bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neuroprotective pentapeptide CN-105 improves functional and histological outcomes in a murine model of intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Lei Beilei , James Michael L. , Liu Ji , Zhou Guanen , Venkatraman Talaignair N. , Lascola Christopher D. , Acheson Shawn K. , Dubois Laura G. , Laskowitz Daniel T. , Wang Haichen
Published: October 2016

Presently, no pharmacological treatments have been demonstrated to improve long-term functional outcomes following intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Clinical evidence associates apolipoprotein E (apoE) genotype with ICH incidence and outcome. While apoE modifies neuroinflammatory responses through its adaptive role in glial downregulation, intact apoE holoprotein is too large to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Therefore, we developed a 5-amino acid peptide – CN-105 – that mimics the polar face of the apoE helical domain involved in receptor interactions. In the current study, we investigated the therapeutic potential of CN-105 in a mouse model of ICH. Three doses of CN-105 (0.05 mg/kg) was administered by tail vein injection within 24 hours after ICH induction. Functional assessment showed durable improvement in vestibulomotor performance after CN-105 treatment, as quantified by increased Rotarod latencies on Days 1–5 post-ICH, and long-term improvement in neurocognitive performance, as quantified by reduced Morris water maze latencies on Days 29–32 post-ICH. Further, brain water content was significantly reduced, neuroinflammation was decreased and hippocampal CA3 neuronal survival was increased, although hemorrhage volume was not affected by CN-105. We concluded, therefore, that pentapeptide CN-105 improved short- and long-term neurobehavioral outcomes in a murine model of ICH, suggesting therapeutic potential for patients with acute ICH.
Metabolomics of aging assessed in individual parasitoid wasps
Authors: Kapranas Apostolos , Snart Charles J. P. , Williams Huw , Hardy Ian C. W. , Barrett David A.
Published: October 2016

Metabolomics studies of low-biomass organisms, such as small insects, have previously relied on the pooling of biological samples to overcome detection limits, particularly using NMR. We show that the differentiation of metabolite profiles of individual 1 mg parasitoid wasps of different ages is possible when using a modified sample preparation and a combination of untargeted NMR and LC-MS based metabolomics. Changes were observed between newly emerged and older wasps in glycerolipids, amino acids and circulatory sugars. This advance in chemical profiling has important implications for the study of the behaviour and ecology of parasitoids and many other species of small organisms because predictions and observations are typically made at the level of the individual. Thus, the metabolomic state of low-biomass individuals can now be related to their behaviour and ecological performance. We discuss specifically the utility of age-related metabolomic profiling but our new approach can be applied to a wide range of biological research.
Disruption of ArhGAP15 results in hyperactive Rac1, affects the architecture and function of hippocampal inhibitory neurons and causes cognitive deficits
Authors: Zamboni Valentina , Armentano Maria , Sarò Gabriella , Ciraolo Elisa , Ghigo Alessandra , Germena Giulia , Umbach Alessandro , Valnegri Pamela , Passafaro Maria , Carabelli Valentina , Gavello Daniela , Bianchi Veronica , D’Adamo Patrizia , de Curtis Ivan , El-Assawi Nadia , Mauro Alessandro , Priano Lorenzo , Ferri Nicola , Hirsch Emilio , Merlo Giorgio R.
Published: October 2016

During brain development, the small GTPases Rac1/Rac3 play key roles in neuronal migration, neuritogenesis, synaptic formation and plasticity, via control of actin cytoskeleton dynamic. Their activity is positively and negatively regulated by GEFs and GAPs molecules, respectively. However their in vivo roles are poorly known. The ArhGAP15 gene, coding for a Rac-specific GAP protein, is expressed in both excitatory and inhibitory neurons of the adult hippocampus, and its loss results in the hyperactivation of Rac1/Rac3. In the CA3 and dentate gyrus (DG) regions of the ArhGAP15 mutant hippocampus the CR+, PV+ and SST+ inhibitory neurons are reduced in number, due to reduced efficiency and directionality of their migration, while pyramidal neurons are unaffected. Loss of ArhGAP15 alters neuritogenesis and the balance between excitatory and inhibitory synapses, with a net functional result consisting in increased spike frequency and bursts, accompanied by poor synchronization. Thus, the loss of ArhGAP15 mainly impacts on interneuron-dependent inhibition. Adult ArhGAP15−/− mice showed defective hippocampus-dependent functions such as working and associative memories. These findings indicate that a normal architecture and function of hippocampal inhibitory neurons is essential for higher hippocampal functions, and is exquisitely sensitive to ArhGAP15-dependent modulation of Rac1/Rac3.
Characterisation of sensitivity and orientation tuning for visually responsive ensembles in the zebrafish tectum
Authors: Thompson A. W. , Scott E. K.
Published: October 2016

Sensory coding relies on ensembles of co-active neurons, but these ensembles change from trial to trial of the same stimulus. This is due in part to wide variability in the responsiveness of neurons within these ensembles, with some neurons responding regularly to a stimulus while others respond inconsistently. The specific functional properties that cause neurons to respond more or less consistently have not been thoroughly explored. Here, we have examined neuronal ensembles in the zebrafish tectum responsive to repeated presentations of a visual stimulus, and have explored how these populations change when the orientation or brightness of the stimulus is altered. We found a continuum of response probabilities across the neurons in the visual ensembles, with the most responsive neurons focused toward the spatial centre of the ensemble. As the visual stimulus was made dimmer, these neurons remained active, suggesting higher overall responsiveness. However, these cells appeared to represent the most consistent end of a continuum, rather than a functionally distinct “core” of highly responsive neurons. Reliably responsive cells were broadly tuned to a range of stimulus orientations suggesting that, at least for this stimulus property, tight stimulus tuning was not responsible for their consistent responses.
Genome Sequencing of the Pyruvate-producing Strain Candida glabrata CCTCC M202019 and Genomic Comparison with Strain CBS138
Authors: Xu Nan , Ye Chao , Chen Xiulai , Liu Jia , Liu Liming , Chen Jian
Published: October 2016

Candida glabrata CCTCC M202019 as an industrial yeast strain that is widely used to produce α-oxocarboxylic acid. Strain M202019 has been proven to have a higher pyruvate-producing capacity than the reference strain CBS138. To characterize the genotype of the M202019 strain, we generated a draft sequence of its genome, which has a size of 12.1 Mbp and a GC content of 38.47%. Evidence accumulated during genome annotation suggests that strain M202019 has strong capacities for glucose transport and pyruvate biosynthesis, defects in pyruvate catabolism, as well as variations in genes involved in nutrient and dicarboxylic acid transport, oxidative phosphorylation, and other relevant aspects of carbon metabolism, which might promote pyruvate accumulation. In addition to differences in its central carbon metabolism, a genomic analysis revealed genetic differences in adhesion metabolism. Forty-nine adhesin-like proteins of strain M202019 were identified classified into seven subfamilies. Decreased amounts of adhesive proteins, and deletions or changes of low-complexity repeats and functional domains might lead to lower adhesion and reduced pathogenicity. Further virulence experiments validated the biological safety of strain M202019. Analysis of the C. glabrata CCTCC M202019 genome sequence provides useful insights into its genetic context, physical characteristics, and potential metabolic capacity.
Conditional Knockout of Breast Carcinoma Amplified Sequence 2 (BCAS2) in Mouse Forebrain Causes Dendritic Malformation via β-catenin
Authors: Huang Chu-Wei , Chen Yi-Wen , Lin Yi-Rou , Chen Po-Han , Chou Meng-Hsuan , Lee Li-Jen , Wang Pei-Yu , Wu June-Tai , Tsao Yeou-Ping , Chen Show-Li
Published: October 2016

Breast carcinoma amplified sequence 2 (BCAS2) is a core component of the hPrP19 complex that controls RNA splicing. Here, we performed an exon array assay and showed that β-catenin is a target of BCAS2 splicing regulation. The regulation of dendrite growth and morphology by β-catenin is well documented. Therefore, we generated conditional knockout (cKO) mice to eliminate the BCAS2 expression in the forebrain to investigate the role of BCAS2 in dendrite growth. BCAS2 cKO mice showed a microcephaly-like phenotype with a reduced volume in the dentate gyrus (DG) and low levels of learning and memory, as evaluated using Morris water maze analysis and passive avoidance, respectively. Golgi staining revealed shorter dendrites, less dendritic complexity and decreased spine density in the DG of BCAS2 cKO mice. Moreover, the cKO mice displayed a short dendrite length in newborn neurons labeled by DCX, a marker of immature neurons, and BrdU incorporation. To further examine the mechanism underlying BCAS2-mediated dendritic malformation, we overexpressed β-catenin in BCAS2-depleted primary neurons and found that the dendritic growth was restored. In summary, BCAS2 is an upstream regulator of β-catenin gene expression and plays a role in dendrite growth at least partly through β-catenin.
PAK1 confers chemoresistance and poor outcome in non-small cell lung cancer via β-catenin-mediated stemness
Authors: Chen Ming-Jenn , Wu De-Wei , Wang Yao-Chen , Chen Chi-Yi , Lee Huei
Published: October 2016

PAK1 confers resistance to the estrogen antagonist tamoxifen in breast cancer. However, a role for PAK1 remains to be elucidated for chemoresistance and prognosis in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We provide evidence that PAK1 confers cisplatin resistance by increasing β-catenin expression through ERK/GSK3β signaling. The increased β-catenin expression promotes sphere cell formation and expression of stemness markers and this β-catenin-induced stemness is responsible for PAK1-mediated cisplatin resistance. We enrolled 87 NSCLC patients who had received cisplatin-based chemotherapy to confirm the association between PAK1 expression and response to chemotherapy and outcomes. PAK1 expression, evaluated by immunohistochemistry, was positively correlated with pERK and β-catenin expression in lung tumors. Patients with high-PAK1, high-pERK, and high-nuclear β-catenin tumors more frequently showed an unfavorable response to cisplatin-based chemotherapy when compared to their counterparts. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analysis also indicated a poorer overall survival (OS) and relapse free survival (RFS) in patients with high-PAK1, high-pERK, and high-nuclear β-catenin tumors. In conclusion, PAK1 confers cisplatin resistance in NSCLC via β-catenin-mediated stemness. Therefore, we suggest that clinical use of a combination of the MEK/ERK inhibitor AZD6244 and cisplatin might improve sensitivity to cisplatin-based chemotherapy and outcomes in NSCLC patients who harbor high-PAK1-expressing tumors.
Effects of Melanocortin 3 and 4 Receptor Deficiency on Energy Homeostasis in Rats
Authors: You Panpan , Hu Handan , Chen Yuting , Zhao Yongliang , Yang Yiqing , Wang Tongtong , Xing Roumei , Shao Yanjiao , Zhang Wen , Li Dali , Chen Huaqing , Liu Mingyao
Published: October 2016

Melanocortin-3 and 4 receptors (MC3R and MC4R) can regulate energy homeostasis, but their respective roles especially the functions of MC3R need more exploration. Here Mc3r and Mc4r single and double knockout (DKO) rats were generated using CRISPR-Cas9 system. Metabolic phenotypes were examined and data were compared systematically. Mc3r KO rats displayed hypophagia and decreased body weight, while Mc4r KO and DKO exhibited hyperphagia and increased body weight. All three mutants showed increased white adipose tissue mass and adipocyte size. Interestingly, although Mc3r KO did not show a significant elevation in lipids as seen in Mc4r KO, DKO displayed even higher lipid levels than Mc4r KO. DKO also showed more severe glucose intolerance and hyperglycaemia than Mc4r KO. These data demonstrated MC3R deficiency caused a reduction of food intake and body weight, whereas at the same time exhibited additive effects on top of MC4R deficiency on lipid and glucose metabolism. This is the first phenotypic analysis and systematic comparison of Mc3r KO, Mc4r KO and DKO rats on a homogenous genetic background. These mutant rats will be important in defining the complicated signalling pathways of MC3R and MC4R. Both Mc4r KO and DKO are good models for obesity and diabetes research.
Dioxin induces Ahr-dependent robust DNA demethylation of the Cyp1a1 promoter via Tdg in the mouse liver
Authors: Amenya Hesbon Z. , Tohyama Chiharu , Ohsako Seiichiroh
Published: October 2016

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (Ahr) is a highly conserved nuclear receptor that plays an important role in the manifestation of toxicity induced by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. As a xenobiotic sensor, Ahr is involved in chemical biotransformation through activation of drug metabolizing enzymes. The activated Ahr cooperates with coactivator complexes to induce epigenetic modifications at target genes. Thus, it is conceivable that 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), a potent Ahr ligand, may elicit robust epigenetic changes in vivo at the Ahr target gene cytochrome P450 1a1 (Cyp1a1). A single dose of TCDD administered to adult mice induced Ahr-dependent CpG hypomethylation, changes in histone modifications, and thymine DNA glycosylase (Tdg) recruitment at the Cyp1a1 promoter in the liver within 24 hrs. These epigenetic changes persisted until 40 days post-TCDD treatment and there was Cyp1a1 mRNA hyperinduction upon repeat administration of TCDD at this time-point. Our demethylation assay using siRNA knockdown and an in vitro methylated plasmid showed that Ahr, Tdg, and the ten-eleven translocation methyldioxygenases Tet2 and Tet3 are required for the TCDD-induced DNA demethylation. These results provide novel evidence of Ahr-driven active DNA demethylation and epigenetic memory. The epigenetic alterations influence response to subsequent chemical exposure and imply an adaptive mechanism to xenobiotic stress.
Mechanism of high affinity inhibition of the human urate transporter URAT1
Authors: Tan Philip K. , Ostertag Traci M. , Miner Jeffrey N.
Published: October 2016

Gout is caused by elevated serum urate levels, which can be treated using inhibitors of the uric acid transporter, URAT1. We exploited affinity differences between the human and rat transporters to map inhibitor binding sites in URAT1. Human-rat transporter chimeras revealed that human URAT1 serine-35, phenylalanine-365 and isoleucine-481 are necessary and sufficient to provide up to a 100-fold increase in affinity for inhibitors. Moreover, serine-35 and phenylalanine-365 are important for high-affinity interaction with the substrate urate. A novel URAT1 binding assay provides support for direct interaction with these amino acids; thus, current clinically important URAT1 inhibitors likely bind the same site in URAT1. A structural model suggests that these three URAT1 residues are in close proximity potentially projecting within the channel. Our results indicate that amino acids from several transmembrane segments functionally cooperate to form a high-affinity URAT1 inhibitor binding site that, when occupied, prevents substrate interactions.
Femtosecond dynamics of energetic electrons in high intensity laser-matter interactions
Authors: Pompili R. , Anania M. P. , Bisesto F. , Botton M. , Castellano M. , Chiadroni E. , Cianchi A. , Curcio A. , Ferrario M. , Galletti M. , Henis Z. , Petrarca M. , Schleifer E. , Zigler A.
Published: October 2016

Highly energetic electrons are generated at the early phases of the interaction of short-pulse high-intensity lasers with solid targets. These escaping particles are identified as the essential core of picosecond-scale phenomena such as laser-based acceleration, surface manipulation, generation of intense magnetic fields and electromagnetic pulses. Increasing the number of the escaping electrons facilitate the late time processes in all cases. Up to now only indirect evidences of these important forerunners have been recorded, thus no detailed study of the governing mechanisms was possible. Here we report, for the first time, direct time-dependent measurements of energetic electrons ejected from solid targets by the interaction with a short-pulse high-intensity laser. We measured electron bunches up to 7 nanocoulombs charge, picosecond duration and 12 megaelectronvolts energy. Our ’snapshots’ capture their evolution with an unprecedented temporal resolution, demonstrat- ing a significant boost in charge and energy of escaping electrons when increasing the geometrical target curvature. These results pave the way toward significant improvement in laser acceleration of ions using shaped targets allowing the future development of small scale laser-ion accelerators.
Characterisation of the immune compounds in koala milk using a combined transcriptomic and proteomic approach
Authors: Morris Katrina M. , O’Meally Denis , Zaw Thiri , Song Xiaomin , Gillett Amber , Molloy Mark P. , Polkinghorne Adam , Belov Katherine
Published: October 2016

Production of milk is a key characteristic of mammals, but the features of lactation vary greatly between monotreme, marsupial and eutherian mammals. Marsupials have a short gestation followed by a long lactation period, and milk constituents vary greatly across lactation. Marsupials are born immunologically naïve and rely on their mother’s milk for immunological protection. Koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) are an iconic Australian species that are increasingly threatened by disease. Here we use a mammary transcriptome, two milk proteomes and the koala genome to comprehensively characterise the protein components of koala milk across lactation, with a focus on immune constituents. The most abundant proteins were well-characterised milk proteins, including β-lactoglobulin and lactotransferrin. In the mammary transcriptome, 851 immune transcripts were expressed, including immunoglobulins and complement components. We identified many abundant antimicrobial peptides, as well as novel proteins with potential antimicrobial roles. We discovered that marsupial VELP is an ortholog of eutherian Glycam1, and likely has an antimicrobial function in milk. We also identified highly-abundant koala endogenous-retrovirus sequences, identifying a potential transmission route from mother to young. Characterising the immune components of milk is key to understanding protection of marsupial young, and the novel immune compounds identified may have applications in clinical research.
GhABF2, a bZIP transcription factor, confers drought and salinity tolerance in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)
Authors: Liang Chengzhen , Meng Zhaohong , Meng Zhigang , Malik Waqas , Yan Rong , Lwin Khin Myat , Lin Fazhuang , Wang Yuan , Sun Guoqing , Zhou Tao , Zhu Tao , Li Jianying , Jin Shuangxia , Guo Sandui , Zhang Rui
Published: October 2016

The bZIP transcription factor (TF) act as an important regulator for the abscisic acid (ABA) mediated abiotic stresses signaling pathways in plants. Here, we reported the cloning and characterization of GhABF2, encoding for typical cotton bZIP TF. Overexpression of GhABF2 significantly improved drought and salt stress tolerance both in Arabidopsis and cotton. However, silencing of GhABF2 made transgenic cotton sensitive to PEG osmotic and salt stress. Expression of GhABF2 was induced by drought and ABA treatments but repressed by high salinity. Transcriptome analysis indicated that GhABF2 increases drought and salt tolerance by regulating genes related to ABA, drought and salt response. The proline contents, activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were also significantly increased in GhABF2-overexpression cottons in comparison to wild type after drought and salt treatment. Further, an increase in fiber yield under drought and saline-alkali wetland exhibited the important role of GhABF2 in enhancing the drought and salt tolerance in transgenic lines. In conclusion, manipulation of GhABF2 by biotechnological tools could be a sustainable strategy to deploy drought and salt tolerance in cotton.
A fast and effective approach for reversible wetting-dewetting transitions on ZnO nanowires
Authors: Yadav Kavita , Mehta B. R. , Bhattacharya Saswata , Singh J. P.
Published: October 2016

Here, we demonstrate a facile approach for the preparation of ZnO nanowires (NWs) with tunable surface wettability that can be manipulated reversibly in a controlled manner from a superhydrophilic state to a superhydrophobic state. The as-synthesized ZnO NWs obtained by a chemical vapor deposition method are superhydrophilic with a contact angle (CA) value of ~0°. After H2 gas annealing at 300 °C for 90 minutes, ZnO NWs display superhydrophobic behavior with a roll-off angle less than 5°. However, O2 gas annealing converts these superhydrophobic ZnO NWs into a superhydrophilic state. For switching from superhydrophobic to superhydrophilic state and vice versa in cyclic manner, H2 and O2 gas annealing treatment was used, respectively. A model based on density functional theory indicates that the oxygen-related defects are responsible for CA switching. The water resistant properties of the ZnO NWs coating is found to be durable and can be applied to a variety of substrates including glass, metals, semiconductors, paper and even flexible polymers.
Use of aerosol route to fabricate positively charged Au/Fe3O4 Janus nanoparticles as multifunctional nanoplatforms
Authors: Byeon Jeong Hoon , Park Jae Hong
Published: October 2016

Gold (Au)-decorated iron oxide (Fe3O4), Au/Fe3O4, Janus nanoparticles were fabricated via the continuous route for aerosol Au incorporation with Fe3O4 domains synthesized in an aqueous medium as multifunctional nanoplatforms. The fabricated nanoparticles were subsequently exposed to 185-nm UV light to generate positive charges on Au surfaces, and their activities were tested in computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, gene-delivery and photothermal therapy. No additional polymeric coatings of the Janus particles also had a unique ability to suppress inflammatory responses in macrophages challenged with lipopolysaccharide, which may be due to the absence of amine groups.
A probabilistic assessment of the likelihood of vegetation drought under varying climate conditions across China
Authors: Liu Zhiyong , Li Chao , Zhou Ping , Chen Xiuzhi
Published: October 2016

Climate change significantly impacts the vegetation growth and terrestrial ecosystems. Using satellite remote sensing observations, here we focus on investigating vegetation dynamics and the likelihood of vegetation-related drought under varying climate conditions across China. We first compare temporal trends of Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and climatic variables over China. We find that in fact there is no significant change in vegetation over the cold regions where warming is significant. Then, we propose a joint probability model to estimate the likelihood of vegetation-related drought conditioned on different precipitation/temperature scenarios in growing season across China. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to examine the vegetation-related drought risk over China from a perspective based on joint probability. Our results demonstrate risk patterns of vegetation-related drought under both low and high precipitation/temperature conditions. We further identify the variations in vegetation-related drought risk under different climate conditions and the sensitivity of drought risk to climate variability. These findings provide insights for decision makers to evaluate drought risk and vegetation-related develop drought mitigation strategies over China in a warming world. The proposed methodology also has a great potential to be applied for vegetation-related drought risk assessment in other regions worldwide.
Fully inkjet-printed microfluidics: a solution to low-cost rapid three-dimensional microfluidics fabrication with numerous electrical and sensing applications
Authors: Su Wenjing , Cook Benjamin S. , Fang Yunnan , Tentzeris Manos M.
Published: October 2016

As the needs for low-cost rapidly-produced microfluidics are growing with the trend of Lab-on-a-Chip and distributed healthcare, the fully inkjet-printing of microfluidics can be a solution to it with numerous potential electrical and sensing applications. Inkjet-printing is an additive manufacturing technique featuring no material waste and a low equipment cost. Moreover, similar to other additive manufacturing techniques, inkjet-printing is easy to learn and has a high fabrication speed, while it offers generally a great planar resolution down to below 20 µm and enables flexible designs due to its inherent thin film deposition capabilities. Due to the thin film feature, the printed objects also usually obtain a high vertical resolution (such as 4.6 µm). This paper introduces a low-cost rapid three-dimensional fabrication process of microfluidics, that relies entirely on an inkjet-printer based single platform and can be implemented directly on top of virtually any substrates.
Electrostatic repulsive out-of-plane actuator using conductive substrate
Authors: Wang Weimin , Wang Qiang , Ren Hao , Ma Wenying , Qiu Chuankai , Chen Zexiang , Fan Bin
Published: October 2016

A pseudo-three-layer electrostatic repulsive out-of-plane actuator is proposed. It combines the advantages of two-layer and three-layer repulsive actuators, i.e., fabrication requirements and fill factor. A theoretical model for the proposed actuator is developed and solved through the numerical calculation of Schwarz-Christoffel mapping. Theoretical and simulated results show that the pseudo-three-layer actuator offers higher performance than the two-layer and three-layer actuators with regard to the two most important characteristics of actuators, namely, driving force and theoretical stroke. Given that the pseudo-three-layer actuator structure is compatible with both the parallel-plate actuators and these two types of repulsive actuators, a 19-element two-layer repulsive actuated deformable mirror is operated in pseudo-three-layer electrical connection mode. Theoretical and experimental results demonstrate that the pseudo-three-layer mode produces a larger displacement of 0–4.5 μm for a dc driving voltage of 0–100 V, when compared with that in two-layer mode.
Polar Superhelices in Ferroelectric Chiral Nanosprings
Authors: Shimada Takahiro , Lich Le Van , Nagano Koyo , Wang Jian-Shan , Wang Jie , Kitamura Takayuki
Published: October 2016

Topological objects of nontrivial spin or dipolar field textures, such as skyrmions, merons, and vortices, interacting with applied external fields in ferroic materials are of great scientific interest as an intriguing playground of unique physical phenomena and novel technological paradigms. The quest for new topological configurations of such swirling field textures has primarily been done for magnets with Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interactions, while the absence of such intrinsic chiral interactions among electric dipoles left ferroelectrics aside in this quest. Here, we demonstrate that a helical polarization coiled into another helix, namely a polar superhelix, can be extrinsically stabilized in ferroelectric nanosprings. The interplay between dipolar interactions confined in the chiral geometry and the complex strain field of mixed bending and twisting induces the superhelical configuration of electric polarization. The geometrical structure of the polar superhelix gives rise to electric chiralities at two different length scales and the coexistence of three order parameters, i.e., polarization, toroidization, and hypertoroidization, both of which can be manipulated by homogeneous electric and/or mechanical fields. Our work therefore provides a new geometrical configuration of swirling dipolar fields, which offers the possibility of multiple order-parameters, and electromechanically controllable dipolar chiralities and associated electro-optical responses.
Differential quantification of SCCA1 and SCCA2 cancer antigens using a hydrogel biochip
Authors: Tikhonov Aleksei A. , Tsybulskaya Maria V. , Butvilovskaya Veronika I. , Savvateeva Elena N. , Belousov Pavel V. , Kuprash Dmitry V. , Solopova Olga N. , Chernichenko Maria A. , Filushin Michail M. , Rubina Alla Yu.
Published: October 2016

Assay on a biochip provides a simple and accurate procedure for the differential quantitation of SCCA1 and SCCA2.
Hollow fiber-based solid–liquid phase microextraction combined with theta capillary electrospray ionization mass spectrometry for sensitive and accurate analysis of methamphetamine
Authors: Li Zhi , Zhang Shuaihua , Cai Yi , Wu Qiuhua , Chen Hao
Published: October 2016

This paper presents a new method for analysis of methamphetamine based on hollow fiber-based solid–liquid phase microextraction coupled with theta capillary-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry detection.
Mechanism and stereoselectivity of zeolite-catalysed sugar isomerisation in alcohols
Authors: Saravanamurugan Shunmugavel , Riisager Anders , Taarning Esben , Meier Sebastian
Published: October 2016

Dinstinction of carbohydrate isotopomers in solution allows mapping the reaction landscape of zeolite-catalysed glucose to fructose isomerisation at great detail.
Edge-selectively phosphorus-doped few-layer graphene as an efficient metal-free electrocatalyst for the oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Xiao Zhaohui , Huang Xiaobing , Xu Lei , Yan Dafeng , Huo Jia , Wang Shuangyin
Published: October 2016

Edge-selectively phosphorus-doped few-layer graphene (G–P) was synthesized and investigated for OER electrocatalysts with high performance.
Neutral six-coordinate bis(dithiocarbamato)silicon(iv) complexes with an SiCl2S4skeleton
Authors: Baus Johannes A. , Tacke Reinhold
Published: October 2016

The first six-coordinate bis(dithiocarbamato)silicon(iv) complexes, compounds3and4with their unprecedentedSiCl2S4skeleton, were synthesised and structurally characterised.
A high-performance all-metallocene-based, non-aqueous redox flow battery
Authors: Ding Yu , Zhao Yu , Li Yutao , Goodenough John B. , Yu Guihua
Published: October 2016

An all-metallocene based redox flow battery was constructed using ferrocene catholyte and cobaltocene anolyte with a working potential of ∼1.7 V. The potential can be lifted to 2.1 V via rational functionalization of metallocenes, showing the promise of metallocenes as electroactive materials for stationary energy storage.
Quinoides and VEGFR2 TKIs influence the fate of hepatocellular carcinoma and its cancer stem cells
Authors: Kahraman Deniz Cansen , Hanquet Gilles , Jeanmart Loïc , Lanners Steve , Šramel Peter , Boháč Andrej , Cetin-Atalay Rengul
Published: October 2016

Bioactivities of quinoides 1–5 and VEGFR2 TKIs 6–10 in hepatocellular cancer (HCC) and cancer stem cells (HCSCs) were studied. Quinoide 3 was able to eradicate cancer stem cells.
Studies on the synthesis and properties of polynitro compounds based on esteryl backbones
Authors: Xu Zhen , Yang Hongwei , Cheng Guangbin
Published: October 2016

Four polynitro esters were derived from 2,2,2-trinitroethanol with multi-nitrobenzoic acids by transesterification.
Ni/NiOx-decorated carbon nanofibers with enhanced oxygen evolution activity for rechargeable zinc–air batteries
Authors: Li Bing , Chien Sheau-Wei , Ge Xiaoming , Chai Jianwei , Goh Xin-Yi , Nai Kei-Teng , Andy Hor T. S. , Liu Zhaolin , Zong Yun
Published: October 2016

Ni/NiOxnanoparticle-decorated carbon nanofibers as efficient oxygen evolution reaction catalysts for high-performance rechargeable Zn–air batteries.
Transcrystallization of poly(l-lactic acid) on the surface of reduced graphene oxide fibers
Authors: Jing Mengfan , Jiang Hong , Guo Yilan , Wu Zhiqiang , Fu Qiang
Published: October 2016

Transcrystalline layer could form between rGOF and PLLA. The good nucleating ability of rGOF could be quantitatively characterized based on the theories of heterogeneous nucleation and crystal growth rate.
Graphene oxide/cellulose membranes in adsorption of divalent metal ions
Authors: Sitko Rafal , Musielak Marcin , Zawisza Beata , Talik Ewa , Gagor Anna
Published: October 2016

In this paper, graphene oxide/cellulose membranes were prepared in order to perform effective adsorption of heavy metal ions: cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, cadmium and lead.
Molecular structure simplification of the most common hole transport materials in perovskite solar cells
Authors: Shi Yantao , Xue Yuan , Hou Kaili , Meng Guanghao , Wang Kai , Chi Rihan , Chen Fan , Ren Huicai , Pang Maoyin , Hao Ce
Published: October 2016

A spiro-type hole transport material with simplified molecular structure has been synthesized and used in efficient perovskite solar cells.
Solution blending preparation of polycarbonate/graphene composite: boosting the mechanical and electrical properties
Authors: Lago Emanuele , Toth Peter S. , Pugliese Giammarino , Pellegrini Vittorio , Bonaccorso Francesco
Published: October 2016

The preparation of polycarbonate-based graphene composites is reported. The loading of single- and few-layer graphene flakes improves the mechanical and thermal properties, as well as the electrical conductivity of the polymer.
Design and synthesis of extended quinoxaline derivatives and their charge transport properties
Authors: Yang Junwei , Zhu Haoyun , Huang Yuli , Huang Wei , Wang Weizhi
Published: October 2016

A scalable and convenient strategy is described to synthesize extended conjugation quinoxaline derivatives from phenylene-ethynylene arrays. The fabricated FET devices possess good performance, with mobilities of 0.47 cm2 V−1 s−1 and 0.99 cm2 V−1 s−1.
Micro-flow photosynthesis of new dienophiles for inverse-electron-demand Diels–Alder reactions. Potential applications for pretargeted in vivo PET imaging
Authors: Billaud Emilie M. F. , Shahbazali Elnaz , Ahamed Muneer , Cleeren Frederik , Noël Timothy , Koole Michel , Verbruggen Alfons , Hessel Volker , Bormans Guy
Published: October 2016

New dienophiles were prepared with an innovative microfluidic setup. [18F]3 is suitable for inverse-electron-demand Diels–Alder reactions and pretargeting applications.
A strong and highly flexible aramid nanofibers/PEDOT:PSS film for all-solid-state supercapacitors with superior cycling stability
Authors: Li Yunan , Ren Guangyuan , Zhang Zhiqin , Teng Chao , Wu Yanzi , Lu Xianyong , Zhu Ying , Jiang Lei
Published: October 2016

A highly flexible all-solid-state symmetric supercapacitor using an aramid nanofibers/PEDOT:PSS (ANFs/PEDOT:PSS) film exhibits excellent energy density and cycling stability.
Friendship: Operationalizing the Intangible to Improve Friendship-Based Outcomes for Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Finke Erinn H.
Published: October 2016

Purpose

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have social deficits that affect making and maintaining friends. Many empirically tested methods to address these social deficits are available, yet difficulties related to the establishment and maintenance of authentic friendships persist.

Method

This viewpoint article (a) briefly reviews the current state of the science relative to social and friendship skills training for individuals with ASD, (b) considers the potential links (or lack thereof) between current social and friendship skill interventions for individuals with ASD and outcomes related to making and maintaining friends, (c) examines how friendship-related outcomes might be maximized, and (d) proposes a framework for intervention planning that may promote these valued outcomes.

Results

There are several key concepts to consider in planning intervention targeting friendship as an outcome. These concepts include (a) equal status, (b) mutually motivating and authentic opportunities for interaction, and (c) frequent opportunities for interaction.

Conclusions

There are many aspects about friendship development that cannot be controlled or contrived. Much is still to be learned about the achievement of better friendships for individuals with ASD. Reconceptualizing the way we design intervention may promote better outcomes for individuals on the autism spectrum.
Towards a Theory of Learning for Naming Rehabilitation: Retrieval Practice and Spacing Effects
Authors: Middleton Erica L. , Schwartz Myrna F. , Rawson Katherine A. , Traut Hilary , Verkuilen Jay
Published: October 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this article was to examine how different types of learning experiences affect naming impairment in aphasia.

Methods

In 4 people with aphasia with naming impairment, we compared the benefits of naming treatment that emphasized
retrieval practice
(practice retrieving target names from long-term memory) with
errorless learning
(repetition training, which preempts retrieval practice) according to different schedules of learning. The design was within subjects. Items were administered for multiple training trials for retrieval practice or repetition in a
spaced
schedule (an item's trials were separated by multiple unrelated trials) or
massed
schedule (1 trial intervened between an item's trials). In the spaced condition, we studied 3 magnitudes of spacing to evaluate the impact of effortful retrieval during training on the ultimate benefits conferred by retrieval practice naming treatment. The primary outcome was performance on a retention test of naming after 1 day, with a follow-up test after 1 week.

Results

Group analyses revealed that retrieval practice outperformed errorless learning, and spaced learning outperformed massed learning at retention test and at follow-up. Increases in spacing in the retrieval practice condition yielded more robust learning of retrieved information.

Conclusion

This study delineates the importance of retrieval practice and spacing for treating naming impairment in aphasia.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.14963925
Thermal effects of an innovative green wall on building energy performance
Authors: Djedjig R. , El Ganaoui M. , Belarbi R. , Bennacer R.
Published: October 2016

Green walls and green roofs are innovative construction technologies involving the use environmentally friendly materials. In addition to their aesthetical and environmental benefits, green walls have significant thermal effects on buildings and heat islands within high-density urban areas. In this paper, we study the impact of an innovative green wall system on building energy performance. These green walls have specific composition and particular geometry that can lead to higher thermal performances and therefore more significant impact on building energy performance. The development, validation and prior integration of a hygrothermal green wall model in a transient building simulation tool make possible the assessment of the energy performance of buildings when covered by green walls. The used model was adapted to be the particular forms and composition of the studied green walls. In parallel, this type of green walls has been installed on a one tenth building mockup to be experimented. The aim of the experiment is to measure the thermal effects and to calibrate some parameters of the numerical model. The results highlight the thermal benefits of this kind of green walls in summer condition. They reduce annual energy demand of building up to 37% for hot climates.
Libraries for the future: the role of IT utilities in the transformation of academic libraries
Authors: Tait Elizabeth , Martzoukou Konstantina , Reid Peter
Published: October 2016

This article presents an evaluation of the role of IT utilities in the transformation of academic library services. It begins with a brief overview of the historical development of academic libraries followed by a discussion of current challenges and opportunities for academic libraries. It then offers reflections on the changing role and focus of academic libraries, evident, for example, via the reduction of physical book stock and through an increased focus on collaborative learning spaces. The article also discusses examples of innovative technological developments for learning, data management and the impact of these on the academic library sector, including the need for library staff to develop new skills and roles such as “embedded” librarian roles. The article concludes with reflections on future developments and the role of IT Utilities.
A novel no-insulation winding technique of high temperature-superconducting racetrack coil for rotating applications: A progress report in Korea university
Authors: Choi Y. H. , Song J. B. , Yang D. G. , Kim Y. G. , Hahn S. , Lee H. G.
Published: October 2016

This paper presents our recent progress on core technology development for a megawatt-class superconducting wind turbine generator supported by the international collaborative R&D program of the Korea Institute of Energy Technology Evaluation and Planning. To outperform the current high-temperature-superconducting (HTS) magnet technology in the wind turbine industry, a novel no-insulation winding technique was first proposed to develop the second-generation HTS racetrack coil for rotating applications. Here, we briefly report our recent studies on no-insulation (NI) winding technique for GdBCO coated conductor racetrack coils in the following areas: (1) Charging-discharging characteristics of no-insulation GdBCO racetrack coils with respect to external pressures applied to straight sections; (2) thermal and electrical stabilities of no-insulation GdBCO racetrack coils encapsulated with various impregnating materials; (3) quench behaviors of no-insulation racetrack coils wound with GdBCO conductor possessing various lamination layers; (4) electromagnetic characteristics of no-insulation GdBCO racetrack coils under time-varying field conditions. Test results confirmed that this novel NI winding technique was highly promising. It could provide development of a compact, mechanically dense, and self-protecting GdBCO magnet for use in real-world superconducting wind turbine generators.
Temperature activated coupling in topologically distinct semiconductor nanostructures
Authors: Biccari F. , Bietti S. , Cavigli L. , Vinattieri A. , Nötzel R. , Gurioli M. , Sanguinetti S.
Published: October 2016

We present a detailed analysis of the emission of individual GaAs/AlGaAs complex nano-systems composed of two concentric and topologically distinct quantum nanostructures, namely, a quantum dot and a quantum ring. Time resolved, temperature and excitation power density dependence of the photoluminescence from single and ensemble dot/ring structures have been used in order to determine the carrier dynamics. Despite the small spatial separation between the dot and the ring, the exciton dynamics in the two nanostructures is completely decoupled at low temperatures. At higher temperatures, we observe a clear change in the carrier dynamics, which shows the onset of the coupling between the two nanostructures. We attribute such change in carrier dynamics to the breaking of topology induced selection rules which allows the transfer of the carriers between the dot and the ring via an electronic quantum state, common to the two nanostructures.
On the ground state energy of the delta-function Fermi gas
Authors: Tracy Craig A. , Widom Harold
Published: October 2016

The weak coupling asymptotics to order γ of the ground state energy of the delta-function Fermi gas, derived heuristically in the literature, is here made rigorous. Further asymptotics are in principle computable. The analysis applies to the Gaudin integral equation, a method previously used by one of the authors for the asymptotics of large Toeplitz matrices.
Elliptic Bessel processes and elliptic Dyson models realized as temporally inhomogeneous processes
Authors: Katori Makoto
Published: October 2016

The Bessel process with parameter D > 1 and the Dyson model of interacting Brownian motions with coupling constant β > 0 are extended to the processes in which the drift term and the interaction terms are given by the logarithmic derivatives of Jacobi’s theta functions. They are called the elliptic Bessel process, eBES(D), and the elliptic Dyson model, eDYS(β), respectively. Both are realized on the circumference of a circle [0, 2πr) with radius r > 0 as temporally inhomogeneous processes defined in a finite time interval [0, t∗), t∗ < ∞. Transformations of them to Schrödinger-type equations with time-dependent potentials lead us to proving that eBES(D) and eDYS(β) can be constructed as the time-dependent Girsanov transformations of Brownian motions. In the special cases where D = 3 and β = 2, observables of the processes are defined and the processes are represented for them using the Brownian paths winding round a circle and pinned at time t∗. We show that eDYS(2) has the determinantal martingale representation for any observable. Then it is proved that eDYS(2) is determinantal for all observables for any finite initial configuration without multiple points. Determinantal processes are stochastic integrable systems in the sense that all spatio-temporal correlation functions are given by determinants controlled by a single continuous function called the spatio-temporal correlation kernel.
Novel dissipative properties of the master equation
Authors: Hong Liu , Jia Chen , Zhu Yi , Yong Wen-An
Published: October 2016

Recent studies have shown that the entropy production rate for the master equation consists of two non-negative terms: the adiabatic and non-adiabatic parts, where the non-adiabatic part is also known as the free energy dissipation rate. In this paper, we present some nonzero lower bounds for the free energy, the entropy production rate, and its adiabatic and non-adiabatic parts. These nonzero lower bounds not only reveal some novel dissipative properties for nonequilibrium dynamics which are much stronger than the second law of thermodynamics, but also impose some new constraints on thermodynamic constitutive relations. Moreover, we also give a mathematical application of the nonzero lower bounds by studying the long-time behavior of the master equation. Extensions to the Tsallis statistics are also discussed, including the nonzero lower bounds for the Tsallis-type free energy and its dissipation rate.
Cost-effective description of strong correlation: Efficient implementations of the perfect quadruples and perfect hextuples models
Authors: Lehtola Susi , Parkhill John , Head-Gordon Martin
Published: October 2016

Novel implementations based on dense tensor storage are presented for the singlet-reference perfect quadruples (PQ) [J. A. Parkhill et al., J. Chem. Phys. 130, 084101 (2009)] and perfect hextuples (PH) [J. A. Parkhill and M. Head-Gordon, J. Chem. Phys. 133, 024103 (2010)] models. The methods are obtained as block decompositions of conventional coupled-cluster theory that are exact for four electrons in four orbitals (PQ) and six electrons in six orbitals (PH), but that can also be applied to much larger systems. PQ and PH have storage requirements that scale as the square, and as the cube of the number of active electrons, respectively, and exhibit quartic scaling of the computational effort for large systems. Applications of the new implementations are presented for full-valence calculations on linear polyenes (CnHn+2), which highlight the excellent computational scaling of the present implementations that can routinely handle active spaces of hundreds of electrons. The accuracy of the models is studied in the π space of the polyenes, in hydrogen chains (H50), and in the π space of polyacene molecules. In all cases, the results compare favorably to density matrix renormalization group values. With the novel implementation of PQ, active spaces of 140 electrons in 140 orbitals can be solved in a matter of minutes on a single core workstation, and the relatively low polynomial scaling means that very large systems are also accessible using parallel computing.