bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Activation mechanisms of the first sphingosine‐1‐phosphate receptor
Authors: Caliman Alisha D. , Miao Yinglong , McCammon J. Andrew
Published: March 2017

Activation of the first sphingosine‐1‐phosphate receptor (S1PR1) promotes permeability of the blood brain barrier, astrocyte and neuronal protection, and lymphocyte egress from secondary lymphoid tissues. Although an agonist often activates the S1PR1, the receptor exhibits high levels of basal activity. In this study, we performed long‐timescale molecular dynamics and accelerated molecular dynamics (aMD) simulations to investigate activation mechanisms of the ligand‐free (apo) S1PR1. In the aMD enhanced sampling simulations, we observed four independent events of activation, which is characterized by close interaction between Y3117.53 and Y2215.58 and increased distance between the intracellular ends of transmembrane (TM) helices 3 and 6. Although TM helices TM3, TM6, TM5 and, TM7 are associated with GPCR activation, we discovered that their movements are not necessarily correlated during activation. Instead, TM5 showed a decreased correlation with each of these regions during activation. During activation of the apo receptor, Y2215.58 and Y3117.53 became more solvated, because a water channel formed in the intracellular pocket. Additionally, a lipid molecule repeatedly entered the receptor between the extracellular ends of TM1 and TM7, providing important insights into the pathway of ligand entry into the S1PR1.
Immunoglobulin G4‐related disease: a rare steroid‐responsive disease
Authors: Thanthitaweewat Vorawut , Chantranuwatana Poonchavist , Chirakalwasan Naricha
Published: March 2017

A 70‐year‐old man presented with progressive dyspnoea and weight loss. Physical examination revealed only mild pale conjunctiva. The workup showed mild anaemia, mild impaired renal function, and high globulin level. Multiple myeloma was excluded by normal serum protein electrophoresis. The chest radiography and computed tomography (CT) revealed bilateral multifocal patchy infiltration with mediastinal adenopathy. Bronchoscopy was performed. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid examination was negative for infection and malignancy. Tissue pathology revealed diffuse lymphoplasmacytic cell infiltration. Immunohistochemistry revealed positive highlight for CD38, immunoglobulin G (IgG), and IgG4. Serum IgG subclass was requested and showed an IgG4 level of 7230 mg/dL. Examination of bone marrow and submental lymph node pathology were also positive for IgG4. IgG4‐related disease with pulmonary involvement was diagnosed. Treatment with prednisolone (30 mg/day) resulted in improvement in his dyspnoea and almost complete resolution of the pulmonary infiltration on repeated CT at 6 month. This case highlighted a rare occurrence of IgG4‐related disease which was successfully treated with steroid.
A Comparative Study of Electrochemical, Spectroscopic and Structural Properties of Phenyl, Thienyl and Furyl Substituted Ethylenes
Authors: Viglianti Lucia , Villafiorita‐Monteleone Francesca , Botta Chiara , Mussini Patrizia R. , Ortoleva Emanuele , Cauteruccio Silvia , Licandro Emanuela , Baldoli Clara
Published: March 2017

a detailed electrochemical and photophysical comparative study of three parallel series of phenyl, thienyl and furyl substituted ethylenes has been carried out, implemented by the computational calculation of selected terms. Relationships have been highlighted between molecular structure (number and type of aromatic rings) and important functional properties (in particular, electronic features and oligomerization ability). Interestingly, some of the studied heteroaryl‐ethylenes show emission in the solid state displaying an aggregation‐induced emission behavior.
Ligand‐Free Copper‐Catalyzed Cyano‐ and Alkynylstannylation of Arynes
Authors: Yoshida Hiroto , Kubo Teruhiko , Kuriki Hitoshi , Osaka Itaru , Takaki Ken , Ooyama Yousuke
Published: March 2017

A carbon–carbon triple bond of arynes was found to undergo cyanostannylation with a tin cyanide under CuCN catalysis to afford diverse ortho‐cyanoarylstannanes in high yield. The copper catalyst was also effective for alkynylstannylation of arynes, and the resulting alkynylstannylated products were demonstrated to be convertible into biologically active compounds and a dye for dye‐sensitized solar cell.
The Use of AOBH‐DEHP Molecular Probe to Characterize BHDC Reverse Micelles Interfaces. Insights on the Interfacial Water Structure
Authors: Crosio Matías A. , Silber Juana J. , Moyano Fernando , Correa N. Mariano , Falcone R. Darío
Published: March 2017

This work presents the use of the molecular probe: 3,6‐bis(dimethylamino) acridinium bis‐(2‐ethylhexyl) phosphate salt, AOBH‐DEHP. This probe is used to gain insights into the properties of the benzene/benzyl‐n‐hexadecyldimethylammonium chloride (BHDC)/water reverse micelles (RMs) interfaces. The techniques employed were absorption and emission spectroscopy in addition to the steady‐state and, time‐resolved fluorescence emission.

For BHDC RMs without water addition, AOBH‐DEHP can be used to determine the critical micellar concentration, CMC. Upon addition of water, we detect, at concentrations of BHDC lower < 1x10−2 M, a proton transfer process from the AOBH+ cation to the DEHP− anion producing AOB species. However, for [BHDC] > 10−2 M, when the RMs is completely formed this process is reverted because water molecules at the interface interact with the cationic polar head of BHDC through the oxygen non‐bonding electron pair enhancing their hydrogen bond ability and acidity, hence it can easily transfer a proton to AOB species to form AOBH+.
Strong Fluorescence Film of Dicyano Oligo(P‐Phenylenevinylene) Supramolecular Gel for Aromatic Amine Vapors Detection
Authors: Xue Pengchong , Yao Boqi , Ding Jipeng , Shen Yanbin , Wang Panpan , Lu Ran , Zhao Xiaojun
Published: March 2017

Based on quantum chemical calculation, two cyano groups were introduced to an oligo(p‐phenylenevinylene) unit to obtain a fluorophore with a low highest‐occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) energy level and a strong emissive efficiency in an aggregate state. An alkyl‐substituted phenylalaninamide moiety was linked to this fluorophore to produce a new gelator as a sensing material for the detection of organic amine vapors. Results revealed that the wet gels and xerogel nanofiber film generated strong emission. The fluorescence of the xerogel film could be rapidly and efficiently quenched by aromatic amine vapors at low concentrations. The detection limits for aniline, N‐methylaniline, and N,N‐dimethylaniline were as low as 21, 5, and 11 ppb, respectively. By contrast, the xerogel film emission was poorly sensitive to aliphatic amines because the gelator fluorophore possessed an appropriate HOMO energy level located between aromatic amines and aliphatic amines. Consequently, the sensing film became highly selective for aromatic amines.
Effect of Precipitation on Hardening and Toughening of Nitrogen‐Alloyed H13 Steel
Authors: Gu Jinbo , Li Jingyuan , Huo Jianhua
Published: March 2017

The optimum hardening and toughening heat treatment of a new type of nitrogen‐alloyed H13 hot‐work die steel is investigated using hardness and toughness measurements and optical microscopy. The effect of precipitation upon hardening and toughening of nitrogen‐alloyed H13 steel is also analyzed with transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction and the Thermo‐Calc thermodynamic software. The results show that nitrogen alloying improves the hardness of H13 die steel in NADCA#207‐2003 by 3–5 HRC with no reduction in toughness after a special heat treatment process. The tempered stability of H13 die steel is also improved by nitrogen addition, and thermodynamic analysis suggested that the nitrogen in H13 steel has two strengthening modes. First, nitrogen promotes the precipitation of vanadium as V(C, N), which is finer and more stable than VC and exerts a stronger pinning effect on restraining the growth of austenitic grains during the heating stage of the quenching process (1050 °C). The contribution of V(C, N) toward grain refinement is estimated to be about 3.2× that of VC in the tested steel. Second, during the tempering process most of the N atoms in V(C, N) are solid‐dissolved into the matrix, inducing crystal lattice distortions and enhancing the solid solution strengthening effect.
The Japanese Empire
Authors: Paine S. C. M.
Published: March 2017

The Japanese experience of war from the late-nineteenth to the mid-twentieth century presents a stunning example of the meteoric rise and shattering fall of a great power. As Japan modernized and became the one non-European great power, its leaders concluded that an empire on the Asian mainland required the containment of Russia. Japan won the First Sino-Japanese War (1894–5) and the Russo-Japanese War (1904–5) but became overextended in the Second Sino-Japanese War (1931–45), which escalated, with profound consequences, into World War II. A combination of incomplete institution building, an increasingly lethal international environment, a skewed balance between civil and military authority, and a misunderstanding of geopolitics explains these divergent outcomes. This analytical survey examines themes including the development of Japanese institutions, diversity of opinion within the government, domestic politics, Japanese foreign policy and China's anti-Japanese responses. It is an essential guide for those interested in history, politics and international relations.
Climate Change in Practice
Authors: Wilby Robert L.
Published: March 2017

Derived from an undergraduate course taught by the author, this accessible book seeks to challenge and provoke readers by posing a series of topical questions concerning climate change and society. Topic summaries provide answers to technical, socio-economic and moral questions surrounding the deployment of climate science. These include how to build and test a climate model, whom and what is most at risk from climate change, and whether we should geoengineer the climate. Practical exercises and case studies provide deeper insights by taking readers through role-play activities and authentic climate change projects. Supporting materials, including notes for instructors and students, graphics, video-clips, games, and online resources, offer scope for further private study and group work. With a focus on applying climate science in practice, this book is ideal for students of geography, natural science, engineering and economics, as well as practitioners involved in the climate service industry.
EFFECTS OF TEMPERATURE, PHOTOPERIOD AND DEFOLIATION ON FLOWERING TIME OF LOTUS TENUIS (FABACEAE) IN BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA
Authors: VIGNOLIO OSVALDO RAMÓN , PETIGROSSO LUCAS RICARDO , RODRÍGUEZ IGNACIO MARTÍN , MURILLO NATALIA LORENA
Published: March 2017

The phenological development of crops from emergence to flowering time is largely controlled by temperature and photoperiod. Flowering time is a critical phenological stage for subsequent reproductive phase. Lotus tenuis management in grasslands, pastures and seed production systems is through defoliation and sowing date; however, yet little is known about their effects on flowering time. The data presented in this study were obtained from experiments conducted with L. tenuis during the years 1989 to 2016 under field conditions. Our objectives were to determine if flowering time (a) is affected by sowing date; (b) can be predicted through equations using temperature and photoperiod and (c) is affected by defoliation applied at vegetative stage. Two defoliation intensities were applied, low (LDI) crop height reduced by 54% compared to pre-defoliation crop height and high (HDI), crop height reduced by 75%. The rate of progress from seedling emergence to flowering time (inverse of time from emergence to first flowering, 1/f) was modulated by temperature, photoperiod and photothermal functions. When L. tenuis sowing was delayed from autumn to spring, time from seedling emergence to first flowering decreased from 260 to 100 days. 1/f was linearly related to average temperature (R²=0.75) and photoperiod (R²=0.85) and both variables (R²=0.92). Defoliation retarded flowering time. Flower and pod growth periods were shorter under defoliation than in control one. Defoliation did not cause abortion of flowers and pods. Flower production was fitted to quadratic function of photoperiod. Flowering peak was approximately within 15.2 h. The prediction of flowering time using thermal, photoperiod and photothermal models can provide information about crop management decisions, such as optimal environmental regimes for crop growth through sowing date.
First report of neurotoxic effect of the cyanobacterium Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii on the motility of trematode metacercariae
Authors: Lopes K.C. , Ferrão-Filho A.S. , Santos E.G.N. , Santos C.P.
Published: March 2017

Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii (Woloszynska) is a photosynthetic cyanobacterium that can produce cytotoxic (cylindrospermopsin) and neurotoxic cyanotoxins (saxitoxins). In Brazil the strains of C. raciborskii are reported to produce only saxitoxins (STX) and their effect on fish parasites has not been tested to date. The fish Poecilia vivipara Bloch and Schneider is a common host for the trematode Pygidiopsis macrostomum Travassos off the coast of Rio de Janeiro, and this fish–parasite interaction is a model for behavioural and ecotoxicological studies. The aim of this work was to evaluate the motility of metacercariae of P. macrostomum from P. vivipara exposed to 40 mg l−1 and 400 mg l−1 of crude lyophilized extract of the cyanobacterium C. raciborskii (CYRF-01) for 48 h. The fish were separated into groups of ten individuals and, after exposure, five fish from each group were dissected for counting and checking the motility of metacercariae. The other five fish were dissected after 48 h in clean water. The detection and quantification of STX in the solutions of cyanobacteria, and the gills and guts of fish, were performed by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The crude extract of C. raciborskii caused temporary paralysis in metacercariae of P. macrostomum after exposure of fish to both concentrations, and the motility recovered after the fish were kept for 48 h in clean water. STX was detected in the guts and gills of all fish analysed, suggesting that this toxin is involved in the paralysis of metacercariae. This is the first report on the action of neurotoxins in metacercariae of fish.
Correlates of long-term land-cover change and protected area performance at priority conservation sites in Africa
Authors: BERESFORD ALISON E. , BUCHANAN GRAEME M. , PHALAN BEN , ESHIAMWATA GEORGE W. , BALMFORD ANDREW , BRINK ANDREAS B. , FISHPOOL LINCOLN D.C. , DONALD PAUL F.
Published: March 2017

The loss of natural habitats is a major threat to biodiversity, and protected area designation is one of the standard responses to this threat. However, greater understanding of the drivers of habitat loss and of the circumstances under which protected areas succeed or fail is still needed. We use visual assessment of satellite images to quantify land-cover change over periods of up to 30 years in and around a matched sample of protected and unprotected Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) in Africa. We modelled the annual survival of forests and other natural land covers as a function of a range of environmental and anthropic predictors of plausible drivers. The best-supported model indicated that survival rates of natural land cover were highest in steeper areas, at higher altitudes, in areas with lower human population densities and in areas where the cover of natural habitats was already higher at the start of the period. Survival rates of natural land cover in protected areas were, on average, around twice those in unprotected areas, but the differences between them varied along different environmental gradients. The overall survival rates of both protected and unprotected forests were significantly lower than those of other natural land-cover types, but the net benefit of protection, in terms of the absolute difference in rates of loss between protected and unprotected sites, was higher in forests. Interaction terms indicated that as slope and altitude increased, the natural protection offered by topography increasingly nullified the additional benefits of legislative protection. Furthermore, protected area designation offered reduced additional benefits to the survival of natural land cover in areas where rates of conversion were higher at the start of the observation period. Variation in the impacts of protected area status along different environmental gradients indicates that targets to improve the world's protected area network, such as Aichi Target 11 of the Convention on Biological Diversity, need to look beyond simple area-based metrics. Our methods and results contribute to the development of a protocol for prioritizing places where protection is likely to have the greatest effect.
An Empirical Assessment of REBT Models of Psychopathology and Psychological Health in the Prediction of Anxiety and Depression Symptoms
Authors: Oltean Horea-Radu , Hyland Philip , Vallières Frédérique , David Daniel Ovidiu
Published: March 2017

Aims: This study aimed to assess the validity of two models which integrate the cognitive (satisfaction with life) and affective (symptoms of anxiety and depression) aspects of subjective well-being within the framework of rational emotive behaviour therapy (REBT) theory; specifically REBT's theory of psychopathology and theory of psychological health. Method: 397 Irish and Northern Irish undergraduate students completed measures of rational/irrational beliefs, satisfaction with life, and anxiety/depression symptoms. Structural equation modelling techniques were used in order to test our hypothesis within a cross-sectional design. Results: REBT's theory of psychopathology (χ2 = 373.78, d.f. = 163, p < .001; comparative fit index (CFI) = .92; Tucker Lewis index (TLI) = .91; root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = .06 (95% CI = .05 to .07); standardized root mean square residual (SRMR) = .07) and psychological health (χ2 = 371.89, d.f. = 181, p < .001; CFI = .93; TLI = .92; RMSEA = .05 (95% CI = .04 to .06); SRMR = .06) provided acceptable fit of the data. Moreover, the psychopathology model explained 34% of variance in levels of anxiety/depression, while the psychological health model explained 33% of variance. Conclusions: This study provides important findings linking the fields of clinical and positive psychology within a comprehensible framework for both researchers and clinicians. Findings are discussed in relation to the possibility of more effective interventions, incorporating and targeting not only negative outcomes, but also positive concepts within the same model.
Dust outpaces bedrock in nutrient supply to montane forest ecosystems
Authors: Aciego S. M. , Riebe C. S. , Hart S. C. , Blakowski M. A. , Carey C. J. , Aarons S. M. , Dove N. C. , Botthoff J. K. , Sims K. W. W. , Aronson E. L.
Published: March 2017

Dust provides ecosystem-sustaining nutrients to landscapes underlain by intensively weathered soils. Here we show that dust may also be crucial in montane forest ecosystems, dominating nutrient budgets despite continuous replacement of depleted soils with fresh bedrock via erosion. Strontium and neodymium isotopes in modern dust show that Asian sources contribute 18–45% of dust deposition across our Sierra Nevada, California study sites. The remaining dust originates regionally from the nearby Central Valley. Measured dust fluxes are greater than or equal to modern erosional outputs from hillslopes to channels, and account for 10–20% of estimated millennial-average inputs of bedrock P. Our results demonstrate that exogenic dust can drive the evolution of nutrient budgets in montane ecosystems, with implications for predicting forest response to changes in climate and land use.
One-step fabrication of crystalline metal nanostructures by direct nanoimprinting below melting temperatures
Authors: Liu Ze
Published: March 2017

Controlled fabrication of metallic nanostructures plays a central role in much of modern science and technology, because changing the dimensions of a nanocrystal enables tailoring of its mechanical, electronic, optical, catalytic and antibacterial properties. Here we show direct superplastic nanoimprinting (SPNI) of crystalline metals well below their melting temperatures, generating ordered nanowire arrays with aspect ratios up to ∼2,000 and imprinting features as small as 8 nm. Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectra reveal strongly enhanced electromagnetic signals from the prepared nanorod arrays with sizes up to ∼100 nm, which indicates that our technique can provide an ideal way to fabricate robust SERS substrates. SPNI, as a one-step, controlled and reproducible nanofabrication method, could facilitate the applications of metal nanostructures in bio-sensing, diagnostic imaging, catalysis, food industry and environmental conservation.
Global site-specific N-glycosylation analysis of HIV envelope glycoprotein
Authors: Cao Liwei , Diedrich Jolene K. , Kulp Daniel W. , Pauthner Matthias , He Lin , Park Sung-Kyu Robin , Sok Devin , Su Ching Yao , Delahunty Claire M. , Menis Sergey , Andrabi Raiees , Guenaga Javier , Georgeson Erik , Kubitz Michael , Adachi Yumiko , Burton Dennis R. , Schief William R. , Yates III John R. , Paulson James C.
Published: March 2017

HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein (Env) is the sole target for broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) and the focus for design of an antibody-based HIV vaccine. The Env trimer is covered by ∼90N-linked glycans, which shield the underlying protein from immune surveillance. bNAbs to HIV develop during infection, with many showing dependence on glycans for binding to Env. The ability to routinely assess the glycan type at each glycosylation site may facilitate design of improved vaccine candidates. Here we present a general mass spectrometry-based proteomics strategy that uses specific endoglycosidases to introduce mass signatures that distinguish peptide glycosites that are unoccupied or occupied by high-mannose/hybrid or complex-type glycans. The method yields >95% sequence coverage for Env, provides semi-quantitative analysis of the glycosylation status at each glycosite. We find that most glycosites in recombinant Env trimers are fully occupied by glycans, varying in the proportion of high-mannose/hybrid and complex-type glycans.
A high-fat diet impairs reproduction by decreasing the IL1β level in mice treated at immature stage
Authors: Zhang Jie , Li kai , Yuan Miao , Zhang Jie , Huang Guizen , Ao Jie , Tan Haoze , Li Yanyan , Gong Di , Li Jun , Kang lei , An Nini , Li Fei , Lin Ping , Huang Lugang
Published: March 2017

Obesity causes low-grade inflammation that is involved in male infertility. Interleukin 1 beta (IL1β) plays an important role in this process. A high-fat diet (HFD) is the most common cause of obesity. However, the effect of a HFD on IL1β and its consequence in reproduction remain unclear. We established a HFD model in mice treated at immature stage (mice-TIS) and mice treated at mature stage (mice-TMS). Surprisingly, we found that a HFD decreased IL1β levels and was accompanied by an increase in testosterone in mice-TIS, while the reverse results were observed in mice-TMS. In addition, a HFD caused a reduction in testis macrophages and in the expression of inflammasome-related genes and proteins in mice-TIS. Furthermore, we found that IL1β inhibited testosterone secretion through down-regulating the gene expression of P450SCC and P450c17. However, the influence on mice-TIS that were induced by a HFD was recovered by stopping the HFD. In this study, we are the first to report that a HFD impairs the reproductive system by decreasing IL1β and enhancing testosterone levels in mice-TIS, which are different from the effects in mice-TMS. This provides new ideas for the treatment of obesity-induced infertility.
Occupational eye dose in interventional cardiology procedures
Authors: Haga Yoshihiro , Chida Koichi , Kaga Yuji , Sota Masahiro , Meguro Taiichiro , Zuguchi Masayuki
Published: March 2017

It is important to measure the radiation dose [3-mm dose equivalent, Hp(3)] in the eye. This study was to determine the current occupational radiation eye dose of staff conducting interventional cardiology procedures, using a novel direct eye dosimeter. We measured the occupational eye dose [Hp(3)] in physicians and nurses in a catheterization laboratory for 6-months. The eye doses [Hp(3)] of 12 physicians (9 with Pb glasses, 3 without), and 11 nurses were recorded using a novel direct eye dosimeter, the DOSIRISTM. We placed dosimeters above and under the glasses. We also estimated the eye dose [0.07-mm dose equivalent] using a neck personal dosimeter. The eye doses among interventional staff ranked in the following order: physicians without Pb glasses > physicians with Pb glasses > nurses. The shielding effect of the glasses (0.07-mm Pb) in a clinical setting was approximately 60%. In physicians who do not wear Pb glasses, the eye dose may exceed the new regulatory limit for IR staff. We found good correlations between the neck dosimeter dose and eye dosimeter dose (inside or outside glasses, R2 = 0.93 and R2 = 0.86, respectively) in physicians. We recommend that interventional physicians use an eye dosimeter for correct evaluation of the lens dose.
Single Pd Atoms on θ-Al2O3 (010) Surface do not Catalyze NO Oxidation
Authors: Narula Chaitanya K. , Allard Lawrence F. , Moses-DeBusk Melanie , Stocks G. Malcom , Wu Zili
Published: March 2017

New convenient wet-chemistry synthetic routes have made it possible to explore catalytic activities of a variety of single supported atoms, however, the single supported atoms on inert substrates (e.g. alumina) are limited to adatoms and cations of Pt, Pd, and Ru. Previously, we have found that single supported Pt atoms are remarkable NO oxidation catalysts. In contrast, we report that Pd single atoms are completely inactive for NO oxidation. The diffuse reflectance infra-red spectroscopy (DRIFTS) results show the absence of nitrate formation on catalyst. To explain these results, we explored modified Langmuir-Hinshelwood type pathways that have been proposed for oxidation reactions on single supported atom. In the first pathway, we find that there is energy barrier for the release of NO2 which prevent NO oxidation. In the second pathway, our results show that there is no driving force for the formation of O=N-O-O intermediate or nitrate on single supported Pd atoms. The decomposition of nitrate, if formed, is an endothermic event.
Association between High-density-lipoprotein-cholesterol Levels and the Prevalence of Asymptomatic Intracranial Arterial Stenosis
Authors: Li Xin , Wang Anxin , Wang Jing , Wu Jianwei , Wang Dandan , Gao Xiang , Wu Shouling , Zhao Xingquan
Published: March 2017

Intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS) is a common cause of ischemic stroke, and a low level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) is also considered to be a predictor for stroke. However, the association between the HDL-C level and asymptomatic ICAS is uncertain. From 2010 to 2011, a random sample of 5,351 participants were enrolled in the Asymptomatic Polyvascular Abnormalities Community (APAC) study. The recruited participants were then separated into 5 roughly uniform-sized factions with varying HDL-C levels. Multivariate logistic regression was implemented to assess the connection of the HDL-C levels and the prevalence of asymptomatic ICAS. The prevalence of asymptomatic ICAS showed no gradual decrease with the increase of HDL-C levels. After adjustment for conventional risk factors, HDL-C levels still showed no significant association with asymptomatic ICAS. The odds ratios (OR) of the prevalence of asymptomatic ICAS between the first group and the other 4 groups were 0.98, 1.00, 0.92, and 0.87 with 95% confidence intervals (CI) being 0.76–1.27, 0.78–1.29, 0.71–1.19, and 0.66–1.13, respectively. The study showed little correlation between HDL-C levels and asymptomatic ICAS. Normal levels of HDL-C are not an independent risk factor for asymptomatic ICAS.
Simulated microgravity triggers epithelial mesenchymal transition in human keratinocytes
Authors: Ranieri Danilo , Proietti Sara , Dinicola Simona , Masiello Maria Grazia , Rosato Benedetta , Ricci Giulia , Cucina Alessandra , Catizone Angela , Bizzarri Mariano , Torrisi Maria Rosaria
Published: March 2017

The microgravitational environment is known to affect the cellular behaviour inducing modulation of gene expression and enzymatic activities, epigenetic modifications and alterations of the structural organization. Simulated microgravity, obtained in the laboratory setting through the use of a Random Positioning Machine (RPM), represents a well recognized and useful tool for the experimental studies of the cellular adaptations and molecular changes in response to weightlessness. Short exposure of cultured human keratinocytes to the RPM microgravity influences the cellular circadian clock oscillation. Therefore, here we searched for changes on the regenerative ability and response to tissue damage of human epidermal cells through the analysis of the effects of the simulated microgravity on the re-epithelialization phase of the repair and wound healing process. Combining morphological, biochemical and molecular approaches, we found that the simulated microgravity exposure of human keratinocytes promotes a migratory behavior and triggers the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) through expression of the typical EMT transcription factors and markers, such as Snail1, Snail2 and ZEB2, metalloproteases, mesenchymal adhesion molecules and cytoskeletal components.
Effect of water-DNA interactions on elastic properties of DNA self-assembled monolayers
Authors: Domínguez Carmen M. , Ramos Daniel , Mendieta-Moreno Jesús I. , Fierro José L. G. , Mendieta Jesús , Tamayo Javier , Calleja Montserrat
Published: March 2017

DNA-water interactions have revealed as very important actor in DNA mechanics, from the molecular to the macroscopic scale. Given the particularly useful properties of DNA molecules to engineer novel materials through self-assembly and by bridging organic and inorganic materials, the interest in understanding DNA elasticity has crossed the boundaries of life science to reach also materials science and engineering. Here we show that thin films of DNA constructed through the self-assembly of sulfur tethered ssDNA strands demonstrate a Young’s modulus tuning range of about 10 GPa by simply varying the environment relative humidity from 0% up to 70%. We observe that the highest tuning range occurs for ssDNA grafting densities of about 3.5 × 1013molecules/cm2, where the distance between the molecules maximizes the water mediated interactions between the strands. Upon hybridization with the complementary strand, the DNA self-assembled monolayers significantly soften by one order of magnitude and their Young’s modulus dependency on the hydration state drastically decreases. The experimental observations are in agreement with molecular dynamics simulations.
Strategic Motives Drive Proposers to Offer Fairly in Ultimatum Games: An fMRI Study
Authors: Chen Yin-Hua , Chen Ying-Chun , Kuo Wen-Jui , Kan Kamhon , Yang C. C. , Yen Nai-Shing
Published: March 2017

The hypothesis of strategic motives postulates that offering fairly in the Ultimatum Game (UG) is to avoid rejection and receive money. In this fMRI study, we used a modified UG to elucidate how proposers reached decisions of offering fairly and to what extent they considered offering selfishly with different stakes. We had proposers choose between a fair and a selfish offer with different degrees of selfishness and stake sizes. Proposers were less likely and spent more time choosing the fair offer over a slightly-selfish offer than a very selfish offer independent of stakes. Such choices evoked greater activation in the dorsal anterior cingulate cortices that typically involve in allocation of cognitive control for cost/benefit decision making. Choosing a fair offer in higher stakes evoked greater activation in the anterior cingulate gyrus (ACCg) and the areas that previously have been implicated in reward and theory of mind. Furthermore, choosing a slightly selfish offer over a fair offer evoked greater activation in the anterior cingulate sulcus, ACCg, ventral tegmental area (or substantia nigra) and anterior insular cortex signalling the higher gain and implying higher rejection risk. In conclusion, our findings favoured the hypothesis that proposers offer fairly based on the strategic motives.
A small change in neuronal network topology can induce explosive synchronization transition and activity propagation in the entire network
Authors: Wang Zhenhua , Tian Changhai , Dhamala Mukesh , Liu Zonghua
Published: March 2017

We here study explosive synchronization transitions and network activity propagation in networks of coupled neurons to provide a new understanding of the relationship between network topology and explosive dynamical transitions as in epileptic seizures and their propagations in the brain. We model local network motifs and configurations of coupled neurons and analyze the activity propagations between a group of active neurons to their inactive neuron neighbors in a variety of network configurations. We find that neuronal activity propagation is limited to local regions when network is highly clustered with modular structures as in the normal brain networks. When the network cluster structure is slightly changed, the activity propagates to the entire network, which is reminiscent of epileptic seizure propagation in the brain. Finally, we analyze intracranial electroencephalography (IEEG) recordings of a seizure episode from a epilepsy patient and uncover that explosive synchronization-like transition occurs around the clinically defined onset of seizure. These findings may provide a possible mechanism for the recurrence of epileptic seizures, which are known to be the results of aberrant neuronal network structure and/or function in the brain.
Reconstructing the Geomagnetic Field in West Africa: First Absolute Intensity Results from Burkina Faso
Authors: Kapper Lisa , Donadini Fabio , Serneels Vincent , Tema Evdokia , Goguitchaichvili Avto , Julio Morales Juan
Published: March 2017

We present absolute geomagnetic intensities from iron smelting furnaces discovered at the metallurgical site of Korsimoro, Burkina Faso. Up to now, archaeologists recognized four different types of furnaces based on different construction methods, which were related to four subsequent time periods. Additionally, radiocarbon ages obtained from charcoal confine the studied furnaces to ages ranging from 700–1700 AD, in good agreement with the archaeologically determined time periods for each type of furnace. Archaeointensity results reveal three main groups of Arai diagrams. The first two groups contain specimens with either linear Arai diagrams, or slightly curved diagrams or two phases of magnetization. The third group encompasses specimens with strong zigzag or curvature in their Arai diagrams. Specimens of the first two groups were accepted after applying selection criteria to guarantee the high quality of the results. Our data compared to palaeosecular variation curves show a similar decreasing trend between 900–1500 AD. However, they reveal larger amplitudes at around 800 AD and 1650 AD than the reference curves and geomagnetic field models. Furthermore, they agree well with archaeomagnetic data from Mali and Senegal around 800 AD and with volcanic data around 1700 AD.
Discrimination of Stem Cell Status after Subjecting Cynomolgus Monkey Pluripotent Stem Cells to Naïve Conversion
Authors: Honda Arata , Kawano Yoshihiro , Izu Haruna , Choijookhuu Narantsog , Honsho Kimiko , Nakamura Tomonori , Yabuta Yukihiro , Yamamoto Takuya , Takashima Yasuhiro , Hirose Michiko , Sankai Tadashi , Hishikawa Yoshitaka , Ogura Atsuo , Saitou Mitinori
Published: March 2017

Experimental animal models have played an indispensable role in the development of human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) research. The derivation of high-quality (so-called “true naïve state”) iPSCs of non-human primates enhances their application and safety for human regenerative medicine. Although several attempts have been made to convert human and non-human primate PSCs into a truly naïve state, it is unclear which evaluation methods can discriminate them as being truly naïve. Here we attempted to derive naïve cynomolgus monkey (Cm) (Macaca fascicularis) embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and iPSCs. Several characteristics of naïve Cm ESCs including colony morphology, appearance of naïve-related mRNAs and proteins, leukaemia inhibitory factor dependency, and mitochondrial respiration were confirmed. Next, we generated Cm iPSCs and converted them to a naïve state. Transcriptomic comparison of PSCs with early Cm embryos elucidated the partial achievement (termed naïve-like) of their conversion. When these were subjected to in vitro neural differentiation, enhanced differentiating capacities were observed after naïve-like conversion, but some lines exhibited heterogeneity. The difficulty of achieving contribution to chimeric mouse embryos was also demonstrated. These results suggest that Cm PSCs could ameliorate their in vitro neural differentiation potential even though they could not display true naïve characteristics.
Effect of Size and Surface Charge of Gold Nanoparticles on their Skin Permeability: A Molecular Dynamics Study
Authors: Gupta Rakesh , Rai Beena
Published: March 2017

Molecular level understanding of permeation of nanoparticles through human skin establishes the basis for development of novel transdermal drug delivery systems and design and formulation of cosmetics. Recent experiments suggest that surface coated nano-sized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) can penetrate the rat and human skin. However, the mechanisms by which these AuNPs penetrate are not well understood. In this study, we have carried out coarse grained molecular dynamics simulations to explore the permeation of dodecanethiol coated neutral hydrophobic AuNPs of different sizes (2–5 nm) and surface charges (cationic and anionic) through the model skin lipid membrane. The results indicate that the neutral hydrophobic AuNPs disrupted the bilayer and entered in it with in ~200 ns, while charged AuNPs were adsorbed on the bilayer headgroup. The permeation free energy calculation revealed that at the head group of the bilayer, a very small barrier existed for neutral hydrophobic AuNP while a free energy minimum was observed for charged AuNPs. The permeability was maximum for neutral 2 nm gold nanoparticle (AuNP) and minimum for 3 nm cationic AuNP. The obtained results are aligned with recent experimental findings. This study would be helpful in designing customized nanoparticles for cosmetic and transdermal drug delivery application.
A new fluorescent probe for colorimetric and ratiometric detection of sulfur dioxide derivatives in liver cancer cells
Authors: Li Dong-Peng , Wang Zhao-Yang , Cui Jie , Wang Xin , Miao Jun-Ying , Zhao Bao-Xiang
Published: March 2017

A new ratiometric fluorescent probe was constructed with hemicyanine and 7-nitrobenzofurazan for detection of sulfur dioxide derivatives (HSO3−/SO32−). The ratiometric response mode could be attributed to the efficient FRET (Förster resonance energy transfer) platform. The probe exbihited some desirable properties including fast response (within 2 minutes), good selectivity and high sensitivity. Moreover, the probe could detect endogenous HSO3− in liver cancer cells rather than normal liver cells, implying the diagnosal potential of the probe.
Applying Taguchi design and large-scale strategy for mycosynthesis of nano-silver from endophytic Trichoderma harzianum SYA.F4 and its application against phytopathogens
Authors: EL-Moslamy Shahira H. , Elkady Marwa F. , Rezk Ahmed H. , Abdel-Fattah Yasser R.
Published: March 2017

Development of reliable and low-cost requirement for large-scale eco-friendly biogenic synthesis of metallic nanoparticles is an important step for industrial applications of bionanotechnology. In the present study, the mycosynthesis of spherical nano-Ag (12.7 ± 0.8 nm) from extracellular filtrate of local endophytic T. harzianum SYA.F4 strain which have interested mixed bioactive metabolites (alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, phenols, nitrate reductase (320 nmol/hr/ml), carbohydrate (25 μg/μl) and total protein concentration (2.5 g/l) was reported. Industrial mycosynthesis of nano-Ag can be induced with different characters depending on the fungal cultivation and physical conditions. Taguchi design was applied to improve the physicochemical conditions for nano-Ag production, and the optimum conditions which increased its mass weight 3 times larger than a basal condition were as follows: AgNO3 (0.01 M), diluted reductant (10 v/v, pH 5) and incubated at 30 °C, 200 rpm for 24 hr. Kinetic conversion rates in submerged batch cultivation in 7 L stirred tank bioreactor on using semi-defined cultivation medium was as follows: the maximum biomass production (Xmax) and maximum nano-Ag mass weight (Pmax) calculated (60.5 g/l and 78.4 g/l respectively). The best nano-Ag concentration that formed large inhibition zones was 100 μg/ml which showed against A.alternate (43 mm) followed by Helminthosporium sp. (35 mm), Botrytis sp. (32 mm) and P. arenaria (28 mm).
Room temperature three-photon pumped CH3NH3PbBr3 perovskite microlasers
Authors: Gao Yisheng , Wang Shuai , Huang Can , Yi Ningbo , Wang Kaiyang , Xiao Shumin , Song Qinghai
Published: March 2017

Hybrid lead halide perovskites have made great strides in next-generation light-harvesting and light emitting devices. Recently, they have also shown great potentials in nonlinear optical materials. Two-photon absorption and two-photon light emission have been thoroughly studied in past two years. However, the three-photon processes are rarely explored, especially for the laser emissions. Here we synthesized high quality CH3NH3PbBr3 perovskite microstructures with solution processed precipitation method and studied their optical properties. When the microstructures are pumped with intense 1240 nm lasers, we have observed clear optical limit effect and the band-to-band photoluminescence at 540 nm. By increasing the pumping density, whispering-gallery-mode based microlasers have been achieved from CH3NH3PbBr3 perovskite microplate and microrod for the first time. This work demonstrates the potentials of hybrid lead halide perovskites in nonlinear photonic devices.
Photoactive layer based on T-shaped benzimidazole dyes used for solar cell: from photoelectric properties to molecular design
Authors: Xu Beibei , Li Yuanzuo , Song Peng , Ma Fengcai , Sun Mengtao
Published: March 2017

Three benzimidazole-based organic dyes, possessing the same triphenylamine donors and cyanoacrylic acid acceptors with the bithiophene π-bridges combined in different nuclear positions of benzimidazole, were investigated in the utility of dye-sensitizer solar cells. The structure, molecular orbital and energy, absorption spectra and some important parameters (such as light harvesting efficiency (LHE), electron injection driving force, the electron injection time, chemical reactivity parameters, vertical dipole moment as well as interaction models of dye-I2) were obtained according to Newns–Anderson model and DFT calculation. The process and strength of charge transfer and separation were visualized with charge different density and index of spatial extent (S, D and Δq). Current work paid attention to the new T-shaped dyes to reveal the relation between the structure and photoelectric performance. Furthermore, nine dyes (substitution of alkyl chains and π-bridges) have been designed and characterized to screen promising sensitizer candidates with excellent photo-electronic properties.
Enzyme and photoredox sequential catalysis for the synthesis of 1,3-oxazine derivatives in one pot
Authors: Zhang Guo-Yan , Xiang Yang , Guan Zhi , He Yan-Hong
Published: March 2017

A novel strategy combining visible-light and enzyme catalysis for the synthesis of 1,3-oxazine derivatives is described for the first time.
Chemical tuning of Coulomb blockade at room-temperature in ultra-small platinum nanoparticle self-assemblies
Authors: Tricard Simon , Said-Aizpuru Olivier , Bouzouita Donia , Usmani Suhail , Gillet Angélique , Tassé Marine , Poteau Romuald , Viau Guillaume , Demont Phillipe , Carrey Julian , Chaudret Bruno
Published: March 2017

Self-assembly is a first step towards nanoelectronic systems, where the charging energy of ultra-small nanoparticles is tuned by the nature of the ligands.
Conversion of cellulose into lactic acid using zirconium oxide catalysts
Authors: Wattanapaphawong Panya , Reubroycharoen Prasert , Yamaguchi Aritomo
Published: March 2017

The possibility of converting cellulose into lactic acid using stable, easily prepared solid catalysts has attracted much attention.
Retracted Article: Potential applications of functional porous organic polymer materials
Authors: Zhang Weijie , Aguila Briana , Ma Shengqian
Published: March 2017

Recent development of functional porous organic polymers for application in gas storage/separation, catalysis, environmental remediation and sensing has been reviewed.
Highly selective organic transistor biosensor with inkjet printed graphene oxide support system
Authors: Lee Dong-Hoon , Cho Hee-Sang , Han Dawoon , Chand Rohit , Yoon Tae-Jong , Kim Yong-Sang
Published: March 2017

The synthesized graphene oxide ink was printed on FET biosensor for specific bio-sensing of DNA and CTCs.
Modulation of phase change characteristics in Ag-incorporated Ge2Sb2Te5 owing to changes in structural distortion and bond strength
Authors: Han Jeong Hwa , Jeong Kwang-Sik , Ahn Min , Lim Dong-Hyeok , Yang Won Jun , Jong Park Seung , Cho Mann-Ho
Published: March 2017

Ag-Incorporated Ge2Sb2Te5 (AGST) crystallizes faster and at a lower temperature than Ge2Sb2Te5 (GST) owing to the changes in local structure and chemical bonding.
Conductive metal adatoms adsorbed on graphene nanoribbons: a first-principles study of electronic structures, magnetization and transport properties
Authors: Wu Cai Xia , Wen Shi Zheng , Yan Li Kai , Zhang Min , Ma Teng Ying , Kan Yu He , Su Zhong Min
Published: March 2017

Metal adatoms have crucial effects on the transport properties of devices and exhibit different effects on 6ZGNR-based and 7ZGNR-based devices. The 7ZGNR-based devices show the opposite conductive order in 6ZGNR-based devices.
Ultrathin g-C3N4 nanosheets with hexagonal CuS nanoplates as a novel composite photocatalyst under solar light irradiation for H2 production
Authors: Yu Shuyan , Webster Richard D. , Zhou Yan , Yan Xiaoli
Published: March 2017

A novel hybrid multifunctional g-C3N4–CuS nanocomposite photocatalyst was synthesized for H2 evolution by integrating a g-C3N4 nanosheet with hexagonal CuS nanoplates.
Anion exchange dynamics in the capture of perchlorate by a cationic Ag-based MOF
Authors: Colinas Ian R. , Inglis Kenneth K. , Blanc Frédéric , Oliver Scott R. J.
Published: March 2017

The perchlorate capture process by a cationic Ag-based MOF was carefully studied using a combination of powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), multinuclear 13C, 15N and 109Ag solid state NMR and SEM.
Synthesis and characterization of new barium methylphosphonates
Authors: Melánová Klára , Beneš Ludvík , Svoboda Jan , Zima Vítězslav , Vlček Milan , Trchová Miroslava
Published: March 2017

Altogether eight new barium methylphosphonates and barium hydrogen methylphosphonates were prepared and it was shown how conversion of barium hydrogen methylphosphonate to barium methylphosphonate and vice versa can proceed.
Synthesis and photocatalytic H2 evolution properties of four titanium-oxo-clusters based on a cyclohex-3-ene-1-carboxylate ligand
Authors: Gao Mei-Yan , Chen Shumei , Hu Lan-Xia , Zhang Lei , Zhang Jian
Published: March 2017

This work reveals an interesting Ti–Cec system with various structures, where PTC-91 and PTC-94 have good photocatalytic activity and stability in water-splitting hydrogen evolution.