bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Birth weight and risk of ischemic heart disease: A Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Au Yeung Shiu Lun , Lin Shi Lin , Li Albert Martin , Schooling C. Mary
Published: December 2016

Low birth weight is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. However, the association could be confounded by many factors. We used Mendelian randomization to clarify the role of birth weight in ischemic heart disease (IHD) and lipids. We used all 7 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) independently contributing to birth weight at genome wide significance (p < 5 × 10−8) in separate sample instrumental variable analysis to estimate the effect of birth weight on IHD using the CARDIoGRAMplusC4D 1000 Genomes based GWAS case (n = 60,801)-control (n = 123,504) study and on lipids using GLGC (n = 188,577). Higher genetically predicted birth weight was associated with lower risk of IHD (odds ratio (OR) 0.96 per 100 grams, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.93 to 0.99), but the association was not robust to sensitivity analyses excluding SNPs related to height or use of weighted median methods. Genetically predicted birth weight was not associated with low density lipoprotein cholesterol or triglycerides, but was associated with lower high density lipoprotein cholesterol (−0.014 standard deviation, 95% CI −0.027 to −0.0005) and the association was more robust to the sensitivity analyses. Our study does not show strong evidence for an effect of birth weight on IHD and lipids.
Individuation of objects and object parts rely on the same neuronal mechanism
Authors: Poncet Marlene , Caramazza Alfonso , Mazza Veronica
Published: December 2016

Recent results have shown that participants can enumerate multiple parts of a single object as efficiently as multiple distinct objects, suggesting a shared mechanism for individuation of objects and object parts. Here we used the subitizing phenomenon to investigate the neural mechanism underlying the individuation of object parts. In two experiments, we measured a lateralized EEG response (N2pc) previously associated with individuation of multiple objects. In line with the subitizing effect, participants’ error rate was low (less than 10%) when enumerating up to approximately three parts of an object but increased for larger numerosities. The N2pc amplitude increased as a function of the number of object parts, and reached an asymptote corresponding to the subitizing limit, replicating previous reports for separate objects. These results invite the inference that the same neural mechanism underlies individuation of multiple distinct objects and multiple parts of a single object.
Genome-wide Analysis of Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxylase Gene Family and Their Response to Abiotic Stresses in Soybean
Authors: Wang Ning , Zhong Xiujuan , Cong Yahui , Wang Tingting , Yang Songnan , Li Yan , Gai Junyi
Published: December 2016

Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) plays an important role in assimilating atmospheric CO2 during C4 and crassulacean acid metabolism photosynthesis, and also participates in various non-photosynthetic processes, including fruit ripening, stomatal opening, supporting carbon–nitrogen interactions, seed formation and germination, and regulation of plant tolerance to stresses. However, a comprehensive analysis of PEPC family in Glycine max has not been reported. Here, a total of ten PEPC genes were identified in soybean and denominated as GmPEPC1-GmPEPC10. Based on the phylogenetic analysis of the PEPC proteins from 13 higher plant species including soybean, PEPC family could be classified into two subfamilies, which was further supported by analyses of their conserved motifs and gene structures. Nineteen cis-regulatory elements related to phytohormones, abiotic and biotic stresses were identified in the promoter regions of GmPEPC genes, indicating their roles in soybean development and stress responses. GmPEPC genes were expressed in various soybean tissues and most of them responded to the exogenously applied phytohormones. GmPEPC6, GmPEPC8 and GmPEPC9 were significantly induced by aluminum toxicity, cold, osmotic and salt stresses. In addition, the enzyme activities of soybean PEPCs were also up-regulated by these treatments, suggesting their potential roles in soybean response to abiotic stresses.
Thermal Alternating Polymer Nanocomposite (TAPNC) Coating Designed to Prevent Aerodynamic Insect Fouling
Authors: Bayer Ilker S. , Krishnan K. Ghokulla , Robison Robert , Loth Eric , Berry Douglas H. , Farrell Thomas E. , Crouch Jeffrey D.
Published: December 2016

Insect residue adhesion to moving surfaces such as turbine blades and aircraft not only causes surface contamination problems but also increases drag on these surfaces. Insect fouling during takeoff, climb and landing can result in increased drag and fuel consumption for aircraft with laminar-flow surfaces. Hence, certain topographical and chemical features of non-wettable surfaces need to be designed properly for preventing insect residue accumulation on surfaces. In this work, we developed a superhydrophobic coating that is able to maintain negligible levels of insect residue after 100 high speed (50 m/s) insect impact events produced in a wind tunnel. The coating comprises alternating layers of a hydrophobic, perfluorinated acrylic copolymer and hydrophobic surface functional silicon dioxide nanoparticles that are infused into one another by successive thermal treatments. The design of this coating was achieved as a result of various experiments conducted in the wind tunnel by using a series of superhydrophobic surfaces made by the combination of the same polymer and nanoparticles in the form of nanocomposites with varying surface texture and self-cleaning hydrophobicity properties. Moreover, the coating demonstrated acceptable levels of wear abrasion and substrate adhesion resistance against pencil hardness, dry/wet scribed tape peel adhesion and 17.5 kPa Taber linear abraser tests.
Production of Phloroglucinol, a Platform Chemical, in Arabidopsis using a Bacterial Gene
Authors: Abdel-Ghany Salah E. , Day Irene , Heuberger Adam L. , Broeckling Corey D. , Reddy Anireddy S.N.
Published: December 2016

Phloroglucinol (1,3,5-trihydroxybenzene; PG) and its derivatives are phenolic compounds that are used for various industrial applications. Current methods to synthesize PG are not sustainable due to the requirement for carbon-based precursors and co-production of toxic byproducts. Here, we describe a more sustainable production of PG using plants expressing a native bacterial or a codon-optimized synthetic PhlD targeted to either the cytosol or chloroplasts. Transgenic lines were analyzed for the production of PG using gas and liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectroscopy. Phloroglucinol was produced in all transgenic lines and the line with the highest PhlD transcript level showed the most accumulation of PG. Over 80% of the produced PG was glycosylated to phlorin. Arabidopsis leaves have the machinery to glycosylate PG to form phlorin, which can be hydrolyzed enzymatically to produce PG. Furthermore, the metabolic profile of plants with PhlD in either the cytosol or chloroplasts was altered. Our results provide evidence that plants can be engineered to produce PG using a bacterial gene. Phytoproduction of PG using a bacterial gene paves the way for further genetic manipulations to enhance the level of PG with implications for the commercial production of this important platform chemical in plants.
Biological response of zebrafish embryos after short-term exposure to thifluzamide
Authors: Yang Yang , Liu Wenxian , Mu Xiyan , Qi Suzhen , Fu Bin , Wang Chengju
Published: December 2016

Thifluzamide is a new amide fungicide, and its extensive application may have toxic effects on zebrafish. To better understand the underlying mechanism, we investigated in detail the potential toxic effects of thifluzamide on zebrafish embryos. In the present study, embryos were exposed to 0, 0.19, 1.90, and 2.85 mg/L thifluzamide for 4 days. Obvious pathological changes were found upon a histological exam, and negative changes in mitochondrial structure were observed under Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), which qualitatively noted the toxic effects of thifluzamide on embryos. Moreover, we quantitatively evaluated the enzyme activities [succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), caspases], the contents of malonaldehyde (MDA) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) and the expression levels of the related genes. This study suggests that the negative changes in mitochondrial structure and SDH activity might be responsible for oxidative damage, cell apoptosis and inflammation, which would facilitate the action of these factors in cell death and might play a crucial role during toxic events. In addition to providing the first description of the mechanism of the toxic effects of thifluzamide on embryos, this study also represents a step towards using embryos to assess mitochondrial metabolism and disease.
Designing a Broadband Pump for High-Quality Micro-Lasers via Modified Net Radiation Method
Authors: Nechayev Sergey , Reusswig Philip D. , Baldo Marc A. , Rotschild Carmel
Published: December 2016

High-quality micro-lasers are key ingredients in non-linear optics, communication, sensing and low-threshold solar-pumped lasers. However, such micro-lasers exhibit negligible absorption of free-space broadband pump light. Recently, this limitation was lifted by cascade energy transfer, in which the absorption and quality factor are modulated with wavelength, enabling non-resonant pumping of high-quality micro-lasers and solar-pumped laser to operate at record low solar concentration. Here, we present a generic theoretical framework for modeling the absorption, emission and energy transfer of incoherent radiation between cascade sensitizer and laser gain media. Our model is based on linear equations of the modified net radiation method and is therefore robust, fast converging and has low complexity. We apply this formalism to compute the optimal parameters of low-threshold solar-pumped lasers. It is revealed that the interplay between the absorption and self-absorption of such lasers defines the optimal pump absorption below the maximal value, which is in contrast to conventional lasers for which full pump absorption is desired. Numerical results are compared to experimental data on a sensitized Nd3+:YAG cavity, and quantitative agreement with theoretical models is found. Our work modularizes the gain and sensitizing components and paves the way for the optimal design of broadband-pumped high-quality micro-lasers and efficient solar-pumped lasers.
Effects of Liposomes Charge on Extending Sciatic Nerve Blockade of N-ethyl Bromide of Lidocaine in Rats
Authors: Yin Qinqin , Ke Bowen , Chen Xiaobing , Guan Yikai , Feng Ping , Chen Guo , Kang Yi , Zhang Wensheng , Nie Yu
Published: December 2016

N-methyl bromide of lidocaine (QX-314) is a potential local anaesthetic with compromised penetration through cell membranes due to its obligated positive charge. Liposomes have been widely used for drug delivery with promising efficacy and safety. Therefore we investigated the local anaesthetic effects and tissue reactions of QX-314 in combination with anionic, cationic or neutral liposomes in rat sciatic nerve block model, and explored the effects of these liposomes on cellular entry of QX-314 in human embryonic kidney 293 cells. The results demonstrated that anionic liposomes substantially prolonged the duration of sensory (25.7 ± 8.3 h) and motor (41.4 ± 6.1 h) blocks of QX-314, while cationic and neutral ones had little effects. Tissue reactions from QX-314 with anionic liposomes were similar to those with commonly used local anaesthetic bupivacaine. Consistent within vivoresults, the anionic liposomes produced the greatest promotion of cellular entry of QX-314 in a time-dependent manner. In conclusion, ultra-long lasting nerve blocks were achieved by a mixture of QX-314 and anionic liposomes with a satisfactory safety profile, indicating a potential approach to improve postoperative pain management. The liposome-induced enhancement in cellular uptake of QX-314 may underlie thein vivoeffects.
Fast interfacial charge transfer in α-Fe2O3−δCδ/FeVO4−x+δCx−δ@C bulk heterojunctions with controllable phase content
Authors: Zhao Chengcheng , Tan Guoqiang , Yang Wei , Xu Chi , Liu Ting , Su Yuning , Ren Huijun , Xia Ao
Published: December 2016

The novelties in this paper are embodied in the fast interfacial charge transfer in α-Fe2O3−δCδ/FeVO4−x+δCx−δ@C bulk heterojunctions with controllable phase compositions. The carbon source-glucose plays an important role as the connecting bridge between the micelles in the solution, forming interfacial C-O, C-O-Fe and O-Fe-C bonds through dehydration and polymerization reactions. Then the extra VO3− around the FeVO4 colloidal particles can react with unstable Fe(OH)3, resulting the phase transformation from α-Fe2O3 (47.99–7.16%) into FeVO4 (52.01–92.84%), promoting photocarriers’ generation capacities. After final carbonization, a part of C atoms enter into lattices of α-Fe2O3 and FeVO4, forming impurity levels and oxygen vacancies to increase effective light absorptions. Another part of C sources turn into interfacial carbon layers to bring fast charge transfer by decreasing the charge transition resistance (from 53.15 kΩ into 8.29 kΩ) and the surface recombination rate (from 64.07% into 7.59%). The results show that the bulk heterojunction with 90.29% FeVO4 and 9.71% α-Fe2O3 shows ideal light absorption, carriers’ transfer efficiency and available photocatalytic property. In general, the synergistic effect of optimized heterojunction structure, carbon replacing and the interface carbon layers are critical to develop great potential in stable and recoverable use.
Genomic duplication and translocation of reactivation transactivator and bZIP-homolog genes is a conserved event in alcelaphine herpesvirus 1
Authors: Myster Françoise , van Beurden Steven J. , Sorel Océane , Suárez Nicolás M. , Vanderplasschen Alain , Davison Andrew J. , Dewals Benjamin G.
Published: December 2016

Alcelaphine herpesvirus 1 (AlHV-1) is a gammaherpesvirus carried asymptomatically by wildebeest. Upon cross-species transmission, AlHV-1 induces malignant catarrhal fever (MCF), a fatal lymphoproliferative disease of ruminants, including cattle. The strain C500 has been cloned as an infectious, pathogenic bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) that is used to study MCF. Although AlHV-1 infection can be established in cell culture, multiple passages in vitro cause a loss of virulence associated with rearrangements of the viral genome. Here, sequencing of the BAC clone showed that the long unique region (LUR) of the genome is nearly identical to that of the previously sequenced strain from which the BAC was derived, and identified the duplication and translocation of a region from within LUR, containing the entire coding sequences of ORF50-encoding reactivation transactivator Rta and A6-encoding bZIP protein genes. The duplicated region was further located to a position within the terminal repeat (TR) and its deletion resulted in lower ORF50 expression levels and reduced viral fitness. Finally, the presence of a similar but not identical duplication and translocation containing both genes was found in AlHV-1 strain WC11. These results indicate that selection pressure for enhanced viral fitness may drive the duplication of ORF50 and A6 in AlHV-1.
Identification of protein structural elements responsible for the diversity of sequence preferences among Mini-III RNases
Authors: Głów Dawid , Kurkowska Małgorzata , Czarnecka Justyna , Szczepaniak Krzysztof , Pianka Dariusz , Kappert Verena , Bujnicki Janusz M. , Skowronek Krzysztof J.
Published: December 2016

Many known endoribonucleases select their substrates based on the presence of one or a few specific nucleotides at or near the cleavage site. In some cases, selectivity is also determined by the structural features of the substrate. We recently described the sequence-specific cleavage of double-stranded RNA by Mini-III RNase from Bacillus subtilis in vitro. Here, we characterized the sequence specificity of eight other members of the Mini-III RNase family from different bacterial species. High-throughput analysis of the cleavage products of Φ6 bacteriophage dsRNA indicated subtle differences in sequence preference between these RNases, which were confirmed and characterized by systematic analysis of the cleavage kinetics of a set of short dsRNA substrates. We also showed that the sequence specificities of Mini-III RNases are not reflected by different binding affinities for cognate and non-cognate sequences, suggesting that target selection occurs predominantly at the cleavage step. We were able to identify two structural elements, the α4 helix and α5b-α6 loop that were involved in target selection. Characterization of the sequence specificity of the eight Mini-III RNases may provide a basis for better understanding RNA substrate recognition by Mini-III RNases and adopting these enzymes and their engineered derivatives as tools for RNA research.
Global proteomic analysis of prenylated proteins in Plasmodium falciparum using an alkyne-modified isoprenoid analogue
Authors: Suazo Kiall F. , Schaber Chad , Palsuledesai Charuta C. , Odom John Audrey R. , Distefano Mark D.
Published: December 2016

Severe malaria due to Plasmodium falciparum infection remains a serious threat to health worldwide and new therapeutic targets are highly desirable. Small molecule inhibitors of prenyl transferases, enzymes that catalyze the post-translational isoprenyl modifications of proteins, exhibit potent antimalarial activity. The antimalarial actions of prenyltransferase inhibitors indicate that protein prenylation is required for malaria parasite development. In this study, we used a chemical biology strategy to experimentally characterize the entire complement of prenylated proteins in the human malaria parasite. In contrast to the expansive mammalian and fungal prenylomes, we find that P. falciparum possesses a restricted set of prenylated proteins. The prenylome of P. falciparum is dominated by Rab GTPases, in addition to a small number of prenylated proteins that also appear to function primarily in membrane trafficking. Overall, we found robust experimental evidence for a total of only thirteen prenylated proteins in P. falciparum, with suggestive evidence for an additional two probable prenyltransferase substrates. Our work contributes to an increasingly complete picture of essential, post-translational hydrophobic modifications in blood-stage P. falciparum.
One-pot synthesis of class II lanthipeptide bovicin HJ50 via an engineered lanthipeptide synthetase
Authors: Wang Jian , Ge Xiaoxuan , Zhang Li , Teng Kunling , Zhong Jin
Published: December 2016

Lanthipeptides are a large class of bacteria-produced, ribosomally-synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides. They are recognized as peptide antibiotics because most of them exhibit potent antimicrobial activities against Gram-positive bacteria especially those that are phylogenetically related to producers. Maturation of class II lanthipeptide like bovicin HJ50 undergoes precursor modification by LanM and a subsequent leader peptide cleavage by LanT. Herein, via co-expression of precursor gene bovA, modification gene bovM and transporter gene bovT in Escherichia coli C43 (DE3), bioactive bovicin HJ50 was successfully produced and secreted. To further achieve in vitro one-pot synthesis of bovicin HJ50, an engineered bovicin HJ50 synthetase BovT150M was obtained by fusing the peptidase domain of BovT (BovT150) to the N-terminus of BovM. BovT150M exhibited dual functions of precursor modification and leader peptide cleavage to release mature bovicin HJ50. Under the guidance of BovA leader peptide, BovT150M exhibited substrate tolerance to modify non-native substrates including suicin and lacticin 481. This work exemplifies the feasibility of enzyme chimera of peptidase domain (LanT150) and modification enzyme (LanM) as a one-pot lanthipeptide synthetase.
Pleiotropic effects of acarbose on atherosclerosis development in rabbits are mediated via upregulating AMPK signals
Authors: Chan Kuei-Chuan , Yu Meng-Hsun , Lin Ming-Cheng , Huang Chien-Ning , Chung Dai-Jung , Lee Yi-Ju , Wu Cheng-Hsun , Wang Chau-Jong
Published: December 2016

Acarbose, an α-glucosidase inhibitor, is reported to reduce the incidence of silent myocardial infarction and slow the progression of intima-media thickening in patients with glucose intolerance. Here we investigate other impacts of acarbose on atherosclerosis development and the underlying mechanisms of atherosclerosis initiation and progression in vivo and in vitro. Rabbits fed a high cholesterol diet (HCD) were treated with acarbose (2.5–5.0 mg kg−1). Immunohistochemistry was used to assess the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), Ras, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), IL-6, β-galactosidase, and p-AMPK in atherosclerotic lesions. Treatment with acarbose in HCD-fed rabbits was found to significantly reduce the severity of aortic atheroma and neointimal expression of α-actin, PCNA, IL-6, TNF-α, Ras, and β-galactosidase; to significantly increase expression of iNOS and p-AMPK, but not to affect serum levels of glucose, total cholesterol, and LDL. Western blot analysis showed acarbose dose-dependently decreased β-galactosidase and Ras expression and increased p-AMPK expression in TNF-α-treated A7r5 cells. In addition, acarbose restored p-AMPK and iNOS levels in AMPK inhibitor- and iNOS inhibitor-treated A7r5 cells, respectively. In conclusion, acarbose can pleiotropically inhibit rabbit atherosclerosis by reducing inflammation, senescence, and VSMCs proliferation/migration via upregulating AMPK signals.
Molecular gated nanoporous anodic alumina for the detection of cocaine
Authors: Ribes Àngela , Xifré -Pérez Elisabet , Aznar Elena , Sancenón Félix , Pardo Teresa , Marsal Lluís F. , Martínez-Máñez Ramόn
Published: December 2016

We present herein the use of nanoporous anodic alumina (NAA) as a suitable support to implement “molecular gates” for sensing applications. In our design, a NAA support is loaded with a fluorescent reporter (rhodamine B) and functionalized with a short single-stranded DNA. Then pores are blocked by the subsequent hybridisation of a specific cocaine aptamer. The response of the gated material was studied in aqueous solution. In a typical experiment, the support was immersed in hybridisation buffer solution in the absence or presence of cocaine. At certain times, the release of rhodamine B from pore voids was measured by fluorescence spectroscopy. The capped NAA support showed poor cargo delivery, but presence of cocaine in the solution selectively induced rhodamine B release. By this simple procedure a limit of detection as low as 5 × 10−7 M was calculated for cocaine. The gated NAA was successfully applied to detect cocaine in saliva samples and the possible re-use of the nanostructures was assessed. Based on these results, we believe that NAA could be a suitable support to prepare optical gated probes with a synergic combination of the favourable features of selected gated sensing systems and NAA.
EEG functional network topology is associated with disability in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Fraschini Matteo , Demuru Matteo , Hillebrand Arjan , Cuccu Lorenza , Porcu Silvia , Di Stefano Francesca , Puligheddu Monica , Floris Gianluca , Borghero Giuseppe , Marrosu Francesco
Published: December 2016

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is one of the most severe neurodegenerative diseases, which is known to affect upper and lower motor neurons. In contrast to the classical tenet that ALS represents the outcome of extensive and progressive impairment of a fixed set of motor connections, recent neuroimaging findings suggest that the disease spreads along vast non-motor connections. Here, we hypothesised that functional network topology is perturbed in ALS, and that this reorganization is associated with disability. We tested this hypothesis in 21 patients affected by ALS at several stages of impairment using resting-state electroencephalography (EEG) and compared the results to 16 age-matched healthy controls. We estimated functional connectivity using the Phase Lag Index (PLI), and characterized the network topology using the minimum spanning tree (MST). We found a significant difference between groups in terms of MST dissimilarity and MST leaf fraction in the beta band. Moreover, some MST parameters (leaf, hierarchy and kappa) significantly correlated with disability. These findings suggest that the topology of resting-state functional networks in ALS is affected by the disease in relation to disability. EEG network analysis may be of help in monitoring and evaluating the clinical status of ALS patients.
Transcriptional Regulation of Notch1 Expression by Nkx6.1 in Neural Stem/Progenitor Cells during Ventral Spinal Cord Development
Authors: Li Ying , Tzatzalos Evangeline , Kwan Kelvin Y. , Grumet Martin , Cai Li
Published: December 2016

Notch1 signaling plays a critical role in maintaining and determining neural stem/progenitor cell (NSPC) fate, yet the transcriptional mechanism controlling Notch1 specific expression in NSPCs remains incomplete. Here, we show transcription factor Nkx6.1 interacts with a cis-element (CR2, an evolutionarily conserved non-coding fragment in the second intron of Notch1 locus) and regulates the expression of Notch1 in ventral NSPCs of the developing spinal cord. We show that the Notch1 expression is modulated by the interaction of Nkx6.1 with a 139 bp enhancer sequence within CR2. Knockdown or overexpression of Nkx6.1 leads to down- or up-regulated Notch1 expression, respectively. In CR2-GFP transgenic mouse, GFP expression was found prominent in the ventricular zone and neural progenitor cells from embryonic day 9.5 to postnatal day 7. GFP+ cells were mainly neural progenitors for interneurons and not for motoneurons or glial cells. Moreover, GFP expression persisted in a subset of ependymal cells in the adult spinal cord, suggesting that CR2 is active in both embryonic and adult NSPCs. Together our data reveal a novel mechanism of Notch1 transcriptional regulation in the ventral spinal cord by Nkx6.1 via its binding with Notch1 enhancer CR2 during embryonic development.
Nano-cones for broadband light coupling to high index substrates
Authors: Buencuerpo J. , Torné L. , Álvaro R. , Llorens J. M. , Dotor M. L. , Ripalda J. M.
Published: December 2016

The moth-eye structure has been proposed several times as an antireflective coating to replace the standard optical thin films. Here, we experimentally demonstrate the feasibility of a dielectric moth-eye structure as an antireflective coating for high-index substrates, like GaAs. The fabricated photonic crystal has Si3N4cones in a square lattice, sitting on top of a TiO2index matching layer. This structure attains 1.4% of reflectance power losses in the operation spectral range of GaAs solar cells (440–870 nm), a 12.5% relative reduction of reflection power losses in comparison with a standard bilayer. The work presented here considers a fabrication process based on laser interference lithography and dry etching, which are compatible with solar cell devices. The experimental results are consistent with scattering matrix simulations of the fabricated structures. In a broader spectral range (400–1800 nm), the simulation estimates that the nanostructure also significantly outperforms the standard bilayer coating (3.1% vs. 4.5% reflection losses), a result of interest for multijunction tandem solar cells.
Electrohydrodynamic-assisted Assembly of Hierarchically Structured, 3D Crumpled Nanostructures for Efficient Solar Conversions
Authors: Ishihara Hidetaka , Chen Yen-Chang , De Marco Nicholas , Lin Oliver , Huang Chih-Meng , Limsakoune Vipawee , Chou Yi-Chia , Yang Yang , Tung Vincent
Published: December 2016

The tantalizing prospect of harnessing the unique properties of graphene crumpled nanostructures continues to fuel tremendous interest in energy storage and harvesting applications. However, the paper ball-like, hard texture, and closed-sphere morphology of current 3D graphitic nanostructure production not only constricts the conductive pathways but also limits the accessible surface area. Here, we report new insights into electrohydrodynamically-generated droplets as colloidal nanoreactors in that the stimuli-responsive nature of reduced graphene oxide can lead to the formation of crumpled nanostructures with a combination of open structures and doubly curved, saddle-shaped edges. In particular, the crumpled nanostructures dynamically adapt to non-spherical, polyhedral shapes under continuous deposition, ultimately assembling into foam-like microstructures with a highly accessible surface area and spatially interconnected transport pathways. The implementation of such crumpled nanostructures as three-dimensional rear contacts for solar conversion applications realize benefits of a high aspect ratio, electrically addressable and energetically favorable interfaces, and substantial enhancement of both short-circuit currents and fill-factors compared to those made of planar graphene counterparts. Further, the 3D crumpled nanostructures may shed lights onto the development of effective electrocatalytic electrodes due to their open structure that simultaneously allows for efficient water flow and hydrogen escape.
NMR studies on the interactions between yeast Vta1 and Did2 during the multivesicular bodies sorting pathway
Authors: Shen Jie , Yang Zhongzheng , Wang Jiaolong , Zhao Bin , Lan Wenxian , Wang Chunxi , Zhang Xu , Wild Cody J. , Liu Maili , Xu Zhaohui , Cao Chunyang
Published: December 2016

As an AAA-ATPase, Vps4 is important for function of multivesicular bodies (MVB) sorting pathway, which involves in cellular phenomena ranging from receptor down-regulation to viral budding to cytokinesis. The activity of Vps4 is stimulated by the interactions between Vta1 N-terminus (named as Vta1NTD) and Did2 fragment (176–204 aa) (termed as Did2176–204) or Vps60 (128–186 aa) (termed as Vps60128–186). The structural basis of how Vta1NTD binds to Did2176–204 is still unclear. To address this, in this report, the structure of Did2176–204 in complex with Vta1NTD was determined by NMR techniques, demonstrating that Did2176–204 interacts with Vta1NTD through its helix α6′ extending over the 2nd and the 3rd α-helices of Vta1NTD microtubule interacting and transport 1 (MIT1) domain. The residues within Did2176–204 helix α6′ in the interface make up of an amino acid sequence as E192′xxL195′xxR198′L199′xxL202′R203′, identical to type 1 MIT-interacting motif (MIM1) (D/E)xxLxxRLxxL(K/R) of CHMP1A180–196 observed in Vps4-CHMP1A complex structure, indicating that Did2 binds to Vta1NTD through canonical MIM1 interactions. Moreover, the Did2 binding does not result in Vta1NTD significant conformational changes, revealing that Did2, similar to Vps60, enhances Vta1 stimulation of Vps4 ATPase activity in an indirect manner.
The metabolic flux regulation of Klebsiella pneumoniae based on quorum sensing system
Authors: Sun Shujing , Zhang Haiyang , Lu Shuyi , Lai Chunfen , Liu Huijun , Zhu Hu
Published: December 2016

Quorum-sensing (QS) systems exist universally in bacteria to regulate multiple biological functions. Klebsiella pneumoniae, an industrially important bacterium that produces bio-based chemicals such as 2,3-butanediol and acetoin, can secrete a furanosyl borate diester (AI-2) as the signalling molecule mediating a QS system, which plays a key regulatory role in the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. In this study, the molecular regulation and metabolic functions of a QS system in K. pneumoniae were investigated. The results showed that after the disruption of AI-2-mediated QS by the knockout of luxS, the production of acetoin, ethanol and acetic acid were relatively lower in the K. pneumoniae mutant than in the wild type bacteria. However, 2,3-butanediol production was increased by 23.8% and reached 54.93 g/L. The observed enhancement may be attributed to the improvement of the catalytic activity of 2,3-butanediol dehydrogenase (BDH) in transforming acetoin to 2,3-butanediol. This possibility is consistent with the RT-PCR-verified increase in the transcriptional level of budC, which encodes BDH. These results also demonstrated that the physiological metabolism of K. pneumoniae was adversely affected by a QS system. This effect was reversed through the addition of synthetic AI-2. This study provides the basis for a QS-modulated metabolic engineering study of K. pneumoniae.
In Silico before In Vivo: how to Predict the Heating Efficiency of Magnetic Nanoparticles within the Intracellular Space
Authors: Sanz Beatriz , Calatayud M. Pilar , De Biasi Emilio , Lima Enio , Mansilla Marcelo Vasquez , Zysler Roberto D. , Ibarra M. Ricardo , Goya Gerardo F.
Published: December 2016

This work aims to demonstrate the need for in silico design via numerical simulation to produce optimal Fe3O4-based magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) for magnetic hyperthermia by minimizing the impact of intracellular environments on heating efficiency. By including the relevant magnetic parameters, such as magnetic anisotropy and dipolar interactions, into a numerical model, the heating efficiency of as prepared colloids was preserved in the intracellular environment, providing the largest in vitro specific power absorption (SPA) values yet reported. Dipolar interactions due to intracellular agglomeration, which are included in the simulated SPA, were found to be the main cause of changes in the magnetic relaxation dynamics of MNPs under in vitro conditions. These results pave the way for the magnetism-based design of MNPs that can retain their heating efficiency in vivo, thereby improving the outcome of clinical hyperthermia experiments.
The secretome of periodontal ligament stem cells from MS patients protects against EAE
Authors: Rajan Thangavelu Soundara , Giacoppo Sabrina , Diomede Francesca , Ballerini Patrizia , Paolantonio Michele , Marchisio Marco , Piattelli Adriano , Bramanti Placido , Mazzon Emanuela , Trubiani Oriana
Published: December 2016

Manipulation of stem cells or stem cells-derived secretome has emerged as a novel alternative therapeutic option for multiple sclerosis (MS). Here we show that human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs)-derived conditioned medium (hPDLSCs-CM) and purified exosomes/microvesicles (hPDLSCs-EMVs) obtained from Relapsing Remitting (RR)-MS patients and healthy donors block experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a mouse model of MS, by inducing anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects in spinal cord and spleen, and reverse disease progression by restoring tissue integrity via remyelination in the spinal cord. We show that hPDLSCs-CM and hPDLSCs-EMVs reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-17, IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and induce anti-inflammatory IL-10. In addition, apoptosis related STAT1, p53, Caspase 3, and Bax expressions were attenuated. Our findings unravel the immunosuppressive effects of hPDLSCs-CM and hPDLSCs-EMVs in EAE mice, and suggest simple alternative autologous source for patient-customized cell-free targeting treatment in MS patients.
Subwavelength InSb-based Slot wavguides for THz transport: concept and practical implementations
Authors: Ma Youqiao , Zhou Jun , Pištora Jaromír , Eldlio Mohamed , Nguyen-Huu Nghia , Maeda Hiroshi , Wu Qiang , Cada Michael
Published: December 2016

Seeking better surface plasmon polariton (SPP) waveguides is of critical importance to construct the frequency-agile terahertz (THz) front-end circuits. We propose and investigate here a new class of semiconductor-based slot plasmonic waveguides for subwavelength THz transport. Optimizations of the key geometrical parameters demonstrate its better guiding properties for simultaneous realization of long propagation lengths (up to several millimeters) and ultra-tight mode confinement (~λ2/530) in the THz spectral range. The feasibility of the waveguide for compact THz components is also studied to lay the foundations for its practical implementations. Importantly, the waveguide is compatible with the current complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) fabrication technique. We believe the proposed waveguide configuration could offer a potential for developing a CMOS plasmonic platform and can be designed into various components for future integrated THz circuits (ITCs).
Direct determination of phenolic acids and hydroxymethylfurfural in wines elaborated in Vale do São Francisco region-Brazil by HPLC DAD
Authors: de Souza Dias Fábio , Lovillo Miguel Palma , Barroso Carmelo G. , Carneiro Angélica Fagundes , David Jorge Mauricio
Published: December 2016

We describe a direct method to determine gallic acid, hydroxymethylfurfural, vanillic, caffeic, p-coumaric, ferulic, caftaric, cis-coutaric, fertaric and trans-coutaric acids in red wines by direct injection using reverse phase HPLC.
Development of molecularly imprinted polymers specific for blood antigens for application in antibody-free blood typing
Authors: Piletsky S. S. , Rabinowicz S. , Yang Z. , Zagar C. , Piletska E. V. , Guerreiro A. , Piletsky S. A.
Published: December 2016

A novel system for blood type testing is developed based on the first molecularly imprinted nanoparticles specific to oligosaccharides.
A non-chiral lithium aluminate reagent for the determination of enantiomeric excess of chiral alcohols
Authors: García-Rodríguez Raúl , Hanf Schirin , Bond Andrew D. , Wright Dominic S.
Published: December 2016

Here we illustrate a new method for the rapid determination of ee's of chiral alcohols using the thermally-stable, non-chiral lithium aluminate reagent [EtAl(6-Me-2-py)3Li] (1).
Effect of doping and chemical ordering on the optoelectronic properties of complex oxides: Fe2O3–V2O3 solid solutions and hetero-structures
Authors: Nayyar Iffat H. , Chamberlin Sara E. , Kaspar Tiffany C. , Govind Niranjan , Chambers Scott A. , Sushko Peter V.
Published: December 2016

Hybridization of one-electron states near the band edges lowers the onset of photoexcitations in layered phase-separated superlattices.
Photoelectrochemical water splitting with a SrTiO3:Nb/SrTiO3 n+–n homojunction structure
Authors: Cen Jiajie , Wu Qiyuan , Yan Danhua , Tao Jing , Kisslinger Kim , Liu Mingzhao , Orlov Alexander
Published: December 2016

An n+–n homojunction, which was constructed by thermal diffusion of niobium in STO, was found to make a significant impact on the performance of the STO photoanodes by affecting their depletion width.
Organic sensitizers featuring thiophene derivative based donors with improved stability and photovoltaic performance
Authors: Miao Kai , Liang Mao , Wang Zhihui , Zhang Chunyao , Sun Zhe , Xue Song
Published: December 2016

Thiophene derivatives, including thieno[3,2-b][1]benzothiophene (TBT), benzo[b]thiophene (BT), 2-phenylthieno[3,2-b]thiophene (PTT) and 2-phenylthiophene (PT), have been introduced as donor for construction triarylamine organic dyes.
Water aggregation and dissociation on the ZnO(101̄0) surface
Authors: Kenmoe Stephane , Biedermann P. Ulrich
Published: December 2016

DFT studies reveal a hierarchy of water aggregates including dimers, quasi-1D ladders and a novel honeycomb-double monolayer.
Slow magnetic relaxation in a dimeric Mn2Ca2 complex enabled by the large Mn(iii) rhombicity
Authors: Arauzo Ana , Bartolomé Elena , Benniston Andrew C. , Melnic Silvia , Shova Sergiu , Luzón Javier , Alonso Pablo J. , Barra Anne-Laure , Bartolomé Juan
Published: December 2016

A large single-ion transverse anisotropy at Mn(iii) sites induces slow magnetic relaxation at zero magnetic field of the ferromagnetic Mn dimers in a singular Mn2Ca2 complex.
The mechanism of selective catalytic reduction of NOx on Cu-SSZ-13 – a computational study
Authors: Crandell Douglas W. , Zhu Haiyang , Yang Xiaofan , Hochmuth John , Baik Mu-Hyun
Published: December 2016

The copper-exchanged aluminosilicate zeolite SSZ-13 is a leading catalyst for the selective catalytic reduction of NO.
Tuning the iron redox state inside a microporous porphyrinic metal organic framework
Authors: Abeykoon Brian , Grenèche Jean-Marc , Jeanneau Erwann , Chernyshov Dmitry , Goutaudier Christelle , Demessence Aude , Devic Thomas , Fateeva Alexandra
Published: December 2016

Tuning the iron redox state inside a microporous porphyrinic metal organic framework.
Structures and magnetic properties of dysprosium complexes: the effect of crystallization temperature
Authors: Guo Mei , Wang Yue , Wu Jianfeng , Zhao Lang , Tang Jinkui
Published: December 2016

Mononuclear and dinuclear Dy(iii) complexes were isolated at different crystallization temperatures from the reaction of a 1,8-naphthalenediol-based ligand with dysprosium(iii) nitrate and show distinct slow relaxation behaviour.
Introductory lecture: sunlight-driven water splitting and carbon dioxide reduction by heterogeneous semiconductor systems as key processes in artificial photosynthesis
Authors: Hisatomi Takashi , Domen Kazunari
Published: December 2016

Both solar water splitting and carbon dioxide reduction using semiconductor systems have been studied as important components of artificial photosynthesis. This paper describes the various photovoltaic-powered electrochemical, photoelectrochemical and photocatalytic processes. An overview of the state-of-the-art is presented along with a summary of recent research approaches. A concept developed by our own research group in which fixed particulate photocatalysts are applied to scalable solar water splitting is discussed. Finally, a description of a possible artificial photosynthesis plant is presented, along with a discussion of the economic aspects of operating such a plant and potential reactor designs.
Phosphorus containing materials for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution
Authors: Hu Zhuofeng , Shen Zhurui , Yu Jimmy C.
Published: December 2016

Hydrogen from photocatalytic water splitting is a sustainable and renewable source of clean energy.
Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry: insights through computer modeling
Authors: Bogaerts Annemie , Aghaei Maryam
Published: December 2016

We illustrate how modeling can give better insight in ICP-MS, by showing calculated plasma characteristics, gas flow patterns and sample behavior.
Atomic spectrometry update – a review of advances in environmental analysis
Authors: Butler Owen T. , Cairns Warren R. L. , Cook Jennifer M. , Davidson Christine M.
Published: December 2016

This review covers advances in the analysis of air, water, plants, soils and geological materials by a range of atomic spectrometric techniques including atomic emission, absorption, fluorescence and mass spectrometry.
Vanadium and zinc complexes of 5-cyanopicolinate and pyrazine derivatives: synthesis, structural elucidation and in vitro insulino-mimetic activity study
Authors: Koleša-Dobravc Tanja , Maejima Keiichi , Yoshikawa Yutaka , Meden Anton , Yasui Hiroyuki , Perdih Franc
Published: December 2016

Inhibition of free fatty acid release from rat adipocytes was observed for vanadium(iv), vanadium(v) and zinc(ii) complexes.
The synthesis of hollow MoS2 nanospheres assembled by ultrathin nanosheets for an enhanced energy storage performance
Authors: Li Chuang , Li Jinquan , Wang Zhaojie , Zhang Shuo , Wei Guijuan , Zhang Jun , Wang Hui , An Changhua
Published: December 2016

Hollow MoS2 nanospheres with enhanced energy storage performance has been synthesized from core–shell ZnS@MoS2 nanostructures.
Synthesis, structural analysis, antimicrobial evaluation and synergistic studies of imidazo[1,2-a]pyrimidine chalcogenides
Authors: Sharma Nidhi , Kumar Sanjeev , Maurya Indresh K. , Bhasin K. K. , Verma Ajay , Wangoo Nishima , Bhasin Aman K. K. , Mehta S. K. , Kumar Sangit , Sharma Rohit K.
Published: December 2016

Synthesis and structural analysis of novel imidazo[1,2-a]pyrimidine chalcogenides exhibiting effective antimicrobial activity and synergistic effects with known antibiotics have been reported.
SABRE hyperpolarisation of vitamin B3 as a function of pH
Authors: Olaru A. M. , Burns M. J. , Green G. G. R. , Duckett S. B.
Published: December 2016

NMR sensitivity enhanced through SABRE hyperpolarisation and pH manipulation enables the use of vitamin B3 as a pH probe.
Prediction of superconducting iron–bismuth intermetallic compounds at high pressure
Authors: Amsler Maximilian , Naghavi S. Shahab , Wolverton Chris
Published: December 2016

We report the discovery of novel iron-bismuth compounds, FeBi2and FeBi3, at high-pressure.
Conductive graphene oxide hydrogels reduced and bridged by l-cysteine to support cell adhesion and growth
Authors: Wang Yifan , Xiao Ying , Gao Guorong , Chen Jing , Hou Ruixia , Wang Qiang , Liu Li , Fu Jun
Published: December 2016

l-Cysteine reduces and bridges graphene oxide into a network, yielding conductive hydrogels nicely supporting cell adhesion and growth.
First detection of hydrogen in the β Pictoris gas disk
Authors: Wilson P. A. , Lecavelier des Etangs A. , Vidal-Madjar A. , Bourrier V. , Hébrard G. , Kiefer F. , Beust H. , Ferlet R. , Lagrange A.-M.
Published: December 2016

The young and nearby star β Pictoris (β Pic) is surrounded by a debris disk composed of dust and gas known to host a myriad evaporating exocomets, planetesimals and at least one planet. At an edge-on inclination, as seen from Earth, this system is ideal for debris disk studies providing an excellent opportunity to use absorption spectroscopy to study the planet forming environment. Using the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph (COS) instrument on the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) we observe the most abundant element in the disk, hydrogen, through the H I Lyman α (Ly-α) line. We present a new technique to decrease the contamination of the Ly-α line by geocoronal airglow in COS spectra. This Airglow Virtual Motion (AVM) technique allows us to shift the Ly-α line of the astrophysical target away from the contaminating airglow emission revealing more of the astrophysical line profile. This new AVM technique, together with subtraction of an airglow emission map, allows us to analyse the shape of the β Pic Ly-α emission line profile and from it, calculate the column density of neutral hydrogen surrounding β Pic. The column density of hydrogen in the β Pic stable gas disk at the stellar radial velocity is measured to be log (NH/ 1 cm2) ≪ 18.5. The Ly-α emission line profile is found to be asymmetric and we propose that this is caused by H I falling in towards the star with a bulk radial velocity of 41 ± 6 km s-1 relative to β Pic and a column density of log (NH/ 1 cm2) = 18.6 ± 0.1. The high column density of hydrogen relative to the hydrogen content of CI chondrite meteorites indicates that the bulk of the hydrogen gas does not come from the dust in the disk. This column density reveals a hydrogen abundance much lower than solar, which excludes the possibility that the detected hydrogen could be a remnant of the protoplanetary disk or gas expelled by the star. We hypothesise that the hydrogen gas observed falling towards the star arises from the dissociation of water originating from evaporating exocomets.