookyu , Koo Hyunmo , Sun Junfeng , Noh Jinsoo , Kwon Kye-Si , Yeom Chiseon , Choi Younchang , Chen Kevin , Javey Ali , Cho Gyoujin
Published: December 2015

Roll-to-roll (R2R) printing has been pursued as a commercially viable high-throughput technology to manufacture flexible, disposable and inexpensive printed electronic devices. However, in recent years, pessimism has prevailed because of the barriers faced when attempting to fabricate and integrate thin film transistors (TFTs) using an R2R printing method. In this paper, we report 20 × 20 active matrices (AMs) based on single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) with a resolution of 9.3 points per inch (ppi) resolution, obtained using a fully R2R gravure printing process. By using SWCNTs as the semiconducting layer and poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) as the substrate, we have obtained a device yield above 98% and extracted the key scalability factors required for a feasible R2R gravure manufacturing process. Multi-touch sensor arrays were achieved by laminating a pressure sensitive rubber onto the SWCNT-TFT AM. This R2R gravure printing system overcomes the barriers associated with the registration accuracy of printing each layer and the variation of the threshold voltage (Vth). By overcoming these barriers, the R2R gravure printing method can be viable as an advanced manufacturing technology, thus enabling the high-throughput production of flexible, disposable and human-interactive cutting-edge electronic devices based on SWCNT-TFT AMs.
Differential effect of DJ-1/PARK7 on development of natural and induced regulatory T cells
Authors: Singh Yogesh , Chen Hong , Zhou Yuetao , Föller Michael , Mak Tak W. , Salker Madhuri S. , Lang Florian
Published: December 2015

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are essential for maintaining an effective immune tolerance and a homeostatic balance of various other immune cells. To manipulate the immune response during infections and autoimmune disorders, it is essential to know which genes or key molecules are involved in the development of Tregs. Transcription factor Foxp3 is required for the development of Tregs and governs most of the suppressive functions of these cells. Inhibited PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling is critical for Foxp3 stability. Previous studies have suggested that DJ-1 or PARK7 protein is a positive regulator of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway by negatively regulating the activity of PTEN. Thus, we hypothesised that a lack of DJ-1 could promote the development of Tregs. As a result, loss of DJ-1 decreased the total CD4+ T cell numbers but increased the fraction of thymic and peripheral nTregs. In contrast, Foxp3 generation was not augmented following differentiation of DJ-1-deficient naïve CD4+ T cells. DJ-1-deficient-iTregs were imperfect in replication, proliferation and more prone to cell death. Furthermore, DJ-1 deficient iTregs were less sensitive to pSmad2 and pStat5 signalling but had activated AKT/mTOR signalling. These observations reveal an unexpected differential role of DJ-1 in the development of nTregs and iTregs.
Resveratrol overcomes gefitinib resistance by increasing the intracellular gefitinib concentration and triggering apoptosis, autophagy and senescence in PC9/G NSCLC cells
Authors: Zhu Yinsong , He Wenjuan , Gao Xiujuan , Li Bin , Mei Chenghan , Xu Rong , Chen Hui
Published: December 2015

Gefitinib (Gef) provides clinical benefits to non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with activating EGFR mutations. However, acquired resistance (AR) is a major obstacle to effective Gef therapy. This study demonstrated that resveratrol (Res) could synergize with Gef to inhibit the proliferation of Gef-resistant NSCLC cells. The underlying mechanisms of synergism were investigated and the results showed that cotreatment with Gef and Res could inhibit EGFR phosphorylation by increasing intracellular Gef accumulation through the impairment of Gef elimination from PC9/G cells. Consistently, CYP1A1 and ABCG2 expression were inhibited. Meanwhile, the cotreatment significantly induced cell apoptosis, autophagy, cell cycle arrest and senescence accompanied by increased expression of cleaved caspase-3, LC3B-II, p53 and p21. Further studies revealed that autophagy inhibition enhanced apoptosis and abrogated senescence while apoptosis inhibition had no notable effect on cell autophagy and senescence during cotreatment with Gef and Res. These results indicated that in addition to apoptosis, senescence promoted by autophagy contributes to the antiproliferation effect of combined Gef and Res on PC9/G cells. In conclusion, combined treatment with Gef and Res may represent a rational strategy to overcome AR in NSCLC cells.
Quasi-continuous metasurface for ultra-broadband and polarization-controlled electromagnetic beam deflection
Authors: Wang Yanqin , Pu Mingbo , Zhang Zuojun , Li Xiong , Ma Xiaoliang , Zhao Zeyu , Luo Xiangang
Published: December 2015

Two-dimensional metasurface has attracted growing interest in recent years, owing to its ability in manipulating the phase, amplitude and polarization state of electromagnetic wave within a single interface. However, most existing metasurfaces rely on the collective responses of a set of discrete meta-atoms to perform various functionalities. In this paper, we presented a quasi-continuous metasurface for high-efficiency and broadband beam steering in the microwave regime. It is demonstrated both in simulation and experiment that the incident beam deviates from the normal direction after transmitting through the ultrathin metasurface. The efficiency of the proposed metasurface approximates to the theoretical limit of the single-layer metasurface in a broad frequency range, owing to the elimination of the circuit resonance in traditional discrete structures. The proposed scheme promises potential applications in broadband electromagnetic modulation and communication systems, etc.
Lipidomics comparing DCD and DBD liver allografts uncovers lysophospholipids elevated in recipients undergoing early allograft dysfunction
Authors: Xu Jin , Casas-Ferreira Ana M. , Ma Yun , Sen Arundhuti , Kim Min , Proitsi Petroula , Shkodra Maltina , Tena Maria , Srinivasan Parthi , Heaton Nigel , Jassem Wayel , Legido-Quigley Cristina
Published: December 2015

Finding specific biomarkers of liver damage in clinical evaluations could increase the pool of available organs for transplantation. Lipids are key regulators in cell necrosis and hence this study hypothesised that lipid levels could be altered in organs suffering severe ischemia. Matched pre- and post-transplant biopsies from donation after circulatory death (DCD, n = 36, mean warm ischemia time = 21min) and donation after brain death (DBD, n = 76, warm ischemia time = none) were collected. Lipidomic discovery and multivariate analysis (MVA) were applied. Afterwards, univariate analysis and clinical associations were conducted for selected lipids differentiating between these two groups. MVA grouped DCD vs. DBD (p = 6.20 × 10−12) and 12 phospholipids were selected for intact lipid measurements. Two lysophosphatidylcholines, LysoPC (16:0) and LysoPC (18:0), showed higher levels in DCD at pre-transplantation (q < 0.01). Lysophosphatidylcholines were associated with aspartate aminotransferase (AST) 14-day post-transplantation (q < 0.05) and were more abundant in recipients undergoing early allograft dysfunction (EAD) (p < 0.05). A receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) curve combining both lipid levels predicted EAD with 82% accuracy. These findings suggest that LysoPC (16:0) and LysoPC (18:0) might have a role in signalling liver tissue damage due to warm ischemia before transplantation.