bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using noble gas ratios to determine the origin of ground ice
Authors: Utting Nicholas , Lauriol Bernard , Lacelle Denis , Clark Ian
Published: January 2016

Argon, krypton and xenon have different solubilities in water, meaning their ratios in water are different from those in atmospheric air. This characteristic is used in a novel method to distinguish between ice bodies which originate from the compaction of snow (i.e. buried snow banks, glacial ice) vs. ice which forms from the freezing of groundwater (i.e. pingo ice). Ice which forms from the compaction of snow has gas ratios similar to atmospheric air, while ice which forms from the freezing of liquid water is expected to have gas ratios similar to air-equilibrated water. This analysis has been conducted using a spike dilution noble gas line with gas extraction conducted on-line. Samples were mixed with an aliquot of rare noble gases while being melted, then extracted gases are purified and cryogenically separated. Samples have been analysed from glacial ice, buried snow bank ice, intrusive ice, wedge ice, cave ice and two unknown ice bodies. Ice bodies which have formed from different processes have different gas ratios relative to their formation processes.
Narrative Identity and Diachronic Self-Knowledge
Authors: HARRELSON KEVIN J.
Published: January 2016

Our ability to tell stories about ourselves has captivated many theorists, and some have taken these developments for an opportunity to answer long-standing questions about the nature of personhood. In this essay I employ two skeptical arguments to show that this move was a mistake. The first argument rests on the observation that storytelling is revisionary. The second implies that our stories about ourselves are biased in regard to our existing self-image. These arguments undercut narrative theories of identity, but they leave room for a theory of narrative self-knowledge. The theory accommodates the first skeptical argument because there are event descriptions with retrospective assertibility conditions, and it accommodates the second argument by denying us epistemic privilege in regard to our own past. The result is that we do know our past through storytelling, but that it is a contingent feature of some of our stories that they are about ourselves.
AMS 14C Dating at the Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre (SUERC) Radiocarbon Dating Laboratory
Authors: Dunbar E , Cook G T , Naysmith P , Tripney B G , Xu S
Published: January 2016

This paper describes all the major procedures adopted by the Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre (SUERC) Radiocarbon Dating Laboratory. This includes sample pretreatment, graphite production, accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) measurement, associated stable isotope measurements, data handling, and age calculations, but with the main emphasis being on the chemical pretreatment methods. All of the above enable the laboratory to provide a complete analytical service comprising advice on sample selection, preparation and analysis of samples, and Bayesian analysis of resulting 14C (and other) data. This applies to both our research and commercial activities. The pretreatment methods that we mainly focus on are used to remove contaminant carbon from a range of sample types or to isolate a particular chemical fraction from a sample prior to combustion/hydrolysis, graphitization, and subsequent AMS 14C measurement. The methods described are for bone (collagen extraction, with and without ultrafiltration), cremated bone, tooth enamel, charcoal, grain, carbon residues, shell, wood (including alpha-cellulose isolation), peat, sediments, textiles, fuel/biofuel, and forensic samples.
Transdisciplinary dimensions in the composing activities of children: transfer of strategies and transformation of knowledge
Authors: Roels Johanna Maria , Van Petegem Peter
Published: January 2016

Existing studies show the value of using visual expression as a means of teaching children to understand and create music. This study aspires to point out an additional valuable aspect, namely, the influence composing via visual expression – whereby children transform their own drawings – may have on children's subsequent compositional processes. This is an area which is, as yet, largely unexplored. The article will examine this within a context in which children compose individually at the keyboard. With the aid of some examples taken from actual teaching practice, the author shows how children – consciously or intuitively and in a more complex and sophisticated manner – transpose their playing strategies from ‘visual composing’ to a primarily musical context or a context incorporating new, non-musical references.
Parent and peer influences on emerging adult substance use disorder: A genetically informed study
Authors: Bountress Kaitlin , Chassin Laurie , Lemery-Chalfant Kathryn
Published: January 2016

The present study utilizes longitudinal data from a high-risk community sample to examine the unique effects of genetic risk, parental knowledge about the daily activities of adolescents, and peer substance use on emerging adult substance use disorders (SUDs). These effects are examined over and above a polygenic risk score. In addition, this polygenic risk score is used to examine gene–environment correlation and interaction. The results show that during older adolescence, higher adolescent genetic risk for SUDs predicts less parental knowledge, but this relation is nonsignificant in younger adolescence. Parental knowledge (using mother report) mediates the effects of parental alcohol use disorder (AUD) and adolescent genetic risk on risk for SUD, and peer substance use mediates the effect of parent AUD on offspring SUD. Finally, there are significant gene–environment interactions such that, for those at the highest levels of genetic risk, less parental knowledge and more peer substance use confers greater risk for SUDs. However, for those at medium and low genetic risk, these effects are attenuated. These findings suggest that the evocative effects of adolescent genetic risk on parenting increase with age across adolescence. They also suggest that some of the most important environmental risk factors for SUDs exert effects that vary across level of genetic propensity.
Role of Reversal Learning Impairment in Social Disinhibition following Severe Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Osborne-Crowley Katherine , McDonald Skye , Rushby Jacqueline A.
Published: January 2016

Objectives: The current study aimed to determine whether reversal learning impairments and feedback-related negativity (FRN), reflecting reward prediction error signals generated by negative feedback during the reversal learning tasks, were associated with social disinhibition in a group of participants with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Methods: Number of reversal errors on a social and a non-social reversal learning task and FRN were examined for 21 participants with TBI and 21 control participants matched for age. Participants with TBI were also divided into low and high disinhibition groups based on rated videotaped interviews. Results: Participants with TBI made more reversal errors and produced smaller amplitude FRNs than controls. Furthermore, participants with TBI high on social disinhibition made more reversal errors on the social reversal learning task than did those low on social disinhibition. FRN amplitude was not related to disinhibition. Conclusions: These results suggest that impairment in the ability to update behavior when social reinforcement contingencies change plays a role in social disinhibition after TBI. Furthermore, the social reversal learning task used in this study may be a useful neuropsychological tool for detecting susceptibility to acquired social disinhibition following TBI. Finally, that the FRN amplitude was not associated with social disinhibition suggests that reward prediction error signals are not critical for behavioral adaptation in the social domain. (JINS, 2016, 21, 303–313)
Compact modified circular patch quad-band MIMO antenna with high isolation and low correlation
Authors: Rajagopal Chithradevi , Noorullakhan Nafiza , Suseela Sreeja Balakrishnapillai , Sankararajan Radha
Published: January 2016

A compact quad band slot antenna with high isolation suitable for multiple-input–multiple-output (MIMO) applications is developed. The quad bands are achieved by introducing slots in a modified, size reduced circular patch antenna. The single-antenna element consists of a substrate sandwiched between a modified circular patch with F shape slot, a feeder line and a via running between the radiating patch and the feeder line. The proposed design resonates at the frequencies of 1.8 GHz (1.7–1.88 GHz), 3.6 GHz (3.50–3.76 GHz), 5.4 GHz (5.25–5.38 GHz), and 7.2 GHz (7.15–7.35 GHz) covering the GSM II, WIMAX, wireless local area network (WLAN), and C-band applications, respectively. The independent tuning of frequency bands is achieved by varying the length of the slots. Orthogonally placed two- and four-element MIMO antenna system are fabricated, tested, and the measurement results are presented. The separation between each element is reduced to 0.085λ while introducing slotted and pulsed stubs to improve isolation between elements. A detailed analysis, including mutual coupling, low correlation, diversity gain, and total array reflection coefficient had been reported. The two- and four-element MIMO antennas achieved correlation as low as 0.005, mutual coupling ≤−15 dB, and diversity gain nearly 10 dB.
Romancing principles and human rights: Are humanitarian principles salvageable?
Authors: Gordon Stuart , Donini Antonio
Published: January 2016

“Classical” or “Dunantist” humanitarianism has traditionally been constructed around the core principles of neutrality (not taking sides) and impartiality (provision of assistance with no regard to ethnicity, religion, race or any other consideration, and proportional to need), plus the operational imperative (rather than a formal principle) to seek the consent of the belligerent parties. These principles, whilst never unchallenged, have dominated the contemporary discourse of humanitarianism and have been synonymous with or at least reflections of a presumed essential, enduring and universal set of humanitarian values. This paper offers a more dynamic and changing vision of the content of humanitarian action. It maps the origins and content of the “new humanitarian” critique of the humanitarian sector and principles and argues that this has both misrepresented the ethical content of neutrality and obscured what amount to significant operational adaptations that leave traditional humanitarianism well prepared for the contemporary operating environment.
Approval of psychotherapy and medication for the treatment of mental disorders over the lifespan. An age period cohort analysis
Authors: Van der Auwera S. , Schomerus G. , Baumeister S. E. , Matschinger H. , Angermeyer M.
Published: January 2016

Aims.

Previous cross-sectional studies revealed inconsistent results regarding mental health treatment preferences among the general population. In particular, it is unclear to what extent specific age groups approve psychotherapy or psychotropic medication for the treatment of mental disorders. We explore whether treatment recommendations of either psychotherapy or psychiatric medication change over the lifespan which includes age-related effects due to increasing age of a person, cohort effects that reflect specific opinions during the time a person was born and period effects that reflect societal changes.

Methods.

Using data from three identical population surveys in Germany from 1990, 2001 and 2011 (combinedn= 9046), we performed age-period-cohort analyses to determine the pure age, birth cohort and time period effects associated with the specific treatment recommendations for a person with either depression or schizophrenia, using logistic Partial Least-Squares regression models.

Results.

For both disorders, approval of both psychotherapy and medication for a person with mental illness increases with age. At the same time, younger cohorts showed stronger recommendations particularly for psychotherapy (OR around 1.07 per decade). The strongest effects could be observed for time period with an increase in recommendation between 1990 and 2001 with odds ratio of 2.36 in depression and 2.97 in schizophrenia, respectively. In general, the treatment option that showed the strongest increase in recommendation was medication for schizophrenia and psychotherapy for depression.

Conclusion.

Underutilisation of psychotherapy in old age seems not to reflect treatment preferences of older persons. Thus, special treatment approaches need to be offered for this group that seems to be willing for psychotherapy but do not yet use it. Cohort patterns suggest that approval of psychotherapy among older persons will likely further increase in the coming years as these people get older. Finally, strong period effects underpin the importance of changing attitudes in the society. These could reflect reporting changes about psychiatric topics in the media or a general increase in the perception of treatment options. Nevertheless, more treatment offers especially for older people are needed.
The Atg1–kinase complex tethers Atg9-vesicles to initiate autophagy
Authors: Rao Yijian , Perna Marco G. , Hofmann Benjamin , Beier Viola , Wollert Thomas
Published: January 2016

Autophagosomes are double-membrane vesicles that sequester cytoplasmic material for lysosomal degradation. Their biogenesis is initiated by recruitment of Atg9-vesicles to the phagophore assembly site. This process depends on the regulated activation of the Atg1–kinase complex. However, the underlying molecular mechanism remains unclear. Here we reconstitute this early step in autophagy from purified components in vitro. We find that on assembly from its cytoplasmic subcomplexes, the Atg1–kinase complex becomes activated, enabling it to recruit and tether Atg9-vesicles. The scaffolding protein Atg17 targets the Atg1–kinase complex to autophagic membranes by specifically recognizing the membrane protein Atg9. This interaction is inhibited by the two regulatory subunits Atg31 and Atg29. Engagement of the Atg1–Atg13 subcomplex restores the Atg9-binding and membrane-tethering activity of Atg17. Our data help to unravel the mechanism that controls Atg17-mediated tethering of Atg9-vesicles, providing the molecular basis to understand initiation of autophagosome-biogenesis.
An electrostatic mechanism for Ca2+-mediated regulation of gap junction channels
Authors: Bennett Brad C. , Purdy Michael D. , Baker Kent A. , Acharya Chayan , McIntire William E. , Stevens Raymond C. , Zhang Qinghai , Harris Andrew L. , Abagyan Ruben , Yeager Mark
Published: January 2016

Gap junction channels mediate intercellular signalling that is crucial in tissue development, homeostasis and pathologic states such as cardiac arrhythmias, cancer and trauma. To explore the mechanism by which Ca2+ blocks intercellular communication during tissue injury, we determined the X-ray crystal structures of the human Cx26 gap junction channel with and without bound Ca2+. The two structures were nearly identical, ruling out both a large-scale structural change and a local steric constriction of the pore. Ca2+ coordination sites reside at the interfaces between adjacent subunits, near the entrance to the extracellular gap, where local, side chain conformational rearrangements enable Ca2+chelation. Computational analysis revealed that Ca2+-binding generates a positive electrostatic barrier that substantially inhibits permeation of cations such as K+ into the pore. Our results provide structural evidence for a unique mechanism of channel regulation: ionic conduction block via an electrostatic barrier rather than steric occlusion of the channel pore.
Computational analysis of prolyl hydroxylase domain-containing protein 2 (PHD2) mutations promoting polycythemia insurgence in humans
Authors: Minervini Giovanni , Quaglia Federica , Tosatto Silvio CE
Published: January 2016

Idiopathic erythrocytosis is a rare disease characterized by an increase in red blood cell mass due to mutations in proteins of the oxygen-sensing pathway, such as prolyl hydroxylase 2 (PHD2). Here, we present a bioinformatics investigation of the pathological effect of twelve PHD2 mutations related to polycythemia insurgence. We show that few mutations impair the PHD2 catalytic site, while most localize to non-enzymatic regions. We also found that most mutations do not overlap the substrate recognition site, suggesting a novel PHD2 binding interface. After a structural analysis of both binding partners, we suggest that this novel interface is responsible for PHD2 interaction with the LIMD1 tumor suppressor.
Distinct types of eigenvector localization in networks
Authors: Pastor-Satorras Romualdo , Castellano Claudio
Published: January 2016

The spectral properties of the adjacency matrix provide a trove of information about the structure and function of complex networks. In particular, the largest eigenvalue and its associated principal eigenvector are crucial in the understanding of nodes’ centrality and the unfolding of dynamical processes. Here we show that two distinct types of localization of the principal eigenvector may occur in heterogeneous networks. For synthetic networks with degree distribution P(q) ~ q−γ, localization occurs on the largest hub if γ > 5/2; for γ < 5/2 a new type of localization arises on a mesoscopic subgraph associated with the shell with the largest index in the K-core decomposition. Similar evidence for the existence of distinct localization modes is found in the analysis of real-world networks. Our results open a new perspective on dynamical processes on networks and on a recently proposed alternative measure of node centrality based on the non-backtracking matrix.
Magnetic-Polaron-Induced Enhancement of Surface Raman Scattering
Authors: Shao Qi , Liao Fan , Ruotolo Antonio
Published: January 2016

The studies of the effects of magnetic field on surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) have been so far limited to the case of ferromagnetic/noble-metal, core/shell nano-particles, where the influence was always found to be negative. In this work, we investigate the influence of magnetic field on a diluted magnetic semiconductor/metal SERS system. Guided by three dimensional finite-difference time-domain simulations, a high efficient SERS substrate was obtained by diluting Mn into Au-capped ZnO, which results in an increase of the dielectric constant and, therefore, an enhancement of Raman signals. More remarkably, an increase of intensities as well as a reduction of the relative standard deviation (RSD) of Raman signals have been observed as a function of the external magnetic strength. We ascribe these positive influences to magnetic-field induced nucleation of bound magnetic polarons in the Mn doped ZnO. The combination of diluted magnetic semiconductors and SERS may open a new avenue for future magneto-optical applications.
Effect of Body mass index on the performance characteristics of PSA-related markers to detect prostate cancer
Authors: Zhu Yao , Han Cheng-Tao , Zhang Gui-Ming , Liu Fang , Ding Qiang , Xu Jian-Feng , Vidal Adriana C. , Freedland Stephen J. , Ng Chi-Fai , Ye Ding-Wei
Published: January 2016

To examine whether the predictive performance of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and PSA-related markers for prostate cancer (PCa) is modified by body mass index (BMI). Patients with a PSA 2–10 ng/mL who underwent multicore prostate biopsies were recruited from three tertiary centers. Serum markers measured included total PSA (tPSA), free-to-total PSA (f/tPSA), p2PSA, percentage of p2PSA (%p2PSA) and prostate health index (PHI). The association between serum markers and PCa risk was assessed by logistic regression. Predictive performance for each marker was quantified using the area under the receiver operator curves (AUC). Among 516 men, 18.2% had PCa at biopsy. For all tested markers, their predictive value on PCa risk was lower in obese patients compared to normal weight patients. We found statistically significant interactions between BMI and tPSA (P = 0.0026) and p2PSA (P = 0.038). PHI achieved an AUC of 0.872 in normal weight patients and 0.745 in obese patients, which outperformed the other predictors regardless of BMI category. In conclusion, PHI achieved the best predictive performance for detecting PCa and was not influenced by BMI.
Retinal Information is Independently Associated with Cardiovascular Disease in Patients with Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Guo Vivian Yawei , Chan Juliana Chung Ngor , Chung Harriet , Ozaki Risa , So Wingyee , Luk Andrea , Lam Augustine , Lee Jack , Zee Benny Chung-Ying
Published: January 2016

To evaluate the association between a series of retinal information and cardiovascular disease (CVD) and to evaluate whether this association is independent of traditional CVD risk factors in type 2 diabetes patients, we undertook an age-sex matched case-control study with 79 CVD cases and 150 non-CVD controls. All the participants underwent standardized physical examinations and retinal imaging. Retinal information was extracted from the retinal images using a semi-automatic computer program. Three stepwise logistic regression models were evaluated: model 1 with cardiovascular risk factors only; model 2 with retinal information only and model 3 with both cardiovascular risk factors and retinal information. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) were used to compare the performances of different models. Results showed that the AUCs were 0.692 (95%CI: 0.622−0.761) and 0.661 (95%CI: 0.588−0.735) for model 1 and model 2, respectively. In addition, model 3 had an AUC of 0.775 (95%CI: 0.716−0.834). Compared to the previous two models, the AUC of model 3 increased significantly (p < 0.05 in both comparisons). In conclusion, retinal information is independently associated with CVD in type 2 diabetes. Further work is needed to validate the translational value of applying retinal imaging analysis into clinical practice.
Enhanced electromechanical coupling of a nanomechanical resonator to coupled superconducting cavities
Authors: Li Peng-Bo , Li Hong-Rong , Li Fu-Li
Published: January 2016

We investigate the electromechanical coupling between a nanomechanical resonator and two parametrically coupled superconducting coplanar waveguide cavities that are driven by a two-mode squeezed microwave source. We show that, with the selective coupling of the resonator to the cavity Bogoliubov modes, the radiation-pressure type coupling can be greatly enhanced by several orders of magnitude, enabling the single photon strong coupling to be reached. This allows the investigation of a number of interesting phenomena such as photon blockade effects and the generation of nonclassical quantum states with electromechanical systems.
Computational screen and experimental validation of anti-influenza effects of quercetin and chlorogenic acid from traditional Chinese medicine
Authors: Liu Zekun , Zhao Junpeng , Li Weichen , Shen Li , Huang Shengbo , Tang Jingjing , Duan Jie , Fang Fang , Huang Yuelong , Chang Haiyan , Chen Ze , Zhang Ran
Published: January 2016

The Influenza A virus is a great threat for human health, while various subtypes of the virus made it difficult to develop drugs. With the development of state-of-art computational chemistry, computational molecular docking could serve as a virtual screen of potential leading compound. In this study, we performed molecular docking for influenza A H1N1 (A/PR/8/34) with small molecules such as quercetin and chlorogenic acid, which were derived from traditional Chinese medicine. The results showed that these small molecules have strong binding abilities with neuraminidase from H1N1 (A/PR/8/34). Further details showed that the structural features of the molecules might be helpful for further drug design and development. The experiments in vitro, in vivo have validated the anti-influenza effect of quercetin and chlorogenic acid, which indicating comparable protection effects as zanamivir. Taken together, it was proposed that chlorogenic acid and quercetin could be employed as the effective lead compounds for anti-influenza A H1N1.
A model for the compositions of non-stoichiometric intermediate phases formed by diffusion reactions and its application to Nb3Sn superconductors
Authors: Xu X. , Sumption M. D.
Published: January 2016

In this work we explore the compositions of non-stoichiometric intermediate phases formed by diffusion reactions: a mathematical framework is developed and tested against the specific case of Nb3Sn superconductors. In the first part, the governing equations for the bulk diffusion and inter-phase interface reactions during the growth of a compound are derived, numerical solutions to which give both the composition profile and growth rate of the compound layer. The analytic solutions are obtained with certain approximations made. In the second part, we explain an effect that the composition characteristics of compounds can be quite different depending on whether it is the bulk diffusion or grain boundary diffusion that dominates in the compounds and that “frozen” bulk diffusion leads to unique composition characteristics that the bulk composition of a compound layer remains unchanged after its initial formation instead of varying with the diffusion reaction system; here the model is modified for the case of grain boundary diffusion. Finally, we apply this model to the Nb3Sn superconductors and propose approaches to control their compositions.
Surfactant-associated bacteria in the near-surface layer of the ocean
Authors: Kurata Naoko , Vella Kate , Hamilton Bryan , Shivji Mahmood , Soloviev Alexander , Matt Silvia , Tartar Aurélien , Perrie William
Published: January 2016

Certain marine bacteria found in the near-surface layer of the ocean are expected to play important roles in the production and decay of surface active materials; however, the details of these processes are still unclear. Here we provide evidence supporting connection between the presence of surfactant-associated bacteria in the near-surface layer of the ocean, slicks on the sea surface and a distinctive feature in the synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery of the sea surface. From DNA analyses of the in situ samples using pyrosequencing technology, we found the highest abundance of surfactant-associated bacterial taxa in the near-surface layer below the slick. Our study suggests that production of surfactants by marine bacteria takes place in the organic-rich areas of the water column. Produced surfactants can then be transported to the sea surface and form slicks when certain physical conditions are met. This finding has potential applications in monitoring organic materials in the water column using remote sensing techniques. Identifying a connection between marine bacteria and production of natural surfactants may provide a better understanding of the global picture of biophysical processes at the boundary between the ocean and atmosphere, air-sea exchange of greenhouse gases and production of climate-active marine aerosols.
DNA duplication is essential for the repair of gastrointestinal perforation in the insect midgut
Authors: Huang Wuren , Zhang Jie , Yang Bing , Beerntsen Brenda T. , Song Hongsheng , Ling Erjun
Published: January 2016

Invertebrate animals have the capacity of repairing wounds in the skin and gut via different mechanisms. Gastrointestinal perforation, a hole in the human gastrointestinal system, is a serious condition and surgery is necessary to repair the perforation to prevent an abdominal abscess or sepsis. Here we report the repair of gastrointestinal perforation made by a needle-puncture wound in the silkworm larval midgut. Following insect gut perforation, only a weak immune response was observed because the growth of Escherichia coli alone was partially inhibited by plasma collected at 6 h after needle puncture of the larval midgut. However, circulating hemocytes did aggregate over the needle-puncture wound to form a scab. While, cell division and apoptosis were not observed at the wound site, the needle puncture significantly enhanced DNA duplication in cells surrounding the wound, which was essential to repair the midgut perforation. Due to the repair capacity and limited immune response caused by needle puncture to the midgut, this approach was successfully used for the injection of small compounds (ethanol in this study) into the insect midgut. Consequently, this needle-puncture wounding of the insect gut can be developed for screening compounds for use as gut chemotherapeutics in the future.
IER5 generates a novel hypo-phosphorylated active form of HSF1 and contributes to tumorigenesis
Authors: Asano Yoshinori , Kawase Tatsuya , Okabe Atsushi , Tsutsumi Shuichi , Ichikawa Hitoshi , Tatebe Satoko , Kitabayashi Issay , Tashiro Fumio , Namiki Hideo , Kondo Tadashi , Semba Kentaro , Aburatani Hiroyuki , Taya Yoichi , Nakagama Hitoshi , Ohki Rieko
Published: January 2016

The transcription factors HSF1 and p53 both modulate the stress response, thereby protecting and facilitating the recovery of stressed cells, but both have the potential to promote tumor development. Here we show that a p53 target gene, IER5, encodes an activator of HSF1. IER5 forms a ternary complex with HSF1 and the phosphatase PP2A and promotes the dephosphorylation of HSF1 at numbers of serine and threonine residues, generating a novel, hypo-phosphorylated active form of HSF1. IER5 is also transcriptionally upregulated in various cancers, although this upregulation is not always p53-dependent. The IER5 locus is associated with a so-called super enhancer, frequently associated with hyperactivated oncogenes in cancer cell lines. Enhanced expression of IER5 induces abnormal HSF1 activation in cancer cells and contributes to the proliferation of these cells under stressed conditions. These results reveal the existence of a novel IER5-mediated cancer regulation pathway that is responsible for the activation of HSF1 observed in various cancers.
Micro/Nano hierarchical peony-like Al doped ZnO superhydrophobic film: The guiding effect of (100) preferred seed layer
Authors: Li Yang , Wang Jingfeng , Kong Yi , Zhou Jia , Wu Jinzhu , Wang Gang , Bi Hai , Wu Xiaohong , Qin Wei , Li Qingkun
Published: January 2016

In this communication, we present a versatile and controllable strategy for formation of superhydrophobic micro/nano hierarchical Al doped ZnO (AZO) films with a water contact angle (CA) of 170 ± 4°. This strategy involves a two-step layer-by-layer process employing an atomic layer deposition (ALD) technique followed by a hydrothermal method and the resulting novel AZO surface layer consists of (100) dominant nano-rice-like AZO seed layer (the water CA of 110 ± 4°) covered with micro-peony-like AZO top. The growth mechanisms and superhydrophobic properties of the hierarchical AZO layer are discussed. It is believed that the present route holds promise for future success in the design and development of practical superhydrophobic materials.
Impact of L-carnitine on plasma lipoprotein(a) concentrations: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Serban Maria-Corina , Sahebkar Amirhossein , Mikhailidis Dimitri P. , Toth Peter P. , Jones Steven R. , Muntner Paul , Blaha Michael J. , Andrica Florina , Martin Seth S. , Borza Claudia , Lip Gregory Y. H. , Ray Kausik K. , Rysz Jacek , Hazen Stanley L. , Banach Maciej
Published: January 2016

We aimed to assess the impact of L-carnitine on plasma Lp(a) concentrations through systematic review and meta-analysis of available RCTs. The literature search included selected databases up to 31st January 2015. Meta-analysis was performed using fixed-effects or random-effect model according to I2 statistic. Effect sizes were expressed as weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI). The meta-analysis showed a significant reduction of Lp(a) levels following L-carnitine supplementation (WMD: −8.82 mg/dL, 95% CI: −10.09, −7.55, p < 0.001). When the studies were categorized according to the route of administration, a significant reduction in plasma Lp(a) concentration was observed with oral (WMD: −9.00 mg/dL, 95% CI: −10.29, −7.72, p < 0.001) but not intravenous L-carnitine (WMD: −2.91 mg/dL, 95% CI: −10.22, 4.41, p = 0.436). The results of the meta-regression analysis showed that the pooled estimate is independent of L-carnitine dose (slope: −0.30; 95% CI: −4.19, 3.59; p = 0.878) and duration of therapy (slope: 0.18; 95% CI: −0.22, 0.59; p = 0.374). In conclusion, the meta-analysis suggests a significant Lp(a) lowering by oral L-carnitine supplementation. Taking into account the limited number of available Lp(a)-targeted drugs, L-carnitine might be an effective alternative to effectively reduce Lp(a). Prospective outcome trials will be required to fully elucidate the clinical value and safety of oral L-carnitine supplementation.
Direct Actions of Kisspeptins on GnRH Neurons Permit Attainment of Fertility but are Insufficient to Fully Preserve Gonadotropic Axis Activity
Authors: León Silvia , Barroso Alexia , Vázquez María J. , García-Galiano David , Manfredi-Lozano María , Ruiz-Pino Francisco , Heras Violeta , Romero-Ruiz Antonio , Roa Juan , Schutz Günther , Kirilov Milen , Gaytan Francisco , Pinilla Leonor , Tena-Sempere Manuel
Published: January 2016

Kisspeptins, ligands of the receptor, Gpr54, are potent stimulators of puberty and fertility. Yet, whether direct kisspeptin actions on GnRH neurons are sufficient for the whole repertoire of their reproductive effects remains debatable. To dissect out direct vs. indirect effects of kisspeptins on GnRH neurons in vivo, we report herein the detailed reproductive/gonadotropic characterization of a Gpr54 null mouse line with selective re-introduction of Gpr54 expression only in GnRH cells (Gpr54−/−Tg; rescued). Despite preserved fertility, adult rescued mice displayed abnormalities in gonadal microstructure, with signs of precocious ageing in females and elevated LH levels with normal-to-low testosterone secretion in males. Gpr54−/−Tg rescued mice showed also altered gonadotropin responses to negative feedback withdrawal, while luteinizing hormone responses to various gonadotropic regulators were variably affected, with partially blunted relative (but not absolute) responses to kisspeptin-10, NMDA and the agonist of tachykinin receptors, NK2R. Our data confirm that direct effects of kisspeptins on GnRH cells are sufficient to attain fertility. Yet, such direct actions appear to be insufficient to completely preserve proper functionality of gonadotropic axis, suggesting a role of kisspeptin signaling outside GnRH cells.
Evidence of high-elevation amplification versus Arctic amplification
Authors: Wang Qixiang , Fan Xiaohui , Wang Mengben
Published: January 2016

Elevation-dependent warming in high-elevation regions and Arctic amplification are of tremendous interest to many scientists who are engaged in studies in climate change. Here, using annual mean temperatures from 2781 global stations for the 1961–2010 period, we find that the warming for the world’s high-elevation stations (>500 m above sea level) is clearly stronger than their low-elevation counterparts; and the high-elevation amplification consists of not only an altitudinal amplification but also a latitudinal amplification. The warming for the high-elevation stations is linearly proportional to the temperature lapse rates along altitudinal and latitudinal gradients, as a result of the functional shape of Stefan-Boltzmann law in both vertical and latitudinal directions. In contrast, neither altitudinal amplification nor latitudinal amplification is found within the Arctic region despite its greater warming than lower latitudes. Further analysis shows that the Arctic amplification is an integrated part of the latitudinal amplification trend for the low-elevation stations (≤500 m above sea level) across the entire low- to high-latitude Northern Hemisphere, also a result of the mathematical shape of Stefan-Boltzmann law but only in latitudinal direction.
Hierarchical Sheet-on-Sheet ZnIn2S4/g-C3N4 Heterostructure with Highly Efficient Photocatalytic H2 production Based on Photoinduced Interfacial Charge Transfer
Authors: Zhang Zhenyi , Liu Kuichao , Feng Zhiqing , Bao Yanan , Dong Bin
Published: January 2016

We have realized in-situ growth of ultrathin ZnIn2S4 nanosheets on the sheet-like g-C3N4 surfaces to construct a “sheet-on-sheet” hierarchical heterostructure. The as-synthesized ZnIn2S4/g-C3N4 heterojunction nanosheets exhibit remarkably enhancement on the photocatalytic activity for H2 production. This enhanced photoactivity is mainly attributed to the efficient interfacial transfer of photoinduced electrons and holes from g-C3N4 to ZnIn2S4 nanosheets, resulting in the decreased charge recombination on g-C3N4 nanosheets and the increased amount of photoinduced charge carriers in ZnIn2S4 nanosheets. Meanwhile, the increased surface-active-sites and extended light absorption of g-C3N4 nanosheets after the decoration of ZnIn2S4 nanosheets may also play a certain role for the enhancement of photocatalytic activity. Further investigations by the surface photovoltage spectroscopy and transient photoluminescence spectroscopy demonstrate that ZnIn2S4/g-C3N4 heterojunction nanosheets considerable boost the charge transfer efficiency, therefore improve the probability of photoinduced charge carriers to reach the photocatalysts surfaces for highly efficient H2 production.
Epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate up-regulates microRNA-let-7b expression by activating 67-kDa laminin receptor signaling in melanoma cells
Authors: Yamada Shuhei , Tsukamoto Shuntaro , Huang Yuhui , Makio Akiko , Kumazoe Motofumi , Yamashita Shuya , Tachibana Hirofumi
Published: January 2016

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are non-coding RNAs involved in various biological processes by regulating their target genes. Green tea polyphenol (−)-epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCG) inhibits melanoma tumor growth by activating 67-kDa laminin receptor (67LR) signaling. To examine the effect of EGCG on miRNA expression in melanoma cells, we performed miRNA microarray analysis. We showed that EGCG up-regulated miRNA-let-7b expression through 67LR in melanoma cells. The EGCG-induced up-regulation of let-7b led to down-regulation of high mobility group A2 (HMGA2), a target gene related to tumor progression. 67LR-dependent cAMP/protein kinase A (PKA)/protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) signaling pathway activation was involved in the up-regulation of let-7b expression induced by EGCG. These findings provide a basis for understanding the mechanism of miRNA regulation by EGCG.
Evaluation of the 2b-RAD method for genomic selection in scallop breeding
Authors: Dou Jinzhuang , Li Xue , Fu Qiang , Jiao Wenqian , Li Yangping , Li Tianqi , Wang Yangfan , Hu Xiaoli , Wang Shi , Bao Zhenmin
Published: January 2016

The recently developed 2b-restriction site-associated DNA (2b-RAD) sequencing method provides a cost-effective and flexible genotyping platform for aquaculture species lacking sufficient genomic resources. Here, we evaluated the performance of this method in the genomic selection (GS) of Yesso scallop (Patinopecten yessoensis) through simulation and real data analyses using six statistical models. Our simulation analysis revealed that the prediction accuracies obtained using the 2b-RAD markers were slightly lower than those obtained using all polymorphic loci in the genome. Furthermore, a small subset of markers obtained from a reduced tag representation (RTR) library presented comparable performance to that obtained using all markers, making RTR be an attractive approach for GS purpose. Six GS models exhibited variable performance in prediction accuracy depending on the scenarios (e.g., heritability, sample size, population structure), but Bayes-alphabet and BLUP-based models generally outperformed other models. Finally, we performed the evaluation using an empirical dataset composed of 349 Yesso scallops that were derived from five families. The prediction accuracy for this empirical dataset could reach 0.4 based on optimal GS models. In summary, the genotyping flexibility and cost-effectiveness make 2b-RAD be an ideal genotyping platform for genomic selection in aquaculture breeding programs.
The Effects of Weather Factors on Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease in Beijing
Authors: Dong Weihua , Li Xian’en , Yang Peng , Liao Hua , Wang Xiaoli , Wang Quanyi
Published: January 2016

The morbidity and mortality of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) are increasing in Beijing, China. Previous studies have indicated an association between incidents of HFMD and weather factors. However, the seasonal influence of these factors on the disease is not yet understood and their relationship with the enterovirus 71 (EV71) and Coxsackie virus A16 (CV-A16) viruses are not well documented. We analysed 84,502 HFMD cases from 2008 to 2011 in Beijing to explore the seasonal influence of weather factors (average temperature [AT], average relative humidity [ARH], total precipitation [TP] and average wind speed [AWS]) on incidents of HFMD by using a geographically weighted regression (GWR) model. The results indicated that weather factors differ significantly in their influence on HFMD depending on the season. AT had the greatest effect among the four weather factors and while the influence of AT and AWS was greater in the summer than in the winter, the influence of TP was positive in the summer and negative in the winter. ARH was negatively correlated with HFMD. Also, we observed more EV71-associated cases than CV-A16 but there is no convincing evidence to show significant differences between the influences of the weather factors on EV71 and CV-A16.
Disrupted in schizophrenia 1 (DISC1) L100P mutants have impaired activity-dependent plasticity in vivo and in vitro
Authors: Tropea D , Molinos I , Petit E , Bellini S , Nagakura I , O'Tuathaigh C , Schorova L , Mitchell K J , Waddington J , Sur M , Gill M , Corvin A P
Published: January 2016

Major neuropsychiatric disorders are genetically complex but share overlapping etiology. Mice mutant for rare, highly penetrant risk variants can be useful in dissecting the molecular mechanisms involved. The gene disrupted in schizophrenia 1 (DISC1) has been associated with increased risk for neuropsychiatric conditions. Mice mutant for Disc1 display morphological, functional and behavioral deficits that are consistent with impairments observed across these disorders. Here we report that Disc1 L100P mutants are less able to reorganize cortical circuitry in response to stimulation in vivo. Molecular analysis reveals that the mutants have a reduced expression of PSD95 and pCREB in visual cortex and fail to adjust expression of such markers in response to altered stimulation. In vitro analysis shows that mutants have impaired functional reorganization of cortical neurons in response to selected forms of neuronal stimulation, but there is no altered basal expression of synaptic markers. These findings suggest that DISC1 has a critical role in the reorganization of cortical plasticity and that this phenotype becomes evident only under challenge, even at early postnatal stages. This result may represent an important etiological mechanism in the emergence of neuropsychiatric disorders.
Glass fibre paper-based test strips for sensitive SERS sensing
Authors: Bolz Axel , Panne Ulrich , Rurack Knut , Buurman Merwe
Published: January 2016

Glass fibre paper-based test strips are established for a fast and cost-effective identification and quantification of analytes by SERS.
Determination of gibberellins using HPLC coupled with fluorescence detection
Authors: Lu Yin-Hua , Cao Yan-Ming , Guo Xiao-Feng , Wang Hong , Zhang Hua-Shan
Published: January 2016

In this work, a HPLC-fluorescence detection method for the determination of GAs in plant tissues and foods has been reported using TMBB-EDAN as a precolumn derivatization reagent.
A paper-supported graphene–ionic liquid array for e-nose application
Authors: Zhu X. , Liu D. , Chen Q. , Lin L. , Jiang S. , Zhou H. , Zhao J. , Wu J.
Published: January 2016

A graphene e-nose can be simply fabricated by modifying paper-supported rGO (PS-rGO) with a panel of ionic liquids (ILs).
Dramatically enhancing the yield of carbon nanotubes by simply adding oxygen-containing molecules in solid-state synthesis
Authors: Ruan Zhijun , Zhang Yufan , Tu Jin , Qin Jingui , Li Qianqian , Li Zhen
Published: January 2016

Commercially available oxygen-containing molecules are utilized to enhance the yield of carbon nanotubes in the solid-state pyrolysis of organometallic precursors.
The solvent effect on the structural and magnetic features of bidentate ligand-capped {CoII9[WV(CN)8]6} single-molecule magnets
Authors: Chorazy Szymon , Hoczek Anna , Kubicki Maciej , Tokoro Hiroko , Ohkoshi Shin-ichi , Sieklucka Barbara , Podgajny Robert
Published: January 2016

Cyanido-bridged {CoII9WV6} clusters combined with 2,2′-bipyridine N-oxide produce three crystalline phases with different solvents affecting their structural and magnetic properties.
Predictions of the physicochemical properties of amino acid side chain analogs using molecular simulation
Authors: Ahmed Alauddin , Sandler Stanley I.
Published: January 2016

A candidate drug compound is released for clinical trails (in vivo activity) only if its physicochemical properties meet desirable bioavailability and partitioning criteria.
Systematic analysis of the unique band gap modulation of mixed halide perovskites
Authors: Kim Jongseob , Lee Sung-Hoon , Chung Choong-Heui , Hong Ki-Ha
Published: January 2016

This article presents a unified theoretical model for the band gap transition of mixed halide perovskites. It is also presented that the control of composition variation in thin film level is important as much as the synthesis of new composition.
Controlling phase transition for single-layer MTe2 (M = Mo and W): modulation of the potential barrier under strain
Authors: Huang H. H. , Fan Xiaofeng , Singh David J. , Chen Hong , Jiang Q. , Zheng W. T.
Published: January 2016

Using first-principles DFT calculations, the pathway and the energy barrier of phase transition between 2H and 1T′ have been investigated for MoTe2 and WTe2 monolayers.
Sequential energy and electron transfer in a three-component system aligned on a clay nanosheet
Authors: Fujimura Takuya , Ramasamy Elamparuthi , Ishida Yohei , Shimada Tetsuya , Takagi Shinsuke , Ramamurthy Vaidhyanathan
Published: January 2016

Sequential energy and electron transfer across three molecules assembled on an inorganic layered material surface was investigated.
Markovnikov free radical addition reactions, a sleeping beauty kissed to life
Authors: Hoffmann Reinhard W.
Published: January 2016

This review covers free radical additions, which are initiated by the formal addition of a hydrogen atom to a CC double bond.
Anticancer activity of a cis-dichloridoplatinum(ii) complex of a chelating nitrogen mustard: insight into unusual guanine binding mode and low deactivation by glutathione
Authors: Karmakar Subhendu , Purkait Kallol , Chatterjee Saptarshi , Mukherjee Arindam
Published: January 2016

A platinum(ii) complex (2) of a chelating nitrogen mustard shows potency against MIA PaCa2.2displays anti-angiogenic potential and displays excellent cytotoxicity profile even in presence of GSH in hypoxia.
Hydrogenative cyclization of levulinic acid into γ-valerolactone by photocatalytic intermolecular hydrogen transfer
Authors: Zhang Hongxia , Zhao Min , Zhao Tianjian , Li Li , Zhu Zhenping
Published: January 2016

A hydrogenation–dehydrogenation coupling process efficiently realized an intermolecular hydrogen transfer from isopropanol to LA under photocatalytic conditions over gold-loaded TiO2 catalysts.
High-speed photographic analysis of microwave plasma torch source behaviour
Authors: Yu Bingwen , Jin Wei , Ying Yangwei , Yu Haixiang , Zhu Dan , Shan Jin , Liu Wenlong , Xu Chen , Jin Qinhan
Published: January 2016

Spatiotemporal motion characteristics of the microwave plasma torch (MPT) source were for the first time investigated with a high-speed camera.