bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
One amino acid makes a difference–Characterization of a new TPMT allele and the influence of SAM on TPMT stability
Authors: Iu Yan Ping Heidi , Helander Sara , Kahlin Anna Zimdahl , Cheng Chun Wah , Shek Chi Chung , Leung Moon Ho , Wallner Björn , Mårtensson Lars-Göran , Appell Malin Lindqvist
Published: May 2017

Thiopurine induced toxicity is associated with defects in the thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT) gene. TPMT is a polymorphic enzyme, with most of the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) causing an amino acid change, altering the enzymatic activity of the TPMT protein. In this study, we characterize a novel patient allele c.719A > C, named TPMT*41, together with the more common variant *3C c.719A > G, resulting in an amino acid shift at tyrosine 240 to serine, p.Y240S and cysteine, p.Y240C respectively. We show that the patient heterozygote for c.719A > C has intermediate enzymatic activity in red blood cells. Furthermore, in vitro studies, using recombinant protein, show that TPMT p.Y240S is less stable than both TPMTwt and TPMT p.Y240C. The addition of SAM increases the stability and, in agreement with Isothermal Titration Calorimetry (ITC) data, higher molar excess of SAM is needed in order to stabilize TPMT p.Y240C and TPMT p.Y240S compared to TPMTwt. Molecular dynamics simulations show that the loss of interactions is most severe for Y240S, which agrees with the thermal stability of the mutations. In conclusion, our study shows that SAM increases the stability of TPMT and that changing only one amino acid can have a dramatic effect on TPMT stability and activity.
Viral nervous necrosis in gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) caused by reassortant betanodavirus RGNNV/SJNNV: an emerging threat for Mediterranean aquaculture
Authors: Toffan Anna , Pascoli Francesco , Pretto Tobia , Panzarin Valentina , Abbadi Miriam , Buratin Alessandra , Quartesan Rosita , Gijón Daniel , Padrós Francesc
Published: May 2017

Viral nervous necrosis (VNN) certainly represents the biggest challenge for the sustainability and the development of aquaculture. A large number of economically relevant fish species have proven to be susceptible to the disease. Conversely, gilthead sea bream has generally been considered resistant to VNN, although it has been possible to isolate the virus from apparently healthy sea bream and sporadically from affected larvae and postlarvae. Unexpectedly, in 2014–2016 an increasing number of hatcheries in Europe have experienced mass mortalities in sea bream larvae. Two clinical outbreaks were monitored over this time span and findings are reported in this paper. Despite showing no specific clinical signs, the affected fish displayed high mortality and histological lesions typical of VNN. Fish tested positive for betanodavirus by different laboratory techniques. The isolates were all genetically characterized as being reassortant strains RGNNV/SJNNV. A genetic characterization of all sea bream betanodaviruses which had been isolated in the past had revealed that the majority of the strains infecting sea bream are actually RGNNV/SJNNV. Taken together, this information strongly suggests that RGNNV/SJNNV betanodavirus possesses a particular tropism to sea bream, which can pose a new and unexpected threat to the Mediterranean aquaculture.
Correction: Corrigendum: Thermal transport in nanocrystalline Si and SiGe by ab initio based Monte Carlo simulation
Authors: Yang Lina , Minnich Austin J.
Published: May 2017

Scientific Reports 7: Article number: 44254; published online: 14 March 2017; updated: 02 May 2017 This Article contains errors in Figures 3, 4 and 5 where the graphs were labelled incorrectly. The correct Figures 3, 4 and 5 appear below as Figures 1, 2 and 3 respectively.
Erratum: Setting temporal baselines for biodiversity: the limits of available monitoring data for capturing the full impact of anthropogenic pressures
Authors: Mihoub Jean-Baptiste , Henle Klaus , Titeux Nicolas , Brotons Lluís , Brummitt Neil A. , Schmeller Dirk S.
Published: May 2017

Scientific Reports 7: Article number: 41591; published online: 30 January 2017; updated: 02 May 2017 In this Article, Figure 4 is a duplication of Figure 5. The correct Figure 4 appears below as Figure 1. The legend of Figure 4 was correct from the time of publication.
Correction: Corrigendum: The height limit of a siphon
Authors: Boatwright A. , Hughes S. , Barry J.
Published: May 2017

Scientific Reports 5: Article number: 16790; published online: 02 December 2015; updated: 02 May 2017 We wish to acknowledge a related 1995 experiment performed by Andrew K Fletcher (http://inclinedbedtherapy.com), in which a 48 m length of 6 mm bore tubing, filled with degassed water was lifted 24 m vertical against Brixham Cliffs.
Incorrect dosage of IQSEC2, a known intellectual disability and epilepsy gene, disrupts dendritic spine morphogenesis
Authors: Hinze S J , Jackson M R , Lie S , Jolly L , Field M , Barry S C , Harvey R J , Shoubridge C
Published: May 2017

There is considerable genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity associated with intellectual disability (ID), specific learning disabilities, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism and epilepsy. The intelligence quotient (IQ) motif and SEC7 domain containing protein 2 gene (IQSEC2) is located on the X-chromosome and harbors mutations that contribute to non-syndromic ID with and without early-onset seizure phenotypes in both sexes. Although IQ and Sec7 domain mutations lead to partial loss of IQSEC2 enzymatic activity, the in vivo pathogenesis resulting from these mutations is not known. Here we reveal that IQSEC2 has a key role in dendritic spine morphology. Partial loss-of-function mutations were modeled using a lentiviral short hairpin RNA (shRNA) approach, which achieved a 57% knockdown of Iqsec2 expression in primary hippocampal cell cultures from mice. Investigating gross morphological parameters after 8 days of in vitro culture (8DIV) identified a 32% reduction in primary axon length, in contrast to a 27% and 31% increase in the number and complexity of dendrites protruding from the cell body, respectively. This increase in dendritic complexity and spread was carried through dendritic spine development, with a 34% increase in the number of protrusions per dendritic segment compared with controls at 15DIV. Although the number of dendritic spines had normalized by 21DIV, a reduction was noted in the number of immature spines. In contrast, when modeling increased dosage, overexpression of wild-type IQSEC2 led to neurons with shorter axons that were more compact and displayed simpler dendritic branching. Disturbances to dendritic morphology due to knockdown of Iqsec2 were recapitulated in neurons from Iqsec2 knockout mice generated in our laboratory using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. These observations provide evidence of dosage sensitivity for IQSEC2, which normally escapes X-inactivation in females, and links these disturbances in expression to alterations in the morphology of developing neurons.
Exercise alters mouse sperm small noncoding RNAs and induces a transgenerational modification of male offspring conditioned fear and anxiety
Authors: Short A K , Yeshurun S , Powell R , Perreau V M , Fox A , Kim J H , Pang T Y , Hannan A J
Published: May 2017

There is growing evidence that the preconceptual lifestyle and other environmental exposures of a father can significantly alter the physiological and behavioral phenotypes of their children. We and others have shown that paternal preconception stress, regardless of whether the stress was experienced during early-life or adulthood, results in offspring with altered anxiety and depression-related behaviors, attributed to hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis dysregulation. The transgenerational response to paternal preconceptual stress is believed to be mediated by sperm-borne small noncoding RNAs, specifically microRNAs. As physical activity confers physical and mental health benefits for the individual, we used a model of voluntary wheel-running and investigated the transgenerational response to paternal exercise. We found that male offspring of runners had suppressed reinstatement of juvenile fear memory, and reduced anxiety in the light–dark apparatus during adulthood. No changes in these affective behaviors were observed in female offspring. We were surprised to find that running had a limited impact on sperm-borne microRNAs. The levels of three unique microRNAs (miR-19b, miR-455 and miR-133a) were found to be altered in the sperm of runners. In addition, we discovered that the levels of two species of tRNA-derived RNAs (tDRs)—tRNA-Gly and tRNA-Pro—were also altered by running. Taken together, we believe this is the first evidence that paternal exercise is associated with an anxiolytic behavioral phenotype of male offspring and altered levels of small noncoding RNAs in sperm. These small noncoding RNAs are known to have an impact on post-transcriptional gene regulation and can thus change the developmental trajectory of offspring brains and associated affective behaviors.
Perturbations in the apoptotic pathway and mitochondrial network dynamics in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from bipolar disorder patients
Authors: Scaini G , Fries G R , Valvassori S S , Zeni C P , Zunta-Soares G , Berk M , Soares J C , Quevedo J
Published: May 2017

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a severe psychiatric disorder characterized by phasic changes of mood and can be associated with progressive structural brain change and cognitive decline. The numbers and sizes of glia and neurons are reduced in several brain areas, suggesting the involvement of apoptosis in the pathophysiology of BD. Because the changes in mitochondrial dynamics are closely related with the early process of apoptosis and the specific processes of apoptosis and mitochondrial dynamics in BD have not been fully elucidated, we measured the apoptotic pathway and the expression of mitochondrial fission/fusion proteins from BD patients and healthy controls. We recruited 16 patients with BD type I and sixteen well-matched healthy controls and investigated protein levels of several pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic factors, as well as the expression of mitochondrial fission/fusion proteins in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Our results showed that the levels of the anti-apoptotic proteins Bcl-xL, survivin and Bcl-xL/Bak dimer were significantly decreased, while active caspase-3 protein levels were significantly increased in PBMCs from BD patients. Moreover, we observed the downregulation of the mitochondrial fusion-related proteins Mfn2 and Opa1 and the upregulation of the fission protein Fis1 in PBMCs from BD patients, both in terms of gene expression and protein levels. We also showed a significantly decrease in the citrate synthase activity. Finally, we found a positive correlation between Mfn2 and Opa1 with mitochondrial content markers, as well as a negative correlation between mitochondrial fission/fusion proteins and apoptotic markers. Overall, data reported here are consistent with the working hypothesis that apoptosis may contribute to cellular dysfunction, brain volume loss and progressive cognitive in BD. Moreover, we show an important relationship between mitochondrial dynamics and the cell death pathway activation in BD patients, supporting the link between mitochondrial dysfunction and the pathophysiology of BD.
Diazoresin modified monodisperse porous poly(glycidylmethacrylate-co-divinylbenzene) microspheres as the stationary phase for high performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Yu Bing , Zhang Hongbo , Cong Hailin , Gu Chuantao , Gao Lilong , Yang Bo , Usman Muhammad
Published: May 2017

Diazoresin modified monodisperse porous PGMA–DVB microspheres were used as a novel tool for the separation and purification of the N-vinyl-1,2,4-triazole product from its by-product was developed.
Rapid determination of impurity of boron nitride in amorphous boron powder using inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) and ion chromatography (IC)
Authors: Yadav Abhay , Bulakh Nitin , Gupta Amit , Sikder Nirmala , Sikder Arun Kanti
Published: May 2017

Ever-increasing use of amorphous boron powder (ABP) in high-energy materials (HEMs) and allied compositions has created frequent demand for the analysis of boron (B).
Porous stamp-based reagent patterning for lateral flow immunoassays
Authors: Imdieke Jessalyn , Fu Elain
Published: May 2017

We present a novel method of stamping antibody patterns onto nitrocellulose for lateral flow assays.
Analysis of the electron transfer properties of carbon quantum dots on gold nanorod surfaces via plasmonic resonance scattering spectroscopy
Authors: Cao Yue , Zhou Hao , Qian Ruo-Can , Liu Jingquan , Ying Yi-Lun , Long Yi-Tao
Published: May 2017

Colloidal nanocomposites consisting of carbon quantum dots and gold nanorods were fabricated on ITO electrode surfaces via electrostatic interactions. The structural, electrochemical and scattering properties of the hybrid nanomaterials were systematically investigated.
Capturing local structure modulations of photoexcited BiVO4 by ultrafast transient XAFS
Authors: Uemura Yohei , Kido Daiki , Koide Akihiro , Wakisaka Yuki , Niwa Yasuhiro , Nozawa Shunsuke , Ichiyanagi Kohei , Fukaya Ryo , Adachi Shin-ichi , Katayama Tetsuo , Togashi Tadashi , Owada Shigeki , Yabashi Makina , Hatada Keisuke , Iwase Akihide , Kudo Akihiko , Takakusagi Satoru , Yokoyama Toshihiko , Asakura Kiyotaka
Published: May 2017

Femto- and picosecond transient XAFS revealed the photoexcitation dynamics of BiVO4.
Hierarchical bicontinuous structure of redox-active organic composites and their enhanced electrochemical properties
Authors: Sato Kosuke , Arayasu Mirei , Masaki Hirotaka , Imai Hiroaki , Oaki Yuya
Published: May 2017

The hierarchical bicontinuous structure of redox-active organic composites of crystalline quinone derivatives and conductive polymers was generated through simultaneous etching of the crystal and polymerization of the monomer.
Composition inversion to form calcium carbonate mixtures
Authors: Peh Eddie , Liedel Clemens , Taubert Andreas , Tauer Klaus
Published: May 2017

A solid mixture of reactants undergoes composition inversion to form calcium carbonate.
Effects of the asphaltene structure and the tetralin/heptane solvent ratio on the size and shape of asphaltene aggregates
Authors: Lee Hwankyu , Lee Yong-Kul
Published: May 2017

Asphaltene molecules, which consist of differently hydrogenated polyaromatic cores grafted with side alkyl chains of different sizes and grafting densities, were simulated with a solvent mixture of heptane and tetralin using coarse-grained force fields.
Low energy electron-induced decomposition of (η3-C3H5)Ru(CO)3Br, a potential focused electron beam induced deposition precursor with a heteroleptic ligand set
Authors: Thorman Rachel M. , Brannaka Joseph A. , McElwee-White Lisa , Ingólfsson Oddur
Published: May 2017

Low energy electron induced fragmentation of (η3-C3H5)Ru(CO)3Br is reported in relation to the suitability of different ligands in the design of focused electron beam induced deposition precursors.
Structural stability and intriguing electronic properties of two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenide alloys
Authors: Yuan Xiao , Yang Mingye , Wang Lu , Li Youyong
Published: May 2017

Novel heterolayer and alternating structures were proposed for transition metal dichalcogenide alloys with intriguing electronic properties.
A DFT+U study on the oxidative chlorination of CH4 at ceria: the role of HCl
Authors: Yin Li-Li , Lu Guanzhong , Gong Xue-Qing
Published: May 2017

HCl, surface defects and orientations can affect the oxidation activity of CH4 at CeO2 and the selectivity toward different products.
Molecular structures of various alkyldichlorosilanes in the solid state
Authors: Wagler Jörg , Gericke Robert
Published: May 2017

A series of organodichlorosilanes RR′SiCl2 (R,R′ = (CH2)3; (CH2)4; (CH2)5; Me,Me; Me,H; Me,Cl) was studied by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses.
CFA-4 – a fluorinated metal–organic framework with exchangeable interchannel cations
Authors: Fritzsche J. , Grzywa M. , Denysenko D. , Bon V. , Senkovska I. , Kaskel S. , Volkmer D.
Published: May 2017

Fluorinated metal–organic framework M[CFA-4] contains exchangeable interchannel cations and shows interesting selective and sensitive fluorescence behaviour towards nitroaromatics.
One-step large-scale highly active g-C3N4 nanosheets for efficient sunlight-driven photocatalytic hydrogen production
Authors: Iqbal Waheed , Qiu Bocheng , Lei Juying , Wang Lingzhi , Zhang Jinlong , Anpo Masakazu
Published: May 2017

The development of highly active, cost-effective, environmentally friendly and stable g-C3N4 based photocatalysts for H2 evolution is one of the most anticipated potential pathways for future hydrogen utilization.
A survey of the different roles of polyoxometalates in their interaction with amino acids, peptides and proteins
Authors: Arefian Mina , Mirzaei Masoud , Eshtiagh-Hosseini Hossein , Frontera Antonio
Published: May 2017

This perspective provides a comprehensive description of the different roles of POMs in their interaction with relevant biological molecules.
Solvent-dependent nuclearity, geometry and catalytic activity of [(SPhos)Pd(Ph)Cl]2
Authors: Brazier John B. , Newton Mark A. , Barreiro Elena M. , Adrio Luis A. , Naya Leticia , Hii King Kuok (Mimi)
Published: May 2017

The nuclearity and structures of the palladium complex [(SPhos)Pd(Ph)Cl]2 in the solid and solution states are revisited using a combination of Extended X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy, NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, DFT calculations and trapping experiments.
Anomalous electroless deposition of less noble metals on Cu in ionic liquids and its application towards battery electrodes
Authors: Lahiri Abhishek , Borisenko Natalia , Olschewski Mark , Pulletikurthi Giridhar , Endres Frank
Published: May 2017

Electroless deposition can be triggered by the difference in the redox potentials between two metals in an electrolyte.
Mangos and their bioactive components: adding variety to the fruit plate for health
Authors: Burton-Freeman Britt M. , Sandhu Amandeep K. , Edirisinghe Indika
Published: May 2017

The diet is an essential factor affecting the risk for development and progression of modern day chronic diseases, particularly those with pathophysiological roots in inflammation and oxidative stress-induced damage.
Bioavailability of the ferulic acid-derived phenolic compounds of a rice bran enzymatic extract and their activity against superoxide production
Authors: Perez-Ternero Cristina , Macià Alba , de Sotomayor Maria Alvarez , Parrado Juan , Motilva Maria-Jose , Herrera Maria-Dolores
Published: May 2017

Rice bran is an exceptional source of such antioxidant molecules as γ-oryzanol and ferulic acid, but their bioavailability and metabolism within this matrix remain unknown.
Catalytic hydrogenolysis of kraft lignin to monomers at high yield in alkaline water
Authors: Qi Shi-Chao , Hayashi Jun-ichiro , Kudo Shinji , Zhang Lu
Published: May 2017

The yield of hydrogenolytic depolymerization to the monomers of kraft lignin dissolved in alkaline water is largely increased by the pretreatment of stretching lignin macromolecules.
Highly efficient genome editing of human hematopoietic stem cells via a nano-silicon-blade delivery approach
Authors: Ma Yuan , Han Xin , Quintana Bustamante Oscar , Bessa de Castro Ricardo , Zhang Kai , Zhang Pengchao , Li Ying , Liu Zongbin , Liu Xuewu , Ferrari Mauro , Hu Zhongbo , Carlos Segovia José , Qin Lidong
Published: May 2017

We provided a nano-blade chip for HSCs specific delivery with the properties of rapid, high efficiency and harmless.
Natural product driven diversity via skeletal remodeling of caryophyllene β-lactam
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Tang Hao-Yu , Chen Min , Yu Jie , Li Hui , Gao Jin-Ming
Published: May 2017

Diverse skeletons were generated from caryophylleneviacascade rearrangements. One of them was identified as an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor.
Increasing bacterial affinity and cytocompatibility with four-arm star glycopolymers and antimicrobial α-polylysine
Authors: Pranantyo Dicky , Xu Li Qun , Hou Zheng , Kang En-Tang , Chan-Park Mary B.
Published: May 2017

Cationic polypeptide arms disintegrate bacterial membranes, while glycopolymer arms promote biocompatibility with simultaneous targeting of the bacterial surface.
Squarylium dye and onium salts as highly sensitive photoradical generators for blue light
Authors: Kostrzewska Katarzyna , Ortyl Joanna , Dobosz Robert , Kabatc Janina
Published: May 2017

2-Ethyl-2-(hydroxymethyl)-1,3-propanediol triacrylate was polymerized in the presence of squarylium dye and various onium salts.
The influence of branched alkyl side chains in A–D–A oligothiophenes on the photovoltaic performance and morphology of solution-processed bulk-heterojunction solar cells
Authors: Ata Ibrahim , Dkhil Sadok Ben , Pfannmöller Martin , Bals Sara , Duché David , Simon Jean-Jacques , Koganezawa Tomoyuki , Yoshimoto Noriyuki , Videlot-Ackermann Christine , Margeat Olivier , Ackermann Jörg , Bäuerle Peter
Published: May 2017

Besides providing sufficient solubility, branched alkyl chains also affect the film-forming and packing properties of organic semiconductors.
Pathogen inactivation of cruciferous phytoalexins: detoxification reactions, enzymes and inhibitors
Authors: Pedras M. Soledade C. , Abdoli Abbas
Published: May 2017

This review covers the detoxification pathways of cruciferous phytoalexins, the corresponding detoxifying enzymes and their natural and synthetic inhibitors. Paldoxins are examined as a potentially sustainable strategy to control plant pathogenic fungi.
Enhanced selectivity in the conversion of glycerol to pyridine bases over HZSM-5/11 intergrowth zeolite
Authors: Zhang Yuecheng , Zhai Xing , Zhang Hongyu , Zhao Jiquan
Published: May 2017

Intergrown zeolite HZSM-5/11(78) catalyst showed enhancement in the conversion of glycerol with ammonia to pyridine bases.
MoS2-DNA and MoS2 based sensors
Authors: Yan Lirong , Shi Haixia , Sui Xiaowei , Deng Zebin , Gao Li
Published: May 2017

MoS2, a family member of transition-metal dichalcogenides, has shown highly attractive superiority for detection arising from its unique physical and chemical properties.
Multifunctional bio carbon: a coir pith waste derived electrode for extensive energy storage device applications
Authors: Mullaivananathan V. , Packiyalakshmi P. , Kalaiselvi N.
Published: May 2017

Suitability of CPC electrode for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) and electrical double layer capacitors (EDLCs) has been demonstrated through the present work, apart from our report on lithium-ion and lithium-sulfur batteries.
Tumor microenvironment-triggered fabrication of gold nanomachines for tumor-specific photoacoustic imaging and photothermal therapy
Authors: Yu Zhengze , Wang Meimei , Pan Wei , Wang Hongyu , Li Na , Tang Bo
Published: May 2017

An alpha-cyclodextrin (α-CD)-based gold/DNA nanomachine was developed as a novel theranostic agent for tumor-selective diagnosis and therapy.
Functionalization of transparent conductive oxide electrode for TiO2-free perovskite solar cells
Authors: Topolovsek P. , Lamberti F. , Gatti T. , Cito A. , Ball J. M. , Menna E. , Gadermaier C. , Petrozza A.
Published: May 2017

Fullerene hydrophobic SAM acts as ETL in PSCs getting big crystals and highly efficient devices.
Selective functionalization of laser printout patterns on cellulose paper sheets coated with surface-specific peptides
Authors: Wilke Patrick , Abt Doris , Große Steffi , Barner-Kowollik Christopher , Börner Hans G.
Published: May 2017

Laser printed patterns on paper are coated with surface-specific peptides and modifiedviaphoto-induced ligation to yield functional surfaces.
An evenly distributed sulfur-doped nickel zinc hydroxyl carbonate dispersed structure for all-solid-state asymmetric supercapacitors with enhanced performance
Authors: Wang Shaohua , Wang Xuemeng , Bao Zepei , Yang Xijia , Ye Lin , Zhao Lijun
Published: May 2017

Assembly diagram of an all-solid-state asymmetric supercapacitor and its practical application.
Electrostatic interaction mechanism based synthesis of a Z-scheme BiOI–CdS photocatalyst for selective and sensitive detection of Cu2+
Authors: Wang Hao , Ye Huili , Zhang Bihong , Zhao Faqiong , Zeng Baizhao
Published: May 2017

A novel Z-scheme BiOI–CdS photocatalyst was prepared based on an electrostatic interaction mechanism and it showed excellent selectivity and extended linear range for Cu2+ detection.
A novel luminescence probe based on layered double hydroxides loaded with quantum dots for simultaneous detection of heavy metal ions in water
Authors: Liu Jieyuan , Lv Guocheng , Gu Wenlong , Li Zhaohui , Tang Aiwei , Mei Lefu
Published: May 2017

A remarkable improvement in luminescence intensity was achieved by immobilizing quantum dots on the surface of layered double hydroxides, for the detection of heavy metals in real water samples.
Combining direct imaging and radial velocity data towards a full exploration of the giant planet population
Authors: Lannier J. , Lagrange A. M. , Bonavita M. , Borgniet S. , Delorme P. , Meunier N. , Desidera S. , Messina S. , Chauvin G. , Keppler M.
Published: May 2017

Context. Thanks to the detections of more than 3000 exoplanets these last 20 yr, statistical studies have already highlighted some properties of the distribution of the planet parameters. Nevertheless, few studies have yet investigated the planet populations from short to large separations around the same star since this requires the use of different detection techniques that usually target different types of stars.

Aims. We wish to develop a tool that combines direct and indirect methods so as to correctly investigate the giant planet populations at all separations.

Methods. We developed the MESS2 code, a Monte Carlo simulation code combining radial velocity and direct imaging data obtained at different epochs for a given star to estimate the detection probability of giant planets spanning a wide range of physical separations. It is based on the generation of synthetic planet populations.

Results. We apply MESS2 on a young M1-type, the nearby star AU Mic observed with HARPS and NACO/ESO. We show that giant planet detection limits are significantly improved at intermediate separations (≈20 au in the case of AU Mic). We show that the traditional approach of analyzing the RV and DI detection limits independently systematically overestimates the planet detection limits and hence planet occurrence rates. The use of MESS2 allows us to obtain correct planet occurrence rates in statistical studies, making use of multi-epoch DI data and/or RV measurements. We also show that MESS2 can optimize the schedule of future DI observations.
Thieme Chemistry Journal Awardees – Where are They Now? The Influence of Electron-Withdrawing Groups at the 2- and 2′-Positions of Dibenzothienylethenes on Molecular Switching
Authors: Wagenknecht Hans-Achim , Hofsäß Robert , Rombach David
Published: May 2017

Three dibenzothienylethenes that carry a methyl, a trifluoromethyl, or a fluoro substituent in the 2- and 2′-position were synthesised in short multistep syntheses, respectively. The trifluoromethyl and fluoromethyl substituents significantly improve the absorption properties of the corresponding open and closed isomers (both in the UV-A and in the visible range). The increasing electron deficiency (i) enlarges the portion of the closed and coloured diarylethene isomer in the corresponding photostationary states and slows down the closing and opening isomerisation, (ii) the switching reactions, both closing and opening, are slowed down, and (iii) the switching quantum yields are lowered.
Bu4N+-Controlled Addition and Olefination with Ethyl 2-(Trimethylsilyl)acetate via Silicon Activation
Authors: O’Shea Donal , Das Manas , Manvar Atul , Fox Ian , Roberts Dilwyn
Published: May 2017

Catalytic Bu4NOAc as silicon activator of ethyl 2-(trimethylsilyl)acetate, in THF, was utilized for the synthesis of β-hydroxy esters, whereas employing catalytic Bu4NOTMS gave α,β-unsaturated esters. The established reaction conditions were applicable to a diverse range of aromatic, heteroaromatic, aliphatic aldehydes and ketones. Reactions were achieved at room temperature without taking any of the specialized precautions that are in place for other organometallics. A stepwise olefination pathway via silylated β-hydroxy esters with subsequent elimination to form the α,β-unsaturated ester has been demonstrated. The key to selective product formation lies in use of the weaker acetate activator which suppresses subsequent elimination whereas stronger TMSO– activator (and base) facilitates both addition and elimination steps. The use of tetrabutyl ammonium salts for both acetate and trimethylsilyloxide activators provide enhanced silicon activation when compared to their inorganic cation counterparts.
Thieme Chemistry Journals Awardees – Where Are They Now? Efficient Cross-Coupling of Secondary Amines/Azoles and Activated (Hetero)Aryl Chlorides Using an Air-Stable DPEPhos/Nickel Pre-Catalyst
Authors: Stradiotto Mark , Sawatzky Ryan , Ferguson Michael
Published: May 2017

Synthesis and characterization of the new air-stable pre-catalyst (DPEPhos)Ni(2-mesityl)Br (C1) is reported, along with the application of this pre-catalyst in the cross-coupling of secondary amines/azoles with activated (hetero)aryl chlorides to afford tertiary (hetero)anilines. The performance of C1 in these cross-couplings is competitive with some of the best and/or most widely employed nickel catalysts for such transformations.
Incidence and Risk Factors of Inferior Rectus Muscle Palsy in Pediatric Orbital Blowout Fractures
Authors: Young Stephanie M. , Koh Yan Tong , Chan Errol W. , Amrith Shantha
Published: May 2017

The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence, clinical features, and risk factors of sustaining inferior rectus (IR) palsy in a group of pediatric patients with orbital floor blowout fractures. We performed a retrospective case review of sequential cases of pediatric orbital floor blowout fractures (<18 years old) from 2000 to 2013 in a tertiary ophthalmic center in Singapore. A total of 48 patients were included in our study, of whom 5 had IR palsy (10.4%). Patients with IR palsy had a higher mean age (16.4 ± 1.5 years) compared with patients without IR palsy (12.4 ± 3.3 years), had significantly ( p < 0.05) worse preoperative motility, and had significantly greater proportion developing postoperative hypertropia (100%) compared with patients without IR palsy (4.7%). Our series of pediatric blowout fractures demonstrated IR palsy prevalence and clinical features for IR palsy which may be distinct to the pediatric group.
Could Congenital Insensitivity to Pain with Anhidrosis Be Misdiagnosed as Papillon–Lefèvre Syndrome?
Authors: Abouzaid Maha , Thomas Manal , El-Kamah Ghada , Mostafa Mostafa
Published: May 2017

Papillon–Lefèvre syndrome (PLS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by early loss of teeth with hyperkeratosis of the palms and soles. Congenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis (CIPA) is a disorder of decreased pain sensation, decreased sweating, recurrent infections, and fever. Here, we report a 5-year-old girl born to consanguineous parents with a family history of a similarly affected sibling. The girl presented with early loss of teeth and palmoplantar hyperkeratosis, hence, provisionally diagnosed as PLS. Further clinical examination and detailed history taking shifted the diagnosis to CIPA. CIPA could be misdiagnosed as PLS. Congenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis, although rare, should be considered in the differential diagnosis of PLS.
China Rising
Authors: Liu Guoli
Published: May 2017

This comprehensive text examines Chinese foreign policy with a focus on the recent dramatic changes in China's place and role in the world. Covering both the economic and security dimensions of China's foreign policy-making as well as its key bilateral relationships, it offers students a clear and systematic introduction to the key challenges and prospects posed by China's rise. Using a wealth of sources, the book explores how the Chinese perceive their country's growing role and considers whether Chinese foreign policy is still conducted, as it has been traditionally, in line with what the Chinese regard as being core values and national interests, particularly a territorial and sovereign integrity, political independence and modernization, as well as a great power status.

Written by an expert in Chinese politics and foreign policy, this accessible introduction offers a unique analysis of contemporary China and the economic and security aspects of foreign policy from the twentieth century onwards. It also includes the under-analysed relationships between China and other emerging powers.

This text is an essential for those studying China within International Relations and Politics degrees, or who are interested in the development of China's foreign policy and its evolving place in the world order.
It’s not about security, it’s about racism: counter-terror strategies, civilizing processes and the post-race fiction
Authors: G. Patel Tina
Published: May 2017

Using a range of international examples, this article examines the ways in which members of the black and minority ethnic population continue to be viewed as problematic and deviant, challenging the claim that we are now living in a post-race state. The article considers how race and racism are still in reality, used to socially order society—and specifically criminalize those black and minority ethnic groups of (real or perceived) Muslim background—what I call “brown bodies”. Turning its focus to the United Kingdom, although offering an analysis applicable to other countries with similar racialized conditions, the article discusses how sub-measures under current counter-terror discourse not only serve to control and regulate Muslim populations, but more so, the civilizing undertone of its Western (or, British) values and national security narrative continue to normalize and perpetuate anti-Muslim sentiment and construct Muslims as “suspect” communities at every possible opportunity. This process draws on a “post-colonial fantasy” and re-uses established practices of “race-consumption” to control brown bodies. This ensures that anti-Muslim racism remains a key feature of contemporary British society. The article ends noting its support for that body of literature that critiques the claim that we are now living in a post-race state. This article is published as part of a collection on racism in counter-terrorism and surveillance discourse.
Molecular dynamics analysis of the friction between a water-methanol liquid mixture and a non-polar solid crystal surface
Authors: Nakaoka Satoshi , Yamaguchi Yasutaka , Omori Takeshi , Joly Laurent
Published: May 2017

We performed molecular dynamics analysis of the momentum transfer at the solid-liquid interface for a water-methanol liquid mixture between parallel non-polar solid walls in order to understand the strong decrease of the friction coefficient (FC) induced by the methanol adsorption at the surface observed in our previous work [S. Nakaoka et al., Phys. Rev. E 92, 022402 (2015)]. In particular, we extracted the individual contributions of water and methanol molecules to the total FC and found that the molecular FC for methanol was larger than that for water. We further showed that the reduction of the total solid-liquid FC upon the increase of the methanol molar fraction in the first adsorption layer occurred as a result of a decrease in the molecular number density as well as a decrease in the molecular FCs of both molecules. Analysis of the molecular orientation revealed that the decrease of the molecular FC of methanol resulted from changes of the contact feature onto the solid surface. Specifically, methanol molecules near the solid surface had their C–O bond parallel to the surface with both CH3 and O sites contacting the solid at low methanol molar fraction, while they had their C–O bond outward from the surface with only the CH3 site contacting the solid at higher methanol molar fraction. The mechanisms discussed in this work could be used to search for alternative water additives to further reduce the solid-liquid friction.
Road pavement energy harvesting: An evaluation methodology for new and existing vehicle-derived mechanical energy collectors
Authors: Duarte Francisco , Ferreira Adelino , Fael Paulo
Published: May 2017

Research into energy harvesting technologies has increased considerably in recent years, particularly energy harvesting on road pavements is a very recent area of research, with different technologies having been developed in recent years. However, none of these has presented high conversion efficiencies nor technical or economic viability. This paper deals with the technical study of the existing road pavement energy harvesting solutions using hydraulic systems to transmit the energy received from the device surface to an electrical generator and the development of a new system that combines mechanical and hydraulic actuation to be implemented in such devices. The main goal is to develop a systematic model to quantify the energy harvesting, transmission, and conversion efficiency of the new system and compare it to the existing systems. Conclusions about each system's efficiency and the maximum theoretical efficiency of the proposed system are presented.
Printed microfluidic filter for heparinized blood
Authors: Bilatto Stanley E. R. , Adly Nouran Y. , Correa Daniel S. , Wolfrum Bernhard , Offenhäusser Andreas , Yakushenko Alexey
Published: May 2017

A simple lab-on-a-chip method for blood plasma separation was developed by combining stereolithographic 3D printing with inkjet printing, creating a completely sealed microfluidic device. In some approaches, one dilutes the blood sample before separation, reducing the concentration of a target analyte and increasing a contamination risk. In this work, a single drop (8 μl) of heparinized whole blood could be efficiently filtered using a capillary effect without any external driving forces and without dilution. The blood storage in heparin tubes during 24 h at 4 °C initiated the formation of small crystals that formed auto-filtration structures in the sample upon entering the 3D-printed device, with pores smaller than the red blood cells, separating plasma from the cellular content. The total filtration process took less than 10 s. The presented printed plasma filtration microfluidics fabricated with a rapid prototyping approach is a miniaturized, fast and easy-to-operate device that can be integrated into healthcare/portable systems for point-of-care diagnostics.
Fabrication of a Si lever structure made by double-angled etching with reactive gas cluster injection
Authors: Seki T. , Yamamoto H. , Kozawa T. , Koike K. , Aoki T. , Matsuo J.
Published: May 2017

The reactive gas cluster injection process is an etching method that uses a neutral cluster beam without plasma. Low-damage Si etching can be realized with this method because of the very low irradiation energy; the product is free of charge-up problems and vacuum UV light damage. The ClF3–Ar neutral cluster injection system for angled etching was constructed with a nozzle that was placed at 45° from the sample normal. The angled anisotropic Si etching is demonstrated with a high aspect ratio. The lever structure, which is often used in microelectromechanical systems (MEMSs), was fabricated by double-angled etching with reactive gas cluster injection. A simple fabrication process for the lever structure was achieved by double-angled etching with reactive gas cluster injection. These results show that various three-dimensional (3D) structures can be fabricated by repeated anisotropic etching with varying angles and directions. It is expected that the angled anisotropic etching process will enable the creation of unprecedented structures for use in MEMSs or photonic crystals.
Ferroelastic strain control of multiple nonvolatile resistance tuning in SrRuO3/PMN-PT(111) multiferroic heterostructures
Authors: Zheng Ming , Ni Hao , Qi Yaping , Huang Weiyi , Zeng Jiali , Gao Ju
Published: May 2017

The electric-field-tunable resistance switching in elastically coupled SrRuO3 thin films grown on (111)-oriented 0.7Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-0.3PbTiO3 ferroelectric-crystal substrates has been investigated. During the ferroelectric poling process, the resistance evolution tracks the electric-field-induced in-plane strain of the film efficiently, revealing strain but not the electrostatic charge-mediated coupling mechanism. Using 109° and 71° ferroelastic domain switching of the substrate, multiple reversible and nonvolatile resistance states can be achieved at room temperature, which is closely related to the relative proportion of in-plane polarization vectors and induced distinct in-plane strain states after domain switching. Our findings provide an approach to elucidate electrically driven domain switching dynamics and design energy efficient, high-density spintronic memory devices.
Ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties of Hf1-xZrxO2 and pure ZrO2 films
Authors: Starschich S. , Schenk T. , Schroeder U. , Boettger U.
Published: May 2017

Ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties of Hf1-xZrxO2 (HZO) and pure ZrO2 films with a layer thickness of up to 390 nm prepared by chemical solution deposition (CSD) are investigated. The piezoelectric properties are measured using a double-beam laser interferometer (DBLI) and piezoresponse force microscopy. It is shown that for 100 nm thick films, the maximum remanent polarization is found for pure ZrO2 and reduces for the increasing hafnium content. A stable remanent polarization of 8 μC/cm2 is observed for ZrO2 film thicknesses between 195 and 390 nm. A piezoelectric coefficient of 10 pm/V is extracted from unipolar DBLI measurements. The observed thickness limitation for atomic layer deposition deposited HZO based ferroelectrics can be overcome by the CSD deposition technique presented in this work. Thick ZrO2 films are promising candidates for energy related applications such as pyroelectric and piezoelectric energy harvesting and electrocaloric cooling as well as for microelectromechanical systems.
Aspects of the ecology of the Atherton antechinus (Antechinus godmani) living in sympatry with the rusty antechinus (A. adustus) in the Wet Tropics, Queensland – a trapping and radio-tracking study
Authors: Smith Geoffrey C. , Means Kath , Churchill Sue
Published: May 2017

The ecology of the geographically restricted Atherton antechinus (Antechinus godmani) is poorly known. This trapping and radio-tracking study provides historical baseline information on its ecology. The Atherton antechinus foraged primarily at night in deep leaf litter and rotting logs. The sympatric, smaller rusty antechinus (A. adustus) was arboreal and active both day and night, suggesting resource partitioning between species. The diet of the Atherton antechinus included a significant component of beetles, centipedes, spiders, cockroaches, crickets, and ants; minor items included a frog and a skink. Declines in male condition of both antechinus species occurred in June–July. Free-living young of the rusty and the Atherton antechinus were first trapped in November and January, respectively. Minimum convex polygon home ranges for the Atherton antechinus were 2.5–5.8 ha for males and 3.6 ha for a female. Multiple nest sites were used by individual Atherton antechinuses with simultaneous sharing of nests observed only between sexes. A home range of a single female was overlapped by the home ranges of numerous males. The Atherton antechinus prefers contiguous areas of wet tropical upland rainforest with old-growth characteristics, including large old trees for nest sites, fallen woody debris and deep leaf litter for foraging. The impacts of climate change could be devastating.
Genetic affinities of a remnant population of the brush-tailed rock-wallaby (Petrogale penicillata) in Mt Kaputar National Park, northern New South Wales
Authors: Eldridge Mark D. B. , Neaves Linda E. , Faris James , Soderquist Todd
Published: May 2017

The brush-tailed rock-wallaby (Petrogale penicillata) is now extinct west of the Great Dividing Range, apart from remnant populations in the Warrumbungles and at Mt Kaputar. Previous genetic analysis has identified deep genetic subdivisions within P. penicillata, but samples from Mt Kaputar were not included. Mitochondrial DNA sequences obtained from Mt Kaputar and the Warrumbungles clustered within the Central ESU, extending its distribution north of the Hunter River onto the north-western slopes adjacent to populations of the Northern ESU. These highly threatened western populations are the only P. penicillata persisting in semiarid conditions. This makes them of particular value to the long-term survival of the species and their conservation should be a priority.
SP and IL-33 together markedly enhance TNF synthesis and secretion from human mast cells mediated by the interaction of their receptors
Authors: Taracanova Alexandra , Alevizos Mihail , Karagkouni Anna , Weng Zuiy , Norwitz Errol , Conti Pio , Leeman Susan E. , Theoharides Theoharis C.
Published: May 2017

Significance

Inflammatory responses are often characterized by elevated levels of cytokines, but the complex interplay among peptides and cytokines is not often considered. Here, we report that the cytokine IL-33, administered in combination with the proinflammatory peptide substance P (SP), causes a marked increase in tumor necrosis factor synthesis and secretion from cultured human mast cells. These responses are mediated via the activation of the SP receptor NK-1 and the IL-33 receptor ST2 and can be inhibited by the natural flavonoid methoxyluteolin. Our findings reveal interactions that increase the understanding of inflammation and offer new directions for the development of antiinflammatory drugs.
Heterogeneity and scale of sustainable development in cities
Authors: Brelsford Christa , Lobo José , Hand Joe , Bettencourt Luís M. A.
Published: May 2017

Significance

Most nations worldwide have recently committed to solving their most severe challenges of sustainability by 2030, including eradicating extreme poverty and providing universal access to basic services. But how? Rapid urbanization is creating the conditions for widespread economic growth and human development, but its consequences are very uneven. We show how measures of sustainable development—identified by residents of poor neighborhoods—can be combined into a simple and intuitive index. Its analysis reveals that challenges of development are typically first addressed in large cities but that severe inequalities often result as patterns of spatially segregated rich and poor neighborhoods. A new systematic understanding of these processes is critical for devising policies that produce faster and more equitable universal sustainable development.
Retrospective analysis of natural products provides insights for future discovery trends
Authors: Pye Cameron R. , Bertin Matthew J. , Lokey R. Scott , Gerwick William H. , Linington Roger G.
Published: May 2017

Significance

Natural products research seems to be at a critical juncture in terms of its relevance to modern biological science. We have evaluated this landscape of chemical diversity to ask key questions, including the following. How has the rate of discovery of new natural products progressed over the past 70 y? Has natural product structural novelty changed as a function of time? Has the rate of novel discovery declined in recent years? Does exploring novel taxonomic space afford an advantage in terms of novel compound discovery? Is it possible to estimate how close we are to describing all of the chemical space covered by natural products? And, finally, is there still value in exploring natural products space for novel biologically active natural products?