bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Atmospheric Deposition-Carried Zn and Cd from a Zinc Smelter and Their Effects on Soil Microflora as Revealed by 16S rDNA
Authors: Shen Feng , Li Yanxia , Zhang Min , Awasthi Mukesh Kumar , Ali Amjad , Li Ronghua , Wang Quan , Zhang Zengqiang
Published: December 2016

In this study, we investigated the influence of heavy metals (HM) on total soil bacterial population and its diversity pattern from 10 km distance of a Zinc smelter in Feng County, Qinling Mountain, China. We characterized and identified the bacterial community in a HM polluted soil using 16S rDNA technology. Out results indicated that the maximum soil HM concentration and the minimum bacterial population were observed in S2 soil, whereas bacterial diversity raised with the sampling distance increased. The bacterial communities were dominated by the phyla Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria and Actinobacteria in cornfield soils, except Fimicutes phylum which dominated in hilly area soil. The soil CEC, humic acid (HA)/fulvic acid (FA) and microbial OTUs increased with the sampling distance increased. Shewanella, Halomonas and Escherichia genera were highly tolerant to HM stress in both cultivated and non-cultivated soil. Finally, we found a consistent correlation of bacterial diversity with total HM and SOM along the sampling distance surrounding the zinc smelter, which could provide a new insight into the bacterial community-assisted and phytoremediation of HM contaminated soils.
Ecology and biogeography of megafauna and macrofauna at the first known deep-sea hydrothermal vents on the ultraslow-spreading Southwest Indian Ridge
Authors: Copley J. T. , Marsh L. , Glover A. G. , Hühnerbach V. , Nye V. E. , Reid W. D. K. , Sweeting C. J. , Wigham B. D. , Wiklund H.
Published: December 2016

The Southwest Indian Ridge is the longest section of very slow to ultraslow-spreading seafloor in the global mid-ocean ridge system, but the biogeography and ecology of its hydrothermal vent fauna are previously unknown. We collected 21 macro- and megafaunal taxa during the first Remotely Operated Vehicle dives to the Longqi vent field at 37° 47′S 49° 39′E, depth 2800 m. Six species are not yet known from other vents, while six other species are known from the Central Indian Ridge, and morphological and molecular analyses show that two further polychaete species are shared with vents beyond the Indian Ocean. Multivariate analysis of vent fauna across three oceans places Longqi in an Indian Ocean province of vent biogeography. Faunal zonation with increasing distance from vents is dominated by the gastropods Chrysomallon squamiferum and Gigantopelta aegis, mussel Bathymodiolus marisindicus, and Neolepas sp. stalked barnacle. Other taxa occur at lower abundance, in some cases contrasting with abundances at other vent fields, and δ13C and δ15N isotope values of species analysed from Longqi are similar to those of shared or related species elsewhere. This study provides baseline ecological observations prior to mineral exploration activities licensed at Longqi by the United Nations.
Simulated effects of nitrogen saturation on the global carbon budget using the IBIS model
Authors: Lu Xuehe , Jiang Hong , Liu Jinxun , Zhang Xiuying , Jin Jiaxin , Zhu Qiuan , Zhang Zhen , Peng Changhui
Published: December 2016

Over the past 100 years, human activity has greatly changed the rate of atmospheric N (nitrogen) deposition in terrestrial ecosystems, resulting in N saturation in some regions of the world. The contribution of N saturation to the global carbon budget remains uncertain due to the complicated nature of C-N (carbon-nitrogen) interactions and diverse geography. Although N deposition is included in most terrestrial ecosystem models, the effect of N saturation is frequently overlooked. In this study, the IBIS (Integrated BIosphere Simulator) was used to simulate the global-scale effects of N saturation during the period 1961–2009. The results of this model indicate that N saturation reduced global NPP (Net Primary Productivity) and NEP (Net Ecosystem Productivity) by 0.26 and 0.03 Pg C yr−1, respectively. The negative effects of N saturation on carbon sequestration occurred primarily in temperate forests and grasslands. In response to elevated CO2 levels, global N turnover slowed due to increased biomass growth, resulting in a decline in soil mineral N. These changes in N cycling reduced the impact of N saturation on the global carbon budget. However, elevated N deposition in certain regions may further alter N saturation and C-N coupling.
Arsenic resistance strategy in Pantoea sp. IMH: Organization, function and evolution of ars genes
Authors: Wang Liying , Zhuang Xuliang , Zhuang Guoqiang , Jing Chuanyong
Published: December 2016

Pantoea sp. IMH is the only bacterium found in genus Pantoea with a high As resistance capacity, but its molecular mechanism is unknown. Herein, the organization, function, and evolution of ars genes in IMH are studied starting with analysis of the whole genome. Two ars systems - ars1 (arsR1B1C1H1) and ars2 (arsR2B2C2H2) - with low sequence homology and two arsC-like genes, were found in the IMH genome. Both ars1 and ars2 are involved in the As resistance, where ars1 is the major contributor at 15 °C and ars2 at 30 °C. The difference in the behavior of these two ars systems is attributed to the disparate activities of their arsR promoters at different temperatures. Sequence analysis based on concatenated ArsRBC indicates that ars1 and ars2 clusters may be acquired from Franconibacter helveticus LMG23732 and Serratia marcescens (plasmid R478), respectively, by horizontal gene transfer (HGT). Nevertheless, two arsC-like genes, probably arising from the duplication of arsC, do not contribute to the As resistance. Our results indicate that Pantoea sp. IMH acquired two different As resistance genetic systems by HGT, allowing the colonization of changing ecosystems, and highlighting the flexible adaptation of microorganisms to resist As.
A single high dose of dexamethasone affects the phosphorylation state of glutamate AMPA receptors in the human limbic system
Authors: Lopes M W , Leal R B , Guarnieri R , Schwarzbold M L , Hoeller A , Diaz A P , Boos G L , Lin K , Linhares M N , Nunes J C , Quevedo J , Bortolotto Z A , Markowitsch H J , Lightman S L , Walz R
Published: December 2016

Glucocorticoids (GC) released during stress response exert feedforward effects in the whole brain, but particularly in the limbic circuits that modulates cognition, emotion and behavior. GC are the most commonly prescribed anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant medication worldwide and pharmacological GC treatment has been paralleled by the high incidence of acute and chronic neuropsychiatric side effects, which reinforces the brain sensitivity for GC. Synapses can be bi-directionally modifiable via potentiation (long-term potentiation, LTP) or depotentiation (long-term depression, LTD) of synaptic transmission efficacy, and the phosphorylation state of Ser831 and Ser845 sites, in the GluA1 subunit of the glutamate AMPA receptors, are a critical event for these synaptic neuroplasticity events. Through a quasi-randomized controlled study, we show that a single high dexamethasone dose significantly reduces in a dose-dependent manner the levels of GluA1-Ser831 phosphorylation in the amygdala resected during surgery for temporal lobe epilepsy. This is the first report demonstrating GC effects on key markers of synaptic neuroplasticity in the human limbic system. The results contribute to understanding how GC affects the human brain under physiologic and pharmacologic conditions.
Gold(i)-catalyzed 6-endo-dig azide–yne cyclization: efficient access to 2H-1,3-oxazines
Authors: Lonca Geoffroy Hervé , Tejo Ciputra , Chan Hui Ling , Chiba Shunsuke , Gagosz Fabien
Published: December 2016

Denitrogenative 6-endo-dig azide–yne cyclization of α-propargyloxy-β-haloalkylazides was enabled by gold catalysis, thus providing 2H-1,3-oxazines.
Porous nanopeapod Pd catalyst with excellent stability and efficiency
Authors: Chen Xuecheng , Zhang Chao , Kalenczuk Ryszard J. , Chu Paul K. , Zhang Dengsong , Tang Tao , Mijowska Ewa
Published: December 2016

Mesoporous peapod structured Pd@m-C/SiO2 catalyst showed high efficiency and stability for the reduction of nitrobenzene by H2 and NO by NH3 because of its novel nanostructure rending Pd nanoparticles highly active in these chemical reactions.
Dual aggregation-induced emission for enhanced fluorescence sensing of furin activity in vitro and in living cells
Authors: Liu Xiaomei , Liang Gaolin
Published: December 2016

A dual aggregation-induced emission probe was designed for effectively sensing furin activityin vitroand in living cells.
Gas diffusion on graphene surfaces
Authors: Sun Chengzhen , Bai Bofeng
Published: December 2016

Gas diffusion on graphene surfaces is a two-dimensional gas behavior, controlled not by the hopping mechanism but by molecular collisions.
The strongest CO binding and the highest C–O stretching frequency
Authors: Saha Ranajit , Pan Sudip , Frenking Gernot , Chattaraj Pratim K. , Merino Gabriel
Published: December 2016

OCBeSO4 has the highest C–O stretching frequency among the neutral carbonyls which is a consequence of the largest OC→BeSO4 σ-donation along with the smallest OC←BeSO4 π-back-donation.
Pore size and concentration effect of mesoporous silica nanoparticles on the coefficient of thermal expansion and optical transparency of poly(ether sulfone) films
Authors: Vo Nhat Tri , Patra Astam K. , Kim Dukjoon
Published: December 2016

A mesoporous silica nanoparticle filler that drastically enhances the dimensional thermal stability without sacrificing the optical properties of poly(ether sulfone) films was reported.
Photochemical behavior of biosupramolecular assemblies of photosensitizers, cucurbit[n]urils and albumins
Authors: Cáceres Javiera , Robinson-Duggon José , Tapia Anita , Paiva Constanza , Gómez Matías , Bohne Cornelia , Fuentealba Denis
Published: December 2016

Biosupramolecular assemblies combining cucurbit[n]urils (CB[n]s) and proteins for the targeted delivery of drugs have the potential to improve the photoactivity of photosensitizers used in the photodynamic therapy of cancer.
Aryl-NHC-group 13 trimethyl complexes: structural, stability and bonding insights
Authors: Wu Melissa M. , Gill Arran M. , Yunpeng Lu , Yongxin Li , Ganguly Rakesh , Falivene Laura , García Felipe
Published: December 2016

Treatment of aromatic N-substituted N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) with trimethylgallium and -indium yielded the new Lewis acid–base adducts (as shown in the Figure). The steric and electronic factors affecting the stability of these complexes were quantified using percent buried volume, topographic steric maps and theoretical studies.
Surface acoustic wave enabled pipette on a chip
Authors: Sesen Muhsincan , Devendran Citsabehsan , Malikides Sean , Alan Tuncay , Neild Adrian
Published: December 2016

Presented here is an automated microfluidic platform, pipette on a chip, capable of selectively pipetting subsamples from mobile droplets in the picoliter range with high accuracy using a non-contact approach. The system utilizes acoustic forces, is modular and robust allowing integration with existing lab on a chip devices.
Metabolomics and proteomics technologies to explore the herbal preparation affecting metabolic disorders using high resolution mass spectrometry
Authors: Zhang Aihua , Zhou Xiaohang , Zhao Hongwei , Zou Shiyu , Ma Chung Wah , Liu Qi , Sun Hui , Liu Liang , Wang Xijun
Published: December 2016

An integrative metabolomics and proteomics approach can provide novel insights in the understanding of biological systems.
Computational study on C–B homolytic bond dissociation enthalpies of organoboron compounds
Authors: Wang JiaoYang , Zheng WenRui , Ding LanLan , Wang YingXing
Published: December 2016

The theoretical study of three hybridized C–B BDEs with different substituents can provide corresponding guidance to experimental research studies.
Successive surface engineering of TiO2 compact layers via dual modification of fullerene derivatives affording hysteresis-suppressed high-performance perovskite solar cells
Authors: Zhou Weiran , Zhen Jieming , Liu Qing , Fang Zhimin , Li Dan , Zhou Pengcheng , Chen Tao , Yang Shangfeng
Published: December 2016

A new successive surface engineering method via a dual modification of TiO2 compact layer by PC61BM and C60-ETA was developed, affording dramatic efficiency enhancement with suppressed-hysteresis current–voltage response.
Mixed-valence NaSb3O7 support toward improved electrocatalytic performance in the oxygen-reduction reaction
Authors: Deepthi Koolath Ramakrishnan , Ramesh Gubbala V. , Kodiyath Rajesh , Murphin Kumar Paskalis Sahaya , Dakshanamoorthy Arivuoli , Abe Hideki
Published: December 2016

Mixed-valence NaSb3O7 (NaSb3+Sb25+O7) acts as an efficient promoter for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) due to electron hopping between the Sb3+ and Sb5+ cations.
Electrolyte-imprinted graphene oxide–chitosan chelate with copper crosslinked composite electrodes for intense cyclic-stable, flexible supercapacitors
Authors: Selvam S. , Balamuralitharan B. , Jegatheeswaran S. , Kim Mi-Young , Karthick S. N. , Anandha Raj J. , Boomi P. , Sundrarajan M. , Prabakar K. , Kim Hee-Je
Published: December 2016

Electrolyte-imprinted and copper crosslinked hybrid flexible electrodes have been considered as long-term stability supercapacitors.
A TiO2 embedded structure for perovskite solar cells with anomalous grain growth and effective electron extraction
Authors: Wei Dong , Ji Jun , Song Dandan , Li Meicheng , Cui Peng , Li Yaoyao , Mbengue Joseph Michel , Zhou Wenjia , Ning Zhijun , Park Nam-Gyu
Published: December 2016

The embedded structure of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is a novel structure, which possesses excellent photovoltaic performance and better long-term stability than the mesoporous or planar structure.
Bio-engineered electrospun nanofibrous membranes using cartilage extracellular matrix particles
Authors: Masaeli Elahe , Karamali Fereshte , Loghmani Shahriar , Eslaminejad Mohamadreza Baghaban , Nasr-Esfahani Mohammad Hossein
Published: December 2016

Functionalized nanofibrous scaffolds with decellularized ECM (DECM) particles can mimic the natural motifs of cartilage ECMs and enhance chondro-inductivity for tissue engineering applications.
Synthesis of gadolinium oxide nanodisks and gadolinium doped iron oxide nanoparticles for MR contrast agents
Authors: Singh Gurvinder , McDonagh Birgitte Hjelmeland , Hak Sjoerd , Peddis Davide , Bandopadhyay Sulalit , Sandvig Ioanna , Sandvig Axel , Glomm Wilhelm R.
Published: December 2016

Herein, we report the synthesis of differently sized gadolinium oxide nanodisks and gadolinium doped iron oxide spherical and cubic nanoparticles through the thermal decomposition of an oleate precursor.
Vocabulary Development in European Portuguese: A Replication Study Using the Language Development Survey
Authors: Rescorla Leslie , Nyame Josephine , Dias Pedro
Published: December 2016

Purpose

Our objective was to replicate previous cross-linguistic findings by comparing Portuguese and U.S. children with respect to (a) effects of language, gender, and age on vocabulary size; (b) lexical composition; and (c) late talking.

Method

We used the Language Development Survey (LDS; Rescorla, 1989) with children (18–35 months) learning European Portuguese (
n
= 181) and English (
n
= 206).

Results

In both languages, girls had higher vocabulary scores than boys and vocabulary scores increased with age. Portuguese LDS scores were significantly lower than English scores, but the effect size was small. Cross-linguistic concordance of percentage use scores yielded a
Q
correlation of .50, with 64 of the “top 100” words being exact matches. Cross-linguistic concordance was highest for the youngest age group. In both languages, vocabulary composition in late talkers (children ≥ 24 months with < 50 words) was highly correlated with composition in vocabulary size-matched younger children.

Conclusions

Results replicated previous Greek, Korean, and Italian LDS studies. The early lexicons of typical talkers and late talkers contained many of the same words, indicating considerable universality and suggesting good targets for clinical intervention.
On‐line passive intermodulation test method for conductive coatings
Authors: Chen Xiong , He Yongning
Published: December 2016

An on‐line passive intermodulation test method for conductive coating is presented. A split‐type rectangular coaxial line is working as test fixture. As the standing wave of this test fixture can stay small in the replacement of coating samples, passive intermodulation test can always continue. By using this test method, several coatings are rapidly distinguished from their different passive intermodulation performance. A fast passive intermodulation test method for coatings is demonstrated.
Dilatation of Vascular Prostheses in Ascending Aortic Position: A Long-Term Follow-Up Computed Tomography Study with Comparison of Different Measurement Methods
Authors: Endlich Matthias , Krämer Christian , Probst Chris , Welz Armin , Wilhelm Kai , Schiller Wolfgang , Hamiko Marwan
Published: December 2016

Background The aim of this study was to evaluate long-term dilatation of Hemashield Gold and Hemashield Platinum vascular prostheses in ascending aortic position using different measurement methods to obtain precise results.

Methods Between 1999 and 2007, 73 patients with Stanford type A dissection received ascending aortic replacement with Hemashield Gold and Hemashield Platinum prostheses. Measurements were performed using multiplanar reconstruction mode of electrocardiogram (ECG)-gated, multislice spiral computed tomography (MSCT) in strictly orthogonal cross-sectional planes. Different methods of measurement were compared and maximum dilatation was estimated for different time spans.

Results Diameters calculated from the measured circumference showed a significant (p = 0.037) but clinically not relevant difference (0.1 mm) to the mean between the largest and the shortest cross-sectional diameter of the prosthesis. Dilatation after 24.2 ± 10.2 months was 8.5 ± 4.5%. Long-term dilatation after 91.8 ± 34 months amounted to 11.8 ± 4.2%.

Conclusion Based on ECG-gated MSCT images, the presented methods of measurement provided reliable results. Long-term analysis shows low dilatation rates for Hemashield prostheses, which therefore can be considered as safe from this point of view. Nevertheless, a maximal dilatation of 20% could be relevant in valve sparing root replacement. It remains unclear if a dilatation like this contributes to the formation of suture aneurysms.
Umstellung des Therapieschemas pro re nata (PRN) auf Treat and Extend (T&E) in der intravitrealen Therapie mit Anti-VEGF-Medikamenten in der Praxis oder kleineren Institutionen
Authors: Imesch P. , Sarra G.-M.
Published: December 2016

Im klinischen Alltag ist das Pro-re-nata-Regime (PRN) weniger gut planbar, bedarf häufigerer Termine und bringt weniger gute klinische Ergebnisse als Treat and Extend (T&E). Aktuelle Literatur spricht für den Nutzen eines Regimewechsels, jedoch fehlt eine praktische Richtlinie. „Best-Practice“-Empfehlungen für die Praxis oder kleinere Institutionen werden hier für alle 3 Phasen angeboten: a) Vorbereitungsphase mit Ändern der Terminorganisation, Schulung von Personal und Patienten, Definieren von Qualitätsparametern, Definieren des Umstellungsschemas (Umstellung für alle zu Termin X oder individuell bei Verschlechterung); b) Umstellungsphase (erhöhter Ressourcenbedarf durch zunächst verkürzte Behandlungsintervalle) und c) Folgephase (Qualitätskontrolle).
Methods for modeling non-equilibrium degenerate statistics and quantum-confined scattering in 3D ensemble Monte Carlo transport simulations
Authors: Crum Dax M. , Valsaraj Amithraj , David John K. , Register Leonard F. , Banerjee Sanjay K.
Published: December 2016

Particle-based ensemble semi-classical Monte Carlo (MC) methods employ quantum corrections (QCs) to address quantum confinement and degenerate carrier populations to model tomorrow's ultra-scaled metal-oxide-semiconductor-field-effect-transistors. Here, we present the most complete treatment of quantum confinement and carrier degeneracy effects in a three-dimensional (3D) MC device simulator to date, and illustrate their significance through simulation of n-channel Si and III-V FinFETs. Original contributions include our treatment of far-from-equilibrium degenerate statistics and QC-based modeling of surface-roughness scattering, as well as considering quantum-confined phonon and ionized-impurity scattering in 3D. Typical MC simulations approximate degenerate carrier populations as Fermi distributions to model the Pauli-blocking (PB) of scattering to occupied final states. To allow for increasingly far-from-equilibrium non-Fermi carrier distributions in ultra-scaled and III-V devices, we instead generate the final-state occupation probabilities used for PB by sampling the local carrier populations as function of energy and energy valley. This process is aided by the use of fractional carriers or sub-carriers, which minimizes classical carrier-carrier scattering intrinsically incompatible with degenerate statistics. Quantum-confinement effects are addressed through quantum-correction potentials (QCPs) generated from coupled Schrödinger-Poisson solvers, as commonly done. However, we use these valley- and orientation-dependent QCPs not just to redistribute carriers in real space, or even among energy valleys, but also to calculate confinement-dependent phonon, ionized-impurity, and surface-roughness scattering rates. FinFET simulations are used to illustrate the contributions of each of these QCs. Collectively, these quantum effects can substantially reduce and even eliminate otherwise expected benefits of considered In0.53Ga0.47As FinFETs over otherwise identical Si FinFETs despite higher thermal velocities in In0.53Ga0.47As. It also may be possible to extend these basic uses of QCPs, however calculated, to still more computationally efficient drift-diffusion and hydrodynamic simulations, and the basic concepts even to compact device modeling.
Quantum heat current under non-perturbative and non-Markovian conditions: Applications to heat machines
Authors: Kato Akihito , Tanimura Yoshitaka
Published: December 2016

We consider a quantum system strongly coupled to multiple heat baths at different temperatures. Quantum heat transport phenomena in this system are investigated using two definitions of the heat current: one in terms of the system energy and the other in terms of the bath energy. When we consider correlations among system-bath interactions (CASBIs)—which have a purely quantum mechanical origin—the definition in terms of the bath energy becomes different. We found that CASBIs are necessary to maintain the consistency of the heat current with thermodynamic laws in the case of strong system-bath coupling. However, within the context of the quantum master equation approach, both of these definitions are identical. Through a numerical investigation, we demonstrate this point for a non-equilibrium spin-boson model and a three-level heat engine model using the reduced hierarchal equations of motion approach under the strongly coupled and non-Markovian conditions. We observe the cyclic behavior of the heat currents and the work performed by the heat engine, and we find that their phases depend on the system-bath coupling strength. Through consideration of the bath heat current, we show that the efficiency of the heat engine decreases as the strength of the system-bath coupling increases, due to the CASBI contribution. In the case of a large system-bath coupling, the efficiency decreases further if the bath temperature is increased, even if the ratio of the bath temperatures is fixed, due to the discretized nature of energy eigenstates. This is also considered to be a unique feature of quantum heat engines.
On the origin of interface states at oxide/III-nitride heterojunction interfaces
Authors: Matys M. , Adamowicz B. , Domanowska A. , Michalewicz A. , Stoklas R. , Akazawa M. , Yatabe Z. , Hashizume T.
Published: December 2016

The energy spectrum of interface state density, Dit(E), was determined at oxide/III-N heterojunction interfaces in the entire band gap, using two complementary photo-electric methods: (i) photo-assisted capacitance-voltage technique for the states distributed near the midgap and the conduction band (CB) and (ii) light intensity dependent photo-capacitance method for the states close to the valence band (VB). In addition, the Auger electron spectroscopy profiling was applied for the characterization of chemical composition of the interface region with the emphasis on carbon impurities, which can be responsible for the interface state creation. The studies were performed for the AlGaN/GaN metal-insulator-semiconductor heterostructures (MISH) with Al2O3 and SiO2 dielectric films and AlxGa1–x layers with x varying from 0.15 to 0.4 as well as for an Al2O3/InAlN/GaN MISH structure. For all structures, it was found that: (i) Dit(E) is an U-shaped continuum increasing from the midgap towards the CB and VB edges and (ii) interface states near the VB exhibit donor-like character. Furthermore, Dit(E) for SiO2/AlxGa1–x/GaN structures increased with rising x. It was also revealed that carbon impurities are not present in the oxide/III-N interface region, which indicates that probably the interface states are not related to carbon, as previously reported. Finally, it was proven that the obtained Dit(E) spectrum can be well fitted using a formula predicted by the disorder induced gap state model. This is an indication that the interface states at oxide/III-N interfaces can originate from the structural disorder of the interfacial region. Furthermore, at the oxide/barrier interface we revealed the presence of the positive fixed charge (QF) which is not related to Dit(E) and which almost compensates the negative polarization charge (Qpol−).
Ultrasensitive self-powered large area planar GaN UV-photodetector using reduced graphene oxide electrodes
Authors: Prakash Nisha , Singh Manjri , Kumar Gaurav , Barvat Arun , Anand Kritika , Pal Prabir , Singh Surinder P. , Khanna Suraj P.
Published: December 2016

A simplistic design of a self-powered UV-photodetector device based on hybrid reduced-graphene-oxide (r-GO)/gallium nitride (GaN) is demonstrated. Under zero bias, the fabricated hybrid photodetector shows a photosensivity of ∼85% while the ohmic contact GaN photodetector with an identical device structure exhibits only ∼5.3% photosensivity at 350 nm illumination (18 μW/cm2). The responsivity and detectivity of the hybrid device were found to be 1.54 mA/W and 1.45 × 1010 Jones (cm Hz½ W−1), respectively, at zero bias with fast response (60 ms), recovery time (267 ms), and excellent repeatability. Power density-dependent responsivity and detectivity revealed ultrasensitive behaviour under low light conditions. The source of the observed self-powered effect in the hybrid photodetector is attributed to the depletion region formed at the r-GO and GaN quasi-ohmic interface.
Evaluation of Methanol Induced Free Radicals in Mice Liver
Authors: Zhou Lifang , Zhao Hongli , Pan Tieying , Trinchi Adrian , Lan Minbo , Wei Gang
Published: December 2016

Methanol induced oxidative stress (OS) models in mice were successfully established and evaluated by the electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spin trapping technique. The capacity for removal of reactive oxygen species (ROS) free radicals by rhubarb and vitamin C (Vc) as candidate materials was also investigated. EPR was employed to determine the free radicals generated from a spin trapping agent, α-phenyl-N-tert-butylnitrone (PBN), that reacted with the ROS. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), and the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) were also evaluated by enzyme assays. The results indicated that methanol clearly promoted the generation of ROS free radicals in the liver of mice. The activity of SOD and GSH-PX was reduced significantly, although the level of MDA was increased as a result of the harmful effect of methanol. In addition, rhubarb and Vc exhibited a protective effect on the mice liver under acute OS.
Molecular Assemblies and Spin-Crossover Behaviour of Cobalt(ɪɪ) Complexes with Terpyridine Incorporating Different Nitrogen Positions in Pyridine Rings
Authors: Nakahara Risa , Nakaya Manabu , Shin Jong Won , Ohtani Ryo , Nakamura Masaaki , Hayami Shinya
Published: December 2016

Cobalt(ii) complexes with terpyridine-type ligands, [Co(n-pyterpy)2](ClO4)2 (n = 3 (1), 4 (2)), were prepared and characterised. Different positions of the nitrogen atom in the terpyridine ligands influenced their assembly properties in the crystal structures. Complex 1 showed a 2D network structure consisting of 1D chains connected by intermolecular N⋯HC interactions. On the other hand, complex 2 consisted of two different cobalt ion sites (Co1 and Co2) with slightly different coordination environments. Complex 2 showed 1D chains with no interchain interactions. Such differences are discussed with the cooperativities estimated by their spin crossover behaviours.
TIFA as a crucial mediator for NLRP3 inflammasome
Authors: Lin Ting-Yang , Wei Tong-You Wade , Li Shuai , Wang Shen-Chih , He Ming , Martin Marcy , Zhang Jiao , Shentu Tzu-Pin , Xiao Han , Kang Jian , Wang Kuei-Chun , Chen Zhen , Chien Shu , Tsai Ming-Daw , Shyy John Y.-J.
Published: December 2016

Significance

Oxidative and inflammatory stresses (e.g., atheroprone flow and hyperlipidemia) induce innate immune responses in vascular endothelium, of which the assembly and activation of nucleotide oligomerization domain-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome constitute a core mechanism. We show that TNF-α receptor-associated factor-interacting protein with a forkhead-associated domain (TIFA) is a mediator of NLRP3 inflammasome in endothelium. The involved regulations include that sterol regulatory element-binding protein 2 transcriptionally induces TIFA (signal 1) and that phosphorylated TIFA causes higher-order assembly of NLRP3 inflammasome (signal 2). Given that sustained innate immune response/activation in endothelium is common to a variety of vascular impairments, TIFA-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome constitutes a pathway by which sustained oxidative and inflammatory stresses lead to dysfunctional endothelium.
PMS1T, producing phased small-interfering RNAs, regulates photoperiod-sensitive male sterility in rice
Authors: Fan Yourong , Yang Jiangyi , Mathioni Sandra M. , Yu Jinsheng , Shen Jianqiang , Yang Xuefei , Wang Lei , Zhang Qinghua , Cai Zhaoxia , Xu Caiguo , Li Xianghua , Xiao Jinghua , Meyers Blake C. , Zhang Qifa
Published: December 2016

Significance

New discoveries have been continuously made in recent years on the roles of noncoding RNAs in regulating biological processes. Phased small-interfering RNAs (phasiRNAs) may be the newest member discovered in recent years. The photoperiod-sensitive male sterility (PSMS) rice is a very valuable germplasm that started the era of two-line hybrid rice. Here we show that phasiRNAs generated by a long-noncoding RNAPMS1Tencoded by thePms1locus regulates PSMS in rice. This work provides a case associating the phasiRNAs with a biological trait, especially an agriculturally highly important trait, thus confirming that the phasiRNAs indeed have biological functions.
Phrasal and clausal comparatives in Dutch
Authors: Lindenbergh Charlotte G.
Published: December 2016

This paper presents a new analysis of Dutch comparatives and argues that they should be classified intophrasalandclausalcomparatives (as e.g.Hankamer (1973)argues for English). Arguments for this classification come from differences in case marking and island effects.Merchant (2009)notes the same island effects in Greek comparatives, and by applying his analysis to Dutch we can explain the differences between the Dutch phrasal and clausal comparatives. Crucial in this analysis is the ellipsis of underlying structure, not only in the reduced clausal comparative, but also in the phrasal comparative, which reflects the similarity in their interpretation.
Fragment answers with infinitives in a Flemish dialect
Authors: Rys Kathy , Oosterhof Albert
Published: December 2016

This paper is devoted to a construction in a specific Flemish dialect, in which infinitives are used in fragment answers in contexts where this would be unacceptable in other varieties. Questions such asWaar is mijn boek?‘Where is my book?’ can be answered with constructions such asOp tafel liggen‘lay.INFon the table’. We apply an analysis in terms of ellipsis to these infinitival constructions. However, we find fragment answers with infinitives in contexts where the assumption of ellipsis is problematic, since there is no plausible underlying structure available. We show that the use of this construction has extended to contexts in which the infinitive independently expresses the clausal tense features. Our description of the construction is based on a questionnaire study in which around thirty speakers were tested.
Voicing distinctions in the Dutch-German dialect continuum
Authors: Ouddeken Nina
Published: December 2016

This study investigates the phonetics and phonology of voicing distinctions in the Dutch-German dialect continuum, which forms a transition zone between voicing and aspiration systems. Two phonological approaches to represent this contrast exist in the literature: a [±voice] approach and Laryngeal Realism. The implementation of the change between the two language types in the transition zone will provide new insights in the nature of the phonological representation of the contrast. In this paper I will locate the transition zone by looking at phonetic overlap between VOT values of fortis and lenis plosives, and I will compare the two phonological approaches, showing that both face analytical problems as they cannot explain the variation observed in word-initial plosives and plosive clusters.
Conditional use of prepositional phrases in Dutch
Authors: Reuneker Alex
Published: December 2016

Conditionality can be expressed using a variety of grammatical constructions, ranging from the prototypical lexical marker if to other grammatical patterns. This corpus study investigates the expression of conditionality using prepositional phrases introduced by Dutch zonder (‘without’) compared to their non-conditional use and the use of als (‘if’). The conditional use of zonder-phrases is discussed with respect to complement type, modal marking and negation. A regression analysis was performed to analyse the contribution of these factors to a conditional interpretation.
Object relative clauses in Dutch-speaking children with High-Functioning Autism (HFA)
Authors: Schaeffer Jeannette , Siekman Bart
Published: December 2016

Previous studies show that Direct Object Scrambling (DOS) is impaired in Dutch-speaking children with High-Functioning Autism (HFA). However, as DOS can be considered a syntax-pragmatics interface phenomenon, it is unclear whether DOS errors are due to impaired syntax or impaired pragmatics. In order to shed light on this question, the current study investigates Object Relative Clauses (ORC), assumed to involve syntactic object placement (as in DOS), but not pragmatics, in children with HFA.

We examine the elicited production, comprehension and judgment of ORCs in 25 Dutch-speaking children with HFA (age 6–14) and 25 TD matches with comparable non-verbal reasoning scores. Results reveal no differences between groups, but show that, similar to TD children (and adults), children with HFA use passives and animacy to disambiguate ORCs. The TD-HFA similarity indicates that the syntactic part of DOS is unimpaired in children with HFA and suggests problems with the pragmatic part.
The role of suspiciousness in understanding others’ goals
Authors: Palomares Nicholas A. , Grasso Katherine , Li Siyue , Li Na
Published: December 2016

An experiment examined goal understanding and how perceivers’ suspiciousness was associated with the accuracy, valence, and certainty of their inferences about a pursuer’s goal. In initial interactions, one dyad member was randomly assigned as the pursuer, and the other was the perceiver. The congruency of the perceiver’s and the pursuer’s conversation goals (i.e., discordant, identical, or concordant) and the perceiver’s cognitive busyness were manipulated. Results confirmed that accuracy decreased as perceivers’ suspiciousness increased only for not-busy perceivers in the goal-discord condition because perceivers’ inferences were negatively valenced. Results also supported the hypotheses that certainty decreased as perceivers’ suspiciousness increased only for not-busy perceivers in the goal-discord condition and that certainty increased as perceivers’ suspiciousness increased both for not-busy perceivers in the identical-goal condition and for busy perceivers in the goal-discord condition.
Multi-modal referring expressions in human-human task descriptions and their implications for human-robot interaction
Authors: Gross Stephanie , Krenn Brigitte , Scheutz Matthias
Published: December 2016

Human instructors often refer to objects and actions involved in a task description using both linguistic and non-linguistic means of communication. Hence, for robots to engage in natural human-robot interactions, we need to better understand the various relevant aspects of human multi-modal task descriptions. We analyse reference resolution to objects in a data collection comprising two object manipulation tasks (22 teacher student interactions in Task 1 and 16 in Task 2) and find that 78.76% of all referring expressions to the objects relevant in Task 1 are verbally underspecified and 88.64% of all referring expressions are verbally underspecified in Task 2. The data strongly suggests that a language processing module for robots must be genuinely multi-modal, allowing for seamless integration of information transmitted in the verbal and the visual channel, whereby tracking the speaker’s eye gaze and gestures as well as object recognition are necessary preconditions.
Now you feel it, now you don’t
Authors: Quadflieg Susanne , Ul-Haq Israr , Mavridis Nikolaos
Published: December 2016

Robots seemingly in possession of an experiential mind, as well as humans allegedly incapable thereof, have been reported to elicit feelings of eeriness in their perceivers. The current work re-examined this claim, asking participants to rate both robots and humans in various social situations regarding their mind capacities (e.g., emotional capability, intelligence), non-mind qualities (e.g., animacy, usefulness), and overall appeal (e.g., eeriness, likeability). It was found that feelings of eeriness towards both targets formed a distinct emotional response that was separable from simple dislike. Yet, unexpectedly, eeriness towards both targets intensified, the less they were seen as possessing a typical human mind. For robots, however, this association was less consistent. Moreover, eeriness towards robots, but not towards humans, was most strongly predicted by a lack of perceived usefulness. These results indicate that mind attributions affect people’s attitudes towards each other more strongly than their attitudes towards humanoid robots.
Bilateral comparison of 1 Ω and 10 kΩ standards (ongoing BIPM key comparisons BIPM.EM-K13.a and 13.b) between the NSAI NML (Ireland) and the BIPM
Authors: Rolland B , Fletcher N , Power O
Published: December 2016

This report gives the result of a bilateral comparison of resistance between the NSAI NML (Ireland) and the BIPM carried out in 2014-2015. Two 1 Ω and two 10 kΩ travelling standards belonging to the BIPM were used. The comparison was carried out with an 'A-B-A' pattern of measurements; the standards were measured first at the BIPM for a period of about one month, then for a similar period at the NSAI-NML, and finally again at the BIPM. The measurand was the 4 terminal dc resistance at low power. The BIPM was the pilot laboratory, and the comparison forms part of the ongoing BIPM key comparisons BIPM.EM-K13.a (for 1 Ω) and BIPM.EM-K13b (for 10 kΩ).

The results from the NSAI NML and the BIPM were found to be in good agreement, with a difference smaller than the relative expanded uncertainties (95% confidence, k = 2) of 0.16 × 10-6 for 1 Ω and 0.42 × 10-6 for 10 kΩ.

Main text

To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/.

The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCEM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
Visualizing the dynamic coupling of claudin strands to the actin cytoskeleton through ZO-1
Authors: Van Itallie Christina M. , Tietgens Amber Jean , Anderson James M.
Published: December 2016

The organization and integrity of epithelial tight junctions depend on interactions between claudins, ZO scaffolding proteins, and the cytoskeleton. However, although binding between claudins and ZO-1/2/3 and between ZO-1/2/3 and numerous cytoskeletal proteins has been demonstrated in vitro, fluorescence recovery after photobleaching analysis suggests interactions in vivo are likely highly dynamic. Here we use superresolution live-cell imaging in a model fibroblast system to examine relationships between claudins, ZO-1, occludin, and actin. We find that GFP claudins make easily visualized dynamic strand patches between two fibroblasts; strand dynamics is constrained by ZO-1 binding. Claudin association with actin is also dependent on ZO-1, but colocalization demonstrates intermittent rather than continuous association between claudin, ZO-1, and actin. Independent of interaction with ZO-1 or actin, claudin strands break and reanneal; pulse-chase-pulse analysis using SNAP-tagged claudins showed preferential incorporation of newly synthesized claudins into break sites. Although claudin strand behavior in fibroblasts may not fully recapitulate that of epithelial tight junction strands, this is the first direct demonstration of the ability of ZO-1 to stabilize claudin strands. We speculate that intermittent tethering of claudins to actin may allow for accommodation of the paracellular seal to physiological or pathological alterations in cell shape or movement.
Inference of cellular level signaling networks using single-cell gene expression data in Caenorhabditis elegans reveals mechanisms of cell fate specification
Authors: Huang Xiao-Tai , Zhu Yuan , Chan Lai Hang Leanne , Zhao Zhongying , Yan Hong
Published: December 2016

Motivation

Cell fate specification plays a key role to generate distinct cell types during metazoan development. However, most of the underlying signaling networks at cellular level are not well understood. Availability of time lapse single-cell gene expression data collected throughout Caenorhabditis elegans embryogenesis provides an excellent opportunity for investigating signaling networks underlying cell fate specification at systems, cellular and molecular levels.

Results

We propose a framework to infer signaling networks at cellular level by exploring the single-cell gene expression data. Through analyzing the expression data of nhr-25, a hypodermis-specific transcription factor, in every cells of both wild-type and mutant C.elegans embryos through RNAi against 55 genes, we have inferred a total of 23 genes that regulate (activate or inhibit) nhr-25 expression in cell-specific fashion. We also infer the signaling pathways consisting of each of these genes and nhr-25 based on a probabilistic graphical model for the selected five founder cells, ‘ABarp’, ‘ABpla’, ‘ABpra’, ‘Caa’ and ‘Cpa’, which express nhr-25 and mostly develop into hypodermis. By integrating the inferred pathways, we reconstruct five signaling networks with one each for the five founder cells. Using RNAi gene knockdown as a validation method, the inferred networks are able to predict the effects of the knockdown genes. These signaling networks in the five founder cells are likely to ensure faithful hypodermis cell fate specification in C.elegans at cellular level.

Availability and Implementation

All source codes and data are available at the github repository https://github.com/xthuang226/Worm_Single_Cell_Data_and_Codes.git.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
switchde: inference of switch-like differential expression along single-cell trajectories
Authors: Campbell Kieran R , Yau Christopher
Published: December 2016

Motivation

Pseudotime analyses of single-cell RNA-seq data have become increasingly common. Typically, a latent trajectory corresponding to a biological process of interest—such as differentiation or cell cycle—is discovered. However, relatively little attention has been paid to modelling the differential expression of genes along such trajectories.

Results

We present switchde, a statistical framework and accompanying R package for identifying switch-like differential expression of genes along pseudotemporal trajectories. Our method includes fast model fitting that provides interpretable parameter estimates corresponding to how quickly a gene is up or down regulated as well as where in the trajectory such regulation occurs. It also reports a P-value in favour of rejecting a constant-expression model for switch-like differential expression and optionally models the zero-inflation prevalent in single-cell data.

Availability and Implementation

The R package switchde is available through the Bioconductor project at https://bioconductor.org/packages/switchde.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Estuarine retention and production of striped bass larvae: a mark-recapture experiment
Authors: Secor David H. , Houde Edward D. , Kellogg Loren L.
Published: December 2016

Mark-recapture experiments were conducted in the tidal Nanticoke River (Chesapeake Bay) to determine how the salt front retains striped bass larvae and controls nursery production. During two spring spawning seasons, 25.1 million hatchery-produced, first-feeding larvae (5–12 days post-hatch) were released with chemically marked otoliths at selected locations and times. Surveys tracked the spatial and demographic fates of released and naturally spawned larvae. Released larvae dispersed rapidly within the freshwater tidal portion of the estuary and were retained above the salt front. Their distributions overlapped with natural larvae. Growth and mortality rates did not differ with respect to release location, but did vary with day of release, influenced by storm events and seasonal changes in temperature. In 1993, a group released during a storm event did not yield any recaptured larvae. Zooplankton concentrations in both years were likely sufficient for successful larval feeding. In spring 1993, a season of relatively high freshwater flow, nursery volume was 2.1-fold larger and juvenile production from larval releases was fourfold higher than in 1992. We propose that increased nursery volume reduces variance in water quality, enhances retention of larvae within the nursery, thus increasing production of larval striped bass.