bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Boundary effects and large-time behaviour for quasilinear equations with nonlinear damping
Authors: Geng Shifeng , Zhang Lina
Published: August 2015

This paper is concerned with the asymptotic behaviour of solutions to quasilinear hyperbolic equations with nonlinear damping on the quarter-plane (x, t) ∈ ℝ+ x ∈ ℝ+. We obtain the Lp (1 ≤ p ≤ +∞) convergence rates of the solution to the quasilinear hyperbolic equations without the additional technical assumptions for the nonlinear damping f(v) given by Li and Saxton.
Stability to the dissipative Reissner–Mindlin–Timoshenko acting on displacement equation
Authors: CAMPELO A. D. S. , ALMEIDA JÚNIOR D. S. , SANTOS M. L.
Published: August 2015

In this paper, we show that there exists a critical number that stabilises the Reissner–Mindlin–Timoshenko system with frictional dissipation acting only on the equation for the transverse displacement. We identify that the Reissner–Mindlin–Timoshenko system has two speed characteristics v12 := K/ρ1 and v22 := D/ρ2 and we show that the system is exponentially stable if only if
\begin{equation*}
v_{1}^{2}=v_{2}^{2}.
\end{equation*}

In the general case, we prove that the system is polynomially stable with optimal decay rate. Numerical experiments using finite differences are given to confirm our analytical results. Our numerical results are qualitatively in agreement with the corresponding results from dynamical in infinite dimensional.
A comparison of the effectiveness of EFL students’ use of dictionaries and an online corpus for the enhancement of revision skills
Authors: Mueller Charles M. , Jacobsen Natalia D.
Published: August 2015

Qualitative research focusing primarily on advanced-proficiency second language (L2) learners suggests that online corpora can function as useful reference tools for language learners, especially when addressing phraseological issues. However, the feasibility and effectiveness of online corpus consultation for learners at a basic level of L2 proficiency have been relatively unexplored. The current study of Japanese-L1 (first language) learners in an EFL (English as a foreign language) context (N=117) addresses these gaps in research. A preliminary investigation (Experiment 1) examined EFL learners (n=78) as they used the Corpus of Contemporary American English (COCA: Davies, 2008–) to revise essays. Experiment 2 (n=39) used a within-subjects comparison to determine whether participants attained greater accuracy in supplying the missing word in a gap-fill test when using an electronic dictionary or COCA. The survey results from the two experiments revealed that participants generally found using an online corpus difficult. In Experiment 2, a paired-samples t-test showed that participants, at an alpha of p=.05 two-tailed, were marginally better able to answer test questions when using the online corpus than they were when using an electronic dictionary, p=0.030. The implications of the study within the context of previous research are discussed along with pedagogical recommendations and possible avenues for future research.
Comorbidity between depression and inflammatory bowel disease explained by immune-inflammatory, oxidative, and nitrosative stress; tryptophan catabolite; and gut–brain pathways
Authors: Martin-Subero Marta , Anderson George , Kanchanatawan Buranee , Berk Michael , Maes Michael
Published: August 2015

The nature of depression has recently been reconceptualized, being conceived as the clinical expression of activated immune-inflammatory, oxidative, and nitrosative stress (IO&NS) pathways, including tryptophan catabolite (TRYCAT), autoimmune, and gut–brain pathways. IO&NS pathways are similarly integral to the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The increased depression prevalence in IBD associates with a lower quality of life and increased morbidity in IBD, highlighting the role of depression in modulating the pathophysiology of IBD.This review covers data within such a wider conceptualization that better explains the heightened co-occurrence of IBD and depression. Common IO&NS underpinning between both disorders is evidenced by increased pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, eg, interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-6 trans-signalling; Th-1- and Th-17-like responses; neopterin and soluble IL-2 receptor levels; positive acute phase reactants (haptoglobin and C-reactive protein); lowered levels of negative acute phase reactants (albumin, transferrin, zinc) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10 and transforming growth factor-β); increased O&NS with damage to lipids, proteinsm and DNA; increased production of nitric oxide (NO) and inducible NO synthase; lowered plasma tryptophan but increased TRYCAT levels; autoimmune responses; and increased bacterial translocation. As such, heightened IO&NS processes in depression overlap with the biological underpinnings of IBD, potentially explaining their increased co-occurrence. This supports the perspective that there is a spectrum of IO&NS disorders that includes depression, both as an emergent comorbidity and as a contributor to IO&NS processes. Such a frame of reference has treatment implications for IBD when “comorbid” with depression.
Music Technology, Gender, and Class: Digitization, Educational and Social Change in Britain
Authors: BORN GEORGINA , DEVINE KYLE
Published: August 2015

Music technology undergraduate degree programmes are a relatively new phenomenon in British higher education, situated at the intersection of music, digital technologies, and sound art. Such degrees have exploded in popularity over the past fifteen years. Yet the social and cultural ramifications of this development have not yet been analysed. In looking comparatively at the demographics of both traditional music and music technology degrees, we highlight a striking bifurcation: traditional music degrees draw students with higher social class profiles than the British national averages, while their gender profile matches the wider student population; music technology degrees, by contrast, are overwhelmingly male and lower in terms of social class profile. We set these findings into analytical dialogue with wider historical processes, offering divergent interpretations of our findings in relation to a series of musical, technological, educational, social, political, and cultural-institutional developments in the late twentieth and twenty-first centuries. We ask what such developments bode for future relations between music, gender, and class in the UK.
Musique concrète, French New Wave cinema, and Jean Cocteau'sLe Testament d'Orphée(1960)
Authors: ANDERSON LAURA
Published: August 2015

Jean Cocteau (1889–1963) is recognized as one of France's most well-known film directors, directing six films over a thirty-year period. This article argues that his film soundscapes occupy a unique position in the history of French film sound, providing a key link between contemporary experimentation in art music and the sonic experimentation of the New Wave filmmakers. This argument is best exemplified byLe Testament d'Orphée(1960), which represents the apotheosis of Cocteau's artistic output as well as the stage at which he was most confident in handling the design of a film soundscape. Indeed, Cocteau was comfortable with the selection and arrangement of sonic elements to the extent that his regular collaborator Georges Auric became almost dispensable. Nevertheless, Auric's willing support enriched the final film and Cocteau created a highly self-reflexive work through his arrangement of the composer's music with pre-existing musical borrowings. Cocteau's engagement with contemporary developments in film and art music can be heard throughout this film, highlighting his position as a poet simultaneously establishing himself in the canon of art and looking to the future.
Household and State-istics: Cornerstones of Society in Population Censuses (Belgium, 1846–1947)
Authors: Louckx Kaat , Vanderstraeten Raf
Published: August 2015

Statisticsoriginally meantstate-istics, a scientific representation of the state for governmental purposes. It did not just cover the growing need for information in the emerging nation-states, but also contributed to establishing a new idea of government. This paper analyzes the rearticulation of the household within modern state-istics. The Belgian population censuses, which were first organized by Adolphe Quetelet, provide the material for our analyses. More particularly, we focus on the period from the mid-nineteenth until the mid-twentieth century, when the welfare state started to develop alternatives to household dependence. We discuss how the orientation shifted from thede factoto thede jurepopulation; the state became involved in redefining the conditions for household membership. Two types of co-residential units were distinguished: family household and collective household. But inmates of collective households caused much concern; statisticians tried to reassign them administratively to households considered more appropriate. We also discuss the articulation of intrahousehold relations. Changes in the notion of “belongingness” show how the state articulated its expectations regarding the proverbial cornerstones of society.
What Lies Deep in the Mantle Below?
Authors: Foulger Gillian , Panza Giuliano , Artemieva Irina , Bastow Ian , Cammarano Fabio , Doglioni Carlo , Evans John , Hamilton Warren , Julian Bruce , Lustrino Michele , Thybo Hans , Yanovskaya Tatiana
Published: August 2015

For decades, scientists have probed Earth's remote mantle by analyzing how seismic waves of distant earthquakes pass through it. But we are still challenged by the technique's limitations.
Automated analysis of free speech predicts psychosis onset in high-risk youths
Authors: Bedi Gillinder , Carrillo Facundo , Cecchi Guillermo A , Slezak Diego Fernández , Sigman Mariano , Mota Natália B , Ribeiro Sidarta , Javitt Daniel C , Copelli Mauro , Corcoran Cheryl M
Published: August 2015

Background/Objectives:

Psychiatry lacks the objective clinical tests routinely used in other specializations. Novel computerized methods to characterize complex behaviors such as speech could be used to identify and predict psychiatric illness in individuals.

AIMS:

In this proof-of-principle study, our aim was to test automated speech analyses combined with Machine Learning to predict later psychosis onset in youths at clinical high-risk (CHR) for psychosis.

Methods:

Thirty-four CHR youths (11 females) had baseline interviews and were assessed quarterly for up to 2.5 years; five transitioned to psychosis. Using automated analysis, transcripts of interviews were evaluated for semantic and syntactic features predicting later psychosis onset. Speech features were fed into a convex hull classification algorithm with leave-one-subject-out cross-validation to assess their predictive value for psychosis outcome. The canonical correlation between the speech features and prodromal symptom ratings was computed.

Results:

Derived speech features included a Latent Semantic Analysis measure of semantic coherence and two syntactic markers of speech complexity: maximum phrase length and use of determiners (e.g., which). These speech features predicted later psychosis development with 100% accuracy, outperforming classification from clinical interviews. Speech features were significantly correlated with prodromal symptoms.

Conclusions:

Findings support the utility of automated speech analysis to measure subtle, clinically relevant mental state changes in emergent psychosis. Recent developments in computer science, including natural language processing, could provide the foundation for future development of objective clinical tests for psychiatry.
The effect of exogenous calcium on mitochondria, respiratory metabolism enzymes and ion transport in cucumber roots under hypoxia
Authors: He Lizhong , Li Bin , Lu Xiaomin , Yuan Lingyun , Yang Yanjuan , Yuan Yinghui , Du Jing , Guo Shirong
Published: August 2015

Hypoxia induces plant stress, particularly in cucumber plants under hydroponic culture. In plants, calcium is involved in stress signal transmission and growth. The ultimate goal of this study was to shed light on the mechanisms underlying the effects of exogenous calcium on the mitochondrial antioxidant system, the activity of respiratory metabolism enzymes and ion transport in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L. cv. Jinchun No. 2) roots under hypoxic conditions. Our experiments revealed that exogenous calcium reduces the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and increases the activity of antioxidant enzymes in mitochondria under hypoxia. Exogenous calcium also enhances the accumulation of enzymes involved in glycolysis and the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. We utilized fluorescence and ultrastructural cytochemistry methods to observe that exogenous calcium increases the concentrations of Ca2+ and K+ in root cells by increasing the activity of plasma membrane (PM) H+-ATPase and tonoplast H+-ATPase and H+-PPase. Overall, our results suggest that hypoxic stress has an immediate and substantial effect on roots. Exogenous calcium improves metabolism and ion transport in cucumber roots, thereby increasing hypoxia tolerance in cucumber.
Inhibition of human GLUT1 and GLUT5 by plant carbohydrate products; insights into transport specificity
Authors: George Thompson Alayna M. , Iancu Cristina V. , Nguyen Thi Thanh Hanh , Kim Doman , Choe Jun-yong
Published: August 2015

Glucose transporters GLUT1 (transports glucose) and GLUT5 (transports fructose), in addition to their functions in normal metabolism, have been implicated in several diseases including cancer and diabetes. While GLUT1 has several inhibitors, none have been described for GLUT5. By transport activity assays we found two plant products, rubusoside (from Rubus suavissimus) and astragalin-6-glucoside (a glycosylated derivative of astragalin, from Phytolacca americana) that inhibited human GLUT5. These plants are utilized in traditional medicine: R. suavissimus for weight loss and P. americana for cancer treatment, but the molecular interactions of these products are unknown. Rubusoside also inhibited human GLUT1, but astragalin-6-glucoside did not. In silico analysis of rubusoside:protein interactions pinpointed a major difference in substrate cavity between these transporters, a residue that is a tryptophan in GLUT1 but an alanine in GLUT5. Investigation of mutant proteins supported the importance of this position in ligand specificity. GLUT1W388A became susceptible to inhibition by astragalin-6-glucoside and resistant to rubusoside. GLUT5A396W transported fructose and also glucose and maintained inhibition by rubusoside and astragalin-6-glucoside. Astragalin-6-glucoside can serve as a starting point in the design of specific inhibitors for GLUT5. The application of these studies to understanding glucose transporters and their interaction with substrates and ligands is discussed.
Whole Exome Sequencing Reveals Mutations in Known Retinal Disease Genes in 33 out of 68 Israeli Families with Inherited Retinopathies
Authors: Beryozkin Avigail , Shevah Elia , Kimchi Adva , Mizrahi-Meissonnier Liliana , Khateb Samer , Ratnapriya Rinki , Lazar Csilla H. , Blumenfeld Anat , Ben-Yosef Tamar , Hemo Yitzhak , Pe’er Jacob , Averbuch Eduard , Sagi Michal , Boleda Alexis , Gieser Linn , Zlotogorski Abraham , Falik-Zaccai Tzipora , Alimi-Kasem Ola , Jacobson Samuel G. , Chowers Itay , Swaroop Anand , Banin Eyal , Sharon Dror
Published: August 2015

Whole exome sequencing (WES) is a powerful technique for identifying sequence changes in the human genome. The goal of this study was to delineate the genetic defects in patients with inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) using WES. WES was performed on 90 patient DNA samples from 68 families and 226 known genes for IRDs were analyzed. Sanger sequencing was used to validate potential pathogenic variants that were also subjected to segregation analysis in families. Thirty-three causative mutations (19 novel and 14 known) in 25 genes were identified in 33 of the 68 families. The vast majority of mutations (30 out of 33) have not been reported in the Israeli and the Palestinian populations. Nine out of the 33 mutations were detected in additional families from the same ethnic population, suggesting a founder effect. In two families, identified phenotypes were different from the previously reported clinical findings associated with the causative gene. This is the largest genetic analysis of IRDs in the Israeli and Palestinian populations to date. We also demonstrate that WES is a powerful tool for rapid analysis of known disease genes in large patient cohorts.
The effects of graded levels of calorie restriction: IV. Non-linear change in behavioural phenotype of mice in response to short-term calorie restriction
Authors: Lusseau David , Mitchell Sharon E. , Barros Ceres , Derous Davina , Green Cara , Chen Luonan , Han Jing-Dong Jackie , Wang Yingchun , Promislow Daniel E. L. , Douglas Alex , Speakman John R.
Published: August 2015

Animals have to adjust their activities when faced with caloric restriction (CR) to deal with reduced energy intake. If CR is pronounced, allostasis can push individuals into alternate physiological states which can result in important health benefits across a wide range of taxa. Here we developed a new approach to determine the changes in behavioural phenotype associated with different levels of CR. We exposed C57BL/6 male mice to graded CR (from 0 to 40%) for three months and defined their behavioural phenotype using hidden Markov models of their movement and body temperature. All 40% CR mice exhibited a state-shift in behavioural phenotype and only some exposed to 30% CR did. We show for the first time that mice changed their activity characteristics rather than changed their activities. This new phenotyping approach provides an avenue to determine the mechanisms linking CR to healthspan.
Investigation of VOCs associated with different characteristics of breast cancer cells
Authors: Lavra Luca , Catini Alexandro , Ulivieri Alessandra , Capuano Rosamaria , Baghernajad Salehi Leila , Sciacchitano Salvatore , Bartolazzi Armando , Nardis Sara , Paolesse Roberto , Martinelli Eugenio , Di Natale Corrado
Published: August 2015

The efficacy of breath volatile organic compounds (VOCs) analysis for the screening of patients bearing breast cancer lesions has been demonstrated by using gas chromatography and artificial olfactory systems. On the other hand,in-vitrostudies suggest that VOCs detection could also give important indications regarding molecular and tumorigenic characteristics of tumor cells. Aim of this study was to analyze VOCs in the headspace of breast cancer cell lines in order to ascertain the potentiality of VOCs signatures in giving information about these cells and set-up a new sensor system able to detect breast tumor-associated VOCs. We identified by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry analysis a VOCs signature that discriminates breast cancer cells for: i) transformed condition; ii) cell doubling time (CDT); iii) Estrogen and Progesterone Receptors (ER, PgR) expression and HER2 overexpression. Moreover, the signals obtained from a temperature modulated metal oxide semiconductor gas sensor can be classified in order to recognize VOCs signatures associated with breast cancer cells, CDT and ER expression. Our results demonstrate that VOCs analysis could give clinically relevant information about proliferative and molecular features of breast cancer cells and pose the basis for the optimization of a low-cost diagnostic device to be used for tumors characterization.
Mice repeatedly exposed to Group-A β-Haemolytic Streptococcus show perseverative behaviors, impaired sensorimotor gating and immune activation in rostral diencephalon
Authors: Macrì Simone , Ceci Chiara , Proietti Onori Martina , Invernizzi Roberto William , Bartolini Erika , Altabella Luisa , Canese Rossella , Imperi Monica , Orefici Graziella , Creti Roberta , Margarit Immaculada , Magliozzi Roberta , Laviola Giovanni
Published: August 2015

Repeated exposure to Group-A β-Haemolytic Streptococcus (GAS) may constitute a vulnerability factor in the onset and course of pediatric motor disturbances. GAS infections/colonization can stimulate the production of antibodies, which may cross the blood brain barrier, target selected brain areas (e.g. basal ganglia) and exacerbate motor alterations. Here, we exposed developing SJL male mice to four injections with a GAS homogenate and evaluated the following domains: motor coordination; general locomotion; repetitive behaviors; perseverative responses; and sensorimotor gating (pre-pulse inhibition, PPI). To demonstrate that behavioral changes were associated with immune-mediated brain alterations, we analyzed, in selected brain areas, the presence of infiltrates and microglial activation (immunohistochemistry), monoamines (HPLC) and brain metabolites (in vivo Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy). GAS-exposed mice showed increased repetitive and perseverative behaviors, impaired PPI and reduced concentrations of serotonin in prefrontal cortex, a brain area linked to the behavioral domains investigated, wherein they also showed remarkable elevations in lactate. Active inflammatory processes were substantiated by the observation of infiltrates and microglial activation in the white matter of the anterior diencephalon. These data support the hypothesis that repeated GAS exposure may elicit inflammatory responses in brain areas involved in motor control and perseverative behavior and result in phenotypic abnormalities.
Heterogeneity: The key to failure forecasting
Authors: Vasseur Jérémie , Wadsworth Fabian B. , Lavallée Yan , Bell Andrew F. , Main Ian G. , Dingwell Donald B.
Published: August 2015

Elastic waves are generated when brittle materials are subjected to increasing strain. Their number and energy increase non-linearly, ending in a system-sized catastrophic failure event. Accelerating rates of geophysical signals (e.g., seismicity and deformation) preceding large-scale dynamic failure can serve as proxies for damage accumulation in the Failure Forecast Method (FFM). Here we test the hypothesis that the style and mechanisms of deformation and the accuracy of the FFM, are both tightly controlled by the degree of microstructural heterogeneity of the material under stress. We generate a suite of synthetic samples with variable heterogeneity, controlled by the gas volume fraction. We experimentally demonstrate that the accuracy of failure prediction increases drastically with the degree of material heterogeneity. These results have significant implications in a broad range of material-based disciplines for which failure forecasting is of central importance. In particular, the FFM has been used with only variable success to forecast failure scenarios both in the field (volcanic eruptions and landslides) and in the laboratory (rock and magma failure). Our results show that this variability may be explained and the reliability and accuracy of forecast quantified significantly improved, by accounting for material heterogeneity as a first-order control on forecasting power.
Radiant energy required for infrared neural stimulation
Authors: Tan Xiaodong , Rajguru Suhrud , Young Hunter , Xia Nan , Stock Stuart R. , Xiao Xianghui , Richter Claus-Peter
Published: August 2015

Infrared neural stimulation (INS) has been proposed as an alternative method to electrical stimulation because of its spatial selective stimulation. Independent of the mechanism for INS, to translate the method into a device it is important to determine the energy for stimulation required at the target structure. Custom-designed, flat and angle polished fibers, were used to deliver the photons. By rotating the angle polished fibers, the orientation of the radiation beam in the cochlea could be changed. INS-evoked compound action potentials and single unit responses in the central nucleus of the inferior colliculus (ICC) were recorded. X-ray computed tomography was used to determine the orientation of the optical fiber. Maximum responses were observed when the radiation beam was directed towards the spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs), whereas little responses were seen when the beam was directed towards the basilar membrane. The radiant exposure required at the SGNs to evoke compound action potentials (CAPs) or ICC responses was on average 18.9 ± 12.2 or 10.3 ± 4.9 mJ/cm2, respectively. For cochlear INS it has been debated whether the radiation directly stimulates the SGNs or evokes a photoacoustic effect. The results support the view that a direct interaction between neurons and radiation dominates the response to INS.
Geometric discord: A resource for increments of quantum key generation through twirling
Authors: Wu Xiaohua , Zhou Tao
Published: August 2015

In the present work, we consider a scenario where an arbitrary two-qubit pure state is applied for the quantum key generation (QKG). Using the twirling procedure to convert the pure state into a Werner state, the error rate of the key can be reduced by a factor of 2/3. This effect indicates that entanglement is not the sufficient resource of QKG protocol since it is not increased in the twirling procedure. Based on the fact that the geometric discord is increased in the twirling procedure, we argue that the geometric discord should be taken as a necessary resource for the QKG task. Besides the pure state, we also give other two types of mixtures where twirling may increase the discord and reduce the error rate of the generated key.
Marine amoebae with cytoplasmic and perinuclear symbionts deeply branching in the Gammaproteobacteria
Authors: Schulz Frederik , Tyml Tomáš , Pizzetti Ilaria , Dyková Iva , Fazi Stefano , Kostka Martin , Horn Matthias
Published: August 2015

Amoebae play an important ecological role as predators in microbial communities. They also serve as niche for bacterial replication, harbor endosymbiotic bacteria and have contributed to the evolution of major human pathogens. Despite their high diversity, marine amoebae and their association with bacteria are poorly understood. Here we describe the isolation and characterization of two novel marine amoebae together with their bacterial endosymbionts, tentatively named ‘Candidatus Occultobacter vannellae’ and ‘Candidatus Nucleophilum amoebae’. While one amoeba strain is related to Vannella, a genus common in marine habitats, the other represents a novel lineage in the Amoebozoa. The endosymbionts showed only low similarity to known bacteria (85–88% 16S rRNA sequence similarity) but together with other uncultured marine bacteria form a sister clade to the Coxiellaceae. Using fluorescence in situ hybridization and transmission electron microscopy, identity and intracellular location of both symbionts were confirmed; one was replicating in host-derived vacuoles, whereas the other was located in the perinuclear space of its amoeba host. This study sheds for the first time light on a so far neglected group of protists and their bacterial symbionts. The newly isolated strains represent easily maintainable model systems and pave the way for further studies on marine associations between amoebae and bacterial symbionts.
Behavioural innovation and cultural transmission of communication signal in black howler monkeys
Authors: Briseño-Jaramillo M. , Estrada A. , Lemasson A.
Published: August 2015

Social traditions based on communication signals are widespread in birds, cetaceans and humans, but surprisingly rare in nonhuman primates known for having genetically-determined vocal repertoires. This study presents the first description of a singular case of behaviour associated with calling (placing a hand in front of the mouth while vocalizing: HFM) in black howler monkeys. We showed, first, that HFM was found only in a subset of the groups observed, at the same geographical location and was age- and sex-specific. There was an audience effect on HFM, with highest rates when a neighbouring group was visible. HFM was non-randomly combined with audio-visual signals and always performed while roaring. High HFM rates triggered more vocal responses from group members and male neighbours and HFM signalers temporally synchronized their behaviour in a predictable way. Finally, the positioning of the hand systematically modified the call’s auditory structure. Altogether these results support the idea that HFM is an innovated, culturally transmitted communication signal that may play a role in inter-group competition and intra-group cohesion. This study opens new lines of research about how nonhuman primates developed strategies to overcome their constraints in acoustic plasticity very early in the primate lineage.
Controlling wave-vector of propagating surface plasmon polaritons on single-crystalline gold nanoplates
Authors: Luo Si , Yang Hangbo , Yang Yuanqing , Zhao Ding , Chen Xingxing , Qiu Min , Li Qiang
Published: August 2015

Surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) propagating at metal nanostructures play an important role in breaking the diffraction limit. Chemically synthesized single-crystalline metal nanoplates with atomically flat surfaces provide favorable features compared with traditional polycrystalline metal films. The excitation and propagation of leaky SPPs on micrometer sized (10–20 μm) and thin (30 nm) gold nanoplates are investigated utilizing leakage radiation microscopy. By varying polarization and excitation positions of incident light on apexes of nanoplates, wave-vector (including propagation constant and propagation direction) distributions of leaky SPPs in Fourier planes can be controlled, indicating tunable SPP propagation. These results hold promise for potential development of chemically synthesized single-crystalline metal nanoplates as plasmonic platforms in future applications.
Negative linear compressibility in a crystal of α-BiB3O6
Authors: Kang Lei , Jiang Xingxing , Luo Siyang , Gong Pifu , Li Wei , Wu Xiang , Li Yanchun , Li Xiaodong , Chen Chuangtian , Lin Zheshuai
Published: August 2015

Negative linear compressibility (NLC), a rare and important mechanical effect with many application potentials, in a crystal of α-BiB3O6 (BIBO) is comprehensively investigated using first-principles calculations and high-pressure synchrotron X-ray diffraction experiments. The results indicate that the BIBO crystal exhibits the second largest NLC among all known inorganic materials over a broad pressure range. This unusual NLC behaviour is due to the rotation and displacement of the rigid [BO3] and [BO4] building units that result in hinge motion in an umbrella-like topology. More importantly, the parallel-polar lone-pair electrons on the Bi3+ cations act as “umbrella stands” to withstand the B-O hinges, thus significantly enhancing the NLC effect. BIBO presents a unique example of a “collapsible umbrella” mechanism for achieving NLC, which could be applied to other framework materials with lone-pair electrons.
Hybrid surgery versus anterior cervical discectomy and fusion for multilevel cervical degenerative disc diseases: a meta-analysis
Authors: Tian Peng , Fu Xin , Li Zhi-Jun , Sun Xiao-Lei , Ma Xin-Long
Published: August 2015

The objective of this meta-analysis is to compare hybrid surgery (HS) and cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) for multilevel cervical degenerative disc diseases (DDD). Systematic searches of all published studies through March 2015 were identified from Cochrane Library, Medline, PubMed, Embase, ScienceDirect, CNKI, WANFANG DATA and CQVIP. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs involving HS and ACDF for multilevel DDD were included. All literature was searched and assessed by two independent reviewers according to the standard of Cochrane systematic review. Data of functional and radiological outcomes in two groups were pooled, which was then analyzed by RevMan 5.2 software. One RCT and four non-RCTs encompassing 160 patients met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis revealed significant differences in blood loss (p = 0.005), postoperative C2–C7 ROM (p = 0.002), ROM of superior adjacent segment (p < 0.00001) and ROM of inferior adjacent segment (p = 0.0007) between the HS group and the ACDF group. No significant differences were found regarding operation time (p = 0.75), postoperative VAS (p = 0.18) and complications (p = 0.73) between the groups. Hybrid surgery demonstrated excellent clinical efficacy and radiological results. Postoperative C2–C7 ROM was closer to the physiological status. No decrease in the ROM of the adjacent segment was noted in the hybrid surgery group.
TRIM32 modulates pluripotency entry and exit by directly regulating Oct4 stability
Authors: Bahnassawy Lamia’a , Perumal Thanneer M. , Gonzalez-Cano Laura , Hillje Anna-Lena , Taher Leila , Makalowski Wojciech , Suzuki Yutaka , Fuellen Georg , Sol Antonio del , Schwamborn Jens Christian
Published: August 2015

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have revolutionized the world of regenerative medicine; nevertheless, the exact molecular mechanisms underlying their generation and differentiation remain elusive. Here, we investigated the role of the cell fate determinant TRIM32 in modulating such processes. TRIM32 is essential for the induction of neuronal differentiation of neural stem cells by poly-ubiquitinating cMyc to target it for degradation resulting in inhibition of cell proliferation. To elucidate the role of TRIM32 in regulating somatic cell reprogramming we analysed the capacity of TRIM32-knock-out mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) in generating iPSC colonies. TRIM32 knock-out MEFs produced a higher number of iPSC colonies indicating a role for TRIM32 in inhibiting this cellular transition. Further characterization of the generated iPSCs indicated that the TRIM32 knock-out iPSCs show perturbed differentiation kinetics. Additionally, mathematical modelling of global gene expression data revealed that during differentiation an Oct4 centred network in the wild-type cells is replaced by an E2F1 centred network in the TRIM32 deficient cells. We show here that this might be caused by a TRIM32-dependent downregulation of Oct4. In summary, the data presented here reveal that TRIM32 directly regulates at least two of the four Yamanaka Factors (cMyc and Oct4), to modulate cell fate transitions.
Functional Identification of a Novel Gene, moaE, for 3-Succinoylpyridine Degradation in Pseudomonas putida S16
Authors: Jiang Yi , Tang Hongzhi , Wu Geng , Xu Ping
Published: August 2015

Microbial degradation of N-heterocyclic compounds, including xanthine, quinoline, nicotinate and nicotine, frequently requires molybdenum hydroxylases. The intramolecular electron transfer chain of molybdenum hydroxylases consists of a molybdenum cofactor, two distinct [2Fe-2S] clusters and flavin adenine dinucleotide. 3-Succinoylpyridine monooxygenase (Spm), responsible for the transformation from 3-succinoylpyridine to 6-hydroxy-3-succinoylpyridine, is a crucial enzyme in the pyrrolidine pathway of nicotine degradation in Pseudomonas. Our previous work revealed that the heterotrimeric enzyme (SpmA, SpmB and SpmC) requires molybdopterin cytosine dinucleotide as a cofactor for their activities. In this study, we knocked out four genes, including PPS_1556, PPS_2936, PPS_4063 and PPS_4397 and found that a novel gene, PPS_4397 encoding moaE, is necessary for molybdopterin cytosine dinucleotide biosynthesis. Resting cell reactions of the moaE deletion mutant incubated with 3 g l−1 nicotine at 30 °C resulted in accumulation of 3-succinoylpyridine and the strain complemented by the moaE gene regained the ability to convert 3-succinoylpyridine. In addition, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis indicated that the transcriptional levels of the genes of moaE, spmA, and spmC of Pseudomonas putida S16 were distinctly higher when grown in nicotine medium than in glycerol medium.
Free-Space Nanometer Wiring via Nanotip Manipulation
Authors: Kizuka Tokushi , Ashida Shin
Published: August 2015

Relentless efforts in semiconductor technology have driven nanometer-scale miniaturization of transistors, diodes and interconnections in electronic chips. Free-space writing enables interconnections of stacked modules separated by an arbitrary distance, leading to ultimate integration of electronics. We have developed a free-space method for nanometer-scale wiring on the basis of manipulating a metallic nanotip while applying a bias voltage without radiative heating, lithography, etching, or electrodeposition. The method is capable of fabricating wires with widths as low as 1–6 nm and lengths exceeding 200 nm with a breakdown current density of 8 TA/m2. Structural evolution and conduction during wire formation were analyzed by direct atomistic visualization using in situ high-resolution transmission electron microscopy.
Epigenetic and genetic variation at SKA2 predict suicidal behavior and post-traumatic stress disorder
Authors: Kaminsky Z , Wilcox H C , Eaton W W , Van Eck K , Kilaru V , Jovanovic T , Klengel T , Bradley B , Binder E B , Ressler K J , Smith A K
Published: August 2015

Traumatic stress results in hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis abnormalities and an increased risk to both suicidal behaviors and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Previous work out of our laboratory identified SKA2 DNA methylation associations with suicidal behavior in the blood and brain of multiple cohorts. Interaction of SKA2 with stress predicted suicidal behavior with ~80% accuracy. SKA2 is hypothesized to reduce the ability to suppress cortisol following stress, which is of potentially high relevance in traumatized populations. Our objective was to investigate the interaction of SKA2 and trauma exposure on HPA axis function, suicide attempt and PTSD. SKA2 DNA methylation at Illumina HM450 probe cg13989295 was assessed for association with suicidal behavior and PTSD metrics in the context of Child Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) scores in 421 blood and 61 saliva samples from the Grady Trauma Project (GTP) cohort. Dexamethasone suppression test (DST) data were evaluated for a subset of 209 GTP subjects. SKA2 methylation interacted with CTQ scores to predict lifetime suicide attempt in saliva and blood with areas under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUCs) of 0.76 and 0.73 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.6–0.92, P=0.003, and CI: 0.65–0.78, P<0.0001) and to mediate the suppression of cortisol following DST (β=0.5±0.19, F=1.51, degrees of freedom (df)=12/167, P=0.0096). Cumulatively, the data suggest that epigenetic variation at SKA2 mediates vulnerability to suicidal behaviors and PTSD through dysregulation of the HPA axis in response to stress.
Apoptotic markers in cultured fibroblasts correlate with brain metabolites and regional brain volume in antipsychotic-naive first-episode schizophrenia and healthy controls
Authors: Batalla A , Bargalló N , Gassó P , Molina O , Pareto D , Mas S , Roca J M , Bernardo M , Lafuente A , Parellada E
Published: August 2015

Cultured fibroblasts from first-episode schizophrenia patients (FES) have shown increased susceptibility to apoptosis, which may be related to glutamate dysfunction and progressive neuroanatomical changes. Here we determine whether apoptotic markers obtained from cultured fibroblasts in FES and controls correlate with changes in brain glutamate and N-acetylaspartate (NAA) and regional brain volumes. Eleven antipsychotic-naive FES and seven age- and gender-matched controls underwent 3-Tesla magnetic resonance imaging scanning. Glutamate plus glutamine (Glx) and NAA levels were measured in the anterior cingulate (AC) and the left thalamus (LT). Hallmarks of apoptotic susceptibility (caspase-3-baseline activity, phosphatidylserine externalization and chromatin condensation) were measured in fibroblast cultures obtained from skin biopsies after inducing apoptosis with staurosporine (STS) at doses of 0.25 and 0.5 μM. Apoptotic biomarkers were correlated to brain metabolites and regional brain volume. FES and controls showed a negative correlation in the AC between Glx levels and percentages of cells with condensed chromatin (CC) after both apoptosis inductions (STS 0.5 μM: r=−0.90; P=0.001; STS 0.25 μM: r=−0.73; P=0.003), and between NAA and cells with CC (STS 0.5 μM induction r=−0.76; P=0.002; STS 0.25 μMr=−0.62; P=0.01). In addition, we found a negative correlation between percentages of cells with CC and regional brain volume in the right supratemporal cortex and post-central region (STS 0.25 and 0.5 μM; P<0.05 family-wise error corrected (FWEc)). We reveal for the first time that peripheral markers of apoptotic susceptibility may correlate with brain metabolites, Glx and NAA, and regional brain volume in FES and controls, which is consistent with the neuroprogressive theories around the onset of the schizophrenia illness.
Triplex DNA logic gate based upon switching on/off their structure by Ag+/cysteine
Authors: Xiao Zhiyou , Zhu Houya , Xin Aiping , Li Yubin , Ling Liansheng
Published: August 2015

Based upon switching on/off the structure of triplex DNA by Ag+/cysteine, a triplex DNA logic gate was constructed using TAMRA/BHQ-2-modified oligonucleotides.
Aptamer based dispersion assay using tunable resistive pulse sensing (TRPS)
Authors: Billinge E. R. , Platt M.
Published: August 2015

Aptasensors using tunable resistive pulse sensors for measuring thrombin with pM sensitivity.
Efficient, symmetric oligomer hole transporting materials with different cores for high performance perovskite solar cells
Authors: Choi Hyeju , Park Sojin , Kang Moon-Sung , Ko Jaejung
Published: August 2015

This communication provides information about the study and development of the properties of novel hole transporting materials (HTMs) for perovskite solar cells. This communication describes the synthesis of three HTMs incorporating 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) and 2,1,3-benzothiadiazole (BTD) cores.
Magnetic graphitic carbon nitride: its application in the C–H activation of amines
Authors: Verma Sanny , Nasir Baig R. B. , Han Changseok , Nadagouda Mallikarjuna N. , Varma Rajender S.
Published: August 2015

Magnetic graphitic carbon nitride Fe@g-C3N4 has been synthesized by adorning a graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) support with iron oxide via non-covalent interaction. The magnetically recyclable catalyst showed excellent reactivity for the expeditious C–H activation and cyanation of amines.
A resistance change effect in perovskite CH3NH3PbI3 films induced by ammonia
Authors: Bao Chunxiong , Yang Jie , Zhu Weidong , Zhou Xiaoxin , Gao Hao , Li Faming , Fu Gao , Yu Tao , Zou Zhigang
Published: August 2015

The resistance of the perovskite CH3NH3PbI3 film can change significantly in seconds induced by NH3 at room temperature.
Oxidant controlled regioselective mono- and di-functionalization reactions of coumarins
Authors: Banerjee Arghya , Santra Sourav Kumar , Khatun Nilufa , Ali Wajid , Patel Bhisma K.
Published: August 2015

C-3 alkylation of coumarins has been accomplished using cycloalkanes/alkylbenzenes and FeIII/DTBP while C-4 cycloalkylation–C-3 peroxidation has been achieved using AcOH/TBHP.
Wavelength-dependent optoacoustic imaging probes for NMDA receptor visualisation
Authors: Sim Neil , Gottschalk Sven , Pal Robert , Delbianco Martina , Degtyaruk Oleksiy , Razansky Daniel , Westmeyer Gil G. , Ntziachristos Vasilis , Parker David , Mishra Anurag
Published: August 2015

The cellular localisation and binding specificity of two NMDAR-targeted near-IR imaging probes has been examined by microscopy, followed by exemplification of MSOT to monitor simulated glutamate bursts in cellulo and a preliminary study in mice observing the signal in the brain.
Paper-based plasticizer-free sodium ion-selective sensor with camera phone as a detector
Authors: Wang Xuewei , Qin Yu , Meyerhoff Mark E.
Published: August 2015

An ionophore-based ion-selective optode platform on paper is described for the first time with a sodium optode as the example.
Dramatic shape transformation of Ag nanoparticles with concave facets in a solvothermal process
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Dong Kunyu , Wang Changping , Cheng Yiyun
Published: August 2015

A facile and robust method is developed for the synthesis of diverse Ag nanoparticles with concave facets.
Effect of H bond removal and changes in the position of the iron–sulphur head domain on the spin–lattice relaxation properties of the [2Fe–2S]2+Rieske cluster in cytochrome bc1
Authors: Sarewicz Marcin , Dutka Małgorzata , Pietras Rafał , Borek Arkadiusz , Osyczka Artur
Published: August 2015

Here, comparative electron spin–lattice relaxation studies of the 2Fe–2S iron–sulphur (Fe–S) cluster embedded in a large membrane protein complex – cytochromebc1– are reported.
Insights into dynamic processes of cations in pyrochlores and other complex oxides
Authors: Uberuaga Blas Pedro , Perriot Romain
Published: August 2015

Cation dynamics in complex oxides, important in a myriad of situations from radiation damage to sintering, exhibit complex behavior.
Characterizing the dark state in thymine and uracil by double resonant spectroscopy and quantum computation
Authors: Ligare M. , Siouri F. , Bludsky O. , Nachtigallová D. , de Vries M. S.
Published: August 2015

Double resonant spectroscopy characterizes both grounds state and dark excited state of uracil and thymine.
The influence of large-amplitude librational motion on the hydrogen bond energy for alcohol–water complexes
Authors: Andersen J. , Heimdal J. , Wugt Larsen R.
Published: August 2015

The intermolecular large-amplitude OH librational modes for mixed hydrogen-bonded complexes of water with methanol and t-butanol are unambiguously assigned for the first time.
Carbon and proton Overhauser DNP from MD simulations and ab initio calculations: TEMPOL in acetone
Authors: Küçük Sami Emre , Biktagirov Timur , Sezer Deniz
Published: August 2015

A multiscale computational analysis, containing an analytical, MD and QM regions, takes into account the contributions of dipolar and scalar interactions to the Overhauser effect in liquids.
S⋯O chalcogen bonding in sulfa drugs: insights from multipole charge density and X-ray wavefunction of acetazolamide
Authors: Thomas Sajesh P. , Jayatilaka Dylan , Guru Row T. N.
Published: August 2015

Experimental charge density analysis combined with the quantum crystallographic technique of X-ray wavefunction refinement (XWR) provides quantitative insights into the intra- and intermolecular interactions formed by acetazolamide, a diuretic drug.
Low polarity water, a novel transition species at the polyethylene–water interface
Authors: Kosower Edward M. , Borz Galina
Published: August 2015

Polyethylene sandwich or a single window cell: dark bars represent polyethylene (PE) windows (double or single) of a cell. Wavy lines are water (W) and low polarity water (LPW). Subtraction of the single window spectrum from the double window spectrum leaves the LPW spectrum as illustrated in the figure.
The protonation state of thiols in self-assembled monolayers on roughened Ag/Au surfaces and nanoparticles
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Sabyasachi , Chattopadhyay Samir , Dey Abhishek
Published: August 2015

The protonation state of thiols in self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on Ag and Au surfaces and nanoparticles (NPs) has been an issue of contestation.
Heteroaggregation of bare silver nanoparticles with clay minerals
Authors: Liu Jibin , Hwang Yu Sik , Lenhart John J.
Published: August 2015

In this study, we investigated the heteroaggregation of silver nanoparticles with clay minerals in neutral pH solutions as a function of electrolyte type and concentration.
The structure of mushroom polysaccharides and their beneficial role in health
Authors: Huang Xiaojun , Nie Shaoping
Published: August 2015

The polysaccharide contained in mushroom is regarded as one of the primary bioactive constituents and is beneficial for health.
Metal-free oxidative carbonylation on enaminone CC bond for the cascade synthesis of benzothiazole-containing vicinal diketones
Authors: Wan Jie-Ping , Zhou Youyi , Liu Yunyun , Sheng Shouri
Published: August 2015

The tunable synthesis of benzothiazole functionalized vicinal diketones and 2-aroylbenzothiazoles has been realized by tailoring the enaminone CC double bond.