bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pronounced Plasticity Caused by Phase Separation and β-relaxation Synergistically in Zr–Cu–Al–Mo Bulk Metallic Glasses
Authors: Wang Tuo , Wang Lu , Wang Qinjia , Liu Yanhui , Hui Xidong
Published: April 2017

Bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) are known to have extraordinary merits such as ultrahigh strength and dynamic toughness etc. but tied to the detrimental brittleness, which has become a critical issue to the engineering application and understanding the glass nature. In this article, we report a new class of Zr-Cu-Al-Mo BMGs with extraordinary plastic strain above 20%. “Work-hardening” effect after yielding in a wide range of plastic deformation process has been detected for this kind of BMGs. Compositional heterogeneity, which can be classified into ZrMo- and Cu-rich zones, was differentiated in this kind of BMG. Pronounced humps have been observed on the high frequency kinetic spectrum in Mo containing BMGs, which is the indicator of β-relaxation transition. The underlying mechanism for the excellent plastic deforming ability of this class of BMGs is ascribed to the synergistic effects of soft ZrMo-rich glass formed through phase separation and abundant flow units which related to β-relaxation.
Changes in North Atlantic Oscillation drove Population Migrations and the Collapse of the Western Roman Empire
Authors: Drake B. Lee
Published: April 2017

Shifts in the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) from 1–2 to 0–1 in four episodes increased droughts on the Roman Empire’s periphery and created push factors for migrations. These climatic events are associated with the movements of the Cimbri and Teutones from 113–101 B.C., the Marcomanni and Quadi from 164 to 180 A.D., the Goths in 376 A.D., and the broad population movements of the Migration Period from 500 to 600 A.D. Weakening of the NAO in the instrumental record of the NAO have been associated with a shift to drought in the areas of origin for the Cimbri, Quadi, Visigoths, Ostrogoths, Huns, and Slavs. While other climate indices indicate deteriorating climate after 200 A.D. and cooler conditions after 500 A.D., the NAO may indicate a specific cause for the punctuated history of migrations in Late Antiquity. Periodic weakening of the NAO caused drought in the regions of origin for tribes in antiquity, and may have created a powerful push factor for human migration. While climate change is frequently considered as a threat to sustainability, its role as a conflict amplifier in history may be one of its largest impacts on populations.
On the pH Dependence of the Potential of Maximum Entropy of Ir(111) Electrodes
Authors: Ganassin Alberto , Sebastián Paula , Climent Víctor , Schuhmann Wolfgang , Bandarenka Aliaksandr S. , Feliu Juan
Published: April 2017

Studies over the entropy of components forming the electrode/electrolyte interface can give fundamental insights into the properties of electrified interphases. In particular, the potential where the entropy of formation of the double layer is maximal (potential of maximum entropy, PME) is an important parameter for the characterization of electrochemical systems. Indeed, this parameter determines the majority of electrode processes. In this work, we determine PMEs for Ir(111) electrodes. The latter currently play an important role to understand electrocatalysis for energy provision; and at the same time, iridium is one of the most stable metals against corrosion. For the experiments, we used a combination of the laser induced potential transient to determine the PME, and CO charge-displacement to determine the potentials of zero total charge, (EPZTC). Both PME and EPZTC were assessed for perchlorate solutions in the pH range from 1 to 4. Surprisingly, we found that those are located in the potential region where the adsorption of hydrogen and hydroxyl species takes place, respectively. The PMEs demonstrated a shift by ~30 mV per a pH unit (in the RHE scale). Connections between the PME and electrocatalytic properties of the electrode surface are discussed.
First-principles design of nanostructured hybrid photovoltaics based on layered transition metal phosphates
Authors: Lentz Levi C. , Kolpak Alexie M.
Published: April 2017

The performance of bulk organic and hybrid organic-inorganic heterojunction photovoltaics is often limited by high carrier recombination arising from strongly bound excitons and low carrier mobility. Structuring materials to minimize the length scales required for exciton separation and carrier collection is therefore a promising approach for improving efficiency. In this work, first-principles computations are employed to design and characterize a new class of photovoltaic materials composed of layered transition metal phosphates (TMPs) covalently bound to organic absorber molecules to form nanostructured superlattices. Using a combination of transition metal substitution and organic functionalization, the electronic structure of these materials is systematically tuned to design a new hybrid photovoltaic material predicted to exhibit very low recombination due to the presence of a local electric field and spatially isolated, high mobility, two-dimensional electron and hole conducting channels. Furthermore, this material is predicted to have a large open-circuit voltage of 1.7 V. This work suggests that hybrid TMPs constitute an interesting class of materials for further investigation in the search for achieving high efficiency, high power, and low cost photovoltaics.
Enterovirus D68 Subclade B3 Strain Circulating and Causing an Outbreak in the United States in 2016
Authors: Wang Guiqing , Zhuge Jian , Huang Weihua , Nolan Sheila M. , Gilrane Victoria L. , Yin Changhong , Dimitrova Nevenka , Fallon John T.
Published: April 2017

In 2014 the United States experienced a nationwide outbreak of Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) infection. There were no confirmed cases of EV-D68 in 2015 and CDC was only aware of limited sporadic EV-D68 detection in the US in 2016. In this report, we analyzed 749 nasopharyngeal (NP) specimens collected in 2015 and 2016 from patients in the Lower Hudson Valley, New York using a previously validated EV-D68-specific rRT-PCR assay. EV-D68 was detected in none of 199 NP specimens collected in 2015, and in one of 108 (0.9%) samples from January to May and 159 of 442 (36.0%) samples from July to October 2016. Complete EV-D68 genome sequences from 22 patients in 2016 were obtained using a metagenomic next-generation sequencing assay. Comparative genome analysis confirmed that a new EV-D68 strain belonging to subclade B3, with 3.2–4.8% divergence in nucleotide from subclade B1 strains identified during the 2014 US outbreak, was circulating in the US in 2016 and caused an outbreak in the Lower Hudson Valley, New York with 160 laboratory-confirmed cases. Our data highlight the genetic variability and capacity in causing outbreak by diverse EV-D68 strains, and the necessity of awareness and more surveillance on their active circulation worldwide.
FlavonoidSearch: A system for comprehensive flavonoid annotation by mass spectrometry
Authors: Akimoto Nayumi , Ara Takeshi , Nakajima Daisuke , Suda Kunihiro , Ikeda Chiaki , Takahashi Shingo , Muneto Reiko , Yamada Manabu , Suzuki Hideyuki , Shibata Daisuke , Sakurai Nozomu
Published: April 2017

Currently, in mass spectrometry-based metabolomics, limited reference mass spectra are available for flavonoid identification. In the present study, a database of probable mass fragments for 6,867 known flavonoids (FsDatabase) was manually constructed based on new structure- and fragmentation-related rules using new heuristics to overcome flavonoid complexity. We developed the FlavonoidSearch system for flavonoid annotation, which consists of the FsDatabase and a computational tool (FsTool) to automatically search the FsDatabase using the mass spectra of metabolite peaks as queries. This system showed the highest identification accuracy for the flavonoid aglycone when compared to existing tools and revealed accurate discrimination between the flavonoid aglycone and other compounds. Sixteen new flavonoids were found from parsley, and the diversity of the flavonoid aglycone among different fruits and vegetables was investigated.
Effect of DRD4 receptor −616 C/G polymorphism on brain structure and functional connectivity density in pediatric primary nocturnal enuresis patients
Authors: Yu Bing , Chang Na , Lu Yao , Ma Hongwei , Liu Na , Guo Qiyong
Published: April 2017

The dopamine D4 receptor (DRD4) promoter (−616; rs747302) has been associated with primary nocturnal enuresis (PNE); however, its relationship with neuroimaging has not been investigated. Therefore, we assessed the effects of the DRD4 −616 C/G single nucleotide polymorphism on the gray matter volume (GMV) and functional connectivity density (FCD) during resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging in children with PNE using voxel-based morphometry and FCD methods. Genomic and imaging data were obtained from 97 children with PNE and 105 healthy controls. DRD4 −616 C/G was genotyped. Arousal from sleep (AS) was assessed on a scale of 1–8. Both the main effect of genotype and the group (PNE/control)-by-genotype interaction on GMV and FCD were calculated. Our results showed that C-allele carriers were associated with a higher AS, decreased GMV and FCD in the pregenual anterior cingulate cortex; children with PNE carrying the C allele exhibit decreased GMV and FCD in the thalamus; however, controls carrying the C allele exhibit increased FCD in the posterior cingulate cortex. These effects of genetic variation of the DRD4 locus may help us understand the genetic susceptibility of the DRD4 −616 C allele to PNE.
Exploring quantum Griffiths phase in Ni1−x V x nanoalloys
Authors: Swain Priyadarsini , Srivastava Suneel K. , Srivastava Sanjeev K.
Published: April 2017

Metallic Ni1−xVxalloys exhibit a ferromagnetic to paramagnetic disordered quantum phase transition in bulk. Such a phase transition is accompanied by a quantum Griffiths phase (QGP), featuring fractional power-law temperature dependences of physical variables, like magnetic susceptibility and specific heat, at low temperatures. As nanoparticles (NP’s) usually exhibit properties significantly different from their bulk counterparts, it is intriguing to explore the occurrence of quantum Griffiths phase in Ni1−xVxnanoalloys. NP’s of Ni1−xVx(0 ≤ x ≤ 0.17) alloys are prepared by a chemical reflux method. The structure and composition of the nanoalloys are determined by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and electron microscopy techniques. Metallicity of the samples has been ensured by electrical resistivity measurements. DC magnetization results suggest that ferromagnetism persists in the NP’s untilx = 0.17. Low-temperature upturns in magnetic susceptibility and heat capacity hint at critical fluctuations evolving with V-doping. The fluctuations might stem from isolated Ni-clusters within the ferromagnetic NP, indicating a QGP region ranging fromx = 0.085 tox ≫ 0.17.
Deubiquitylating Nanog: novel role of USP21 in embryonic stem cell maintenance
Authors: Pei Duanqing
Published: April 2017

Recently, three groups independently identified ubiquitin-specific peptidase 21 (USP21) as an efficient deubiquitylase that reverses Nanog polyubiquitylation and stabilizes Nanog protein. In this preview, I have summarized the work of these three groups.
Crossing lines: a multidisciplinary framework for assessing connectivity of hammerhead sharks across jurisdictional boundaries
Authors: Chin A. , Simpfendorfer C. A. , White W. T. , Johnson G. J. , McAuley R. B. , Heupel M. R.
Published: April 2017

Conservation and management of migratory species can be complex and challenging. International agreements such as the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) provide policy frameworks, but assessments and management can be hampered by lack of data and tractable mechanisms to integrate disparate datasets. An assessment of scalloped (Sphyrna lewini) and great (Sphyrna mokarran) hammerhead population structure and connectivity across northern Australia, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea (PNG) was conducted to inform management responses to CMS and Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species listings of these species. An Integrated Assessment Framework (IAF) was devised to systematically incorporate data across jurisdictions and create a regional synopsis, and amalgamated a suite of data from the Australasian region. Scalloped hammerhead populations are segregated by sex and size, with Australian populations dominated by juveniles and small adult males, while Indonesian and PNG populations included large adult females. The IAF process introduced genetic and tagging data to produce conceptual models of stock structure and movement. Several hypotheses were produced to explain stock structure and movement patterns, but more data are needed to identify the most likely hypothesis. This study demonstrates a process for assessing migratory species connectivity and highlights priority areas for hammerhead management and research.
Use of a Visual Aid in addition to a Collector Bag to Evaluate Postpartum Blood loss: A Prospective Simulation Study
Authors: Brooks M. , Legendre G. , Brun S. , Bouet P. -E. , Mendes L. Pereira , Merlot B. , Sentilhes L.
Published: April 2017

Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is one of the most common causes of mortality in obstetrics worldwide. The accuracy of estimated blood loss is a priority in determining appropriate treatment. Will the additional use of a visual aid improve physicians’ accuracy in estimating blood loss compared to the use of a collector bag and baby scale alone? Simulation training sessions created three vaginal delivery scenarios for participants to estimate volumes of blood loss: firstly, using only a collector bag and a baby weight scale and secondly, adding a visual aid depicting known volumes of blood. The primary endpoint was to determine if participants could accurately evaluate blood loss within a 20% error margin. The addition of the visual estimator resulted in overestimation of blood loss. The rates of participants’ estimations were significantly more accurate when using the collector bag with the baby weight scale without the addition of the visual aid; 85.5% versus 33.3% (p < 0.01) for 350 mL, 88.4% versus 50.7% (p < 0.01) for 1100 mL and 88.4% versus 78.3% (p < 0.01) for 2500 mL, respectively. Additional use of a visual aid with a collector bag does not seem to be useful in improving the accuracy in the estimation of blood loss.
Synchronization and variability imbalance underlie cognitive impairment in primary-progressive multiple sclerosis
Authors: Petracca Maria , Saiote Catarina , Bender Heidi A. , Arias Franchesca , Farrell Colleen , Magioncalda Paola , Martino Matteo , Miller Aaron , Northoff Georg , Lublin Fred , Inglese Matilde
Published: April 2017

We aimed to investigate functional connectivity and variability across multiple frequency bands in brain networks underlying cognitive deficits in primary-progressive multiple sclerosis (PP-MS) and to explore how they are affected by the presence of cortical lesions (CLs). We analyzed functional connectivity and variability (measured as the standard deviation of BOLD signal amplitude) in resting state networks (RSNs) associated with cognitive deficits in different frequency bands in 25 PP-MS patients (12 M, mean age 50.9 ± 10.5 years) and 20 healthy subjects (9 M, mean age 51.0 ± 9.8 years). We confirmed the presence of a widespread cognitive deterioration in PP-MS patients, with main involvement of visuo-spatial and executive domains. Cognitively impaired patients showed increased variability, reduced synchronicity between networks involved in the control of cognitive macro-domains and hyper-synchronicity limited to the connections between networks functionally more segregated. CL volume was higher in patients with cognitive impairment and was correlated with functional connectivity and variability. We demonstrate, for the first time, that a functional reorganization characterized by hypo-synchronicity of functionally-related/hyper-synchronicity of functionally-segregated large scale networks and an abnormal pattern of neural activity underlie cognitive dysfunction in PP-MS, and that CLs possibly play a role in variability and functional connectivity abnormalities.
A Formulated TLR7/8 Agonist is a Flexible, Highly Potent and Effective Adjuvant for Pandemic Influenza Vaccines
Authors: Van Hoeven Neal , Fox Christopher B. , Granger Brian , Evers Tara , Joshi Sharvari W. , Nana Ghislain I. , Evans Sarah C. , Lin Susan , Liang Hong , Liang Li , Nakajima Rie , Felgner Philip L. , Bowen Richard A. , Marlenee Nicole , Hartwig Airn , Baldwin Susan L. , Coler Rhea N. , Tomai Mark , Elvecrog James , Reed Steven G. , Carter Darrick
Published: April 2017

Since 1997, highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses of the H5N1 subtype have been transmitted from avian hosts to humans. The severity of H5N1 infection in humans, as well as the sporadic nature of H5N1 outbreaks, both geographically and temporally, make generation of an effective vaccine a global public health priority. An effective H5N1 vaccine must ultimately provide protection against viruses from diverse clades. Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonist adjuvant formulations have a demonstrated ability to broaden H5N1 vaccine responses in pre-clinical models. However, many of these agonist molecules have proven difficult to develop clinically. Here, we describe comprehensive adjuvant formulation development of the imidazoquinoline TLR-7/8 agonist 3M-052, in combination with H5N1 hemagglutinin (HA) based antigens. We find that 3M-052 in multiple formulations protects both mice and ferrets from lethal H5N1 homologous virus challenge. Furthermore, we conclusively demonstrate the ability of 3M-052 adjuvant formulations to broaden responses to H5N1 HA based antigens, and show that this broadening is functional using a heterologous lethal virus challenge in ferrets. Given the extensive clinical use of imidazoquinoline TLR agonists for other indications, these studies identify multiple adjuvant formulations which may be rapidly advanced into clinical trials in an H5N1 vaccine.
The evolutionary life cycle of the polysaccharide biosynthetic gene cluster based on the Sphingomonadaceae
Authors: Wu Mengmeng , Huang Haidong , Li Guoqiang , Ren Yi , Shi Zhong , Li Xiaoyan , Dai Xiaohui , Gao Ge , Ren Mengnan , Ma Ting
Published: April 2017

Although clustering of genes from the same metabolic pathway is a widespread phenomenon, the evolution of the polysaccharide biosynthetic gene cluster remains poorly understood. To determine the evolution of this pathway, we identified a scattered production pathway of the polysaccharide sanxan by Sphingomonas sanxanigenens NX02, and compared the distribution of genes between sphingan-producing and other Sphingomonadaceae strains. This allowed us to determine how the scattered sanxan pathway developed, and how the polysaccharide gene cluster evolved. Our findings suggested that the evolution of microbial polysaccharide biosynthesis gene clusters is a lengthy cyclic process comprising cluster 1 → scatter → cluster 2. The sanxan biosynthetic pathway proved the existence of a dispersive process. We also report the complete genome sequence of NX02, in which we identified many unstable genetic elements and powerful secretion systems. Furthermore, nine enzymes for the formation of activated precursors, four glycosyltransferases, four acyltransferases, and four polymerization and export proteins were identified. These genes were scattered in the NX02 genome, and the positive regulator SpnA of sphingans synthesis could not regulate sanxan production. Finally, we concluded that the evolution of the sanxan pathway was independent. NX02 evolved naturally as a polysaccharide producing strain over a long-time evolution involving gene acquisitions and adaptive mutations.
Comprehensive assessment showed no associations of variants at the SLC10A1 locus with susceptibility to persistent HBV infection among Southern Chinese
Authors: Zhang Ying , Li Yuanfeng , Wu Miantao , Cao Pengbo , Liu Xiaomin , Ren Qian , Zhai Yun , Xie Bobo , Hu Yanling , Hu Zhibin , Bei Jinxin , Ping Jie , Liu Xinyi , Yu Yinghua , Guo Bingqian , Lu Hui , Liu Guanjun , Zhang Haitao , Cui Ying , Mo Zengnan , Shen Hongbing , Zeng Yi-Xin , He Fuchu , Zhang Hongxing , Zhou Gangqiao
Published: April 2017

The sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP) encoded by SLC10A1 was recently demonstrated to be a functional receptor for hepatitis B virus (HBV). The role of SLC10A1 polymorphisms, particularly the Ser267Phe variant (rs2296651) in exon 4, has been frequently investigated in regard to risk of persistent HBV infection. However, these investigations have generated conflicting results. To examine whether common genetic variation at the SLC10A1 locus is associated with risk of persistent HBV infection, haplotype-tagging and imputed single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were assessed in two case-control sample sets, totally including 2,550 cases (persistently HBV infected subjects, PIs) and 2,124 controls (spontaneously recovered subjects, SRs) of Southern Chinese ancestry. To test whether rare or subpolymorphic SLC10A1 variants are associated with disease risk, the gene’s exons in 244 cases were sequenced. Overall, we found neither SNPs nor haplotypes of SLC10A1 showed significant association in the two sample sets. Furthermore, no significant associations of rare variants or copy number variation covering SLC10A1 were observed. Finally, expression quantitative trait locus analyses revealed that SNPs potentially affecting SLC10A1 expression also showed no significant associations. We conclude that genetic variation at the SLC10A1 locus is not likely a major risk factor of persistent HBV infection among Southern Chinese.
Heat, temperature and Clausius inequality in a model for active Brownian particles
Authors: Marconi Umberto Marini Bettolo , Puglisi Andrea , Maggi Claudio
Published: April 2017

Methods of stochastic thermodynamics and hydrodynamics are applied to a recently introduced model of active particles. The model consists of an overdamped particle subject to Gaussian coloured noise. Inspired by stochastic thermodynamics, we derive from the system’s Fokker-Planck equation the average exchanges of heat and work with the active bath and the associated entropy production. We show that a Clausius inequality holds, with the local (non-uniform) temperature of the active bath replacing the uniform temperature usually encountered in equilibrium systems. Furthermore, by restricting the dynamical space to the first velocity moments of the local distribution function we derive a hydrodynamic description where local pressure, kinetic temperature and internal heat fluxes appear and are consistent with the previous thermodynamic analysis. The procedure also shows under which conditions one obtains the unified coloured noise approximation (UCNA): such an approximation neglects the fast relaxation to the active bath and therefore yields detailed balance and zero entropy production. In the last part, by using multiple time-scale analysis, we provide a constructive method (alternative to UCNA) to determine the solution of the Kramers equation and go beyond the detailed balance condition determining negative entropy production.
Fatty acid synthase cooperates with protrudin to facilitate membrane outgrowth of cellular protrusions
Authors: Zhang Chuanling , Lu Jiaqi , Su Huizhong , Yang Jing , Zhou Demin
Published: April 2017

Cellular protrusion formation capacity is a key feature of developing neurons and many eukaryotic cells. However, the mechanisms underlying membrane growth in protrusion formation are largely unclear. In this study, photo-reactive unnatural amino acid 3-(3-methyl-3H-diazirin-3-yl)-propamino-carbonyl-Nε-l-lysine was incorporated by a genetic code expansion strategy into protrudin, a protein localized in acidic endosomes and in the endoplasmic reticulum, that induces cellular protrusion and neurite formation. The modified protrudin was used for covalent trapping of protrudin-interacting proteins in living cells. Fatty acid synthase (FASN), which synthesizes free fatty acids, was identified to transiently interact with protrudin. Further characterization revealed a unique cooperation mechanism in which protrudin cooperates with FASN to facilitate cellular protrusion formation. This work reveals a novel mechanism involved in protrusion formation that is dependent on transient interaction between FASN and protrudin, and establishes a creative strategy to investigate transient protein-protein interactions in mammalian cells.
Correction: Corrigendum: Construction and immunogenicity of a recombinant swinepox virus expressing a multi-epitope peptide for porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus
Authors: Lin Huixing , Ma Zhe , Hou Xin , Chen Lei , Fan Hongjie
Published: April 2017

Scientific Reports 7: Article number: 43990; published online: 08 March 2017; updated: 21 April 2017 This Article contains errors in the order of Figures 1, 2, 4 and 5 which were inadvertently published as Figures 5, 4, 2 and 1 respectively. The correct Figures appear below. The legends for the Figures are correct.
Sensory system plasticity in a visually specialized, nocturnal spider
Authors: Stafstrom Jay A. , Michalik Peter , Hebets Eileen A.
Published: April 2017

The interplay between an animal’s environmental niche and its behavior can influence the evolutionary form and function of its sensory systems. While intraspecific variation in sensory systems has been documented across distant taxa, fewer studies have investigated how changes in behavior might relate to plasticity in sensory systems across developmental time. To investigate the relationships among behavior, peripheral sensory structures, and central processing regions in the brain, we take advantage of a dramatic within-species shift of behavior in a nocturnal, net-casting spider (Deinopis spinosa), where males cease visually-mediated foraging upon maturation. We compared eye diameters and brain region volumes across sex and life stage, the latter through micro-computed X-ray tomography. We show that mature males possess altered peripheral visual morphology when compared to their juvenile counterparts, as well as juvenile and mature females. Matching peripheral sensory structure modifications, we uncovered differences in relative investment in both lower-order and higher-order processing regions in the brain responsible for visual processing. Our study provides evidence for sensory system plasticity when individuals dramatically change behavior across life stages, uncovering new avenues of inquiry focusing on altered reliance of specific sensory information when entering a new behavioral niche.
Bio-inspired, large scale, highly-scattering films for nanoparticle-alternative white surfaces
Authors: Syurik Julia , Siddique Radwanul Hasan , Dollmann Antje , Gomard Guillaume , Schneider Marc , Worgull Matthias , Wiegand Gabriele , Hölscher Hendrik
Published: April 2017

Inspired by the white beetle of the genus Cyphochilus, we fabricate ultra-thin, porous PMMA films by foaming with CO2 saturation. Optimising pore diameter and fraction in terms of broad-band reflectance results in very thin films with exceptional whiteness. Already films with 60 µm-thick scattering layer feature a whiteness with a reflectance of 90%. Even 9 µm thin scattering layers appear white with a reflectance above 57%. The transport mean free path in the artificial films is between 3.5 µm and 4 µm being close to the evolutionary optimised natural prototype. The bio-inspired white films do not lose their whiteness during further shaping, allowing for various applications.
Social and anthropometric factors explaining racial/ethnical differences in birth weight in the United States
Authors: Morisaki Naho , Kawachi Ichiro , Oken Emily , Fujiwara Takeo
Published: April 2017

Though disparities in birth weight by race/ethnicity have been extensively reported in the United States, few studies have systematically investigated factors attributing to its variability. For 10,638,415 singleton infants born during 2009–2012 in the United States, we examined birth weight differences among 14 races and ethnicities (non-Hispanic white, non-Hispanic Black, American Indian, Asian Indian, Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, Hawaiian, Guamanian, Mexican, Puerto Rican and Cuban), after sequentially adjusting for maternal, socio-economic and behavioral factors. Average birthweight of non-Hispanic white infants was 3381 g, while for other races/ethnicities birth weight ranged from being 289 g smaller in Japanese to 126 g larger in Samoan infants. Factors explaining differences of more than 50 grams in birth weight compared to white infants were: gestational age for black infants, height and body mass index for all Asian and Samoan mothers, and gestational weight gain for Japanese mothers. Difference in maternal age, parity, socioeconomic and behavioral characteristics did not account for significant portion of birthweight variations for any race. Our findings suggest that differences in maternal anthropometrics, gestational weight gain, and preterm birth rate, but not in maternal age, parity, socioeconomic or behavioral characteristics contribute to racial/ethnic differences in birthweight.
High Temperature Terahertz Detectors Realized by a GaN High Electron Mobility Transistor
Authors: Hou H. W. , Liu Z. , Teng J. H. , Palacios T. , Chua S. J.
Published: April 2017

In this work, a high temperature THz detector based on a GaN high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) with nano antenna structures was fabricated and demonstrated to be able to work up to 200°C. The THz responsivity and noise equivalent power (NEP) of the device were characterized at 0.14 THz radiation over a wide temperature range from room temperature to 200 °C. A high responsivity Rv of 15.5 and 2.7 kV/W and a low NEP of 0.58 and 10 pW/Hz0.5 were obtained at room temperature and 200 °C, respectively. The advantages of the GaN HEMT over other types of field effect transistors for high temperature terahertz detection are discussed. The physical mechanisms responsible for the temperature dependence of the responsivity and NEP of the GaN HEMT are also analyzed thoroughly.
Spatial Control of Functional Response in 4D-Printed Active Metallic Structures
Authors: Ma Ji , Franco Brian , Tapia Gustavo , Karayagiz Kubra , Johnson Luke , Liu Jun , Arroyave Raymundo , Karaman Ibrahim , Elwany Alaa
Published: April 2017

We demonstrate a method to achieve local control of 3-dimensional thermal history in a metallic alloy, which resulted in designed spatial variations in its functional response. A nickel-titanium shape memory alloy part was created with multiple shape-recovery stages activated at different temperatures using the selective laser melting technique. The multi-stage transformation originates from differences in thermal history, and thus the precipitate structure, at various locations created from controlled variations in the hatch distance within the same part. This is a first example of precision location-dependent control of thermal history in alloys beyond the surface, and utilizes additive manufacturing techniques as a tool to create materials with novel functional response that is difficult to achieve through conventional methods.
Expression control of the AMPK regulatory subunit and its functional significance in yeast ER stress response
Authors: Kimura Yuichi , Irie Kenji , Mizuno Tomoaki
Published: April 2017

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is an evolutionarily conserved heterotrimeric kinase complex consisting of a catalytic subunit, α, and two regulatory subunits, β and γ. Previously, we demonstrated that Snf1, the Saccharomyces cerevisiae ortholog of AMPK, negatively regulates the unfolded protein response (UPR) pathway and the Hog1 MAP kinase pathway in ER stress response. However, it remains unclear how the alternate three β subunits, Sip1, Sip2, and Gal83, of the Snf1 complex participate in ER stress response. Here, we show that Gal83 plays a major role in Snf1-mediated downregulation of the UPR and Hog1 pathways. Gal83 is the most abundant β subunit in the normal state and further induced by ER stress. This induction is mediated via activation of the GAL83 promoter by the UPR. When expressed under the control of the GAL83 promoter, Sip2 exhibits potent functional activity equivalent to Gal83. Our results suggest that the functional significance of the β subunit of Snf1 AMPK in ER stress response is defined by modulation of the expression level through regulation of the promoter activity.
Opossum APOBEC1 is a DNA mutator with retrovirus and retroelement restriction activity
Authors: Ikeda Terumasa , Shimoda Mayuko , Ebrahimi Diako , VandeBerg John L. , Harris Reuben S. , Koito Atsushi , Maeda Kazuhiko
Published: April 2017

APOBEC3s (A3s) are single-stranded DNA cytosine deaminases that provide innate immune defences against retroviruses and mobile elements. A3s are specific to eutherian mammals because no direct homologs exist at the syntenic genomic locus in metatherian (marsupial) or prototherian (monotreme) mammals. However, the A3s in these species have the likely evolutionary precursors, the antibody gene deaminase AID and the RNA/DNA editing enzyme APOBEC1 (A1). Here, we used cell culture-based assays to determine whether opossum A1 restricts the infectivity of retroviruses including human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and the mobility of LTR/non-LTR retrotransposons. Opossum A1 partially inhibited HIV-1, as well as simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), murine leukemia virus (MLV), and the retrotransposon MusD. The mechanism of inhibition required catalytic activity, except for human LINE1 (L1) restriction, which was deamination-independent. These results indicate that opossum A1 functions as an innate barrier to infection by retroviruses such as HIV-1, and controls LTR/non-LTR retrotransposition in marsupials.
Preparation of a colon-specific sustained-release capsule with curcumin-loaded SMEDDS alginate beads
Authors: Zhang Yuxia , Bai Yan , Chen Huali , Huang Yuanrui , Yuan Pei , Zhang Liangke
Published: April 2017

A colon-specific capsule with alginate beads containing a self-microemulsifying drug delivery system (SMEDDS) was developed and evaluated.
CO2reduction: the quest for electrocatalytic materials
Authors: Khezri Bahareh , Fisher Adrian C. , Pumera Martin
Published: April 2017

Electrochemical conversion of CO2has attracted attention worldwide since this process can convert carbon dioxide to a wide range of value-added chemicals. This reaction required the development of efficient electrocatalysts and fundamental understanding of the reaction kinetics and thermodynamics to overcome the current challenges.
New particle-based trace explosive test material produced by drop-on-demand inkjet printing for quantitative wipe-sampling studies
Authors: Verkouteren J. R. , Lawrence J. , Brewer T. M. , Sisco E.
Published: April 2017

Inkjet printing is used to produce arrays of explosives on non-stick substrates that are transferred to test surfaces for quantitative wipe sampling studies.
Microchip-based 3D-cell culture using polymer nanofibers generated by solution blow spinning
Authors: Chen Chengpeng , Townsend Alexandra D. , Sell Scott A. , Martin R. Scott
Published: April 2017

Fibers produced by solution blow spinning (with a 3D printed sheath device) were integrated into a microfluidic device for 3D cell culture.
Dual-modal imaging-guided highly efficient photothermal therapy using heptamethine cyanine-conjugated hyaluronic acid micelles
Authors: Li Sanpeng , Sun Zhihong , Deng Guanjun , Meng Xiaoqing , Li Wenjun , Ni Dapeng , Zhang Jiali , Gong Ping , Cai Lintao
Published: April 2017

Targeted phototherapy and multi-modal imaging can effectively improve the therapeutic efficacy and reduce the side effects of theranostics. (A) Synthesis of the HA-IR808. (B) Diameters and morphology of HAIR NPs measured by DLS and TEM. (C) Size stability of HAIR NPs.
Insertion of sodium phosphaethynolate, Na[OCP], into a zirconium–benzyne complex
Authors: Kieser Jerod M. , Gilliard, Jr. Robert J. , Rheingold Arnold L. , Grützmacher Hansjörg , Protasiewicz John D.
Published: April 2017

Reaction of the zirconium–benzyne complex [Cp2Zr(PMe3)(C6H4)] with sodium phosphaethynolate, Na[OCP], affords an unusual zirconophosphaalkene complex through insertion of the [OCP]− anion.
Correction: Ag+-induced photoluminescence enhancement in lanthanide post-functionalized MOFs and Ag+ sensing
Authors: Sun Nana , Yan Bing
Published: April 2017

Correction for ‘Ag+-induced photoluminescence enhancement in lanthanide post-functionalized MOFs and Ag+ sensing’ by Nana Sun et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2017, 19, 9174–9180.
Facile syntheses of pure uranium halides: UCl4, UBr4and UI4
Authors: Rudel Stefan S. , Kraus Florian
Published: April 2017

Herein we describe convenient lab scale syntheses of several uranium(iv) halides of high purity by reaction of AlX3(X = Cl, Br and I) with UO2, which is readily available by reduction of uranyl salts like UO2(NO3)2·6H2O.
[Ge9{M(CO)5}3]4−: electrophilic addition of M(CO)5and [E9]4−Zintl anions (M = Cr, Mo, W)
Authors: Wang Lulu , Wang Yi , Li Zhenyu , Ruan Huapeng , Xu Li
Published: April 2017

Electrophilic addition of M(CO)5and [E9]n−at the three capping sites was achieved by the nucleophilic substitution reactions of K4Ge9and M(CO)6, which produced the novelC3h-[Ge9{M(CO)5}3]4−(M = Cr,1; Mo,2; W,3) exhibiting a perfect tricapped trigonal prismatic core structure.
Non-edible parts of Solanum stramoniifolium Jacq. – a new potent source of bioactive extracts rich in phenolic compounds for functional foods
Authors: Svobodova Blanka , Barros Lillian , Sopik Tomas , Calhelha Ricardo C. , Heleno Sandrina , Alves Maria Jose , Walcott Simone , Kuban Vlastimil , Ferreira Isabel C. F. R.
Published: April 2017

Caffeoylquinic acid derivatives, flavonoids and polyamines were the main compounds identified. The root extract gave the highest antioxidant potential and also significantly inhibited the growth of MCF-7 and HepG2 tumor cell lines.
Regio- and stereoselective hydrosilylation of alkynes catalyzed by SiO2 supported Pd–Cu bimetallic nanoparticles
Authors: Zhang Jia-wei , Lu Guo-ping , Cai Chun
Published: April 2017

An efficient, recyclable Pd–Cu bimetallic nanoparticle catalyst has been prepared, which exhibits superior activity and selectivity toward the hydrosilylation of internal and terminal alkynes under mild reaction conditions with a low catalyst loading.
Analogues of desferrioxamine B designed to attenuate iron-mediated neurodegeneration: synthesis, characterisation and activity in the MPTP-mouse model of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Gotsbacher Michael P. , Telfer Thomas J. , Witting Paul K. , Double Kay L. , Finkelstein David I. , Codd Rachel
Published: April 2017

One dual-function (2) and one first-generation (9) conjugate of the Fe(iii) chelator desferrioxamine B (DFOB,1) showed significant rescue of neurons in the MPTP mouse model of Parkinson's disease.
Cationic polycyclization of ynamides: building up molecular complexity
Authors: Theunissen Cédric , Métayer Benoît , Lecomte Morgan , Henry Nicolas , Chan Hwai-Chien , Compain Guillaume , Gérard Phidéline , Bachmann Christian , Mokhtari Naima , Marrot Jérome , Martin-Mingot Agnès , Thibaudeau Sébastien , Evano Gwilherm
Published: April 2017

Simple activation of readily available ynamides under acidic conditions triggers an unprecedented cationic polycyclization yielding highly substituted polycyclic nitrogen heterocycles.
A stimuli-responsive methionine-based zwitterionic methacryloyl sulfonium sulfonate monomer and the corresponding antifouling polymer with tunable thermosensitivity
Authors: Maji Tanmoy , Banerjee Sanjib , Bose Avijit , Mandal Tarun K.
Published: April 2017

This report describes a dual pH- and thermo-responsive methionine-based zwitterionic methacryloyl sulfonium sulfonate monomer and the corresponding zwitterionic antifouling polymer with ion-induced tunable thermosensitivity.
The synthesis of a hyperbranched star polymeric ionic liquid and its application in a polymer electrolyte
Authors: Wang Ailian , Xu Hao , Liu Xu , Gao Rui , Wang Shi , Zhou Qian , Chen Jie , Liu Xiangfeng , Zhang Liaoyun
Published: April 2017

This research provides an effective approach to synthesize a hyperbranched star polymeric ionic liquid, and the prepared polymeric ionic liquid electrolyte shows good electrochemical properties.
Positron annihilation lifetime, cation distribution and magnetic features of Ni1−xZnxFe2−xCoxO4 ferrite nanoparticles
Authors: Nikmanesh Hossein , Kameli Parviz , Asgarian Seyed Morteza , Karimi Shiva , Moradi Mahmood , Kargar Zohreh , Ventura Joao , Bordalo Bernardo , Salamati Hadi
Published: April 2017

A series of Zn and Co-substituted nickel ferrite nanoparticles of nominal composition Ni1−xZnxFe2−xCoxO4 (x = 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5) have been synthesized by the PVA assisted sol–gel method.
An ionic liquid doped electrochemical copolymer coating of indole and 3-methylthiophene for the solid-phase microextraction of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
Authors: Guo Xiafei , mulati Aiziguli , Wu Mian , Zhang Jie , Yang Liu , Zhao Faqiong , Zeng Baizhao
Published: April 2017

Poly(indole-co-3-methylthiophene)-ionic liquid (P(In–3-MeT)/IL) composite film was electrodeposited on a stainless steel wire for SPME.
A promising carbon fiber-based photocatalyst with hierarchical structure for dye degradation
Authors: Gu Chen , Xiong Sen , Zhong Zhaoxiang , Wang Yong , Xing Weihong
Published: April 2017

To fabricate a novel photocatalyst, ZnO seeds were uniformly deposited on carbon fibersviaatomic layer deposition followed by hydrothermal growth of ZnO nanorods, then Pt nanoparticles were deposited by DC magnetron sputtering.
Graphene-based CO2 sensing and its cross-sensitivity with humidity
Authors: Smith Anderson D. , Elgammal Karim , Fan Xuge , Lemme Max C. , Delin Anna , Råsander Mikael , Bergqvist Lars , Schröder Stephan , Fischer Andreas C. , Niklaus Frank , Östling Mikael
Published: April 2017

We present graphene-based CO2 sensing and analyze its cross-sensitivity with humidity.
Aromatic cage-like B46: existence of the largest decagonal holes in stable atomic clusters
Authors: Tai Truong Ba , Nguyen Minh Tho
Published: April 2017

The boron cluster B46has a cage-like structure containing two hexagonal, two heptagonal and two decagonal holes. This finding presents a new family of cage-like boron clusters containing large BNholes withN= 6–10.
Amphiphilic oligoamides as versatile, acid-responsive gelators
Authors: Pei Qiang , Tang Quan , Tan Zheng-Li , Lu Zhong-Lin , He Lan , Gong Bing
Published: April 2017

Among six oligoamides, G1–G6, G2 stands out as a versatile gelator to form stable hydrogels as well as several organogels. The hydrogel of G2 is able to encapsulate and release medicinally important substances with acid-responsiveness.
Tuning of luminescence properties by controlling an aid-sintering additive and composition in Na(Ba/Sr/Ca)PO4:Eu2+ for white LEDs
Authors: Bai Qiongyu , Li Panlai , Wang Zhijun , Xu Shuchao , Li Ting , Yang Zhiping
Published: April 2017

A series of Na(Ba/Sr/Ca)PO4:Eu2+ phosphors were prepared via a high-temperature solid-state reaction method.
Hierarchically 3D porous films electrochemically constructed on gas–liquid–solid three-phase interface for energy application
Authors: Wang Mingyong , Yu Xiangtao , Wang Zhi , Gong Xuzhong , Guo Zhancheng , Dai Lei
Published: April 2017

Hierarchically porous films constructed on gas–liquid–solid three-phase interface by electrodeposition are reviewed. The formation mechanism of porous structure is discussed. The electrochemical properties of porous films as electrode materials for energy application are highlighted.
A highly efficient, low-toxic, wide-spectrum antibacterial coating designed for 3D printed implants with tailorable release properties
Authors: Xue Chaowen , Song Xiangwei , Liu Mingzhuo , Ai Fanrong , Liu Miaoxing , Shang Qiannan , Shi Xiaotong , Li Fengshun , He Xiaoyi , Xie Lin , Chen Tingtao , Xin Hongbo , Wang Xiaolei
Published: April 2017

A broad spectrum antibacterial coatings with tailorable release properties were developed for 3D printed implants.
Multifunctional microspherical magnetic and pH responsive carriers for combination anticancer therapy engineered by droplet-based microfluidics
Authors: Maher Shaheer , Santos Abel , Kumeria Tushar , Kaur Gagandeep , Lambert Martin , Forward Peter , Evdokiou Andreas , Losic Dusan
Published: April 2017

Drug loaded luminescent porous silicon diatoms and magnetic bacterial nanowires were encapsulated within pH sensitive polymer forming biodegradable microcapsules using droplet-based microfluidics for targeting colorectal cancer.
Photo- and electro-luminescence of three TADF binuclear Cu(i) complexes with functional tetraimine ligands
Authors: Lin Ling , Chen Dong-Hui , Yu Rongmin , Chen Xu-Lin , Zhu Wen-Juan , Liang Dong , Chang Jian-Fei , Zhang Qing , Lu Can-Zhong
Published: April 2017

Three highly emissive binuclear Cu(i) complexes have been synthesized and used as emitting dopants in highly efficient organic light-emitting devices.
Collagen beta (1-O) galactosyltransferase 1 (GLT25D1) is required for the secretion of high molecular weight adiponectin and affects lipid accumulation
Authors: Webster Julie A. , Yang Zhe , Kim Yu-Hee , Loo Dorothy , Mosa Rasha M. , Li Hongzhuo , Chen Chen
Published: April 2017

Secretion of high molecular weight (HMW) adiponectin is dependent on post-translational modification (PTM) of conserved lysines in the collagenous domain. The present study aims to characterize the enzymes responsible for the PTM of conserved lysines which leads to HMW adiponectin secretion, and to define its significance in relation to obesity. Collagen beta (1-O) galactosyltransferase 1 (GLT25D1) was knocked down in HEK cells modified for the stable expression of adiponectin (adiponectin expressing human embryonic kidney cells, Adipo-HEK) as well as in Simpson Golabi-Behmel-Syndrome (SGBS) adipocytes. Knockdown of GLT25D1 caused a significant decrease in HMW adiponectin in Adipo-HEK cells with no change in total adiponectin. Knockdown in the SGBS cells caused an increase in lipid accumulation yet inhibited adipogenesis. Co-immunoprecipitation with adiponectin and mass spectrometry showed that adiponectin formed a protein complex with lysyl hydroxylase 3 (LH3) and GLT25D1. Transient overexpression of GLT25D1 showed that the intracellular retention of LH3 was dependent on GLT25D1. To determine whether changes in GLT25D1 were significant in obesity, mice were fed a standard chow or high-fat diet (HFD) for 5 weeks. GLT25D1 was significantly decreased in mice fed HFD which coincided with a decrease in HMW adiponectin. We conclude that GLT25D1 regulates HMW adiponectin secretion and lipid accumulation, consistent with changes in mice after high-fat feeding. These results suggest a novel function of GLT25D1 leading to decreased HMW adiponectin secretion in early obesity.