bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultra-low thermal conductivities in large-area Si-Ge nanomeshes for thermoelectric applications
Authors: Perez-Taborda Jaime Andres , Muñoz Rojo Miguel , Maiz Jon , Neophytou Neophytos , Martin-Gonzalez Marisol
Published: September 2016

In this work, we measure the thermal and thermoelectric properties of large-area Si0.8Ge0.2 nano-meshed films fabricated by DC sputtering of Si0.8Ge0.2 on highly ordered porous alumina matrices. The Si0.8Ge0.2 film replicated the porous alumina structure resulting in nano-meshed films. Very good control of the nanomesh geometrical features (pore diameter, pitch, neck) was achieved through the alumina template, with pore diameters ranging from 294 ± 5nm down to 31 ± 4 nm. The method we developed is able to provide large areas of nano-meshes in a simple and reproducible way, being easily scalable for industrial applications. Most importantly, the thermal conductivity of the films was reduced as the diameter of the porous became smaller to values that varied from κ = 1.54 ± 0.27 W K−1m−1, down to the ultra-low κ = 0.55 ± 0.10 W K−1m−1 value. The latter is well below the amorphous limit, while the Seebeck coefficient and electrical conductivity of the material were retained. These properties, together with our large area fabrication approach, can provide an important route towards achieving high conversion efficiency, large area, and high scalable thermoelectric materials.
Design and construction of a spin-wave lens
Authors: Toedt Jan-Niklas , Mundkowski Mark , Heitmann Detlef , Mendach Stefan , Hansen Wolfgang
Published: September 2016

In this work, we present the focusing of a Damon-Eshbach wave in a Ni80Fe20 film by a shaped, discrete transition of the film thickness. We devised an algorithm to determine the required shape of a spin-wave lens. Due to the anisotropy three geometries qualify as plano-convex lenses. One lens geometry has been realized experimentally and the emitted spin-wave pattern is investigated by time-resolved scanning Kerr microscopy.
Correction: Corrigendum: Metabolic rates of giant pandas inform conservation strategies
Authors: Fei Yuxiang , Hou Rong , Spotila James R. , Paladino Frank V. , Qi Dunwu , Zhang Zhihe
Published: September 2016

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 27248; published online: 06 June 2016; updated: 21 September 2016
Fluorescent protein-scorpion toxin chimera is a convenient molecular tool for studies of potassium channels
Authors: Kuzmenkov Alexey I. , Nekrasova Oksana V. , Kudryashova Kseniya S. , Peigneur Steve , Tytgat Jan , Stepanov Alexey V. , Kirpichnikov Mikhail P. , Grishin Eugene V. , Feofanov Alexey V. , Vassilevski Alexander A.
Published: September 2016

Ion channels play a central role in a host of physiological and pathological processes and are the second largest target for existing drugs. There is an increasing need for reliable tools to detect and visualize particular ion channels, but existing solutions suffer from a number of limitations such as high price, poor specificity, and complicated protocols. As an alternative, we produced recombinant chimeric constructs (FP-Tx) consisting of fluorescent proteins (FP) fused with potassium channel toxins from scorpion venom (Tx). In particular, we used two FP, eGFP and TagRFP, and two Tx, OSK1 and AgTx2, to create eGFP-OSK1 and RFP-AgTx2. We show that these chimeras largely retain the high affinity of natural toxins and display selectivity to particular ion channel subtypes. FP-Tx are displaced by other potassium channel blockers and can be used as an imaging tool in ion channel ligand screening setups. We believe FP-Tx chimeras represent a new efficient molecular tool for neurobiology.
Changes in the timing, length and heating degree days of the heating season in central heating zone of China
Authors: Shen Xiangjin , Liu Binhui
Published: September 2016

Climate change affects the demand for energy consumption, especially for heating and cooling buildings. Using daily mean temperature (Tmean) data, this study analyzed the spatiotemporal changes of the starting date for heating (HS), ending date for heating (HE), length (HL) and heating degree day (HDD) of the heating season in central heating zone of China. Over China’s central heating zone, regional average HS has become later by 0.97 day per decade and HE has become earlier by 1.49 days per decade during 1960–2011, resulting in a decline of HL (−2.47 days/decade). Regional averaged HDD decreased significantly by 63.22 °C/decade, which implies a decreasing energy demand for heating over the central heating zone of China. Spatially, there are generally larger energy-saving rate in the south, due to low average HDD during the heating season. Over China’s central heating zone, Tmean had a greater effect on HL in warm localities and a greater effect on HDD in cold localities. We project that the sensitivity of HL (HDD) to temperature change will increase (decrease) in a warmer climate. These opposite sensitivities should be considered when we want to predict the effects of climate change on heating energy consumption in China in the future.
Quasi-static stop band with flexural metamaterial having zero rotational stiffness
Authors: Oh Joo Hwan , Assouar Badreddine
Published: September 2016

Metamaterials realizing stop bands have attracted much attentions recently since they can break-through the well-known mass law. However, achieving the stop band at extremely low frequency has been still a big challenge in the fields of elastic metamaterials. In this paper, we propose a new metamaterial based on the idea of the zero rotational stiffness, to achieve extremely low frequency stop band for flexural elastic waves. Unlike the previous ways to achieve the stop band, we found that the zero rotational stiffness can provide a broad stop band at extremely low frequency, which starts from even almost zero frequency. To achieve the zero rotational stiffness, we propose a new elastic metamaterial consisting of blocks and links with the hinge connection. Analytic developments as well as numerical simulations evidence that this new metamaterial can exhibit extremely low and broad stop band, even at the quasi-static ranges. In addition, the metamaterial is shown to exhibit the negative group velocity at extremely low frequency ranges, as well as the quasi-static stop band, if it is properly designed.
Quantitative Analysis of the Microtubule Interaction of Rabies Virus P3 Protein: Roles in Immune Evasion and Pathogenesis
Authors: Brice Aaron , Whelan Donna R. , Ito Naoto , Shimizu Kenta , Wiltzer-Bach Linda , Lo Camden Y. , Blondel Danielle , Jans David A. , Bell Toby D. M. , Moseley Gregory W.
Published: September 2016

Although microtubules (MTs) are known to have important roles in intracellular transport of many viruses, a number of reports suggest that specific viral MT-associated proteins (MAPs) target MTs to subvert distinct MT-dependent cellular processes. The precise functional importance of these interactions and their roles in pathogenesis, however, remain largely unresolved. To assess the association with disease of the rabies virus (RABV) MAP, P3, we quantitatively compared the phenotypes of P3 from a pathogenic RABV strain, Nishigahara (Ni) and a non-pathogenic Ni-derivative strain, Ni-CE. Using confocal/live-cell imaging and dSTORM super-resolution microscopy to quantify protein interactions with the MT network and with individual MT filaments, we found that the interaction by Ni-CE-P3 is significantly impaired compared with Ni-P3. This correlated with an impaired capacity to effect association of the transcription factor STAT1 with MTs and to antagonize interferon (IFN)/STAT1-dependent antiviral signaling. Importantly, we identified a single mutation in Ni-CE-P3 that is sufficient to inhibit MT-association and IFN-antagonist function of Ni-P3, and showed that this mutation alone attenuates the pathogenicity of RABV. These data provide evidence that the viral protein-MT interface has important roles in pathogenesis, suggesting that this interface could provide targets for vaccine/antiviral drug development.
Investigation of SP94 Peptide as a Specific Probe for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Imaging and Therapy
Authors: Li Yanli , Hu Yan , Xiao Jie , Liu Guobing , Li Xiao , Zhao Yanzhao , Tan Hui , Shi Hongcheng , Cheng Dengfeng
Published: September 2016

SP94 (SFSIIHTPILPL), a novel peptide, has shown specific binding to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. We aimed to investigate the capability of SP94 as a targeting probe for HCC imaging and therapy following labeling with technetium-99m (99mTc) and rhenium-188 (188Re). HYNIC-SP94 was prepared by solid phase synthesis and then labeled with 99mTc. Cell competitive binding, internalization assay, in vitro and in vivo stability, biodistribution and micro-single photon emission computed tomography /computed tomography (SPECT/CT) imaging studies were performed to investigate the capability of 99mTc tricine-EDDA/HYNIC-SP94 as a specific HCC imaging probe. Initial promising targeting results inspired evaluation of its therapeutic effect when labeled by 188Re. HYNIC-SP94 was then labeled again with 188Re to perform cell apoptosis, microSPECT/CT imaging evaluation and immunohistochemistry. Huh-7 cells exhibited typical apoptotic changes after 188Re irradiation. According to 99mTc tricine-EDDA/HYNIC-SP94 microSPECT/CT imaging, tumor uptake was significantly decreased compared with that of pre-treatment with 188Re-HYNIC-SP94. The immunohistochemistry also displayed obvious necrosis and apoptosis as well as inhibition of proliferation in the 188Re-HYNIC-SP94 treatment group. The results supported that 99mTc tricine-EDDA/HYNIC-SP94 is able to target HCC cells and 188Re-HYNIC- SP94 holds potential as a therapeutic agent for HCC, making 99mTc/188Re-HYNIC-SP94 a promising targeting probe for HCC imaging and therapy.
Fibrils of Truncated Pyroglutamyl-Modified Aβ Peptide Exhibit a Similar Structure as Wildtype Mature Aβ Fibrils
Authors: Scheidt Holger A. , Adler Juliane , Krueger Martin , Huster Daniel
Published: September 2016

Fibrillation of differently modified amyloid β peptides and deposition as senile plaques are hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease. N-terminally truncated variants, where the glutamate residue 3 is converted into cyclic pyroglutamate (pGlu), form particularly toxic aggregates. We compare the molecular structure and dynamics of fibrils grown from wildtype Aβ(1–40) and pGlu3-Aβ(3–40) on the single amino acid level. Thioflavin T fluorescence, electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction reveal the general morphology of the amyloid fibrils. We found good agreement between the 13C and 15N NMR chemical shifts indicative for a similar secondary structure of both fibrils. A well-known interresidual contact between the two β-strands of the Aβ fibrils could be confirmed by the detection of interresidual cross peaks in a 13C-13C NMR correlation spectrum between the side chains of Phe 19 and Leu 34. Small differences in the molecular dynamics of residues in the proximity to the pyroglutamyl-modified N-terminus were observed as measured by DIPSHIFT order parameter experiments.
Dampening Spontaneous Activity Improves the Light Sensitivity and Spatial Acuity of Optogenetic Retinal Prosthetic Responses
Authors: Barrett John Martin , Hilgen Gerrit , Sernagor Evelyne
Published: September 2016

Retinitis pigmentosa is a progressive retinal dystrophy that causes irreversible visual impairment and blindness. Retinal prostheses currently represent the only clinically available vision-restoring treatment, but the quality of vision returned remains poor. Recently, it has been suggested that the pathological spontaneous hyperactivity present in dystrophic retinas may contribute to the poor quality of vision returned by retinal prosthetics by reducing the signal-to-noise ratio of prosthetic responses. Here, we investigated to what extent blocking this hyperactivity can improve optogenetic retinal prosthetic responses. We recorded activity from channelrhodopsin-expressing retinal ganglion cells in retinal wholemounts in a mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa. Sophisticated stimuli, inspired by those used in clinical visual assessment, were used to assess light sensitivity, contrast sensitivity and spatial acuity of optogenetic responses; in all cases these were improved after blocking spontaneous hyperactivity using meclofenamic acid, a gap junction blocker. Our results suggest that this approach significantly improves the quality of vision returned by retinal prosthetics, paving the way to novel clinical applications. Moreover, the improvements in sensitivity achieved by blocking spontaneous hyperactivity may extend the dynamic range of optogenetic retinal prostheses, allowing them to be used at lower light intensities such as those encountered in everyday life.
A Facile Electrochemical Preparation of Reduced Graphene Oxide@Polydopamine Composite: A Novel Electrochemical Sensing Platform for Amperometric Detection of Chlorpromazine
Authors: Palanisamy Selvakumar , Thirumalraj Balamurugan , Chen Shen-Ming , Wang Yi-Ting , Velusamy Vijayalakshmi , Ramaraj Sayee Kannan
Published: September 2016

We report a novel and sensitive amperometric sensor for chlorpromazine (CPZ) based on reduced graphene oxide (RGO) and polydopamine (PDA) composite modified glassy carbon electrode. The RGO@PDA composite was prepared by electrochemical reduction of graphene oxide (GO) with PDA. The RGO@PDA composite modified electrode shows an excellent electro-oxidation behavior to CPZ when compared with other modified electrodes such as GO, RGO and GO@PDA. Amperometrici-tmethod was used for the determination of CPZ. Amperometry result shows that the RGO@PDA composite detects CPZ in a linear range from 0.03 to 967.6 μM. The sensor exhibits a low detection limit of 0.0018 μM with the analytical sensitivity of 3.63 ± 0.3 μAμM–1cm–2. The RGO@PDA composite shows its high selectivity towards CPZ in the presence of potentially interfering drugs such as metronidazole, phenobarbital, chlorpheniramine maleate, pyridoxine and riboflavin. In addition, the fabricated RGO@PDA modified electrode showed an appropriate recovery towards CPZ in the pharmaceutical tablets.
Long-term incorporation of manure with chemical fertilizers reduced total nitrogen loss in rain-fed cropping systems
Authors: Duan Yinghua , Xu Minggang , Gao Suduan , Liu Hua , Huang Shaomin , Wang Boren
Published: September 2016

Improving soil fertility/productivity and reducing environmental impact of nitrogen (N) fertilization are essential for sustainable agriculture. Quantifying the contribution of various fertilization regimes to soil N storage and loss has been lacking in a wide range of spatiotemporal scales. Based on data collected from field experiments at three typical agricultural zones in China, soil N dynamics and N changes in soil profile (0–100 cm) were examined during 1990–2009 under chemical fertilization, manure incorporation with fertilizer, and fertilizer with straw return treatments. We employed a mass balance approach to estimate the N loss to the environment after taking into account soil N change. Results showed a significant increase in soil N storage under manure incorporation treatments, accompanied with the lowest N loss (ave.20–24% of total N input) compared to all other treatments (ave.35–63%). Both soil N distribution and mass balance data suggested higher leaching risk from chemical fertilization in acidic soil of southern China with higher precipitation than the other two sites. This research concludes that manure incorporation with chemical fertilizer not only can achieve high N use efficiency and improve soil fertility, but also leads to the lowest total N loss or damage to the environment.
Terrestrial mountain islands and Pleistocene climate fluctuations as motors for speciation: A case study on the genus Pseudovelia (Hemiptera: Veliidae)
Authors: Ye Zhen , Chen Pingping , Bu Wenjun
Published: September 2016

This study investigated the influences of geographic isolation and climate fluctuation on the genetic diversity, speciation and biogeography of the genusPseudovelia(Hemiptera: Veliidae) in subtropical China and tropic Indo-China Peninsula. Species nucleotide and haplotype diversities decreased with reduction in species distribution limits. The gene tree was congruent with the taxonomy of monophyly, except for four species,P. contorta,P. extensa,P. tibialis tibialisandP. vittiformis. The conflicts between the genes and species tree could be due to long-term isolation and incomplete lineage sorting. Diversification analysis showed that the diversification rate (0.08 sp/My shifted to 0.5 sp/My) changed at 2.1 Ma, which occurred in the early Pleistocene period. Ancestral area reconstruction suggested that subtropical species possibly evolved from the tropics region (i.e., Indo-China Peninsula). Results implied that narrow endemics harbored relatively low genetic diversity because of small effective population and genetic drift. Radiation of subtropicalPseudoveliaspecies was rapidly promoted by Pleistocene climate fluctuations and geographic isolation. The acute rising of the Hengduan Mountain with the entire uplift of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau induced the initial differentiation ofPseudoveliaspecies. These results highlighted the importance of geographical isolation and climate changes in promoting speciation in mountain habitat islands.
Circadian dynamics in measures of cortical excitation and inhibition balance
Authors: Chellappa Sarah L. , Gaggioni Giulia , Ly Julien Q. M. , Papachilleos Soterios , Borsu Chloé , Brzozowski Alexandre , Rosanova Mario , Sarasso Simone , Luxen André , Middleton Benita , Archer Simon N. , Dijk Derk-Jan , Massimini Marcello , Maquet Pierre , Phillips Christophe , Moran Rosalyn J. , Vandewalle Gilles
Published: September 2016

Several neuropsychiatric and neurological disorders have recently been characterized as dysfunctions arising from a ‘final common pathway’ of imbalanced excitation to inhibition within cortical networks. How the regulation of a cortical E/I ratio is affected by sleep and the circadian rhythm however, remains to be established. Here we addressed this issue through the analyses of TMS-evoked responses recorded over a 29 h sleep deprivation protocol conducted in young and healthy volunteers. Spectral analyses of TMS-evoked responses in frontal cortex revealed non-linear changes in gamma band evoked oscillations, compatible with an influence of circadian timing on inhibitory interneuron activity. In silico inferences of cell-to-cell excitatory and inhibitory connectivity and GABA/Glutamate receptor time constant based on neural mass modeling within the Dynamic causal modeling framework, further suggested excitation/inhibition balance was under a strong circadian influence. These results indicate that circadian changes in EEG spectral properties, in measure of excitatory/inhibitory connectivity and in GABA/glutamate receptor function could support the maintenance of cognitive performance during a normal waking day, but also during overnight wakefulness. More generally, these findings demonstrate a slow daily regulation of cortical excitation/inhibition balance, which depends on circadian-timing and prior sleep-wake history.
The interplay between neuronal activity and actin dynamics mimic the setting of an LTD synaptic tag
Authors: Szabó Eszter C. , Manguinhas Rita , Fonseca Rosalina
Published: September 2016

Persistent forms of plasticity, such as long-term depression (LTD), are dependent on the interplay between activity-dependent synaptic tags and the capture of plasticity-related proteins. We propose that the synaptic tag represents a structural alteration that turns synapses permissive to change. We found that modulation of actin dynamics has different roles in the induction and maintenance of LTD. Inhibition of either actin depolymerisation or polymerization blocks LTD induction whereas only the inhibition of actin depolymerisation blocks LTD maintenance. Interestingly, we found that actin depolymerisation and CaMKII activation are involved in LTD synaptic-tagging and capture. Moreover, inhibition of actin polymerisation mimics the setting of a synaptic tag, in an activity-dependent manner, allowing the expression of LTD in non-stimulated synapses. Suspending synaptic activation also restricts the time window of synaptic capture, which can be restored by inhibiting actin polymerization. Our results support our hypothesis that modulation of the actin cytoskeleton provides an input-specific signal for synaptic protein capture.
Cholesterol Alters the Dynamics of Release in Protein Independent Cell Models for Exocytosis
Authors: Najafinobar Neda , Mellander Lisa J. , Kurczy Michael E. , Dunevall Johan , Angerer Tina B. , Fletcher John S. , Cans Ann-Sofie
Published: September 2016

Neurons communicate via an essential process called exocytosis. Cholesterol, an abundant lipid in both secretory vesicles and cell plasma membrane can affect this process. In this study, amperometric recordings of vesicular dopamine release from two different artificial cell models created from a giant unilamellar liposome and a bleb cell plasma membrane, show that with higher membrane cholesterol the kinetics for vesicular release are decelerated in a concentration dependent manner. This reduction in exocytotic speed was consistent for two observed modes of exocytosis, full and partial release. Partial release events, which only occurred in the bleb cell model due to the higher tension in the system, exhibited amperometric spikes with three distinct shapes. In addition to the classic transient, some spikes displayed a current ramp or plateau following the maximum peak current. These post spike features represent neurotransmitter release from a dilated pore before constriction and show that enhancing membrane rigidity via cholesterol adds resistance to a dilated pore to re-close. This implies that the cholesterol dependent biophysical properties of the membrane directly affect the exocytosis kinetics and that membrane tension along with membrane rigidity can influence the fusion pore dynamics and stabilization which is central to regulation of neurochemical release.
Carboxylic Acid-Functionalized Conducting-Polymer Nanotubes as Highly Sensitive Nerve-Agent Chemiresistors
Authors: Kwon Oh Seok , Park Chul Soon , Park Seon Joo , Noh Seonmyeong , Kim Saerona , Kong Hye Jeong , Bae Joonwon , Lee Chang-Soo , Yoon Hyeonseok
Published: September 2016

Organophosphates are powerful inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase, which is critical to nerve function. Despite continuous research for detecting the highly toxic organophosphates, a new and improved methodology is still needed. Herein we demonstrate simple-to-fabricate chemiresistive gas sensors using conducting-polymer polypyrrole (PPy) nanotube transducers, which are chemically specific and capable of recognizing sub-ppb concentrations (ca. 0.5 ppb) of dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP), a simulant of nerve agent sarin. Interestingly, the introduction of carboxylic groups on the surface of PPy nanotube transistors resulted in enhanced sensitivity to DMMP via intermolecular hydrogen bonding. Furthermore, it was found that the sensitivity of the nanotube transducer depended on the degree of the carboxylic group introduced. Finally, a sensor array composed of 5 different transducers including the carboxylated nanotubes exhibited excellent selectivity to DMMP in 16 vapor species.
Genome-wide In Silico Analysis, Characterization and Identification of Microsatellites in Spodoptera littoralis Multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (SpliMNPV)
Authors: Atia Mohamed A. M. , Osman Gamal H. , Elmenofy Wael H.
Published: September 2016

In this study, we undertook a survey to analyze the distribution and frequency of microsatellites or Simple Sequence Repeats (SSRs) in Spodoptera littoralis multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (SpliMNPV) genome (isolate AN–1956). Out of the 55 microsatellite motifs, identified in the SpliMNPV-AN1956 genome using in silico analysis (inclusive of mono-, di-, tri- and hexa-nucleotide repeats), 39 were found to be distributed within coding regions (cSSRs), whereas 16 were observed to lie within intergenic or noncoding regions. Among the 39 motifs located in coding regions, 21 were located in annotated functional genes whilst 18 were identified in unknown functional genes (hypothetical proteins). Among the identified motifs, trinucleotide (80%) repeats were found to be the most abundant followed by dinucleotide (13%), mononucleotide (5%) and hexanucleotide (2%) repeats. The 39 motifs located within coding regions were further validated in vitro by using PCR analysis, while the 21 motifs located within known functional genes (15 genes) were characterized using nucleotide sequencing. A comparison of the sequence analysis data of the 21 sequenced cSSRs with the published sequences is presented. Finally, the developed SSR markers of the 39 motifs were further mapped/localized onto the SpliMNPV-AN1956 genome. In conclusion, the SSR markers specific to SpliMNPV, developed in this study, could be a useful tool for the identification of isolates and analysis of genetic diversity and viral evolutionary status.
Trauma-specific Grey Matter Alterations in PTSD
Authors: Meng Linghui , Jiang Jing , Jin Changfeng , Liu Jia , Zhao Youjin , Wang Weina , Li Kaiming , Gong Qiyong
Published: September 2016

Previous studies have demonstrated that patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) caused by different types of trauma may show divergence in epidemiology, clinical manifestation and treatment outcome. However, it is still unclear whether this divergence has neuroanatomic correlates in PTSD brains. To elucidate the general and trauma-specific cortical morphometric alterations, we performed a meta-analysis of grey matter (GM) changes in PTSD (N = 246) with different traumas and trauma-exposed controls (TECs, N = 347) using anisotropic effect-size signed differential mapping and its subgroup analysis. Our results revealed general GM reduction (GMR) foci in the prefrontal-limbic-striatal system of PTSD brains when compared with those of TECs. Notably, the GMR patterns were trauma-specific. For PTSD by single-incident traumas, GMR foci were found in bilateral medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), insula, striatum, left hippocampus and amygdala; and for PTSD by prolonged traumas in the left insula, striatum, amygdala and middle temporal gyrus. Moreover, Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale scores were found to be negatively associated with the GM changes in bilateral ACC and mPFC. Our study indicates that the GMR patterns of PTSD are associated with specific traumas, suggesting a stratified diagnosis and treatment for PTSD patients.
Population genomics of C. melanopterus using target gene capture data: demographic inferences and conservation perspectives
Authors: Maisano Delser Pierpaolo , Corrigan Shannon , Hale Matthew , Li Chenhong , Veuille Michel , Planes Serge , Naylor Gavin , Mona Stefano
Published: September 2016

Population genetics studies on non-model organisms typically involve sampling few markers from multiple individuals. Next-generation sequencing approaches open up the possibility of sampling many more markers from fewer individuals to address the same questions. Here, we applied a target gene capture method to deep sequence ~1000 independent autosomal regions of a non-model organism, the blacktip reef shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus). We devised a sampling scheme based on the predictions of theoretical studies of metapopulations to show that sampling few individuals, but many loci, can be extremely informative to reconstruct the evolutionary history of species. We collected data from a single deme (SID) from Northern Australia and from a scattered sampling representing various locations throughout the Indian Ocean (SCD). We explored the genealogical signature of population dynamics detected from both sampling schemes using an ABC algorithm. We then contrasted these results with those obtained by fitting the data to a non-equilibrium finite island model. Both approaches supported an Nm value ~40, consistent with philopatry in this species. Finally, we demonstrate through simulation that metapopulations exhibit greater resilience to recent changes in effective size compared to unstructured populations. We propose an empirical approach to detect recent bottlenecks based on our sampling scheme.
G-quadruplex aptamer targeting Protein A and its capability to detect Staphylococcus aureus demonstrated by ELONA
Authors: Stoltenburg Regina , Krafčiková Petra , Víglaský Viktor , Strehlitz Beate
Published: September 2016

Aptamers for whole cell detection are selected mostly by the Cell-SELEX procedure. Alternatively, the use of specific cell surface epitopes as target during aptamer selections allows the development of aptamers with ability to bind whole cells. In this study, we integrated a formerly selected Protein A-binding aptamer PA#2/8 in an assay format called ELONA (Enzyme-Linked OligoNucleotide Assay) and evaluated the ability of the aptamer to recognise and bind to Staphylococcus aureus presenting Protein A on the cell surface. The full-length aptamer and one of its truncated variants could be demonstrated to specifically bind to Protein A-expressing intact cells of S. aureus and thus have the potential to expand the portfolio of aptamers that can act as an analytical agent for the specific recognition and rapid detection of the bacterial pathogen. The functionality of the aptamer was found to be based on a very complex, but also highly variable structure. Two structural key elements were identified. The aptamer sequence contains several G-clusters allowing folding into a G-quadruplex structure with the potential of dimeric and multimeric assembly. An inverted repeat able to form an imperfect stem-loop at the 5′-end also contributes essentially to the aptameric function.
Construction of a Corneal Stromal Equivalent with SMILE-Derived Lenticules and Fibrin Glue
Authors: Yin Houfa , Qiu Peijin , Wu Fang , Zhang Wei , Teng Wenqi , Qin Zhenwei , Li Chao , Zhou Jiaojie , Fang Zhi , Tang Qiaomei , Fu Qiuli , Ma Jian , Yang Yabo
Published: September 2016

The scarcity of corneal tissue to treat deep corneal defects and corneal perforations remains a challenge. Currently, small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE)-derived lenticules appear to be a promising alternative for the treatment of these conditions. However, the thickness and toughness of a single piece of lenticule are limited. To overcome these limitations, we constructed a corneal stromal equivalent with SMILE-derived lenticules and fibrin glue. In vitro cell culture revealed that the corneal stromal equivalent could provide a suitable scaffold for the survival and proliferation of corneal epithelial cells, which formed a continuous pluristratified epithelium with the expression of characteristic markers. Finally, anterior lamellar keratoplasty in rabbits demonstrated that the corneal stromal equivalent with decellularized lenticules and fibrin glue could repair the anterior region of the stroma, leading to re-epithelialization and recovery of both transparency and ultrastructural organization. Corneal neovascularization, graft degradation and corneal rejection were not observed within 3 months. Taken together, the corneal stromal equivalent with SMILE-derived lenticules and fibrin glue appears to be a safe and effective alternative for the repair of damage to the anterior cornea, which may provide new avenues in the treatment of deep corneal defects or corneal perforations.
Segmentation of the Himalayas as revealed by arc-parallel gravity anomalies
Authors: Hetényi György , Cattin Rodolphe , Berthet Théo , Le Moigne Nicolas , Chophel Jamyang , Lechmann Sarah , Hammer Paul , Drukpa Dowchu , Sapkota Soma Nath , Gautier Stéphanie , Thinley Kinzang
Published: September 2016

Lateral variations along the Himalayan arc are suggested by an increasing number of studies and carry important information about the orogen’s segmentation. Here we compile the hitherto most complete land gravity dataset in the region which enables the currently highest resolution plausible analysis. To study lateral variations in collisional structure we compute arc-parallel gravity anomalies (APaGA) by subtracting the average arc-perpendicular profile from our dataset; we compute likewise for topography (APaTA). We find no direct correlation between APaGA, APaTA and background seismicity, as suggested in oceanic subduction context. In the Himalayas APaTA mainly reflect relief and erosional effects, whereas APaGA reflect the deep structure of the orogen with clear lateral boundaries. Four segments are outlined and have disparate flexural geometry: NE India, Bhutan, Nepal & India until Dehradun, and NW India. The segment boundaries in the India plate are related to inherited structures, and the boundaries of the Shillong block are highlighted by seismic activity. We find that large earthquakes of the past millennium do not propagate across the segment boundaries defined by APaGA, therefore these seem to set limits for potential rupture of megathrust earthquakes.
Critical behavior of the quasi-two-dimensional semiconducting ferromagnet CrSiTe3
Authors: Liu Bingjie , Zou Youming , Zhang Lei , Zhou Shiming , Wang Zhe , Wang Weike , Qu Zhe , Zhang Yuheng
Published: September 2016

The semiconducting ferromagnet CrSiTe3 is a promising candidate for two-dimensional magnet simply by exfoliating down to single layers. To understand the magnetic behavior in thin-film samples and the possible applications, it is necessary to establish the nature of the magnetism in the bulk. In this work, the critical behavior at the paramagnetic to ferromagnetic phase transition in single-crystalline CrSiTe3 is investigated by bulk magnetization measurements. We have obtained the critical exponents (β = 0.170 ± 0.008, γ = 1.532 ± 0.001, and δ = 9.917 ± 0.008) and the critical temperature TC = 31.0 K using various techniques such as modified Arrott plot, Kouvel-Fisher plot, and critical isotherm analysis. Our analysis suggests that the determined exponents match well with those calculated from the results of renormalization group approach for a two-dimensional Ising model coupled with long-range interaction.
Disrupted brain metabolic connectivity in a 6-OHDA-induced mouse model of Parkinson’s disease examined using persistent homology-based analysis
Authors: Im Hyung-Jun , Hahm Jarang , Kang Hyejin , Choi Hongyoon , Lee Hyekyoung , Hwang Do Won , Kim E. Edmund , Chung June-Key , Lee Dong Soo
Published: September 2016

Movement impairments in Parkinson’s disease (PD) are caused by the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons and the consequent disruption of connectivity in the cortico-striatal-thalamic loop. This study evaluated brain metabolic connectivity in a 6-Hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced mouse model of PD using 18F-fluorodeoxy glucose positron emission tomography (FDG PET). Fourteen PD-model mice and ten control mice were used for the analysis. Voxel-wise t-tests on FDG PET results yielded no significant regional metabolic differences between the PD and control groups. However, the PD group showed lower correlations between the right caudoputamen and the left caudoputamen and right visual cortex. Further network analyses based on the threshold-free persistent homology framework revealed that brain networks were globally disrupted in the PD group, especially between the right auditory cortex and bilateral cortical structures and the left caudoputamen. In conclusion, regional glucose metabolism of PD was preserved, but the metabolic connectivity of the cortico-striatal-thalamic loop was globally impaired in PD.
Canadian Arctic sea ice reconstructed from bromine in the Greenland NEEM ice core
Authors: Spolaor Andrea , Vallelonga Paul , Turetta Clara , Maffezzoli Niccolò , Cozzi Giulio , Gabrieli Jacopo , Barbante Carlo , Goto-Azuma Kumiko , Saiz-Lopez Alfonso , Cuevas Carlos A. , Dahl-Jensen Dorthe
Published: September 2016

Reconstructing the past variability of Arctic sea ice provides an essential context for recent multi-year sea ice decline, although few quantitative reconstructions cover the Holocene period prior to the earliest historical records 1,200 years ago. Photochemical recycling of bromine is observed over first-year, or seasonal, sea ice in so-called “bromine explosions” and we employ a 1-D chemistry transport model to quantify processes of bromine enrichment over first-year sea ice and depositional transport over multi-year sea ice and land ice. We report bromine enrichment in the Northwest Greenland Eemian NEEM ice core since the end of the Eemian interglacial 120,000 years ago, finding the maximum extension of first-year sea ice occurred approximately 9,000 years ago during the Holocene climate optimum, when Greenland temperatures were 2 to 3 °C above present values. First-year sea ice extent was lowest during the glacial stadials suggesting complete coverage of the Arctic Ocean by multi-year sea ice. These findings demonstrate a clear relationship between temperature and first-year sea ice extent in the Arctic and suggest multi-year sea ice will continue to decline as polar amplification drives Arctic temperatures beyond the 2 °C global average warming target of the recent COP21 Paris climate agreement.
Prevalence and Subtypes of Mild Cognitive Impairment in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Lawrence Blake J. , Gasson Natalie , Loftus Andrea M.
Published: September 2016

The current study examined the prevalence and subtypes of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) in an Australian sample of people with Parkinson’s Disease (PD). Seventy participants with PD completed neuropsychological assessments of their cognitive performance, using MDS Task Force Level II diagnostic criteria for PD-MCI. A cut-off score of less than one standard deviation (SD) below normative data determined impaired performance on a neuropsychological test. Of 70 participants, 45 (64%) met Level II diagnostic criteria for PD-MCI. Among those with PD-MCI, 42 (93%) were identified as having multiple domain impairment (28 as amnestic multiple domain and 14 as nonamnestic multiple domain). Single domain impairment was less frequent (2 amnestic/1 nonamnestic). Significant differences were found between the PD-MCI and Normal Cognition groups, across all cognitive domains. Multiple domain cognitive impairment was more frequent than single domain impairment in an Australian sample of people with PD. However, PD-MCI is heterogeneous and current prevalence and subtyping statistics may be an artifact of variable application methods of the criteria (e.g., cut off scores and number of tests). Future longitudinal studies refining the criteria will assist with subtyping the progression of PD-MCI, while identifying individuals who may benefit from pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions.
Circulating Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 is Associated with Diastolic Dysfunction in Heart Failure Patients with Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Chou Ruey-Hsing , Huang Po-Hsun , Hsu Chien-Yi , Chang Chun-Chin , Leu Hsin-Bang , Huang Chin-Chou , Chen Jaw-Wen , Lin Shing-Jong
Published: September 2016

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), a polypeptide ligand promoted glucose homeostasis and lipids metabolism, was recently reported to attenuate cardiac hypertrophy. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of FGF21 in diastolic heart failure. Subjects admitted for coronary angiogram were screened for heart failure and those with left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction < 45% were excluded. Diastolic dysfunction was defined as functional abnormalities that exist during LV relaxation and filling by echocardiographic criteria. Plasma levels of FGF21 and N-terminal Pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide (NT-pro-BNP) were determined. All patients were followed up for 1 year, or till the occurrence of heart failure readmission or death. Totally 95 patients with diastolic dysfunction and 143 controls were enrolled. Circulating FGF21 level was correlated with echocardiographic parameters of diastolic function and LV end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP). In multivariate logistic analysis, FGF21 was significantly associated with diastolic dysfunction, either identified by echocardiographic criteria (odds ratio: 2.97, p = 0.012) or confirmed with LVEDP level (odds ratio: 3.73, p = 0.030). Both plasma FGF21 (log rank p < 0.0001) and NT-pro-BNP levels (log rank p = 0.0057) showed good predictive power to the 1-year adverse cardiac events. This finding suggested FGF21 could be involved in the pathophysiology of diastolic heart failure.
Asymptomatic Extracranial Artery Stenosis and the Risk of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases
Authors: Wang Dandan , Wang Jing , Jin Cheng , Ji Ruijun , Wang Anxin , Li Xin , Gao Xiang , Wu Shouling , Zhou Yong , Zhao Xingquan
Published: September 2016

Asymptomatic extracranial artery stenosis (ECAS) is a well-known risk factor for stroke events, but it remains unclear whether it has the same role in predicting cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, especially in China. We investigated the potential associations between ECAS, carotid plaque and carotid intima-media thickness and the new occurrence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases in the study. Out of 5440 study participants, 364 showed an asymptomatic ECAS at baseline and 185 had come up to the final vascular events (brain infarction, intracerebral hemorrhage, subarachnoid hemorrhage, coronary heart disease and death due to the vascular diseases). During the follow- up. ECAS, carotid plaque and its instability and increased CIMT have associated with vascular events significantly (P < 0.05). After adjusting relevant vascular risk factors, ECAS still has a strong relationship with the new occurrence of vascular events, especially the brain infarction (HR: 2.101; 95% CI: 1.027–4.298; P = 0.042). We observed a clear relationship between ECAS and the new occurrence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease, especially the brain infarction event. Carotid plaque and its instability and increased CIMT have all relevant with the occurrence of vascular events. Our findings provide direct evidence for the importance of ECAS in vascular events occurrence.
Evaluation of drug-mediated arrhythmic changes in spontaneous beating cardiomyocytes by AFM
Authors: Chen A. T. , Zou S.
Published: September 2016

An AFM-based approach to investigate compound-induced ion channel effects in cardiomyocytes for pre-screening drug development.
Convex and concave micro-structured silicone controls the shape, but not the polarization state of human macrophages
Authors: Malheiro V. , Lehner F. , Dinca V. , Hoffmann P. , Maniura-Weber K.
Published: September 2016

The typical foreign body response (FBR) to synthetic implants is characterized by local inflammation and tissue fibrosis.
Raman excess spectroscopy vs. principal component analysis: probing the intermolecular interactions between chiral molecules and imidazolium-based ionic liquids
Authors: Koch H. , Noack K. , Will S.
Published: September 2016

PCA: Optical separation of glucose enantiomers based on enantioselective interactions.
Facile solvothermal synthesis of a high-efficiency CNNs/Ag/AgCl plasmonic photocatalyst
Authors: Wang Youliang , Xia Mingzhu , Li Kebin , Shen Xinlin , Muhanmood Tahir , Wang Fengyun
Published: September 2016

A CNNs/Ag/AgCl (defined as CNAAC) plasmonic photocatalyst with efficient photocatalytic degradation ability was obtained by depositing Ag/AgCl nanoparticles on g-C3N4 nanosheets (CNNS).
Helium droplet infrared spectroscopy of glycine and glycine–water aggregates
Authors: Kaufmann Matin , Leicht Daniel , Schwan Raffael , Mani Devendra , Schwaab Gerhard , Havenith Martina
Published: September 2016

Infrared absorption spectra of glycine and glycine–water aggregates embedded in superfluid helium nanodroplets were recorded in the frequency range 1000–1450 cm−1.
Subtle solvation behaviour of a biofuel additive: the methanol complex with 2,5-dimethylfuran
Authors: Poblotzki Anja , Altnöder Jonas , Suhm Martin A.
Published: September 2016

Solvent roaming on furans is structurally elucidated and energy-ordered by deuteration and relaxation experiments in jet expansions.
Charge-transfer and isomerization reactions of trans-4-(N-arylamino)stilbenes
Authors: Yao Hsuan-Hsiao , Cheng Hsu-Hsiang , Cheng Chao-Han , Lin Cheng-Kai , Yang Jye-Shane , Chen I-Chia
Published: September 2016

Competition of charge-transfer and isomerization reactions of trans-4-(N-arylamino)stilbenes.
The rectifying and negative differential resistance effects in graphene/h-BN nanoribbon heterojunctions
Authors: An Yipeng , Zhang Mengjun , Wu Dapeng , Wang Tianxing , Jiao Zhaoyong , Xia Congxin , Fu Zhaoming , Wang Kun
Published: September 2016

The graphene/h-BN heterojunctions show rectifying and negative differential resistance effects.
Molybdenum phosphide as a novel and stable catalyst for dry reforming of methane
Authors: Yao Zhiwei , Luan Fubing , Sun Yue , Jiang Baojiang , Song Jia , Wang Haiyan
Published: September 2016

A novel MoP catalyst exhibited high coking and oxidation resistance for dry reforming of CH4with CO2.
Heterogeneous self-supported dirhodium(ii) catalysts with high catalytic efficiency in cyclopropanation – a structural study
Authors: Liu Jiquan , Fasel Claudia , Braga-Groszewicz Pedro , Rothermel Niels , Lilly Thankamony Aany Sofia , Sauer Grit , Xu Yeping , Gutmann Torsten , Buntkowsky Gerd
Published: September 2016

Catalytically active dirhodium sheet-like coordination polymers are synthesized from their precursors via ligand exchange.
Co-decorated Cu alloy catalyst for C2 oxygenate and ethanol formation from syngas on Cu-based catalyst: insight into the role of Co and Cu as well as the improved selectivity
Authors: Zhang Riguang , Liu Fu , Wang Baojun
Published: September 2016

The selectivity of ethanol over Co-decorated Cu-based catalyst can be effectively improved compared to that of the pure Cu catalyst.
One-step construction of {001} facet-exposed BiOCl hybridized with Al2O3 for enhanced molecular oxygen activation
Authors: Li Fa-tang , Li Yi-lei , Chai Mei-juan , Li Bo , Hao Ying-juan , Wang Xiao-jing , Liu Rui-hong
Published: September 2016

The conduction band position of defective Al2O3 obtained via a combustion synthesis is proposed and the in situ as-prepared heterojunctions containing Al2O3 and {001} facet-exposed BiOCl with surface oxygen vacancies exhibit excellent performance for molecular oxygen activation.
Hydroisomerization of hexadecane over platinum supported on EU-1/ZSM-48 intergrowth zeolite catalysts
Authors: Zhang Miao , Li Chuang , Chen Yujing , Tsang Chi-Wing , Zhang Qiumin , Liang Changhai
Published: September 2016

A composite co-crystalline zeolite Eu-1/ZSM-48, as excellent support for hydroisomerization, was synthesized by a hydrothermal method.
Dehalogenation of chloroalkanes by nickel(i) porphyrin derivatives, a computational study
Authors: Szatkowski L. , Hall M. B.
Published: September 2016

We constructed theoretical models of the dehalogenation of chloromethane by a nickel(i) isobacteriochlorin anion and compared its reactivity with that of similar Ni(I) complexes with other porphyrin-derived ligands: porphyrin, chlorin, bactreriochlorin, hexahydroporphyrin and octahydroporphyrin.
New Fe-based layered telluride Fe3−δAs1−yTe2: synthesis, crystal structure and physical properties
Authors: Verchenko Valeriy Yu. , Sokolov Sergei S. , Tsirlin Alexander A. , Sobolev Alexey V. , Presniakov Igor A. , Bykov Mikhail A. , Kirsanova Maria A. , Shevelkov Andrei V.
Published: September 2016

The synthesized telluride, Fe3−δAs1−yTe2, possesses a layered crystal structure and show complex AFM-like magnetic behavior at low temperatures.
A novel route towards water-soluble luminescent iridium(iii) complexes via a hydroxy-bridged dinuclear precursor
Authors: Scarpelli Francesca , Ionescu Andreea , Ricciardi Loredana , Plastina Pierluigi , Aiello Iolinda , La Deda Massimo , Crispini Alessandra , Ghedini Mauro , Godbert Nicolas
Published: September 2016

The reactivity of [(ppy)2Ir(μ-OH)]2 is described; a useful precursor to a series of luminescent water soluble ionic Ir(iii) complexes with self-assembling properties.