bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of Information Introduced to Dynamic Message Processing	and Enjoyment
Authors: Park Byungho , Bailey Rachel L.
Published: January 2017

Abstract. In an effort to quantify message complexity in such a way that predictions regarding the moment-to-moment cognitive and emotional processing of viewers would be made, Lang and her colleagues devised the coding system information introduced (or ii). This coding system quantifies the number of structural features that are known to consume cognitive resources and considers it in combination with the number of camera changes (cc) in the video, which supply additional cognitive resources owing to their elicitation of an orienting response. This study further validates ii using psychophysiological responses that index cognitive resource allocation and recognition memory. We also pose two novel hypotheses regarding the confluence of controlled and automatic processing and the effect of cognitive overload on enjoyment of messages. Thirty television advertisements were selected from a pool of 172 (all 20 s in length) based on their ii/cc ratio and ratings for their arousing content. Heart rate change over time showed significant deceleration (indicative of increased cognitive resource allocation) for messages with greater ii/cc ratios. Further, recognition memory worsened as ii/cc increased. It was also found that message complexity increases both automatic and controlled allocations to processing, and that the most complex messages may have created a state of cognitive overload, which was received as enjoyable by the participants in this television context.
Highly thermal-stable ferromagnetism by a natural composite
Authors: Ma Tianyu , Gou Junming , Hu Shanshan , Liu Xiaolian , Wu Chen , Ren Shuai , Zhao Hui , Xiao Andong , Jiang Chengbao , Ren Xiaobing , Yan Mi
Published: January 2017

All ferromagnetic materials show deterioration of magnetism-related properties such as magnetization and magnetostriction with increasing temperature, as the result of gradual loss of magnetic order with approaching Curie temperature TC. However, technologically, it is highly desired to find a magnetic material that can resist such magnetism deterioration and maintain stable magnetism up to its TC, but this seems against the conventional wisdom about ferromagnetism. Here we show that a Fe–Ga alloy exhibits highly thermal-stable magnetization up to the vicinity of its TC, 880 K. Also, the magnetostriction shows nearly no deterioration over a very wide temperature range. Such unusual behaviour stems from dual-magnetic-phase nature of this alloy, in which a gradual structural-magnetic transformation occurs between two magnetic phases so that the magnetism deterioration is compensated by the growth of the ferromagnetic phase with larger magnetization. Our finding may help to develop highly thermal-stable ferromagnetic and magnetostrictive materials.
Expression of the novel maternal centrosome assembly factor Wdr8 is required for vertebrate embryonic mitoses
Authors: Inoue Daigo , Stemmer Manuel , Thumberger Thomas , Ruppert Thomas , Bärenz Felix , Wittbrodt Joachim , Gruss Oliver J.
Published: January 2017

The assembly of the first centrosome occurs upon fertilisation when male centrioles recruit pericentriolar material (PCM) from the egg cytoplasm. The mechanisms underlying the proper assembly of centrosomes during early embryogenesis remain obscure. We identify Wdr8 as a novel maternally essential protein that is required for centrosome assembly during embryonic mitoses of medaka (Oryzias latipes). By CRISPR–Cas9-mediated knockout, maternal/zygotic Wdr8-null (m/zWdr8−/−) blastomeres exhibit severe defects in centrosome structure that lead to asymmetric division, multipolar mitotic spindles and chromosome alignment errors. Via its WD40 domains, Wdr8 interacts with the centriolar satellite protein SSX2IP. Combining targeted gene knockout and in vivo reconstitution of the maternally essential Wdr8–SSX2IP complex reveals an essential link between maternal centrosome proteins and the stability of the zygotic genome for accurate vertebrate embryogenesis. Our approach provides a way of distinguishing maternal from paternal effects in early embryos and should contribute to understanding molecular defects in human infertility.
The geometric nature of weights in real complex networks
Authors: Allard Antoine , Serrano M. Ángeles , García-Pérez Guillermo , Boguñá Marián
Published: January 2017

The topology of many real complex networks has been conjectured to be embedded in hidden metric spaces, where distances between nodes encode their likelihood of being connected. Besides of providing a natural geometrical interpretation of their complex topologies, this hypothesis yields the recipe for sustainable Internet’s routing protocols, sheds light on the hierarchical organization of biochemical pathways in cells, and allows for a rich characterization of the evolution of international trade. Here we present empirical evidence that this geometric interpretation also applies to the weighted organization of real complex networks. We introduce a very general and versatile model and use it to quantify the level of coupling between their topology, their weights and an underlying metric space. Our model accurately reproduces both their topology and their weights, and our results suggest that the formation of connections and the assignment of their magnitude are ruled by different processes.
Dynamical observations on the crack tip zone and stress corrosion of two-dimensional MoS2
Authors: Ly Thuc Hue , Zhao Jiong , Cichocka Magdalena Ola , Li Lain-Jong , Lee Young Hee
Published: January 2017

Whether and how fracture mechanics needs to be modified for small length scales and in systems of reduced dimensionality remains an open debate. Here, employing in situ transmission electron microscopy, atomic structures and dislocation dynamics in the crack tip zone of a propagating crack in two-dimensional (2D) monolayer MoS2 membrane are observed, and atom-to-atom displacement mapping is obtained. The electron beam is used to initiate the crack; during in situ observation of crack propagation the electron beam effect is minimized. The observed high-frequency emission of dislocations is beyond previous understanding of the fracture of brittle MoS2. Strain analysis reveals dislocation emission to be closely associated with the crack propagation path in nanoscale. The critical crack tip plastic zone size of nearly perfect 2D MoS2 is between 2 and 5 nm, although it can grow to 10 nm under corrosive conditions such as ultraviolet light exposure, showing enhanced dislocation activity via defect generation.
Exome and genome sequencing of nasopharynx cancer identifies NF-κB pathway activating mutations
Authors: Li Yvonne Y , Chung Grace T. Y. , Lui Vivian W. Y. , To Ka-Fai , Ma Brigette B. Y. , Chow Chit , Woo John K, S. , Yip Kevin Y. , Seo Jeongsun , Hui Edwin P. , Mak Michael K. F. , Rusan Maria , Chau Nicole G. , Or Yvonne Y. Y. , Law Marcus H. N. , Law Peggy P. Y. , Liu Zoey W. Y. , Ngan Hoi-Lam , Hau Pok-Man , Verhoeft Krista R. , Poon Peony H. Y. , Yoo Seong-Keun , Shin Jong-Yeon , Lee Sau-Dan , Lun Samantha W. M. , Jia Lin , Chan Anthony W. H. , Chan Jason Y. K. , Lai Paul B. S. , Fung Choi-Yi , Hung Suet-Ting , Wang Lin , Chang Ann Margaret V. , Chiosea Simion I. , Hedberg Matthew L. , Tsao Sai-Wah , van Hasselt Andrew C. , Chan Anthony T. C. , Grandis Jennifer R. , Hammerman Peter S. , Lo Kwok-Wai
Published: January 2017

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is an aggressive head and neck cancer characterized by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection and dense lymphocyte infiltration. The scarcity of NPC genomic data hinders the understanding of NPC biology, disease progression and rational therapy design. Here we performed whole-exome sequencing (WES) on 111 micro-dissected EBV-positive NPCs, with 15 cases subjected to further whole-genome sequencing (WGS), to determine its mutational landscape. We identified enrichment for genomic aberrations of multiple negative regulators of the NF-κB pathway, including CYLD, TRAF3, NFKBIA and NLRC5, in a total of 41% of cases. Functional analysis confirmed inactivating CYLD mutations as drivers for NPC cell growth. The EBV oncoprotein latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) functions to constitutively activate NF-κB signalling, and we observed mutual exclusivity among tumours with somatic NF-κB pathway aberrations and LMP1-overexpression, suggesting that NF-κB activation is selected for by both somatic and viral events during NPC pathogenesis.
Fluid shear stress activates YAP1 to promote cancer cell motility
Authors: Lee Hyun Jung , Diaz Miguel F. , Price Katherine M. , Ozuna Joyce A. , Zhang Songlin , Sevick-Muraca Eva M. , Hagan John P. , Wenzel Pamela L.
Published: January 2017

Mechanical stress is pervasive in egress routes of malignancy, yet the intrinsic effects of force on tumour cells remain poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that frictional force characteristic of flow in the lymphatics stimulates YAP1 to drive cancer cell migration; whereas intensities of fluid wall shear stress (WSS) typical of venous or arterial flow inhibit taxis. YAP1, but not TAZ, is strictly required for WSS-enhanced cell movement, as blockade of YAP1, TEAD1-4 or the YAP1–TEAD interaction reduces cellular velocity to levels observed without flow. Silencing of TEAD phenocopies loss of YAP1, implicating transcriptional transactivation function in mediating force-enhanced cell migration. WSS dictates expression of a network of YAP1 effectors with executive roles in invasion, chemotaxis and adhesion downstream of the ROCK–LIMK–cofilin signalling axis. Altogether, these data implicate YAP1 as a fluid mechanosensor that functions to regulate genes that promote metastasis.
Nanoparticle-induced unusual melting and solidification behaviours of metals
Authors: Ma Chao , Chen Lianyi , Cao Chezheng , Li Xiaochun
Published: January 2017

Effective control of melting and solidification behaviours of materials is significant for numerous applications. It has been a long-standing challenge to increase the melted zone (MZ) depth while shrinking the heat-affected zone (HAZ) size during local melting and solidification of materials. In this paper, nanoparticle-induced unusual melting and solidification behaviours of metals are reported that effectively solve this long-time dilemma. By introduction of Al2O3 nanoparticles, the MZ depth of Ni is increased by 68%, while the corresponding HAZ size is decreased by 67% in laser melting at a pulse energy of 0.18 mJ. The addition of SiC nanoparticles shows similar results. The discovery of the unusual melting and solidification of materials that contain nanoparticles will not only have impacts on existing melting and solidification manufacturing processes, such as laser welding and additive manufacturing, but also on other applications such as pharmaceutical processing and energy storage.
Antibody Responses to Trivalent Inactivated Influenza Vaccine in Health Care Personnel Previously Vaccinated and Vaccinated for The First Time
Authors: Huang Kuan-Ying A. , Chang Shih-Cheng , Huang Yhu-Chering , Chiu Cheng-Hsun , Lin Tzou-Yien
Published: January 2017

Inactivated influenza vaccination induces a hemagglutinin-specific antibody response to the strain used for immunization. Annual vaccination is strongly recommended for health care personnel. However, it is debatable if repeated vaccination would affect the antibody response to inactivated influenza vaccine through the time. We enrolled health care personnel who had repeated and first trivalent inactivated influenza vaccination in 2005–2008. Serological antibody responses were measured by hemagglutination-inhibition (HI) test. Subjects with repeated vaccination had higher pre-vaccination and lower post-vaccination HI titer than those with first vaccination, although serological responses between groups might vary with different antigen types and while the drifted strain was introduced in the vaccine. Higher fold rise in the HI titer was observed in the group with first than repeated vaccination and the fold increase in the HI titer was inversely correlated with pre-vaccination titer in 2007 and 2008. Nevertheless, no significant difference in the day 28 seroprotection rate was observed between groups with repeated and first vaccination in most circumstances. Further studies are needed to understand the long-term effect of repeated vaccination on the antibody response both at the serological and repertoire levels among health care personnel.
Oligo-fucoidan prevents renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis by inhibiting the CD44 signal pathway
Authors: Chen Cheng-Hsien , Sue Yuh-Mou , Cheng Chung-Yi , Chen Yen-Cheng , Liu Chung-Te , Hsu Yung-Ho , Hwang Pai-An , Huang Nai-Jen , Chen Tso-Hsiao
Published: January 2017

Tubulointerstitial fibrosis is recognized as a key determinant of progressive chronic kidney disease (CKD). Fucoidan, a sulphated polysaccharide extracted from brown seaweed, exerts beneficial effects in some nephropathy models. The present study evaluated the inhibitory effect of oligo-fucoidan (800 Da) on renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis. We established a mouse CKD model by right nephrectomy with transient ischemic injury to the left kidney. Six weeks after the surgery, we fed the CKD mice oligo-fucoidan at 10, 20, and 100 mg/kg/d for 6 weeks and found that the oligo-fucoidan doses less than 100 mg/kg/d improved renal function and reduced renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis in CKD mice. Oligo-fucoidan also inhibited pressure-induced fibrotic responses and the expression of CD44, β-catenin, and TGF-β in rat renal tubular cells (NRK-52E). CD44 knockdown downregulated the expression of β-catenin and TGF-β in pressure-treated cells. Additional ligands for CD44 reduced the anti-fibrotic effect of oligo-fucoidan in NRK-52E cells. These data suggest that oligo-fucoidan at the particular dose prevents renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis in a CKD model. The anti-fibrotic effect of oligo-fucoidan may result from interfering with the interaction between CD44 and its extracellular ligands.
Be12O12 Nano-cage as a Promising Catalyst for CO2 Hydrogenation
Authors: Zhu Haiyan , Li Yawei , Zhu Guizhi , Su Haibin , Chan Siew Hwa , Sun Qiang
Published: January 2017

An efficient conversion of CO2 into valuable fuels and chemicals has been hotly pursued recently. Here, for the first time, we have explored a series of M12x12 nano-cages (M = B, Al, Be, Mg; X = N, P, O) for catalysis of CO2 to HCOOH. Two steps are identified in the hydrogenation process, namely, H2 activation to 2H*, and then 2H* transfer to CO2 forming HCOOH, where the barriers of two H* transfer are lower than that of the H2 activation reaction. Among the studied cages, Be12O12 is found to have the lowest barrier in the whole reaction process, showing two kinds of reaction mechanisms for 2H* (simultaneous transfer and a step-wise transfer with a quite low barrier). Moreover, the H2 activation energy barrier can be further reduced by introducing Al, Ga, Li, and Na to B12N12 cage. This study would provide some new ideas for the design of efficient cluster catalysts for CO2 reduction.
Unidirectional invisibility induced by parity-time symmetric circuit
Authors: Lv Bo , Fu Jiahui , Wu Bian , Li Rujiang , Zeng Qingsheng , Yin Xinhua , Wu Qun , Gao Lei , Chen Wan , Wang Zhefei , Liang Zhiming , Li Ao , Ma Ruyu
Published: January 2017

Parity-time (PT) symmetric structures present the unidirectional invisibility at the spontaneous PT-symmetry breaking point. In this paper, we propose a PT-symmetric circuit consisting of a resistor and a microwave tunnel diode (TD) which represent the attenuation and amplification, respectively. Based on the scattering matrix method, the circuit can exhibit an ideal unidirectional performance at the spontaneous PT-symmetry breaking point by tuning the transmission lines between the lumped elements. Additionally, the resistance of the reactance component can alter the bandwidth of the unidirectional invisibility flexibly. Furthermore, the electromagnetic simulation for the proposed circuit validates the unidirectional invisibility and the synchronization with the input energy well. Our work not only provides an unidirectional invisible circuit based on PT-symmetry, but also proposes a potential solution for the extremely selective filter or cloaking applications.
Insecticide resistance status in the whitefly, Bemisia tabaci genetic groups Asia-I, Asia-II-1 and Asia-II-7 on the Indian subcontinent
Authors: Naveen N. C. , Chaubey Rahul , Kumar Dinesh , Rebijith K. B. , Rajagopal Raman , Subrahmanyam B. , Subramanian S.
Published: January 2017

The present study is a summary of the current level of the insecticide resistance to selected organophosphates, pyrethroids, and neonicotinoids in seven Indian field populations ofBemisia tabacigenetic groups Asia-I, Asia-II-1, and Asia-II-7. Susceptibility of these populations was varied with Asia-II-7 being the most susceptible, while Asia-I and Asia-II-1 populations were showing significant resistance to these insecticides. The variability of the LC50values was 7x for imidacloprid and thiamethoxam, 5x for monocrotophos and 3x for cypermethrin among the Asia-I, while, they were 7x for cypermethrin, 6x for deltamethrin and 5x for imidacloprid within the Asia-II-1 populations. When compared with the most susceptible, PUSA population (Asia-II-7), a substantial increase in resistant ratios was observed in both the populations of Asia-I and Asia-II-1. Comparative analysis during 2010–13 revealed a decline in susceptibility in Asia-I and Asia-II-1 populations ofB. tabacito the tested organophosphate, pyrethroid, and neonicotinoid insecticides. Evidence of potential control failure was detected using probit analysis estimates for cypermethrin, deltamethrin, monocrotophos and imidacloprid. Our results update resistance status ofB. tabaciin India. The implications of insecticide resistance management ofB. tabacion Indian subcontinent are discussed.
A novel multi-target regression framework for time-series prediction of drug efficacy
Authors: Li Haiqing , Zhang Wei , Chen Ying , Guo Yumeng , Li Guo-Zheng , Zhu Xiaoxin
Published: January 2017

Excavating from small samples is a challenging pharmacokinetic problem, where statistical methods can be applied. Pharmacokinetic data is special due to the small samples of high dimensionality, which makes it difficult to adopt conventional methods to predict the efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescription. The main purpose of our study is to obtain some knowledge of the correlation in TCM prescription. Here, a novel method named Multi-target Regression Framework to deal with the problem of efficacy prediction is proposed. We employ the correlation between the values of different time sequences and add predictive targets of previous time as features to predict the value of current time. Several experiments are conducted to test the validity of our method and the results of leave-one-out cross-validation clearly manifest the competitiveness of our framework. Compared with linear regression, artificial neural networks, and partial least squares, support vector regression combined with our framework demonstrates the best performance, and appears to be more suitable for this task.
Wind Wave Behavior in Fetch and Depth Limited Estuaries
Authors: Karimpour Arash , Chen Qin , Twilley Robert R.
Published: January 2017

Wetland dominated estuaries serve as one of the most productive natural ecosystems through their ecological, economic and cultural services, such as nursery grounds for fisheries, nutrient sequestration, and ecotourism. The ongoing deterioration of wetland ecosystems in many shallow estuaries raises concerns about the contributing erosive processes and their roles in restraining coastal restoration efforts. Given the combination of wetlands and shallow bays as landscape components that determine the function of estuaries, successful restoration strategies require knowledge of wind wave behavior in fetch and depth limited water as a critical design feature. We experimentally evaluate physics of wind wave growth in fetch and depth limited estuaries. We demonstrate that wave growth rate in shallow estuaries is a function of wind fetch to water depth ratio, which helps to develop a new set of parametric wave growth equations. We find that the final stage of wave growth in shallow estuaries can be presented by a product of water depth and wave number, whereby their product approaches 1.363 as either depth or wave energy increases. Suggested wave growth equations and their asymptotic constraints establish the magnitude of wave forces acting on wetland erosion that must be included in ecosystem restoration design.
Hydrocarbons in phlogopite from Kasenyi kamafugitic rocks (SW Uganda): cross-correlated AFM, confocal microscopy and Raman imaging
Authors: Moro Daniele , Valdrè Giovanni , Mesto Ernesto , Scordari Fernando , Lacalamita Maria , Ventura Giancarlo Della , Bellatreccia Fabio , Scirè Salvatore , Schingaro Emanuela
Published: January 2017

This study presents a cross-correlated surface and near surface investigation of two phlogopite polytypes from Kasenyi kamafugitic rocks (SW Uganda) by means of advanced Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), confocal microscopy and Raman micro-spectroscopy. AFM revealed comparable nanomorphology and electrostatic surface potential for the two mica polytypes. A widespread presence of nano-protrusions located on the mica flake surface was also observed, with an aspect ratio (maximum height/maximum width) from 0.01 to 0.09. Confocal microscopy showed these features to range from few nm to several μm in dimension, and shapes from perfectly circular to ellipsoidic and strongly elongated. Raman spectra collected across the bubbles showed an intense and convolute absorption in the range 3000–2800 cm−1, associated with weaker bands at 1655, 1438 and 1297 cm−1, indicating the presence of fluid inclusions consisting of aliphatic hydrocarbons, alkanes and cycloalkanes, with minor amounts of oxygenated compounds, such as carboxylic acids. High-resolution Raman images provided evidence that these hydrocarbons are confined within the bubbles. This work represents the first direct evidence that phlogopite, a common rock-forming mineral, may be a possible reservoir for hydrocarbons.
Electrocatalytic activity of lithium polysulfides adsorbed into porous TiO2 coated MWCNTs hybrid structure for lithium-sulfur batteries
Authors: He Xiulin , Hou Huijie , Yuan Xiqing , Huang Long , Hu Jingping , Liu Bingchuan , Xu Jingyi , Xie Jia , Yang Jiakuan , Liang Sha , Wu Xu
Published: January 2017

Lithium-sulfur batteries have attracted great attention because of their high energy density, environmental friendliness, natural abundance and intrinsically low cost of sulfur. However, their commercial applications are greatly hindered by rapid capacity decay due to poor conductivity of electrode, fast dissolution of the intermediate polysulfides into the electrolyte, and the volume expansion of sulfur. Herein, we report a novel composite MWCNTs@TiO2-S nanostructure by grafting TiO2 onto the surface of MWCNTs, followed by incorporating sulfur into the composite. The inner MWCNTs improved the mechanical strength and conductivity of the electrode and the outer TiO2 provided the adsorption sites to immobilize polysulfides due to bonding interaction between TiO2 and polysulfides. The MWCNTs@TiO2-S composite with a mass ratio of 50% (MWCNTs in MWCNTs@TiO2) exhibited the highest electrochemistry performance among all compositing ratios of MWCNTs/TiO2. The performance improvement might be attributed to the downward shift of the apparent Fermi level to a more positive potential and electron rich space region at the interface of MWCNTs-TiO2 that facilitates the reduction of lithium polysulfide at a higher potential. Such a novel hybrid structure can be applicable for electrode design in other energy storage applications.
Seasonal and regional presence of hymenopteran parasitoids of Drosophila in Switzerland and their ability to parasitize the invasive Drosophila suzukii
Authors: Knoll Valery , Ellenbroek Thomas , Romeis Jörg , Collatz Jana
Published: January 2017

Since its introduction into Europe the invasive Drosophila suzukii has established and spread widely, thereby entering habitats populated by native Drosophila species and their natural enemies. The highly prolific D. suzukii will likely interact with these species as a competitor, host or prey. To investigate potential interactions of D. suzukii with parasitoids, a field survey was conducted across several fruit-growing regions in Switzerland in two consecutive years. Eight species of hymenopteran parasitoids were collected using D. melanogaster as sentinel hosts in field-traps. Parasitoid capture was much higher in 2015 than in 2014 and varied among regions, time of the growing season, and habitat type. Laboratory no-choice assays with the field-collected species demonstrated that the larval parasitoids Asobara tabida, Leptopilina boulardi, and L. heterotoma could not use D. suzukii for reproduction, although the latter two reduced the number of emerging D. suzukii. In contrast, the pupal parasitoids Pachycrepoideus vindemmiae, Trichopria drosophilae, Vrestovia fidenas and Spalangia erythromera all developed with D. suzukii as hosts. Regional differences between strains were generally not evident, with the exception of two T. drosophilae strains that differed in parasitization rate. Thus, native parasitoids may interact with D. suzukii and should be regarded when implementing pest control measures.
High Efficiency Hydrodynamic DNA Fragmentation in a Bubbling System
Authors: Li Lanhui , Jin Mingliang , Sun Chenglong , Wang Xiaoxue , Xie Shuting , Zhou Guofu , van den Berg Albert , Eijkel Jan C. T. , Shui Lingling
Published: January 2017

DNA fragmentation down to a precise fragment size is important for biomedical applications, disease determination, gene therapy and shotgun sequencing. In this work, a cheap, easy to operate and high efficiency DNA fragmentation method is demonstrated based on hydrodynamic shearing in a bubbling system. We expect that hydrodynamic forces generated during the bubbling process shear the DNA molecules, extending and breaking them at the points where shearing forces are larger than the strength of the phosphate backbone. Factors of applied pressure, bubbling time and temperature have been investigated. Genomic DNA could be fragmented down to controllable 1–10 Kbp fragment lengths with a yield of 75.30–91.60%. We demonstrate that the ends of the genomic DNAs generated from hydrodynamic shearing can be ligated by T4 ligase and the fragmented DNAs can be used as templates for polymerase chain reaction. Therefore, in the bubbling system, DNAs could be hydrodynamically sheared to achieve smaller pieces in dsDNAs available for further processes. It could potentially serve as a DNA sample pretreatment technique in the future.
Enhanced removal of As (V) from aqueous solution using modified hydrous ferric oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Huo Lijuan , Zeng Xibai , Su Shiming , Bai Lingyu , Wang Yanan
Published: January 2017

Hydrous ferric oxide (HFO) is most effective with high treatment capacity on arsenate [As(V)] sorption although its transformation and aggregation nature need further improvement. Here, HFO nanoparticles with carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) or starch as modifier was synthesized for the purpose of stability improvement and As(V) removal from water. Comparatively, CMC might be the optimum stabilizer for HFO nanoparticles because of more effective physical and chemical stability. The large-pore structure, high surface specific area, and the non-aggregated nature of CMC-HFO lead to increased adsorption sites, and thus high adsorption capacities of As(V) without pre-treatment (355 mg·g−1), which is much greater than those reported in previous studies. Second-order equation and dual-mode isotherm model could be successfully used to interpret the sorption kinetics and isotherms of As(V), respectively. FTIR, XPS and XRD analyses suggested that precipitation and surface complexation were primary mechanisms for As(V) removal by CMC modified HFO nanoparticles. A surface complexation model (SCM) was used to simulate As adsorption over pH 2.5–10.4. The predominant adsorbed arsenate species were modeled as bidentate binuclear surface complexes at low pH and as monodentate complexes at high pH. The immobilized arsenic remained stable when aging for 270 d at room temperature.
Deep-sea crustacean trawling fisheries in Portugal: quantification of effort and assessment of landings per unit effort using a Vessel Monitoring System (VMS)
Authors: Bueno-Pardo Juan , Ramalho Sofia P. , García-Alegre Ana , Morgado Mariana , Vieira Rui P. , Cunha Marina R. , Queiroga Henrique
Published: January 2017

Mapping and quantifying bottom trawling fishing pressure on the seafloor is pivotal to understand its effects on deep-sea benthic habitats. Using data from the Vessel Monitoring System of crustacean trawlers along the Portuguese margin, we have identified the most exploited areas and characterized the most targeted habitats and water depths. We estimated a total trawling effort of 69596, 66766, and 63427 h y−1 for the years 2012, 2013, and 2014 respectively which, considering the total landings estimated for this gear, yield values of 20.76, 21.06, and 19.11 kg of landed fish per trawled hour. The main trawling pressure is exerted in the South and Southwest Portuguese margins, on muddy and muddy-sand bottoms between 200 and 700 m water depths, while in the North and Central-West coasts a minor effort, at shallower waters and across a wider range of habitats, is also applied. The most landed species are crustaceans such as rose shrimp and Norway lobster, although this varies importantly between the different regions of Portugal, being fish and cephalopods the main captures in the Northern ports. We discuss the consequences of trawling for the impacted communities as well as the characteristics of the commercialization of these captures in Portugal.
Solving Large-Scale Inverse Magnetostatic Problems using the Adjoint Method
Authors: Bruckner Florian , Abert Claas , Wautischer Gregor , Huber Christian , Vogler Christoph , Hinze Michael , Suess Dieter
Published: January 2017

An efficient algorithm for the reconstruction of the magnetization state within magnetic components is presented. The occurring inverse magnetostatic problem is solved by means of an adjoint approach, based on the Fredkin-Koehler method for the solution of the forward problem. Due to the use of hybrid FEM-BEM coupling combined with matrix compression techniques the resulting algorithm is well suited for large-scale problems. Furthermore the reconstruction of the magnetization state within a permanent magnet as well as an optimal design application are demonstrated.
Cullin 7 mediates proteasomal and lysosomal degradations of rat Eag1 potassium channels
Authors: Hsu Po-Hao , Ma Yu-Ting , Fang Ya-Ching , Huang Jing-Jia , Gan Yu-Ling , Chang Pei-Tzu , Jow Guey-Mei , Tang Chih-Yung , Jeng Chung-Jiuan
Published: January 2017

Mammalian Eag1 (Kv10.1) potassium (K+) channels are widely expressed in the brain. Several mutations in the gene encoding human Eag1 K+ channel have been associated with congenital neurodevelopmental anomalies. Currently very little is known about the molecules mediating protein synthesis and degradation of Eag1 channels. Herein we aim to ascertain the protein degradation mechanism of rat Eag1 (rEag1). We identified cullin 7 (Cul7), a member of the cullin-based E3 ubiquitin ligase family, as a novel rEag1 binding partner. Immunoprecipitation analyses confirmed the interaction between Cul7 and rEag1 in heterologous cells and neuronal tissues. Cul7 and rEag1 also exhibited significant co-localization at synaptic regions in neurons. Over-expression of Cul7 led to reduced protein level, enhanced ubiquitination, accelerated protein turn-over, and decreased current density of rEag1 channels. We provided further biochemical and morphological evidence suggesting that Cul7 targeted endoplasmic reticulum (ER)- and plasma membrane-localized rEag1 to the proteasome and the lysosome, respectively, for protein degradation. Cul7 also contributed to protein degradation of a disease-associated rEag1 mutant. Together, these results indicate that Cul7 mediates both proteasomal and lysosomal degradations of rEag1. Our findings provide a novel insight to the mechanisms underlying ER and peripheral protein quality controls of Eag1 channels.
Climate change influences on crop mix shifts in the United States
Authors: Cho Sung Ju , McCarl Bruce A.
Published: January 2017

We examine the impact of current and future climate on crop mixes over space in the US. We find using historical data that temperature and precipitation are among the causal factors for shits in crop production location and mixes, with some crops being more sensitive than others. In particular, we find that when temperature rises, cotton, rice, sorghum and winter wheat are more likely to be chosen. We also find that barley, sorghum, winter wheat, spring wheat and hay are more likely to be chosen as regions become drier, and corn, cotton, rice and soybeans are more likely to be selected in wetter regions. Additionally, we assess how much of the observed crop mix shifts between 1970 and 2010 were contributed to by climate change. There we find climate explains about 7–50% of the shift in latitude, 20–36% in longitude and 4–28% of that in elevation. Finally, we estimate climate change impacts on future crop mix under CMIP5 scenarios. There we find shifts in US production regions for almost all major crops with the movement north and east. The estimates describe how the farmers respond to altering climate and can be used for planning future crop allocations.
Reliable and efficient solution of genome-scale models of Metabolism and macromolecular Expression
Authors: Ma Ding , Yang Laurence , Fleming Ronan M. T. , Thiele Ines , Palsson Bernhard O. , Saunders Michael A.
Published: January 2017

Constraint-Based Reconstruction and Analysis (COBRA) is currently the only methodology that permits integrated modeling of Metabolism and macromolecular Expression (ME) at genome-scale. Linear optimization computes steady-state flux solutions to ME models, but flux values are spread over many orders of magnitude. Data values also have greatly varying magnitudes. Standard double-precision solvers may return inaccurate solutions or report that no solution exists. Exact simplex solvers based on rational arithmetic require a near-optimal warm start to be practical on large problems (current ME models have 70,000 constraints and variables and will grow larger). We have developed a quadruple-precision version of our linear and nonlinear optimizer MINOS, and a solution procedure (DQQ) involving Double and Quad MINOS that achieves reliability and efficiency for ME models and other challenging problems tested here. DQQ will enable extensive use of large linear and nonlinear models in systems biology and other applications involving multiscale data.
Combined LRRK2 mutation, aging and chronic low dose oral rotenone as a model of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Liu Hui-Fang , Ho Philip Wing-Lok , Leung Gideon Chi-Ting , Lam Colin Siu-Chi , Pang Shirley Yin-Yu , Li Lingfei , Kung Michelle Hiu-Wai , Ramsden David Boyer , Ho Shu-Leong
Published: January 2017

Aging, genetics and environmental toxicity are important etiological factors in Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, its pathogenesis remains unclear. A major obstacle is the lack of an appropriate experimental model which incorporates genetic susceptibility, aging and prolonged environmental toxicity. Here, we explored the interplay amongst these factors using mutant LRRK2R1441G (leucine-rich-repeat-kinase-2) knockin mice. We found that mutant primary cortical and mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons were more susceptible to rotenone-induced ATP deficiency and cell death. Compared with wild-type controls, striatal synaptosomes isolated from young mutant mice exhibited significantly lower dopamine uptake after rotenone toxicity, due to reduced striatal synaptosomal mitochondria and synaptic vesicular proton pump protein (V-ATPase H) levels. Mutant mice developed greater locomotor deficits in open-field tests than wild-type mice following low oral rotenone doses given twice weekly over 50 weeks (half their lifespan). The increased locomotor deficit was associated with specific reduction in striatal mitochondrial Complex-I (NDUFS4) in rotenone-treated mutant but not in similarly treated wild-type mice. Our unique experimental model which incorporates genetic effect, natural aging and prolonged oral environmental toxicity administered to mutant knockin LRRK2 mice over half their life span, with observable and measurable phenotype, is invaluable in further studies of the pathogenic process and therapeutics of PD.
Unsaturated lipid bodies as a hallmark of inflammation studied by Raman 2D and 3D microscopy
Authors: Czamara K. , Majzner K. , Selmi A. , Baranska M. , Ozaki Y. , Kaczor A.
Published: January 2017

Endothelial HMEC-1 cells incubated with pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α for 6 and 24 hours were studied as a model of inflammation using Raman imaging. Striking changes in distribution, composition and concentration of cellular lipids were observed after exposure to TNF-α compared to the control. In particular, 3D Raman imaging revealed a significant increase in the amount of lipid entities formed under inflammation. Lipid bodies were randomly distributed in the cytoplasm and two types of droplets were assembled: more saturated one, in spectral characteristics resembling phosphatidylcholine and saturated cholesteryl esters, observed also in the control, and highly unsaturated one, containing also cholesterols, being a hallmark of inflamed cells. The statistical analysis showed that the number of lipid bodies was significantly dependent on the exposure time to TNF-α. Overall, observed formation of unsaturated lipid droplets can be directly correlated with the increase in production of prostacyclins - endogenous inflammation mediators.
Wafer-scale Thermodynamically Stable GaN Nanorods via Two-Step Self-Limiting Epitaxy for Optoelectronic Applications
Authors: Kum Hyun , Seong Han-Kyu , Lim Wantae , Chun Daemyung , Kim Young-il , Park Youngsoo , Yoo Geonwook
Published: January 2017

We present a method of epitaxially growing thermodynamically stable gallium nitride (GaN) nanorods via metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) by invoking a two-step self-limited growth (TSSLG) mechanism. This allows for growth of nanorods with excellent geometrical uniformity with no visible extended defects over a 100 mm sapphire (Al2O3) wafer. An ex-situ study of the growth morphology as a function of growth time for the two self-limiting steps elucidate the growth dynamics, which show that formation of an Ehrlich-Schwoebel barrier and preferential growth in the c-plane direction governs the growth process. This process allows monolithic formation of dimensionally uniform nanowires on templates with varying filling matrix patterns for a variety of novel electronic and optoelectronic applications. A color tunable phosphor-free white light LED with a coaxial architecture is fabricated as a demonstration of the applicability of these nanorods grown by TSSLG.
Direct Observation of the Layer-by-Layer Growth of ZnO Nanopillar by In situ High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy
Authors: Li Xing , Cheng Shaobo , Deng Shiqing , Wei Xianlong , Zhu Jing , Chen Qing
Published: January 2017

Catalyst-free methods are important for the fabrication of pure nanowires (NWs). However, the growth mechanism remains elusive due to the lack of crucial information on the growth dynamics at atomic level. Here, the noncatalytic growth process of ZnO NWs is studied through in situ high resolution transmission electron microscopy. We observe the layer-by-layer growth of ZnO nanopillars along the polar [0001] direction under electron beam irradiation, while no growth is observed along the radial directions, indicating an anisotropic growth mechanism. The source atoms are mainly from the electron beam induced damage of the sample and the growth is assisted by subsequent absorption and then diffusion of atoms along the side "Equation missing" surface to the top (0002) surface. The different binding energy on different ZnO surface is the main origin for the anisotropic growth. Additionally, the coalescence of ZnO nanocrystals related to the nucleation stage is uncovered to realize through the rotational motions and recrystallization. Our in situ results provide atomic-level detailed information about the dynamic growth and coalescence processes in the noncatalytic synthesis of ZnO NW and are helpful for understanding the vapor-solid mechanism of catalyst-free NW growth.
The impacts of air pollution on maternal stress during pregnancy
Authors: Lin Yanfen , Zhou Leilei , Xu Jian , Luo Zhongcheng , Kan Haidong , Zhang Jinsong , Yan Chonghuai , Zhang Jun
Published: January 2017

To investigate the association of air pollution with maternal stress during pregnancy, we enrolled 1,931 women during mid-to-late pregnancy in Shanghai in 2010. The “Life-Event Scale for Pregnant Women” and “Symptom-Checklist-90-Revised Scale” (SCL-90-R) were used to evaluate life event stress and emotional stress, respectively. Air pollution data were collected for each district where pregnant women lived during pregnancy. We associated ambient air pollution with stress scores using multivariable logistic regression models. After adjusting for relevant covariates, an interquartile-range (IQR) increase in sulphur-dioxide (SO2) (OR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.11–1.52) and particulate-matter with an aerodynamic-diameter <10 μm (PM10) (OR = 1.16, 95% CI: 1.02–1.34) concentrations on the recruitment day, and in the 5-day moving average concentrations of nitrogen-dioxide (NO2) (OR = 1.34, 95% CI: 1.05–1.70) were associated with high Global-Severity-Indices (P75-P100) of the SCL-90-R. These associations were stronger among women bearing high levels (P25-P100) of air pollutants than among women experiencing low levels (P1-P25) of pollutants. The stronger associations and higher levels of pollutants were observed in the cool season than in the warm season. SO2 increases on the recruitment day were also associated with an increased risk of high depression scores (P75-P100). Our findings supported a dose-dependent association between air pollution and emotional stress during pregnancy.
The role of miR-497-5p in myofibroblast differentiation of LR-MSCs and pulmonary fibrogenesis
Authors: Chen Xiang , Shi Chaowen , Wang Cong , Liu Weilin , Chu Yanhong , Xiang Zou , Hu Kebin , Dong Ping , Han Xiaodong
Published: January 2017

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive and fatal fibrotic lung disease characterized by profound changes in stem cell differentiation, epithelial cell phenotypes and fibroblast proliferation. In our study, we found that miR-497-5p was significantly upregulated both during myofibroblast differentiation of lung resident mesenchymal stem cells (LR-MSCs) and in the lung tissues of a pulmonary fibrosis model. In addition, as determined by luciferase assays and Western blot analysis, reversion-inducing cysteine-rich protein with kazal motifs (Reck) was identified to be one of the target genes of miR-497-5p, and Reck could suppress the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (Mmp2) and Mmp9, which could activate latent transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). To test the potential therapeutic significance of this miRNA, we modulated the expression of miR-497-5p in LR-MSCs and relevant animal models. The results demonstrated that upregulation of miR-497-5p could induce LR-MSCs to differentiate into myofibroblasts and promote pulmonary fibrogenesis, while inhibition of its expression could effectively retard these processes. In conclusion, our work supports that controlling pulmonary fibrogenesis via inhibition of miR-497-5p expression may provide a potential therapeutic strategy for IPF.
Macroporous SmMn2O5 mullite for NOx-assisted soot combustion
Authors: Feng Zijian , Liu Qinhan , Chen Yongjie , Zhao Pengfei , Peng Qi , Cao Kun , Chen Rong , Shen Meiqing , Shan Bin
Published: January 2017

A series of mullite SmMn2O5 oxides were prepared by citric acid (CA), hydrothermal (HT) and co-precipitation (CP) and combustion of ethylene glycol and methanol solutions (EG&M) methods, and tested for NOx-assisted soot combustion.
Sialoglycoprotein isolated from the eggs of Gadus morhua enhances fracture healing in osteoporotic mice
Authors: Zhan Qiping , Gui Xiong , Wang Fei , Yu Peng , Zhao Meihui , Wang Jingfeng , Xue Changhu
Published: January 2017

Osteoporosis is a common disease in the elderly, which is related to fracture healing delay.
Benzothiazoles-substituted tetraphenylethylenes: synthesis, structure, aggregation-induced emission and biological studies
Authors: Keshav Karunesh , Kumawat Mukesh Kumar , Srivastava Rohit , Ravikanth M.
Published: January 2017

Herein, we report the synthesis and characterization of ESIPT-based benzothiazole substituted tetraphenylethylene molecules. We also studied their emission behavior in aggregation and solid state.
Enhanced anticancer effect of copper-loaded chitosan nanoparticles against osteosarcoma
Authors: Ai Jin-wei , Liao Wen , Ren Zhi-Long
Published: January 2017

In this study, copper-loaded chitosan nanoparticles were prepared for the effective treatment of osteosarcoma.
Investigation on CO catalytic oxidation reaction kinetics of faceted perovskite nanostructures loaded with Pt
Authors: Yin S. M. , Duanmu J. J. , Zhu Y. H. , Yuan Y. F. , Guo S. Y. , Yang J. L. , Ren Z. H. , Han G. R.
Published: January 2017

Perovskite lead titanate nanostructures with specific {111}, {100} and {001} facets exposed, have been employed as supports to investigate the crystal facet effect on the growth and CO catalytic activity of Pt nanoparticles.
Carbon steel corrosion: a review of key surface properties and characterization methods
Authors: Dwivedi Deepak , Lepková Kateřina , Becker Thomas
Published: January 2017

The effects of surface morphology, defects, texture and energy on carbon steel corrosion are elucidated along with relevant characterization methods.
Effect of UV-ozone process on the ZnO interlayer in the inverted organic solar cells
Authors: Li Dou , Qin Wenjing , Zhang Shengchen , Liu Dongyue , Yu Zhenyang , Mao Jing , Wu Linfeng , Yang Liying , Yin Shougen
Published: January 2017

Free oxygen atoms generated by UV-ozone treatment penetrates into ZnO lattices and then cause the decrease of oxygen vacancy and increase of oxygen interstitial defects. The revolution affects the WFs of ZnO and finally the properties of IOSC.
SDS induced dissociation of STY3178 oligomer: experimental and molecular dynamics studies
Authors: Saha Paramita , Sikdar Samapan , Manna Camelia , Chakrabarti Jaydeb , Ghosh Mahua
Published: January 2017

STY3178 the yfdX Salmonella Typhi protein dissociates reversibly in presence of sodium dodecyl sulphate from trimer to monomer.
Preparation of highly efficient antibacterial polymeric films via the modulation of charge density and hydrophobicity
Authors: Yin Li-Hua , Ran Bin , Hu Tian-Jiao , Yang Chen , Fei Jun-Jie , Li Yi-He
Published: January 2017

Highly efficient antibacterial polymeric films were prepared in a facile manner via a thiol–ene reaction assisted by ultraviolet radiation.
Ozonolysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in participating solvents
Authors: Lundstedt Anna , Webb Matthew J. , Grennberg Helena
Published: January 2017

New insights into potential graphene edge differentiation from calculated local ionization energy surfaces and experiments with and without participating solvent.
Enhanced electrochemical oxidation of phenol by boron-doped diamond nanowire electrode
Authors: Lee Choong-Hyun , Lee Eung-Seok , Lim Young-Kyun , Park Kang-Hee , Park Hee-Deung , Lim Dae-Soon
Published: January 2017

We fabricated a boron-doped diamond nanowire (BDDNW) electrodeviametal-assisted chemical etching (MACE) of Si and electrostatic self-assembly of nanodiamond (ESAND) seeding to provide a large surface area during the phenol oxidation.