bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HMG-CoA reductase promotes protein prenylation and therefore is indispensible for T-cell survival
Authors: Lacher Sonja M , Bruttger Julia , Kalt Bettina , Berthelet Jean , Rajalingam Krishnaraj , Wörtge Simone , Waisman Ari
Published: May 2017

Statins are a well-established family of drugs that lower cholesterol levels via the competitive inhibition of the enzyme 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR). In addition, the pleiotropic anti-inflammatory effects of statins on T cells make them attractive as therapeutic drugs in T-cell-driven autoimmune disorders. Since statins do not exclusively target HMGCR and thus might have varying effects on different cell types, we generated a new mouse strain allowing for the tissue-specific deletion of HMGCR. Deletion of HMGCR expression in T cells led to a severe decrease in their numbers with the remaining cells displaying an activated phenotype, with an increased proportion of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in particular. However, deletion of HMGCR specifically in Tregs resulted in severe autoimmunity, suggesting that this enzyme is also essential for the maintenance of Tregs. We were able to prevent the death of HMGCR-deficient lymphocytes by the addition of either the direct metabolite of HMGCR, namely mevalonate, or the downstream metabolite geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate, which is essential for protein prenylation. However, the addition of cholesterol, which is the final product of the mevalonate pathway, did not inhibit cell death, indicating that protein prenylation rather than the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway is indispensible for T-cell survival.
DNA damage and S phase-dependent E2F1 stabilization requires the cIAP1 E3-ubiquitin ligase and is associated with K63-poly-ubiquitination on lysine 161/164 residues
Authors: Glorian Valérie , Allègre Jennifer , Berthelet Jean , Dumetier Baptiste , Boutanquoi Pierre-Marie , Droin Nathalie , Kayaci Cémile , Cartier Jessy , Gemble Simon , Marcion Guillaume , Gonzalez Daniel , Boidot Romain , Garrido Carmen , Michaud Olivier , Solary Eric , Dubrez Laurence
Published: May 2017

The E2F transcription factor 1 is subtly regulated along the cell cycle progression and in response to DNA damage by post-translational modifications. Here, we demonstrated that the E3-ubiquitin ligase cellular inhibitor of apoptosis 1 (cIAP1) increases E2F1 K63-poly-ubiquitination on the lysine residue 161/164 cluster, which is associated with the transcriptional factor stability and activity. Mutation of these lysine residues completely abrogates the binding of E2F1 to CCNE, TP73 and APAF1 promoters, thus inhibiting transcriptional activation of these genes and E2F1-mediated cell proliferation control. Importantly, E2F1 stabilization in response to etoposide-induced DNA damage or during the S phase of cell cycle, as revealed by cyclin A silencing, is associated with K63-poly-ubiquitinylation of E2F1 on lysine 161/164 residues and involves cIAP1. Our results reveal an additional level of regulation of the stability and the activity of E2F1 by a non-degradative K63-poly-ubiquitination and uncover a novel function for the E3-ubiquitin ligase cIAP1.
Activation of transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 involves in hypoxia/reoxygenation injury in cardiomyocytes
Authors: Wu Qiong-Feng , Qian Cheng , Zhao Ning , Dong Qian , Li Jing , Wang Bin-Bin , Chen Lei , Yu Lixiu , Han Bing , Du Yi-Mei , Liao Yu-Hua
Published: May 2017

Transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) is highly expressed in heart and vessels and can be activated during myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). Recently, we found that treatment with a selective TRPV4 antagonist HC-067047 significantly reduced infarct size, decreased troponin T levels and improved cardiac function in murine model myocardial I/R. This study was undertaken to investigate the mechanism underlying TRPV4-mediated myocardial I/R injury. To mimic myocardial I/R injury, we established a hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) model in H9C2 cells and neonatal rat ventricle myocytes (NRVMs) in vitro. TRPV4 mRNA and protein expression was confirmed in the H9C2 and NRVM, whereas functional TRPV4 activity was assessed from Ca2+ influx response to a TRPV4 agonist GSK1016790A. TRPV4 functional expression was significantly enhanced during H/R. Furthermore, H/R increased the intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and induced cell injury, which were reversed by HC-067047 but was further aggravated by GSK1016790A. Moreover, HC-067047 treatment significantly alleviated the increase of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, the depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm) and the opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) during H/R. On the contrary, GSK1016790A exacerbated those effects. Meanwhile, increase in [Ca2+]i and ROS induced by activation of TRPV4 was almost abolished when cells were cultured in Ca2+-free medium. In addition, ROS scavenger NAC obviously reversed activation of TRPV4-induced changes of Δψm and mPTP opening. Finally, we confirmed the direct roles of TRPV4 on cardiac injury and ROS generation in murine model myocardial I/R in vivo. In conclusion, activation of TRPV4 induces Ca2+ influx in cardiomyocytes, with subsequent ROS release, depolarizing of Δψm, opening mPTP, inducing injury and TRPV4 has key roles during I/R via these pathways.
Erratum: miR-21 ablation and obeticholic acid ameliorate nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in mice
Authors: Rodrigues Pedro M , Afonso Marta B , Simão André L , Carvalho Catarina C , Trindade Alexandre , Duarte António , Borralho Pedro M , Machado Mariana V , Cortez-Pinto Helena , Rodrigues Cecília MP , Castro Rui E
Published: May 2017

Correction to: Cell Death and Disease (2017) 8, e2748; doi:10.1038/cddis.2017.172; published online 13 April 2017 Since the publication of this paper, it has been noted that Figure 1 was split to appear in two different pages resulting in panels (a)–(g) being displaced, rendering the figure incomprehensible.
Erratum: Hsa-miR-623 suppresses tumor progression in human lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Wei Shuang , Zhang Zun-yi , Fu Sheng-ling , Xie Jun-gang , Liu Xian-sheng , Xu Yong-jian , Zhao Jian-ping , Xiong Wei-ning
Published: May 2017

Correction to: Cell Death and Disease (2016) 7, e2388; doi:10.1038/cddis.2016.260; published online 29 September 2016 Since the publication of this article in Cell Death and Disease in 2016, the authors noted an error contained in Figure 7a, in that, the western blot image for MMP9 was incorrect. The correct blot image is now included in the figure given here.
The long noncoding RNA lnc-EGFR stimulates T-regulatory cells differentiation thus promoting hepatocellular carcinoma immune evasion
Authors: Jiang Runqiu , Tang Junwei , Chen Yun , Deng Lei , Ji Jie , Xie Yu , Wang Ke , Jia Wei , Chu Wen-Ming , Sun Beicheng
Published: May 2017

Long noncoding RNAs play a pivotal role in T-helper cell development but little is known about their roles in Treg differentiation and functions during the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here, we show that lnc-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) upregulation in Tregs correlates positively with the tumour size and expression of EGFR/Foxp3, but negatively with IFN-γ expression in patients and xenografted mouse models. Lnc-EGFR stimulates Treg differentiation, suppresses CTL activity and promotes HCC growth in an EGFR-dependent manner. Mechanistically, lnc-EGFR specifically binds to EGFR and blocks its interaction with and ubiquitination by c-CBL, stabilizing it and augmenting activation of itself and its downstream AP-1/NF-AT1 axis, which in turn elicits EGFR expression. Lnc-EGFR links an immunosuppressive state to cancer by promoting Treg cell differentiation, thus offering a potential therapeutic target for HCC.
Impaired prosaposin lysosomal trafficking in frontotemporal lobar degeneration due to progranulin mutations
Authors: Zhou Xiaolai , Sun Lirong , Bracko Oliver , Choi Ji Whae , Jia Yan , Nana Alissa L. , Brady Owen Adam , Hernandez Jean C. Cruz , Nishimura Nozomi , Seeley William W. , Hu Fenghua
Published: May 2017

Haploinsufficiency of progranulin (PGRN) due to mutations in the granulin (GRN) gene causes frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD), and complete loss of PGRN leads to a lysosomal storage disorder, neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL). Accumulating evidence suggests that PGRN is essential for proper lysosomal function, but the precise mechanisms involved are not known. Here, we show that PGRN facilitates neuronal uptake and lysosomal delivery of prosaposin (PSAP), the precursor of saposin peptides that are essential for lysosomal glycosphingolipid degradation. We found reduced levels of PSAP in neurons both in mice deficient in PGRN and in human samples from FTLD patients due to GRN mutations. Furthermore, mice with reduced PSAP expression demonstrated FTLD-like pathology and behavioural changes. Thus, our data demonstrate a role of PGRN in PSAP lysosomal trafficking and suggest that impaired lysosomal trafficking of PSAP is an underlying disease mechanism for NCL and FTLD due to GRN mutations.
Correction: Corrigendum: Slow cooling and highly efficient extraction of hot carriers in colloidal perovskite nanocrystals
Authors: Li Mingjie , Bhaumik Saikat , Goh Teck Wee , Kumar Muduli Subas , Yantara Natalia , Grätzel Michael , Mhaisalkar Subodh , Mathews Nripan , Sum Tze Chien
Published: May 2017

Nature Communications 8: Article number: 14350 (2017); Published: 8 February 2017; Updated: 25 May 2017 The original version of this Article contained a typographical error in the first sentence of the abstract in which ‘Shockley-Queisser’ was incorrectly given as ‘Schottky-Queisser’. This has now been corrected in both the PDF and HTML versions of the Article.
Tailing and degradation of Argonaute-bound small RNAs protect the genome from uncontrolled RNAi
Authors: Pisacane Paola , Halic Mario
Published: May 2017

RNAi is a conserved mechanism in which small RNAs induce silencing of complementary targets. How Argonaute-bound small RNAs are targeted for degradation is not well understood. We show that the adenyl-transferase Cid14, a member of the TRAMP complex, and the uridyl-transferase Cid16 add non-templated nucleotides to Argonaute-bound small RNAs in fission yeast. The tailing of Argonaute-bound small RNAs recruits the 3′–5′ exonuclease Rrp6 to degrade small RNAs. Failure in degradation of Argonaute-bound small RNAs results in accumulation of ‘noise’ small RNAs on Argonaute and targeting of diverse euchromatic genes by RNAi. To protect themselves from uncontrolled RNAi, cid14Δ cells exploit the RNAi machinery and silence genes essential for RNAi itself, which is required for their viability. Our data indicate that surveillance of Argonaute-bound small RNAs by Cid14/Cid16 and the exosome protects the genome from uncontrolled RNAi and reveal a rapid RNAi-based adaptation to stress conditions.
Synthesis of spiro quasi[1]catenanes and quasi[1]rotaxanes via a templated backfolding strategy
Authors: Steemers Luuk , Wanner Martin J. , Lutz Martin , Hiemstra Henk , van Maarseveen Jan H.
Published: May 2017

Due to their well-defined three-dimensional geometry, spiro compounds are widely utilized in drug research. From the central tetrahedral carbon atom, besides the regular structure, an inverted spiro connectivity may be envisioned. Here we disclose the synthesis of this molecule class that we have coined quasi[1]catenanes. Next to their fascinating and aesthetic shape, the higher compactness as compared to regular spiro bicycles is noteworthy. To enable synthetic access to compact entangled multimacrocyclic molecules, we have developed a new strategy. The key element is a template, which is covalently connected to the linear precursors, and spatially directs the sterically congested backfolding macrocyclizations that are required to give quasi[1]catenanes. Similarly, quasi[1]rotaxanes are made.
Protein-altering and regulatory genetic variants near GATA4 implicated in bicuspid aortic valve
Authors: Yang Bo , Zhou Wei , Jiao Jiao , Nielsen Jonas B. , Mathis Michael R. , Heydarpour Mahyar , Lettre Guillaume , Folkersen Lasse , Prakash Siddharth , Schurmann Claudia , Fritsche Lars , Farnum Gregory A. , Lin Maoxuan , Othman Mohammad , Hornsby Whitney , Driscoll Anisa , Levasseur Alexandra , Thomas Marc , Farhat Linda , Dubé Marie-Pierre , Isselbacher Eric M. , Franco-Cereceda Anders , Guo Dong-chuan , Bottinger Erwin P. , Deeb G. Michael , Booher Anna , Kheterpal Sachin , Chen Y. Eugene , Kang Hyun Min , Kitzman Jacob , Cordell Heather J. , Keavney Bernard D. , Goodship Judith A. , Ganesh Santhi K. , Abecasis Gonçalo , Eagle Kim A. , Boyle Alan P. , Loos Ruth J. F. , Eriksson Per , Tardif Jean-Claude , Brummett Chad M. , Milewicz Dianna M. , Body Simon C. , Willer Cristen J.
Published: May 2017

Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is a heritable congenital heart defect and an important risk factor for valvulopathy and aortopathy. Here we report a genome-wide association scan of 466 BAV cases and 4,660 age, sex and ethnicity-matched controls with replication in up to 1,326 cases and 8,103 controls. We identify association with a noncoding variant 151 kb from the gene encoding the cardiac-specific transcription factor, GATA4, and near-significance for p.Ser377Gly in GATA4. GATA4 was interrupted by CRISPR-Cas9 in induced pluripotent stem cells from healthy donors. The disruption of GATA4 significantly impaired the transition from endothelial cells into mesenchymal cells, a critical step in heart valve development.
High pressure synthesis of a hexagonal close-packed phase of the high-entropy alloy CrMnFeCoNi
Authors: Tracy Cameron L. , Park Sulgiye , Rittman Dylan R. , Zinkle Steven J. , Bei Hongbin , Lang Maik , Ewing Rodney C. , Mao Wendy L.
Published: May 2017

High-entropy alloys, near-equiatomic solid solutions of five or more elements, represent a new strategy for the design of materials with properties superior to those of conventional alloys. However, their phase space remains constrained, with transition metal high-entropy alloys exhibiting only face- or body-centered cubic structures. Here, we report the high-pressure synthesis of a hexagonal close-packed phase of the prototypical high-entropy alloy CrMnFeCoNi. This martensitic transformation begins at 14 GPa and is attributed to suppression of the local magnetic moments, destabilizing the initial fcc structure. Similar to fcc-to-hcp transformations in Al and the noble gases, the transformation is sluggish, occurring over a range of >40 GPa. However, the behaviour of CrMnFeCoNi is unique in that the hcp phase is retained following decompression to ambient pressure, yielding metastable fcc-hcp mixtures. This demonstrates a means of tuning the structures and properties of high-entropy alloys in a manner not achievable by conventional processing techniques.
Characterization of pertussis-like toxin from Salmonella spp. that catalyzes ADP-ribosylation of G proteins
Authors: Tamamura Yukino , Tanaka Kiyoshi , Uchida Ikuo
Published: May 2017

SalmonellaTyphimurium definitive phage type (DT) 104 produces a pertussis-like toxin (ArtAB-DT104), which catalyzes ADP-ribosylation of pertussis toxin sensitive G proteins. However, the prevalence of ArtAB and its toxicity have not been established. We report here that, in addition to DT104,S. Worthington, andS.bongori, produce ArtAB homologs, designated ArtAB-SW and ArtAB-Sb, respectively. We purified and characterized these ArtAB toxins, which comprise a 27-kDa A subunit (ArtA) and 13.8-kDa pentameric B subunits (ArtB). While the sequence of the A subunit, which is ADP-ribosyltransferase, is similar to the A subunit sequences of other ArtABs, the B subunit of ArtAB-Sb is divergent compared to the B subunit sequences of other ArtABs. Intraperitoneal injection of purified ArtABs was fatal in mice; the 50% lethal doses of ArtAB-DT104 and ArtAB-SW were lower than that of ArtAB-Sb, suggesting that ArtB plays an influential role in the toxicity of ArtABs. ArtABs catalyzed ADP-ribosylation of G proteins in RAW 264.7 murine macrophage-like cells, and increased intracellular cyclic AMP levels. ArtAB-DT104 and ArtAB-SW, but not ArtAB-Sb, stimulated insulin secretion in mice; however, unlike Ptx, ArtABs did not induce leukocytosis. This disparity in biological activity may be explained by differences in ADP-ribosylation of target G proteins.
Microwave-activated Ni/carbon catalysts for highly selective hydrogenation of nitrobenzene to cyclohexylamine
Authors: Lu Xinhuan , He Jie , Jing Run , Tao Peipei , Nie Renfeng , Zhou Dan , Xia Qinghua
Published: May 2017

Biocarbon supported Ni catalysts have been prepared by facile impregnation of Ni species by microwave-heating and used for selective hydrogenation of nitrobenzene to cyclohexylamine. These catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectra, N2 sorption measurement, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, temperature programmed reduction of H2 and H2 temperature-programmed desorption. The morphology and particle size of catalysts were imaged by scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope. For the hydrogenation of nitrobenzene to cyclohexylamine, 10%Ni/CSC-II(b) exhibits the best catalytic activity to achieve 100 mol% conversion of nitrobenzene and 96.7% selectivity of cyclohexylamine under reaction conditions of 2.0 MPa H2 and 200 °C, ascribed to high dispersion of Ni species and formation of nanosized Ni particles on the support aided by microwave-heating. Thus-prepared Ni/CSC catalyst is greatly activated, in which the addition of precious metal like Rh is totally avoided.
Using remote sensing environmental data to forecast malaria incidence at a rural district hospital in Western Kenya
Authors: Sewe Maquins Odhiambo , Tozan Yesim , Ahlm Clas , Rocklöv Joacim
Published: May 2017

Malaria surveillance data provide opportunity to develop forecasting models. Seasonal variability in environmental factors correlate with malaria transmission, thus the identification of transmission patterns is useful in developing prediction models. However, with changing seasonal transmission patterns, either due to interventions or shifting weather seasons, traditional modelling approaches may not yield adequate predictive skill. Two statistical models,a general additive model (GAM) and GAMBOOST model with boosted regression were contrasted by assessing their predictive accuracy in forecasting malaria admissions at lead times of one to three months. Monthly admission data for children under five years with confirmed malaria at the Siaya district hospital in Western Kenya for the period 2003 to 2013 were used together with satellite derived data on rainfall, average temperature and evapotranspiration(ET). There was a total of 8,476 confirmed malaria admissions. The peak of malaria season changed and malaria admissions reduced overtime. The GAMBOOST model at 1-month lead time had the highest predictive skill during both the training and test periods and thus can be utilized in a malaria early warning system.
Simple, rapid and efficient transformation of genotype Nisqually-1: a basic tool for the first sequenced model tree
Authors: Li Shujuan , Zhen Cheng , Xu Wenjing , Wang Chong , Cheng Yuxiang
Published: May 2017

Genotype Nisqually-1 is the first model woody plant with an available well-annotated genome. Nevertheless, a simple and rapid transformation of Nisqually-1 remains to be established. Here, we developed a novel shoot regeneration method for Nisqually-1 using leaf petiole and stem segment explants. Numerous shoots formed in the incision of explants within two weeks. The optimized shoot regeneration medium (SRM) contained 0.03 mg l−1 6-benzylaminopurine, 0.02 mg l−1 indole-3-butyric acid and 0.0008 mg l−1 thidiazuron. Based on this, Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation of stem explants was examined using the vector pBI121 that contains the β-glucuronidase (GUS) as a reporter gene. Consequently, factors affecting transformation frequency of GUS-positive shoots were optimized as follows: Agrobacteria cell suspension with an OD600 of 0.4, 20 min infection time, 2 days of co-cultivation duration and the addition of 80 µM acetosyringone into Agrobacteria infective suspension and co-cultivation SRM. Using this optimized method, transgenic plantlets of Nisqually-1 – with an average transformation frequency of 26.7% – were obtained with 2 months. Southern blot and GUS activity staining confirmed the integration of the foreign GUS gene into Nisqually-1. This novel transformation system for Nisqually-1 was rapid, efficient, and simple to operate and will improve more genetic applications in this model tree.
Uncovering and Predicting the Dynamic Process of Collective Attention with Survival Theory
Authors: Bao Peng , Zhang Xiaoxia
Published: May 2017

The subject of collective attention is in the center of this era of information explosion. It is thus of great interest to understand the fundamental mechanism underlying attention in large populations within a complex evolving system. Moreover, an ability to predict the dynamic process of collective attention for individual items has important implications in an array of areas. In this report, we propose a generative probabilistic model using a self-excited Hawkes process with survival theory to model and predict the process through which individual items gain their attentions. This model explicitly captures three key ingredients: the intrinsic attractiveness of an item, characterizing its inherent competitiveness against other items; a reinforcement mechanism based on sum of each previous attention triggers; and a power-law temporal relaxation function, corresponding to the aging in the ability to attract new attentions. Experiments on two population-scale datasets demonstrate that this model consistently outperforms the state-of-the-art methods.
Comparison of non-invasive biomarkers faecal BAFF, calprotectin and FOBT in discriminating IBS from IBD and evaluation of intestinal inflammation
Authors: Fu Yu , Wang Lingli , Xie Cheng , Zou Kaifang , Tu Lei , Yan Wei , Hou Xiaohua
Published: May 2017

Faecal calprotectin and faecal occult blood test (FOBT) were widely used in the diagnosis and assessment of intestinal inflammation in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Recently we identified an excellent new biomarker B cell-activating factor (BAFF) for IBD. Here in this study we compared the efficacy of faecal BAFF, calprotectin and FOBT to find the “best non-invasive marker”. Results showed that for discriminating IBD from IBS, BAFF ≥227.3 pg/ml yield 84% sensitivity, 100% specificity, 100% positive predictive value (PPV) and 64% negative predictive value (NPV) while calprotectin ≥50 µg/g yield 76% sensitivity, 93% specificity, 97% PPV and 53% NPV. FOBT yield 65% sensitivity, 93% specificity, 97% PPV and 43% NPV. Combining BAFF with calprotectin tests yield 94% sensitivity, 93% specificity, 98% PPV, 81% NPV. Faecal BAFF level showed the stronger correlation with endoscopic inflammatory score as compared to calprotectin not only in UC (correlation coefficient [r] = 0.69, p < 0.0001 vs. r = 0.58, p < 0.0001), but also in CD (r = 0.58, p < 0.0001 vs. r = 0.52, p = 0.0003). Our results indicating that faecal BAFF is a promising non-invasive biomarker in IBD differential diagnosis and monitoring of intestinal inflammation.
RNAi Screen and Proteomics Reveal NXF1 as a Novel Regulator of IRF5 Signaling
Authors: Fu Bishi , Zhao Mengmeng , Wang Lingyan , Patil Girish , Smith Jennifer A. , Juncadella Ignacio J. , Zuvela-Jelaska Ljiljana , Dorf Martin E. , Li Shitao
Published: May 2017

Interferon regulatory factor 5 (IRF5) is a key transcription factor of innate immunity, which plays an important role in host restriction to viral infection and inflammation. Genome-wide association studies have implied the association of IRF5 with several autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Sjogren’s syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease and multiple sclerosis. However, the regulation of IRF5-mediated immunity is not well understood. To uncover new regulators in IRF5 pathway, we used two “omics” approaches: affinity purification coupled with mass spectrometry and a high throughput RNAi screen. Proteomics identified 16 new IRF5 interactors while RNAi-mediated knockdown found 43 regulators of the TLR7-dependent IRF5 signaling pathway. NXF1 was identified in both screens. Stimulation with TLR7 ligand enhances formation of IRF5-NXF1 protein complexes. Gain or loss-of-function experiments revealed NXF1 selectively regulates TLR7-driven IRF5 transcriptional activity, suggesting a new role for NXF1 in the IRF5 signaling pathway.
Smooth anti-reflective three-dimensional textures for liquid phase crystallized silicon thin-film solar cells on glass
Authors: Eisenhauer David , Köppel Grit , Jäger Klaus , Chen Duote , Shargaieva Oleksandra , Sonntag Paul , Amkreutz Daniel , Rech Bernd , Becker Christiane
Published: May 2017

Recently, liquid phase crystallization of thin silicon films has emerged as a candidate for thin-film photovoltaics. On 10 μm thin absorbers, wafer-equivalent morphologies and open-circuit voltages were reached, leading to 13.2% record efficiency. However, short-circuit current densities are still limited, mainly due to optical losses at the glass-silicon interface. While nano-structures at this interface have been shown to efficiently reduce reflection, up to now these textures caused a deterioration of electronic silicon material quality. Therefore, optical gains were mitigated due to recombination losses. Here, the SMooth Anti-Reflective Three-dimensional (SMART) texture is introduced to overcome this trade-off. By smoothing nanoimprinted SiO
x
nano-pillar arrays with spin-coated TiO
x
layers, light in-coupling into laser-crystallized silicon solar cells is significantly improved as successfully demonstrated in three-dimensional simulations and in experiment. At the same time, electronic silicon material quality is equivalent to that of planar references, allowing to reach V
oc
values above 630 mV. Furthermore, the short-circuit current density could be increased from 21.0 mA cm−2 for planar reference cells to 24.5 mA cm−2 on SMART textures, a relative increase of 18%. External quantum efficiency measurements yield an increase for wavelengths up to 700 nm compared to a state-of-the-art solar cell with 11.9% efficiency, corresponding to a j
sc, EQE
gain of 2.8 mA cm−2.
Neck circumference associated with arterial blood pressures and hypertension: A cross-sectional community-based study in northern Han Chinese
Authors: Fan Shujun , Yang Boyi , Zhi Xueyuan , He Jing , Ma Ping , Yu Luyang , Zheng Quanmei , Sun Guifan
Published: May 2017

Although several studies have investigated the associations of neck circumference (NC) with arterial blood pressures (BPs) and hypertension, no such studies have been conducted among Northern Chinese population. Between April and June 2015, a total of 2631 subjects aged ≥35 years old were recruited from Northeastern China. NC and arterial BPs were measured by trained personnel. Generalized linear and logistic regression analyses were applied to examine the associations of NC with arterial BPs and hypertension risk. The optimal cut-off points of NC for predicting hypertension were assessed by the receiver operating characteristic analysis. We found that NC was significantly associated with arterial BPs and hypertension risk in the Northeastern Chinese adults, even after adjusting for many covariates including body mass index, waist circumference or waist-to-hip ratio. The optimal cut-off values for NC to predict hypertension differed with sex, age, and body mass index. Our study suggests that NC may play an independent role in predicting hypertension beyond the classical anthropometric indices, and that it could be used as a valuable anthropometric measurement for routine assessment in primary care clinics and future epidemiological studies.
Discovery of a polystyrene binding peptide isolated from phage display library and its application in peptide immobilization
Authors: Qiang Xu , Sun Keyong , Xing Lijun , Xu Yifeng , Wang Hong , Zhou Zhengpin , Zhang Juan , Zhang Fang , Caliskan Bilgen , Wang Min , Qiu Zheng
Published: May 2017

Phage peptide display is a powerful technique for discovery of various target-specific ligands. However, target-unrelated peptides can often be obtained and cause ambiguous results. Peptide PB-TUP has been isolated repeatedly in our laboratory on different targets and we conducted a research on PB-TUP phage to investigate their binding properties and rate of propagation. ELISA and phage recovery assay demonstrated that PB-TUP phage had a significant superior affinity to polystyrene solid surface compared with control phage clones. In this study, some incidental bindings are excluded like blocking agents and non-specific binding of secondary antibodies. Propagation rate assays of the selected phage clones showed that the growth rate of PB-TUP phage was not superior to the control phages. Furthermore, the binding of PB-TUB to polystyrene was concentration dependent and varied with solution pH. Molecular modeling revealed that stable structures of α-helix and β-turn may contribute to the binding of PB-TUP to polystyrene plate. The PB-TUP sequence was fused to the N-terminus of peptide P2 and the fusion peptide significantly increased the binding affinity to polystyrene. The fusion peptide also enhanced the cell adhesion ability of peptide P2 with human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC). The addition of the polystyrene binding peptide provided a convenient method for peptide immobilization.
Nanoscale spheroidized cementite induced ultrahigh strength-ductility combination in innovatively processed ultrafine-grained low alloy medium-carbon steel
Authors: Jia N. , Shen Y. F. , Liang J. W. , Feng X. W. , Wang H. B. , Misra R. D. K.
Published: May 2017

We describe here innovative processing of low alloy medium-carbon steel with a duplex microstructure composed of nanoscale spheroidized cementite (Fe3C) in an ultrafine-grained (UFG) ferritic steel. After multi-pass rolling and intermittent annealing at 550 °C for 300 s, the obtained UFG-1 steel showed an average ferrite grain size of ~430 nm, containing nanoscale spheroidized cementite (Fe3C) particles with an average size of ~70 nm. On annealing at 600 °C for 300 s, the average size of ferritic grains was increased to ~680 nm and the average size of spheroidized Fe3C particles increased to ~90 nm, referred as UFG-2 steel. Tensile tests indicated that UFG-1 steel had high yield strength (σy) of 1260 MPa, and ultimate tensile strength (σUTS) of 1400 MPa. These values are higher than that of UFG-2 steel (σy = 1080 MPa and σUTS = 1200 MPa), suggesting that the strengthening contribution is a cumulative effect of decrease in ferrite grain size and nanoscale cementite. The incoherent interfaces between nanosized particles and the matrix acted as a strong barrier to dislocation motion. The study underscores that nanosized precipitates not only provide strength but also contribute to ductility, which is very encouraging for improving the ductility of medium-carbon steels.
Genetic insights into juvenile idiopathic arthritis derived from deep whole genome sequencing
Authors: Wong Laiping , Jiang Kaiyu , Chen Yanmin , Jarvis James N.
Published: May 2017

Deep whole genome sequencing (WGS) allows for the comprehensive study of genetic landscapes at finer resolution than array based methods. We conducted deep WGS on children with the polyarticular form of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), using 2 independent cohorts to ascertain the sequencing fidelity. Genome wide SNP density analysis identified 18 SNP hotspots with comparison to the 1000 Genome Projects (1KGP) data. A subset of the genes adjacent to SNP hotspots showed statistically significant enrichment in immunological processes. Genes adjacent to indel hotspots were functionally related to G-protein coupled signaling pathways. Further analyses elucidated significantly more JIA SNPs with regulatory potential compared to 1KGP data. Furthermore, SNPs located within linkage disequibilium (LD) blocks containing previously identified JIA-associated SNPs demonstrated higher regulation potential compared to SNPs outside LD blocks. We also demonstrated enrichment of novel JIA variants in histone modification peaks and DNase hypersensitivity sites in B cells. This study greatly expands the number of genetic variants that may contribute to JIA and give us some clues into what may trigger this disease. To date, this study is the first deep WGS effort on children with JIA and provides useful genetic resources for research communities particularly in understanding JIA etiology.
Identification of active components in Yixinshu Capsule with protective effects against myocardial dysfunction on human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes by an integrative approach
Authors: Zhang Minyu , Wu Hongwei , Guo Feifei , Yu Yangyang , Wei Junying , Geng Ya , Wang Shifeng , Li Shiyou , Yang Hongjun
Published: May 2017

The compositions in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) preparations are complex and their mechanisms are unknown.
Giant magnetoimpedance based immunoassay for cardiac biomarker myoglobin
Authors: Yang Zhen , Wang Huanhuan , Dong Xinwei , Yan Hailong , Lei Chong , Luo Yongsong
Published: May 2017

A GMI sensor integrated with a microcavity was fabricated by micro-electro-mechanical-system (MEMS) technology.
Correction: Isoprene chain shuttling polymerisation between cis and trans regulating catalysts: straightforward access to a new material
Authors: Phuphuak Y. , Bonnet F. , Stoclet G. , Bria M. , Zinck P.
Published: May 2017

Correction for ‘Isoprene chain shuttling polymerisation between cis and trans regulating catalysts: straightforward access to a new material’ by Y. Phuphuak et al., Chem. Commun., 2017, 53, 5330–5333.
Reactions of persulfides with the heme cofactor of oxidized myoglobin and microperoxidase 11: reduction or coordination
Authors: Galardon Erwan , Huguet Florian , Herrero Christian , Ricoux Rémy , Artaud Isabelle , Padovani Dominique
Published: May 2017

Persulfides reduce both met- and ferryl-oxidized forms of myoglobin, and coordinate toN-acetylated microperoxidase-11.
Mathematical modeling reveals differential regulation of MAPK activity by phosphatase proteins in the yeast pheromone response pathway
Authors: Dyjack Nathan , Azeredo-Tseng Cassandra , Yildirim Necmettin
Published: May 2017

To prevent indefinite cellular responses to external signals, cells utilize various adaptation mechanisms.
Self-assembled artificial viral capsids bearing coiled-coils at the surface
Authors: Fujita Seiya , Matsuura Kazunori
Published: May 2017

A β-annulus-coiled-coil-B peptide self-assembled into an artificial viral capsid and then the addition of a complementary coiled-coil-A peptide showed the formation of capsids with coiled-coil spikes on the surface.
Stereoselective synthesis of enamino ketones through an aza-Michael/hydrolysis cascade reaction
Authors: Cui Hai-Lei , Peng Li-Jie , Zhou Hai-Lin , You Xiao-Lin , Jiang Xiao-Jie
Published: May 2017

Highly functionalized (Z)-β-enamino ketones have been prepared from readily available 3,4-dihydroisoquinoline imines and ynones through an aza-Michael/hydrolysis cascade reaction.
Isonucleotide incorporation into middle and terminal siRNA duplexes exhibits high gene silencing efficacy and nuclease resistance
Authors: Ma Yuan , Liu Shuang , Wang Yusi , Zhao Yuanhe , Huang Ye , Zhong Lijun , Guan Zhu , Zhang Lihe , Yang Zhenjun
Published: May 2017

d-/l-Isonucleotides were used to explore the local conformation requirement at specific sites of siRNA; both silencing activity and nuclease resistant character were improved, respectively.
Sulfinyl isobutyramide as an auxiliary for palladium(ii)-catalyzed C–H arylation and iodination of benzylamine derivatives
Authors: Wang Rui , Ding Yongzheng , Li Gang
Published: May 2017

An original readily available and versatile bidentate 2-methylsulfinyl isobutyramide directing group has been developed for benzylamine derivatives.
Rapid reversible borane to boryl hydride exchange by metal shuttling on the carborane cluster surface
Authors: Eleazer Bennett J. , Smith Mark D. , Popov Alexey A. , Peryshkov Dmitry V.
Published: May 2017

The ruthenium carboranyl pincer complex featuring fluxional ”cage-walking“ of the metal center is an efficient catalyst for cyclooctane transfer dehydrogenation.
Correction: Covalently modified halloysite clay nanotubes: synthesis, properties, biological and medical applications
Authors: Massaro M. , Lazzara G. , Milioto S. , Noto R. , Riela S.
Published: May 2017

Correction for ‘Covalently modified halloysite clay nanotubes: synthesis, properties, biological and medical applications' by M. Massaro et al., J. Mater. Chem. B, 2017, 5, 2867–2882.
Compact superconducting lowpass filter with wide stopband
Authors: Jiang Ying , Wei Bin , Heng Yong , Guo Xubo , Cao Bisong , Jiang Linan
Published: May 2017

A compact superconducting lowpass filter (LPF) composed of a pair of symmetrical parallel coupled lines, a cross‐shaped patch and a modified E‐type feeding structure is proposed. The filter is successfully designed and fabricated on MgO substrate with a compact size of 10.0 × 15.0 mm. Measured results match well with simulation results. The LPF has a 3 dB cut‐off frequency of 2.18 GHz, relative stopband bandwidth of 160%, and 0.06 dB insertion loss in the passband. For attenuation level of −18.5 dB, stopband bandwidth is from 3.16 to 19.25 GHz.
Parameter estimation of coexisted circular and strictly non‐circular signals
Authors: Yue Yaxing , Xu Yougen , Shen Lei , Liu Zhiwen
Published: May 2017

New direction‐of‐arrival (DOA) and non‐circular phase estimation algorithms for a mixture of circular and non‐circular signals, which are applicable to arbitrary planar arrays are presented. For simplicity, the non‐circular signals referred to are assumed to be strictly non‐circular. First, the DOAs of circular and non‐circular signals are estimated based on two polynomial formulae. Then the estimated DOAs of circular signals can be used to estimate the DOAs of non‐circular signals more precisely. Furthermore, the non‐circular phases can be calculated by the estimated DOAs of non‐circular signals. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithms outperform the compared algorithm.
Optimal null steering method in uniformly excited equally spaced linear arrays by optimising two edge elements
Authors: Mohammed J.R.
Published: May 2017

The implementation of the feeding network in the arrays that composed of a large number of elements and using non‐uniform excitations is a real challenging issue. The complexity of the feeding network can be greatly simplified by using uniformly excited arrays. However, such arrays suffer from sidelobe limitation. An optimised approach for sector sidelobe nulling in the equally spaced linear array pattern with uniform excitations except for two edge elements is presented. The genetic algorithm and particle swarm optimisation are independently used to find the optimal values of the amplitude and phase excitations for those edge elements.
Equivalent linear and non‐linear circuit model of superconducting microstrip normal and enhanced T‐junction structures
Authors: Mostaani Abolfazl , Javadzadeh S. Mohammad Hassan
Published: May 2017

In this study, an equivalent linear and non‐linear circuit model of superconducting microstrip T‐junction (SMT) structures is proposed. Two types of SMT structures are analysed using suggested model and their scattering behaviour is compared using both the method of moment and the finite‐element method (FEM). The fundamental and third‐order harmonic outputs are obtained using harmonic balance method to observe the non‐linear behaviour in SMT structures. A linear and non‐linear model for enhanced SMT structures is also suggested and verified by S‐parameters comparison between the model and FEM method. The non‐linearity in enhanced structures is modelled similarly and compared with results of normal structures.
Energy saving glazing with a wide band‐pass FSS allowing mobile communication: up‐scaling and characterisation
Authors: Burnier Luc , Lanini Matteo , Bouvard Olivia , Scanferla Damiano , Varathan Abiraam , Genoud Carine , Marguerit Arnaud , Cuttat Bernard , Dury Noémie , Witte Reiner , Salvadè Andrea , Schüler Andreas
Published: May 2017

A real case study and characterisation of modern energy efficient windows allowing mobile communication is presented. An earlier study had shown that laser scribing of energy saving coatings allows highly reducing the microwave attenuation (from 30 to 1–3 dB) using a wide band‐pass frequency‐selective surface (FSS) while preserving the thermal quality of the window. To achieve large‐scale production, the laser scribing technique has been further developed. The effect of laser scribing on the mechanical properties of a substrate has been determined through mechanical strength tests. Moreover, the insulating properties of the window have been analysed to ensure the reliability of this technology. As a real case demonstration, an entire train has been equipped with prototype windows. The signal quality has been controlled for a wide band of frequencies and for existing technologies such as long term evolution, universal mobile telecommunication system, multiple input multiple output and for different configurations such as a stationary and a moving train.
Analysing and modelling non‐linearity in superconducting metamaterial filter based on stepped impedance resonators
Authors: Mazdouri Behnam , Javadzadeh Seyed Mohammad Hassan
Published: May 2017

There are non‐linear behaviours in superconductive circuits such as superconducting metamaterial filter. In this study, the authors propose a distributed non‐linear equivalent circuit model for the superconducting metamaterial filter based on the stepped impedance resonator. This model can be used to predict the non‐linear behaviours like the third‐order intermodulation distortion and the harmonic generation. In the proposed non‐linear model, to have an accurate prediction, the authors considered both quadratic and modulus non‐linearity dependence on the current. Thereafter, this model analyses the non‐linearly using harmonic balance (HB) method at different temperatures and different input powers. There are good agreements between non‐linear simulation results and the measured ones. Moreover, based on the proposed model, the authors consider effects of the non‐linear behaviours on main parameters in the metamaterial structures such as phase constant, attenuation factor, plasma frequency, relative permittivity and permeability. Finally, the results related to variation of these parameters at different temperatures and specific input power are presented in linear and non‐linear regimes.
Direction finding of coherent non‐circular signals for conformal array using geometric algebra
Authors: Wu Minjie , Huang Jingjian , Zhang Xiaofa , Yuan Naichang
Published: May 2017

In view of the polarisation diversity of conformal array antennas, the cylindrical conformal array manifold model based on geometric algebra is established. With the help of special element arrangement, the spatial smoothing technology of coherent non‐circular signals for cylindrical conformal array, termed as GASS, is derived. Compared with the conventional analytic methods based on Euler angle, the proposed algorithm avoids the cumbersome matrix transformations and, therefore, has a much lower computational complexity. In addition, since the geometric algebra is introduced in the process of the array modelling, the presented algorithm is not limited to any specific array geometry. Monte‐Carlo simulation results are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
‘Talk about a Cunt with too Much Idle Time’: Trolling Feminist Research
Authors: Vera-Gray F.
Published: May 2017

Given the growing popularity of online methods for researchers and the increasing awareness of the levels of harassment and abuse directed at women online—especially women expressing feminist views—it is critical that we address the implications of online abuse for feminist researchers. Focussing on an often hidden yet significant part of our methodological decisions and recruitment, this paper details the online abuse levelled by men's rights activists against a research project on women's experiences of men's stranger intrusions in public space. It argues for the need to locate such experiences within a violence-against-women frame, extending the concept of a continuum of sexual violence. Such an extension renders visible the added labour of ‘safety work’, which forms an invisible backdrop to the methodological decisions of many feminist researchers.
Nontrivial Berry phase in magnetic BaMnSb
2
semimetal
Authors: Huang Silu , Kim Jisun , Shelton W. A. , Plummer E. W. , Jin Rongying
Published: May 2017

Significance

Among topological materials, experimental study of topological semimetals that host Dirac/Weyl fermions has just begun, even though these topological concepts were proposed nearly a century ago by Dirac and Weyl. Our work shows magnetic semimetal BaMnSb
2
exhibits nearly zero-mass fermions with high mobility and a nontrivial Berry phase. What is unique is the magnetic ordering, indicating the system is Weyl type due to time-reversal symmetry breaking. Theory shows that the spin order is very fragile, so it is expected that the application of magnetic field or uniaxial pressure could drive the material to be type II Weyl semimetal. In this material, Mn mainly controls the magnetic structure, whereas Sb in only one lattice site is responsible for the Dirac behavior.
Performing the subversive: an analysis of Indo-Fijian folklore
Authors: Shandil Vicky Vishal
Published: May 2017

This paper shows that the cultural tools used to sustain hegemony can sometimes also be used to rebel against those ideologies. For instance, there are stereotyped depictions of Indo-Fijian women in most Vivah ke Geet (songs of wedding) performed by female folksingers of the Sanatani sect. However, not all the songs fall in this category with some portraying potentially socially subversive content. This paper focuses on some such songs and discusses how these illustrate sanctioning of non-normative language and action in public events. It is argued that the potential for gender subversion is evidenced through such performances as these become revelatory of active agency on the part of the performers. Using Butler’s theory of Performativity as a critical lens the paper argues how failure to repeat norms can potentially lead to its transformation. The paper also reveals how such subversive potential is dealt with by patriarchal authorities and consequently neutralized.
Hyperbolic surfaces with long systoles that form a pants decomposition
Authors: Petri Bram
Published: May 2017

We present a construction of sequences of closed hyperbolic surfaces that have long systoles which form pants decompositions of these surfaces. The length of the systoles of these surfaces grows logarithmically as a function of their genus.
The (𝑛+1)-Lipschitz homotopy group of the Heisenberg group ℍⁿ
Authors: Hajłasz Piotr
Published: May 2017

We prove that for

n
≥
2

n\geq 2

, the Lipschitz homotopy group

π

n
+
1

{Lip}

(

H

n

)

\pi _{n+1}^\textrm {{Lip}}(\mathbb {H}^n)

≠
0

\neq 0

of the Heisenberg group

H

n

\mathbb {H}^n

is nontrivial.
Smallest order closed sublattices and option spanning
Authors: Gao Niushan , Leung Denny
Published: May 2017

Let

Y
Y

be a sublattice of a vector lattice

X
X

. We consider the problem of identifying the smallest order closed sublattice of

X
X

containing

Y
Y

. It is known that the analogy with topological closure fails. Let

Y
¯

o

\overline {Y}^o

be the order closure of

Y
Y

consisting of all order limits of nets of elements from

Y
Y

. Then

Y
¯

o

\overline {Y}^o

need not be order closed. We show that in many cases the smallest order closed sublattice containing

Y
Y

is in fact the second order closure

Y
¯

o

¯

o

\overline {\overline {Y}^o}^o

. Moreover, if

X
X

is a

σ
\sigma

-order complete Banach lattice, then the condition that

Y
¯

o

\overline {Y}^o

is order closed for every sublattice

Y
Y

characterizes order continuity of the norm of

X
X

. The present paper provides a general approach to a fundamental result in financial economics concerning the spanning power of options written on a financial asset.