bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Electrospray as a Sample Preparation Tool for Electron Microscopic Investigations: Toward Quantitative Evaluation of Nanoparticles
Authors: Mielke Johannes , Dohányosová Pavla , Müller Philipp , López-Vidal Silvia , Hodoroaba Vasile-Dan
Published: January 2017

The potential of electrospray deposition, for the controlled preparation of particles for imaging in electron microscopes, is evaluated on various materials: from mono-modal suspensions of spherical particles to multimodal suspensions and to real-world industrial materials. It is shown that agglomeration is reduced substantially on the sample carrier, compared with conventional sample preparation techniques. For the first time, it is possible to assess the number concentration of a tri-modal polystyrene suspension by electron microscopy, due to the high deposition efficiency of the electrospray. We discovered that some suspension stabilizing surfactants form artifact particles during electrospraying. These can be avoided by optimizing the sprayed suspension.
New insights into the correlation structure of DSM-IV depression symptoms in the general population v. subsamples of depressed individuals
Authors: Foster S. , Mohler-Kuo M.
Published: January 2017

Aims.

Previous research failed to uncover a replicable dimensional structure underlying the symptoms of depression. We aimed to examine two neglected methodological issues in this research: (a) adjusting symptom correlations for overall depression severity; and (b) analysing general population samples v. subsamples of currently depressed individuals.

Methods.

Using population-based cross-sectional and longitudinal data from two nations (Switzerland, 5883 young men; USA, 2174 young men and 2244 young women) we assessed the dimensions of the nine DSM-IV depression symptoms in young adults. In each general-population sample and each subsample of currently depressed participants, we conducted a standardised process of three analytical steps, based on exploratory and confirmatory factor and bifactor analysis, to reveal any replicable dimensional structure underlying symptom correlations while controlling for overall depression severity.

Results.

We found no evidence of a replicable dimensional structure across samples when adjusting symptom correlations for overall depression severity. In the general-population samples, symptoms correlated strongly and a single dimension of depression severity was revealed. Among depressed participants, symptom correlations were surprisingly weak and no replicable dimensions were identified, regardless of severity-adjustment.

Conclusions.

First, caution is warranted when considering studies assessing dimensions of depression because general population-based studies and studies of depressed individuals generate different data that can lead to different conclusions. This problem likely generalises to other models based on the symptoms’ inter-relationships such as network models. Second, whereas the overall severity aligns individuals on a continuum of disorder intensity that allows non-affected individuals to be distinguished from affected individuals, the clinical evaluation and treatment of depressed individuals should focus directly on each individual's symptom profile.
The Evolution of Human Uniqueness
Authors: Boyd Robert
Published: January 2017

The human species is an outlier in the natural world. Two million years ago our ancestors were a slightly odd apes. Now we occupy the largest ecological and geographical range of any species, have larger biomass, and process more energy. Usually, this transformation is explained in terms of cognitive ability—people are just smarter than all the rest. In this paper I argue that culture, our ability to learn from each other, and cooperation, our ability to make common cause with large groups of unrelated individuals are the real roots of human uniqueness, and sketch an evolutionary account of how these crucial abilities co-evolved with each other and with other features of our life histories.
The Moral Dimensions of Boredom: A Call for Research
Authors: Elpidorou Andreas
Published: January 2017

Despite the impressive progress that has been made on both the empirical and conceptual fronts of boredom research, there is one facet of boredom that has received remarkably little attention. This is boredom's relationship to morality. The aim of this article is to explore the moral dimensions of boredom and to argue that boredom is a morally relevant personality trait. The presence of trait boredom hinders our capacity to flourish and in doing so hurts our prospects for a moral life.
Bi- and uniciliated ependymal cells define continuous floor-plate-derived tanycytic territories
Authors: Mirzadeh Zaman , Kusne Yael , Duran-Moreno Maria , Cabrales Elaine , Gil-Perotin Sara , Ortiz Christian , Chen Bin , Garcia-Verdugo Jose Manuel , Sanai Nader , Alvarez-Buylla Arturo
Published: January 2017

Multiciliated ependymal (E1) cells line the brain ventricles and are essential for brain homeostasis. We previously identified in the lateral ventricles a rare ependymal subpopulation (E2) with only two cilia and unique basal bodies. Here we show that E2 cells form a distinct biciliated epithelium extending along the ventral third into the fourth ventricle. In the third ventricle floor, apical profiles with only primary cilia define an additional uniciliated (E3) epithelium. E2 and E3 cells’ ultrastructure, marker expression and basal processes indicate that they correspond to subtypes of tanycytes. Using sonic hedgehog lineage tracing, we show that the third and fourth ventricle E2 and E3 epithelia originate from the anterior floor plate. E2 and E3 cells complete their differentiation 2–3 weeks after birth, suggesting a link to postnatal maturation. These data reveal discrete bands of E2 and E3 cells that may relay information from the CSF to underlying neural circuits along the ventral midline.
Luminescent hyperbolic metasurfaces
Authors: Smalley J. S. T. , Vallini F. , Montoya S. A. , Ferrari L. , Shahin S. , Riley C. T. , Kanté B. , Fullerton E. E. , Liu Z. , Fainman Y.
Published: January 2017

When engineered on scales much smaller than the operating wavelength, metal-semiconductor nanostructures exhibit properties unobtainable in nature. Namely, a uniaxial optical metamaterial described by a hyperbolic dispersion relation can simultaneously behave as a reflective metal and an absorptive or emissive semiconductor for electromagnetic waves with orthogonal linear polarization states. Using an unconventional multilayer architecture, we demonstrate luminescent hyperbolic metasurfaces, wherein distributed semiconducting quantum wells display extreme absorption and emission polarization anisotropy. Through normally incident micro-photoluminescence measurements, we observe absorption anisotropies greater than a factor of 10 and degree-of-linear polarization of emission >0.9. We observe the modification of emission spectra and, by incorporating wavelength-scale gratings, show a controlled reduction of polarization anisotropy. We verify hyperbolic dispersion with numerical simulations that model the metasurface as a composite nanoscale structure and according to the effective medium approximation. Finally, we experimentally demonstrate >350% emission intensity enhancement relative to the bare semiconducting quantum wells.
The microbiota maintain homeostasis of liver-resident γδT-17 cells in a lipid antigen/CD1d-dependent manner
Authors: Li Fenglei , Hao Xiaolei , Chen Yongyan , Bai Li , Gao Xiang , Lian Zhexiong , Wei Haiming , Sun Rui , Tian Zhigang
Published: January 2017

The microbiota control regional immunity using mechanisms such as inducing IL-17A-producing γδ T (γδT-17) cells in various tissues. However, little is known regarding hepatic γδT cells that are constantly stimulated by gut commensal microbes. Here we show hepatic γδT cells are liver-resident cells and predominant producers of IL-17A. The microbiota sustain hepatic γδT-17 cell homeostasis, including activation, survival and proliferation. The global commensal quantity affects the number of liver-resident γδT-17 cells; indeed, E. coli alone can generate γδT-17 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Liver-resident γδT-17 cell homeostasis depends on hepatocyte-expressed CD1d, that present lipid antigen, but not Toll-like receptors or IL-1/IL-23 receptor signalling. Supplementing mice in vivo or loading hepatocytes in vitro with exogenous commensal lipid antigens augments the hepatic γδT-17 cell number. Moreover, the microbiota accelerate nonalcoholic fatty liver disease through hepatic γδT-17 cells. Thus, our work describes a unique liver-resident γδT-17 cell subset maintained by gut commensal microbes through CD1d/lipid antigens.
CDK4/6-dependent activation of DUB3 regulates cancer metastasis through SNAIL1
Authors: Liu Tongzheng , Yu Jia , Deng Min , Yin Yujiao , Zhang Haoxing , Luo Kuntian , Qin Bo , Li Yunhui , Wu Chenming , Ren Tao , Han Yang , Yin Peng , Kim JungJin , Lee SeungBaek , Lin Jing , Zhang Lizhi , Zhang Jun , Nowsheen Somaira , Wang Liewei , Boughey Judy , Goetz Matthew P. , Yuan Jian , Lou Zhenkun
Published: January 2017

Tumour metastasis, the spread of cancer cells from the original tumour site followed by growth of secondary tumours at distant organs, is the primary cause of cancer-related deaths and remains poorly understood. Here we demonstrate that inhibition of CDK4/6 blocks breast tumour metastasis in the triple-negative breast cancer model, without affecting tumour growth. Mechanistically, we identify a deubiquitinase, DUB3, as a target of CDK4/6; CDK4/6-mediated activation of DUB3 is essential to deubiquitinate and stabilize SNAIL1, a key factor promoting epithelial–mesenchymal transition and breast cancer metastasis. Overall, our study establishes the CDK4/6–DUB3 axis as an important regulatory mechanism of breast cancer metastasis and provides a rationale for potential therapeutic interventions in the treatment of breast cancer metastasis.
CD8+ T cells stimulate Na-Cl co-transporter NCC in distal convoluted tubules leading to salt-sensitive hypertension
Authors: Liu Yunmeng , Rafferty Tonya M. , Rhee Sung W. , Webber Jessica S. , Song Li , Ko Benjamin , Hoover Robert S. , He Beixiang , Mu Shengyu
Published: January 2017

Recent studies suggest a role for T lymphocytes in hypertension. However, whether T cells contribute to renal sodium retention and salt-sensitive hypertension is unknown. Here we demonstrate that T cells infiltrate into the kidney of salt-sensitive hypertensive animals. In particular, CD8+T cells directly contact the distal convoluted tubule (DCT) in the kidneys of DOCA-salt mice and CD8+T cell-injected mice, leading to up-regulation of the Na-Cl co-transporter NCC, p-NCC and the development of salt-sensitive hypertension. Co-culture with CD8+T cells upregulates NCC in mouse DCT cells via ROS-induced activation of Src kinase, up-regulation of the K+channel Kir4.1, and stimulation of the Cl−channel ClC-K. The last event increases chloride efflux, leading to compensatory chloride influx via NCC activation at the cost of increasing sodium retention. Collectively, these findings provide a mechanism for adaptive immunity involvement in the kidney defect in sodium handling and the pathogenesis of salt-sensitive hypertension.
Submesoscale transition from geostrophic flows to internal waves in the northwestern Pacific upper ocean
Authors: Qiu Bo , Nakano Toshiya , Chen Shuiming , Klein Patrice
Published: January 2017

With radar interferometry, the next-generation Surface Water and Ocean Topography satellite mission will improve the measured sea surface height resolution down to 15 km, allowing us to investigate for the first time the global upper ocean variability at the submesoscale range. Here, by analysing shipboard Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler measurements along 137°E in the northwest Pacific of 2004–2016, we show that the observed upper ocean velocities are comprised of balanced geostrophic flows and unbalanced internal waves. The transition length scale, Lt, separating these two motions, is found to depend strongly on the energy level of local mesoscale eddy variability. In the eddy-abundant western boundary current region of Kuroshio, Lt can be shorter than 15 km, whereas Lt exceeds 200 km along the path of relatively stable North Equatorial Current. Judicious separation between the geostrophic and internal wave signals represents both a challenge and an opportunity for the Surface Water and Ocean Topography mission.
Recent developments in computational modelling of nucleation in phase transformations
Authors: Zhang Lei , Ren Weiqing , Samanta Amit , Du Qiang
Published: January 2017

Nucleation is one of the most common physical phenomena in physical, chemical, biological and materials sciences. Owing to the complex multiscale nature of various nucleation events and the difficulties in their direct experimental observation, development of effective computational methods and modeling approaches has become very important and is bringing new light to the study of this challenging subject. Our discussions in this manuscript provide a sampler of some newly developed numerical algorithms that are widely applicable to many nucleation and phase transformation problems. We first describe some recent progress on the design of efficient numerical methods for computing saddle points and minimum energy paths, and then illustrate their applications to the study of nucleation events associated with several different physical systems.
An interactive web-based intervention on nutritional status, physical activity and health-related quality of life in patient with metabolic syndrome: a randomized-controlled trial (The Red Ruby Study)
Authors: Jahangiry L , Montazeri A , Najafi M , Yaseri M , Farhangi M A
Published: January 2017

Background/Objectives:

Physical inactivity and unhealthy nutritional behaviors are recognized as the key factors in the cause and management of metabolic syndrome (MetS). The effectiveness of interactive web-based interventions on dietary intakes, physical activity and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among people with MetS is currently unknown.

Methods:

The two-arm randomized-controlled trial was conducted for patients with MetS from June through December 2012 in Tehran, Iran. Participants (n=160) were recruited through online registration on the study website. After free clinical assessments of eligible participants for MetS, they were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups (n=80). All participants received general information about cardiovascular diseases and MetS risk factors via the website. The intervention group logged in to interactive part including My Healthy Heart Profile, received tailored calorie-restricted diet and used all parts of the interactive prevention program. Anthropometric measures, glycemic status, lipid profile, physical activity and food intake were evaluated at the beginning and after 6-month follow-up. HRQOL was assessed at beginning, 3- and 6-month follow-up.

Results:

There were no significant differences between the intervention and control groups on age, gender, education and MetS factors. In comparison with control group, the intervention group showed significant changes in moderate physical activity 260.3±473.6 vs 101.6±213.1 MET-min/week, walking 505.2±505.3 vs 321±884 MET-min per week, cholesterol intake −88.4±158.7 vs −8.3±6 mg per day, total calories −430.2±957.5 vs −392.9±34.7 kcal per day and sodium 1336.9±2467 vs 1342±3200.4 mmol per day. With regard to HRQOL, the intervention group showed greater improvement in general health and vitality (P<0.05 for all).

Conclusion:

These results indicate the positive impact of a lifestyle intervention by a web-based program on physical activity, dietary intake and several dimension of QoL. The use of web-based approaches is a great interest to manage patients at high cardiovascular risk, especially where the prevalence of obesity, MetS and diabetes is increasing.
Regulation of cancer epigenomes with a histone-binding synthetic transcription factor
Authors: Nyer David B. , Daer Rene M. , Vargas Daniel , Hom Caroline , Haynes Karmella A.
Published: January 2017

Chromatin proteins have expanded the mammalian synthetic biology toolbox by enabling control of active and silenced states at endogenous genes. Others have reported synthetic proteins that bind DNA and regulate genes by altering chromatin marks, such as histone modifications. Previously, we reported the first synthetic transcriptional activator, the “Polycomb-based transcription factor” (PcTF) that reads histone modifications through a protein–protein interaction between the polycomb chromodomain motif and trimethylated lysine 27 of histone H3 (H3K27me3). Here, we describe the genome-wide behavior of the polycomb-based transcription factor fusion protein. Transcriptome and chromatin profiling revealed several polycomb-based transcription factor-sensitive promoter regions marked by distal H3K27me3 and proximal fusion protein binding. These results illuminate a mechanism in which polycomb-based transcription factor interactions bridge epigenomic marks with the transcription initiation complex at target genes. In three cancer-derived human cell lines tested here, some target genes encode developmental regulators and tumor suppressors. Thus, the polycomb-based transcription factor represents a powerful new fusion protein-based method for cancer research and treatment where silencing marks are translated into direct gene activation.
Deformation mechanisms to ameliorate the mechanical properties of novel TRIP/TWIP Co-Cr-Mo-(Cu) ultrafine eutectic alloys
Authors: Kim J. T. , Hong S. H. , Park H. J. , Kim Y. S. , Suh J. Y. , Lee J. K. , Park J. M. , Maity T. , Eckert J. , Kim K. B.
Published: January 2017

In the present study, the microstructural evolution and the modulation of the mechanical properties have been investigated for a Co-Cr-Mo (CCM) ternary eutectic alloy by addition of a small amount of copper (0.5 and 1 at.%). The microstructural observations reveal a distinct dissimilarity in the eutectic structure such as a broken lamellar structure and a well-aligned lamellar structure and an increasing volume fraction of Co lamellae as increasing amount of copper addition. This microstructural evolution leads to improved plasticity from 1% to 10% without the typical tradeoff between the overall strength and compressive plasticity. Moreover, investigation of the fractured samples indicates that the CCMCu alloy exhibits higher plastic deformability and combinatorial mechanisms for improved plastic behavior. The improved plasticity of CCMCu alloys originates from several deformation mechanisms; i) slip, ii) deformation twinning, iii) strain-induced transformation and iv) shear banding. These results reveal that the mechanical properties of eutectic alloys in the Co-Cr-Mo system can be ameliorated by micro-alloying such as Cu addition.
10-fs-level synchronization of photocathode laser with RF-oscillator for ultrafast electron and X-ray sources
Authors: Yang Heewon , Han Byungheon , Shin Junho , Hou Dong , Chung Hayun , Baek In Hyung , Jeong Young Uk , Kim Jungwon
Published: January 2017

Ultrafast electron-based coherent radiation sources, such as free-electron lasers (FELs), ultrafast electron diffraction (UED) and Thomson-scattering sources, are becoming more important sources in today’s ultrafast science. Photocathode laser is an indispensable common subsystem in these sources that generates ultrafast electron pulses. To fully exploit the potentials of these sources, especially for pump-probe experiments, it is important to achieve high-precision synchronization between the photocathode laser and radio-frequency (RF) sources that manipulate electron pulses. So far, most of precision laser-RF synchronization has been achieved by using specially designed low-noise Er-fibre lasers at telecommunication wavelength. Here we show a modular method that achieves long-term (>1 day) stable 10-fs-level synchronization between a commercial 79.33-MHz Ti:sapphire laser oscillator and an S-band (2.856-GHz) RF oscillator. This is an important first step toward a photocathode laser-based femtosecond RF timing and synchronization system that is suitable for various small- to mid-scale ultrafast X-ray and electron sources.
Orientation toward humans predicts cognitive performance in orang-utans
Authors: Damerius Laura A. , Forss Sofia I. F. , Kosonen Zaida K. , Willems Erik P. , Burkart Judith M. , Call Josep , Galdikas Birute M. F. , Liebal Katja , Haun Daniel B. M. , van Schaik Carel P.
Published: January 2017

Non-human animals sometimes show marked intraspecific variation in their cognitive abilities that may reflect variation in external inputs and experience during the developmental period. We examined variation in exploration and cognitive performance on a problem-solving task in a large sample of captive orang-utans (Pongo abelii & P. pygmaeus, N = 103) that had experienced different rearing and housing conditions during ontogeny, including human exposure. In addition to measuring exploration and cognitive performance, we also conducted a set of assays of the subjects’ psychological orientation, including reactions towards an unfamiliar human, summarized in the human orientation index (HOI), and towards novel food and objects. Using generalized linear mixed models we found that the HOI, rather than rearing background, best predicted both exploration and problem-solving success. Our results suggest a cascade of processes: human orientation was accompanied by a change in motivation towards problem-solving, expressed in reduced neophobia and increased exploration variety, which led to greater experience, and thus eventually to higher performance in the task. We propose that different experiences with humans caused individuals to vary in curiosity and understanding of the physical problem-solving task. We discuss the implications of these findings for comparative studies of cognitive ability.
Quantifying influences of physiographic factors on temperate dryland vegetation, Northwest China
Authors: Du Ziqiang , Zhang Xiaoyu , Xu Xiaoming , Zhang Hong , Wu Zhitao , Pang Jing
Published: January 2017

Variability in satellite measurements of terrestrial greenness in drylands is widely observed in land surface processes and global change studies. Yet the underlying causes differ and are not fully understood. Here, we used the GeogDetector model, a new spatial statistical approach, to examine the individual and combined influences of physiographic factors on dryland vegetation greenness changes, and to identify the most suitable characteristics of each principal factor for stimulating vegetation growth. Our results indicated that dryland greenness was predominantly affected by precipitation, soil type, vegetation type, and temperature, either separately or in concert. The interaction between pairs of physiographic factors enhanced the influence of any single factor and displayed significantly non-linear influences on vegetation greenness. Our results also implied that vegetation greenness could be promoted by adopting favorable ranges or types of major physiographical factors, thus beneficial for ecological conservation and restoration that aimed at mitigating environmental degradation.
Design of a 15N Molecular Unit to Achieve Long Retention of Hyperpolarized Spin State
Authors: Nonaka Hiroshi , Hirano Masashi , Imakura Yuki , Takakusagi Yoichi , Ichikawa Kazuhiro , Sando Shinsuke
Published: January 2017

Nuclear hyperpolarization is a phenomenon that can be used to improve the sensitivity of magnetic resonance molecular sensors. However, such sensors typically suffer from short hyperpolarization lifetime. Herein we report that [15N, D14]trimethylphenylammonium (TMPA) has a remarkably long spin–lattice relaxation time (1128 s, 14.1 T, 30 °C, D2O) on its 15N nuclei and achieves a long retention of the hyperpolarized state. [15N, D14]TMPA-based hyperpolarized sensor for carboxylesterase allowed the highly sensitive analysis of enzymatic reaction by 15N NMR for over 40 min in phophate-buffered saline (H2O, pH 7.4, 37 °C).
Neuregulin 1-ErbB module in C-bouton synapses on somatic motor neurons: molecular compartmentation and response to peripheral nerve injury
Authors: Casanovas Anna , Salvany Sara , Lahoz Víctor , Tarabal Olga , Piedrafita Lídia , Sabater Raimundo , Hernández Sara , Calderó Jordi , Esquerda Josep E.
Published: January 2017

The electric activity of lower motor neurons (MNs) appears to play a role in determining cell-vulnerability in MN diseases. MN excitability is modulated by cholinergic inputs through C-type synaptic boutons, which display an endoplasmic reticulum-related subsurface cistern (SSC) adjacent to the postsynaptic membrane. Besides cholinergic molecules, a constellation of proteins involved in different signal-transduction pathways are clustered at C-type synaptic sites (M2 muscarinic receptors, Kv2.1 potassium channels, Ca2+ activated K+ [SK] channels, and sigma-1 receptors [S1R]), but their collective functional significance so far remains unknown. We have previously suggested that neuregulin-1 (NRG1)/ErbBs-based retrograde signalling occurs at this synapse. To better understand signalling through C-boutons, we performed an analysis of the distribution of C-bouton-associated signalling proteins. We show that within SSC, S1R, Kv2.1 and NRG1 are clustered in highly specific, non-overlapping, microdomains, whereas ErbB2 and ErbB4 are present in the adjacent presynaptic compartment. This organization may define highly ordered and spatially restricted sites for different signal-transduction pathways. SSC associated proteins are disrupted in axotomised MNs together with the activation of microglia, which display a positive chemotactism to C-bouton sites. This indicates that C-bouton associated molecules are also involved in neuroinflammatory signalling in diseased MNs, emerging as new potential therapeutic targets.
Effects of oxygen vacancies on the structural and optical properties of β-Ga2O3
Authors: Dong Linpeng , Jia Renxu , Xin Bin , Peng Bo , Zhang Yuming
Published: January 2017

The structural, electronic, and optical properties of β-Ga2O3 with oxygen vacancies are studied by employing first-principles calculations based on density function theory. Based on the defects formation energies, we conclude the oxygen vacancies are most stable in their fully charge states. The electronic structures and optical properties of β-Ga2O3 are calculated by Generalized Gradient Approximation + U formalisms with the Hubbard U parameters set 7.0 eV and 8.5 eV for Ga and O ions, respectively. The calculated bandgap is 4.92 eV, which is consistent with the experimental value. The static real dielectric constants of the defective structures are increased compared with the intrinsic one, which is attributed to the level caused by the Ga-4s states in the bandgap. Extra peaks are introduced in the absorption spectra, which are related to Ga-4s and O-2p states. Experimentally, β-Ga2O3 films are deposited under different O2 volume percentage with ratio-frequency magnetron sputtering method. The measured results indicate that oxygen vacancies can induce extra emission peaks in the photoluminescence spectrum, the location of these peaks are close to the calculated results. Extra O2 can increase the formation energies of oxygen vacancies and thus reduce oxygen vacancies in β-Ga2O3.
Free flight odor tracking in Drosophila: Effect of wing chemosensors, sex and pheromonal gene regulation
Authors: Houot Benjamin , Gigot Vincent , Robichon Alain , Ferveur Jean-François
Published: January 2017

The evolution of powered flight in insects had major consequences for global biodiversity and involved the acquisition of adaptive processes allowing individuals to disperse to new ecological niches. Flies use both vision and olfactory input from their antennae to guide their flight; chemosensors on fly wings have been described, but their function remains mysterious. We studied Drosophila flight in a wind tunnel. By genetically manipulating wing chemosensors, we show that these structures play an essential role in flight performance with a sex-specific effect. Pheromonal systems are also involved in Drosophila flight guidance: transgenic expression of the pheromone production and detection gene, desat1, produced low, rapid flight that was absent in control flies. Our study suggests that the sex-specific modulation of free-flight odor tracking depends on gene expression in various fly tissues including wings and pheromonal-related tissues.
C. elegans-on-a-chip for in situ and in vivo Ag nanoparticles’ uptake and toxicity assay
Authors: Kim Jin Ho , Lee Seung Hwan , Cha Yun Jeong , Hong Sung Jin , Chung Sang Kug , Park Tai Hyun , Choi Shin Sik
Published: January 2017

Nanomaterials are extensively used in consumer products and medical applications, but little is known about their environmental and biological toxicities. Moreover, the toxicity analysis requires sophisticated instruments and labor-intensive experiments. Here we report a microfluidic chip incorporated with the nematodeCaenorhabditis elegansthat rapidly displays the changes in body growth and gene expression specifically responsive to the silver nanoparticles (AgNPs).C. eleganswere cultured in microfluidic chambers in the presence or absence of AgNPs and were consequently transferred to wedge-shaped channels, which immobilized the animals, allowing the evaluation of parameters such as length, moving distance, and fluorescence from the reporter gene. The AgNPs reduced the length ofC. elegansbody, which was easily identified in the channel of chip. In addition, the decrease of body width enabled the worm to advance the longer distance compared to the animal without nanoparticles in a wedge-shaped channel. The transgenic marker DNA,mtl-2::gfpwas highly expressed upon the uptake of AgNPs, resulting in green fluorescence emission. The comparative investigation using gold nanoparticles and heavy-metal ions indicated that these parameters are specific to AgNPs. These results demonstrate thatC. elegans-on-a-chip has a great potential as a rapid and specific nanoparticle detection or nanotoxicity assessment system.
Effects of plant species richness on 13C assimilate partitioning in artificial grasslands of different established ages
Authors: Xu Longhua , Yao Buqing , Wang Wenying , Wang Fangping , Zhou Huakun , Shi Jianjun , Zhao Xinquan
Published: January 2017

Artificial grasslands play a role in carbon storage on the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau. The artificial grasslands exhibit decreased proportions of graminate and increased species richness with age. However, the effect of the graminate proportions and species richness on ecosystem C stocks in artificial grasslands have not been elucidated. We conducted anin situ13C pulse-labeling experiment in August 2012 using artificial grasslands that had been established for two years (2Y), five years (5Y), and twelve years (12Y). Each region was plowed fallow from severely degraded alpine meadow in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. The 12Y grassland had moderate proportions of graminate and the highest species richness. This region showed more recovered13C in soil and a longer mean residence time, which suggests species richness controls the ecosystem C stock. The loss rate of leaf-assimilated C of the graminate-dominant plant speciesElymus nutansin artificial grasslands of different ages was lowest in the 12Y grassland, which also had the highest species richness. Thus the lower loss rate of leaf-assimilated C can be partially responsible for the larger ecosystem carbon stocks in the 12Y grassland. This finding is a novel mechanism for the effects of species richness on the increase in ecosystem functioning.
Gut Microbiota Mediates Protection Against Enteropathy Induced by Indomethacin
Authors: Xiao Xue , Nakatsu Geicho , Jin Ye , Wong Sunny , Yu Jun , Lau James Y. W.
Published: January 2017

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can cause significant small bowel injuries. The role of gut microbiota in this NSAID-induced enteropathy is poorly understood. We studied the dynamic changes in gut microbiota following indomethacin administration in mice, and investigated the effects of these adaptive changes on subsequent NSAID-induced enteropathy. The changes in gut microbiota were studied using 16S rRNA sequencing, and the effects of such changes were investigated using antibiotics and a faecal transplantation model. After indomethacin treatment, significant adaptive changes in gut microbiota were observed, including increased abundance of Firmicutes and decreased abundance in that of Bacteroidetes. Depletion of gut microbiota with antibiotics led to a higher mortality (P = 0.0021) in mice compared to controls. Mice pre-transplanted with adaptively changed microbiota showed less small bowel injury and lower levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines when exposed to indomethacin. In summary, this study identifies adaptive changes in the gut microbiota upon indomethacin administration, which can in turn ameliorate further NSAID-induced injury. The heightened mortality with antibiotic depletion of the adaptively changed microbiota suggests its important role in protecting against such injury. This study provides insight for future efforts to target the microbiota as a therapeutic strategy.
Adeno-associated virus serotype rh.10 displays strong muscle tropism following intraperitoneal delivery
Authors: Ai Jianzhong , Li Jia , Gessler Dominic J. , Su Qin , Wei Qiang , Li Hong , Gao Guangping
Published: January 2017

Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) is an attractive tool for basic science and translational medicine including gene therapy, due to the versatility in its cell and organ transduction. Previous work indicates that rAAV transduction patterns are highly dependent on route of administration. Based on this relationship, we hypothesized that intraperitoneal (IP) administration of rAAV produces unique patterns of tissue tropism. To test this hypothesis, we investigated the transduction efficiency of 12 rAAV serotypes carrying an enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) reporter gene in a panel of 12 organs after IP injection. Our data suggest that IP administration emphasizes transduction patterns that are different from previously reported intravascular delivery methods. Using this approach, rAAV efficiently transduces the liver, pancreas, skeletal muscle, heart and diaphragm without causing significant histopathological changes. Of note, rAAVrh.10 showed excellent muscle transduction following IP administration, highlighting its potential as a new muscle-targeting vector.
Dopamine-functionalized mesoporous onion-like silica as a new matrix for immobilization of lipase Candida sp. 99-125
Authors: Gao Junkai , Jiang Yanjun , Lu Jinshu , Han Zhi , Deng Jiajia , Chen Yan
Published: January 2017

Dopmine functionalized mesoporous onion-like silica (DPMS) was synthesized via a biomimetic coating, and lipase Candida sp. 99-125 (LCS) was immobilized in DPMS (LCS@DPMS) by physical adsorption in this study. The DPMS was characterized by SEM, TEM, BET and FT-IR, and it was shown that the DPMS had clear multishell structures with large surface area of 419 m2/g. The activity, pH stability, thermal stability, storage stability, and reusability of the LCS@DPMS were investigated in detail. The stabilities of LCS@DPMS were improved significantly compared to the free lipase and LCS@MS (LCS immobilized in unfunctionalized mesoporous onion-like silica by physical adsorption). All the results indicated that the DPMS had high efficiency and improved stability for lipase immobilization.
Electrochemical manipulation of cell populations supported by biodegradable polymeric nanosheets for cell transplantation therapy
Authors: Suzuki Jin , Nagai Nobuhiro , Nishizawa Matsuhiko , Abe Toshiaki , Kaji Hirokazu
Published: January 2017

The on-demand harvesting of cell/nanosheet constructs and their subsequent transplantation in a minimally-invasive manner are described.
Direct white-light-emitting and near-infrared phosphorescence of zeolitic imidazolate framework-8
Authors: Yang Xiaogang , Yan Dongpeng
Published: January 2017

Zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 can directly exhibit unexpected white-light emission and near-infrared phosphorescence, due to the host–guest interaction and the alternation of electron-density distribution, as confirmed by both experimental and computational studies.
Fused multifunctionalized dibenzoselenophenes from tetraynes
Authors: Hu Yimin , Ma Jie , Li Lidong , Hu Qiong , Lv Shuang , Liu Baohua , Wang Shaowu
Published: January 2017

Novel fused multifunctionalized dibenzoselenophenes (25 compounds) were obtained from tetraynes and diphenyl diselenide in a cascade hexadehydro-Diels–Alder reaction, involving the formation of four new C–C bonds and one new Caryl–Se bond and C–H activation via both intramolecular cyclization and intermolecular free radical reactions.
Pressure-induced silica quartz amorphization studied by iterative stochastic surface walking reaction sampling
Authors: Zhang Xiao-Jie , Shang Cheng , Liu Zhi-Pan
Published: January 2017

The origin of the pressure-induced amorphization of SiO2 is resolved from theory based on pathways on the global potential energy surface.
Second-harmonic phase determination by real-time in situ interferometry
Authors: Clancy Bason , Salafsky Joshua
Published: January 2017

We present a interferometer-free, model-independent method of phase determination between an SHG-active moiety and coherent background sources.
Ag–Au bimetallic nanoclusters formed from a homogeneous gas phase: a new thermodynamic expression confirmed by molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Akbarzadeh H. , Shamkhali A. N. , Mehrjouei E.
Published: January 2017

In this work, two probabilistic and thermodynamic limits for formation of a bimetallic nanocluster from a homogeneous gas phase were obtained in order to investigate the related phenomena using molecular dynamics simulation.
Dynamics of the O + H2+ → OH+ + H, OH + H+ proton and hydrogen atom transfer reactions on the two lowest potential energy surfaces
Authors: Martínez Rodrigo , Paniagua Miguel , Mayneris-Perxachs Jordi , Gamallo Pablo , González Miguel
Published: January 2017

The dynamics of the title reaction was studied using mainly the quasiclassical trajectory (QCT) method on the ground 12A′′ (OH+ channel) and first excited 12A′ (OH channel) potential energy surfaces (PESs) employing ab initio analytical representations of the PESs developed by us.
Cisplatin and valproate released from the bifunctional [Pt(IV)Cl2(NH3)2(valproato)2] antitumor prodrug or from liposome formulations: who does what?
Authors: Ravera M. , Gabano E. , Zanellato I. , Gallina A. , Perin E. , Arrais A. , Cantamessa S. , Osella D.
Published: January 2017

Comparison between the antiproliferative properties of a Pt(iv)-valproato complex and its metabolites indicates that the former is more active because it is unremoved from cells.
A new β-CdTeO3 polymorph with a structure related to α-CdTeO3
Authors: Poupon Morgane , Barrier Nicolas , Petit Sébastien , Boudin Sophie
Published: January 2017

Hydrothermal synthesis, crystal and electronic structures of a new β-CdTeO3 polymorph closely related to α-CdTeO3.
Synthesis and characterisation of p-block complexes of biquinoline at different ligand charge states
Authors: Hurmalainen Juha , Mansikkamäki Akseli , Morgan Ian S. , Peuronen Anssi , Tuononen Heikki M.
Published: January 2017

Compounds [(biq)BCl2]Cl and [(biq)BCl2]˙ are the first crystallographically characterized p-block complexes of biquinoline that allow the structural consequences of ligand reduction to be determined.
Design considerations to minimize the impact of drug absorption in polymer-based organ-on-a-chip platforms
Authors: Shirure V. S. , George S. C.
Published: January 2017

We characterized the dynamics of drug-loss in microfluidics, and provide a quantitative framework for the design of organ-on-a-chip for drug discovery.
Topologically inferring pathway activity for precise survival outcome prediction: breast cancer as a case
Authors: Liu Wei , Wang Wei , Tian Guohua , Xie Wenming , Lei Li , Liu Jiujin , Huang Wanxun , Xu Liyan , Li Enmin
Published: January 2017

Toward precise survival outcome prediction by inferring survival associated pathway activities.
One-pot synthesis of zinc doped yttrium copper titanate by semi-wet route exhibiting enhanced dielectric constant and suppressed dielectric loss
Authors: Sharma S. , Singh M. M. , Mandal K. D.
Published: January 2017

Powder of Y2/3Cu2.90Zn0.10Ti4O12 (YCZTO) ceramic with particle size ranging from 39 ± 6 nm was grown for the first time by the semi-wet route.
Shear effects on the diffusive movement of oil in triacylglycerol networks
Authors: Acevedo Nuria C. , MacMillan Bryce , Newling Benedict , Marangoni Alejandro G.
Published: January 2017

Correlation between the macroscopicDeffobtained through the Ziegleder model andDmolobtained by NMR in fat crystal networks.
Carbon metabolism and transcriptional variation in response to salt stress in the genome shuffled Candida versatilis and a wild-type salt tolerant yeast strain
Authors: Qi Wei , Zhang Wen-Tao , Lu Fu-Ping
Published: January 2017

The carbon metabolism and molecular mechanisms of adaptation response when exposed to conditions causing osmotic stress in strains of a wild-type of Candida versatilis (WT) and S3–5 were investigated.
Correction: Synthesis and characterization of nitrogen-functionalized graphene oxide in high-temperature and high-pressure ammonia
Authors: Baldovino Fritzie Hannah B. , Quitain Armando T. , Dugos Nathaniel P. , Roces Susan A. , Koinuma Michio , Yuasa Masayoshi , Kida Tetsuya
Published: January 2017

Correction for ‘Synthesis and characterization of nitrogen-functionalized graphene oxide in high-temperature and high-pressure ammonia’ by F. H. Baldovino et al., RSC Adv., 2016, 6, 113924–113932.
Heterogeneous, mesoporous NiCo2O4–MnO2/graphene foam for asymmetric supercapacitors with ultrahigh specific energies
Authors: Garakani Mohammad Akbari , Abouali Sara , Xu Zheng-Long , Huang Jiaqiang , Huang Jian-Qiu , Kim Jang-Kyo
Published: January 2017

A freestanding electrode consisting of heterogeneous arrays of NiCo2O4–MnO2 on a 3D conductive network of graphene foam shows exceptional supercapacitive performance.
A Ni-NTA-based red fluorescence probe for protein labelling in live cells
Authors: Chao Ailun , Jiang Nan , Yang Ya , Li Hongyan , Sun Hongzhe
Published: January 2017

The great success of a His6-Ni-nitrilotriaceate (Ni-NTA) system in protein purification has inspired scientists to develop novel Ni-NTA based fluoresent probes for imaging of proteins in live cells.
Self-powered, stretchable, fiber-based electronic-skin for actively detecting human motion and environmental atmosphere based on a triboelectrification/gas-sensing coupling effect
Authors: Fu Yongming , He Haoxuan , Liu Yang , Wang Qiang , Xing Lili , Xue Xinyu
Published: January 2017

A self-powered, stretchable, fiber-based electronic-skin has been fabricated for actively detecting human motion and environmental atmosphere through a triboelectrification/gas-sensing coupling effect.
A block copolymer of crosslinkable polythiophene and removable poly(ethylene oxide) for preparing heterostructures of organic semiconductors
Authors: Ube T. , Kosaka T. , Okazaki H. , Nakae K. , Ikeda T.
Published: January 2017

Block copolymer films composed of polythiophene with cinnamate groups and poly(ethylene oxide) were prepared as template networks of donor/acceptor heterostructures.
A distinct mutual phase transition in a new PVDF based lead-free composite film with enhanced dielectric and energy storage performance and low loss
Authors: Guo Dong , Cai Kai , Wang Yunli
Published: January 2017

Environment-friendly polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) based composite films were fabricated by using a high permittivity lead-free Ba(Sn,Ti)O3–(Ba,Ca)TiO3(BCTS) ceramic filler with a special ‘tricritical’ phase structure.
Recent progress in non-fullerene small molecule acceptors in organic solar cells (OSCs)
Authors: Chen Wangqiao , Zhang Qichun
Published: January 2017

The power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of non-fullerene small molecule acceptors based on different donors have been compared and summarized.
Comparison of Muscle Recovery Following Bi-cruciate Substituting versus Posterior Stabilized Total Knee Arthroplasty in the Asian Population
Authors: Takubo Akihito , Ryu Keinosuke , Tokuhashi Yasuaki , Iriuchishima Takanori
Published: January 2017

The purpose of this study was to compare muscle recovery in the lower extremities following the newly developed bi-cruciate substituting (BCS) to posterior stabilized (PS) total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in the Asian population. Forty-one knees in 41 patients undergoing BCS-TKA (41 female, average age: 71 ± 8.8) and 34 knees in 34 patients undergoing PS-TKA (33 female, average age: 73 ± 7.2) were included in this study. The maximum isometric power of the quadriceps and hamstring muscles was measured preoperatively, and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery using a handheld dynamometer. Postoperative muscle recovery was calculated regarding preoperative muscle power as 100%. Pre- and postoperative range of knee motion, femorotibial angle, and clinical scores (Knee Society score and function score) were also compared. No significant difference in sex, age, preoperative quadriceps, or preoperative hamstring power was observed between the BCS and PS-TKA groups. When regarding the preoperative muscle power as 100%, quadriceps power at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months following BCS-TKA was 61.2 ± 22%, 86.3 ± 28.3%, 97 ± 27.4%, and 112.4 ± 30.8%, respectively. Quadriceps power at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months following PS-TKA was 72.4 ± 20.8%, 84 ± 16.9%, 95 ± 20.7%, and 110.8 ± 27%, respectively. Hamstring power at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months following BCS-TKA was 96.3 ± 30%, 111.4 ± 35%, 120 ± 37%, and 125 ± 31%, respectively. Hamstring power at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months following PS-TKA was 95 ± 25%, 112.4 ± 27%, 117 ± 38.5%, and 120.4 ± 18.5%, respectively. No significant difference in muscle power recovery was observed at 3 (p = 0.995), 6 (p = 0.944), and 12 (p = 0.917) months after surgery between the two groups. No significant difference of the clinical score was observed between the groups (Knee Society score: p = 0.479, function score: p = 0.342). No significant difference in muscle recovery and clinical score were observed between the BCS and PS-TKA groups. Longer follow-up is needed for the evaluation of efficacy of BCS-TKA in the Asian populations.
Heat flux induced blueshift of dominant phonon wavelength and its impact on thermal conductivity
Authors: Ramiere Aymeric , Volz Sebastian , Amrit Jay
Published: January 2017

The concept of dominant phonon wavelength is investigated in systems submitted to a heat flux at low temperatures. Using spectral energy distributions, a treatment of two-dimensional and three-dimensional structures is conducted in parallel. We demonstrate a significant reduction of the dominant phonon wavelength, up to 62%, due to a displacement of the phonon spectrum towards higher frequencies in presence of a heat flux. We name this phenomenon blueshift effect. A formula is provided to directly calculate the corrected dominant phonon wavelength. We illustrate the impact of the blueshift effect by showing that a temperature gradient of 10% at 4K yields a 20% reduction in the thermal conductivity. Therefore, ignoring the blueshift effect in a thermal model can notably alter the physical interpretation of measurements. The results suggest that an appropriate heat flux environment can improve thermoelectric device performances.