bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Empty Nest
Authors: Mitchell Barbara A.
Published: March 2016

The term “empty nest” is commonly used to refer to the situation where children have grown up and left the parental home. This situation may involve a reorganization of parental roles and is commonly assumed to create a related condition known as the empty nest syndrome, which is purported to affect mothers more than fathers. Historically, the empty nest phase of the family life cycle was relatively rare or of short duration. With increased longevity and lower fertility rates, parents began to expect an extended postparental and postretirement period. In contemporary times, the transition to the empty nest is less linear or permanent since many young adult children return home. This countertrend of refilled nests is largely attributed to economic and other sociodemographic shifts which have delayed the independence of young adults in addition to other family transitions over the life course. Cross‐cultural and other studies also highlight diversity in empty nest experiences by psychological and relational factors, ethnic background, social class, gender, and regional locale.
Shift Work in the
U
nited
S
tates
Authors: Hendrix Joshua
Published: March 2016

The dawning of a 24–7 US economy has reshaped the timing of work for a growing number of Americans. Economic, demographic, and social changes in recent decades have boosted the demand and necessity for around‐the‐clock business practices and flexible work schedules that fall outside the traditional Monday‐through‐Friday workweek and nine‐to‐five workday. Globalization, the shift to a service‐based economy, delays in marriage and childbirth, the growth of dual‐earner households, and the greying of America have profoundly increased the number of Americans working night shifts or rotating schedules (i.e., shift work) or evening, irregular, split‐shift, or weekend hours – collectively known as “nonstandard work schedules.” The unconventional nature of nonstandard work has provoked concerns from scholars regarding the implications that such schedules have for individual and family well‐being. This entry reviews this empirical literature.
Role Conflict, Role Overload, and Role Strain
Authors: Creary Stephanie J. , Gordon Judith R.
Published: March 2016

Role conflict exists when two or more social roles overlap and are incompatible. Conflict occurs because the performance of one role interferes with the performance of another. Role conflict can be time‐based, strain‐based, or behavior‐based. Antecedents of work–family conflict can be within the same work or family domain or across domains. Role overload exists when an individual fulfills multiple roles simultaneously and lacks the resources to perform them. It can evolve from both excessive time demands and excessive psychological demands. Role strain is an outcome of role conflict and overload. Solutions to reducing the effects of role conflict, overload, and strain include reducing demands, increasing resources, or both. More specifically, role‐sequencing, role‐prioritizing, and role change, as well as increasing social resources and managing boundaries between work and family responsibilities, are options for reducing role conflict, overload, and strain.
E
astern
A
sia, Families in
Authors: Demir Tuba , Drentea Patricia
Published: March 2016

This entry examines Eastern Asian families. First, the entry defines what is considered “Eastern Asian.” Then, it examines characteristics of traditional Eastern Asian families such as marriage and fertility, gender roles in the family, intergenerational relationships, and changes in family structure. It then concludes by discussing modern issues in Eastern Asian families.
Incest
Authors: Bowers Jessica M. , Duncan Melanie L.
Published: March 2016

Cultures and societies tend to be variable in what they consider to be taboo. However, one area in which almost every society seems to be in agreement is the social unacceptability of the relationships between family members. Incest typically refers to a sexual relationship between individuals who are closely related (i.e., parents, children, and other immediate family members).
Characterization of a novel variant BCR–ABL1 fusion transcript in a patient with chronic myeloid leukemia
Authors: Crampe Mireille , Haslam Karl , Kelly Johanna , Conneally Eibhlin , Langabeer Stephen E.
Published: March 2016

Molecular monitoring of BCR—ABL1 transcript levels using quantitative polymerase chain reaction is an essential part of the modern management of chronic myeloid leukemia patients treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Establishing the diagnostic BCR—ABL1 fusion transcript is necessary in order to select appropriate primers and probes for such monitoring. A case is described in which quantitative polymerase chain reaction failed to detect the presence of BCR—ABL1 fusion transcript in a Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia patient. Further investigation demonstrated a novel in-frame BCR—ABL1 fusion transcript with a breakpoint in BCR exon 13 and insertion of a sequence of ABL1 intron 1, therefore enabling subsequent molecular monitoring. This case highlights the requirement for characterization of the BCR—ABL1 transcript type at chronic myeloid leukemia diagnosis. Issues concerning standardized methodological approaches and interpretation of transcript levels in such rare cases are discussed.
GRANGER CAUSALITY AND STRUCTURAL CAUSALITY IN CROSS-SECTION AND PANEL DATA
Authors: Lu Xun , Su Liangjun , White Halbert
Published: March 2016

Granger noncausality in distribution is fundamentally a probabilistic conditional independence notion that can be applied not only to time series data but also to cross-section and panel data. In this paper, we provide a natural definition of structural causality in cross-section and panel data and forge a direct link between Granger (G–) causality and structural causality under a key conditional exogeneity assumption. To put it simply, when structural effects are well defined and identifiable,G–non-causality follows from structural noncausality, and with suitable conditions (e.g., separability or monotonicity), structural causality also impliesG–causality. This justifies using tests ofG–non-causality to test for structural noncausality under the key conditional exogeneity assumption for both cross-section and panel data. We pay special attention to heterogeneous populations, allowing both structural heterogeneity and distributional heterogeneity. Most of our results are obtained for the general case, without assuming linearity, monotonicity in observables or unobservables, or separability between observed and unobserved variables in the structural relations.
Globally disruptive events show predictable timing patterns
Authors: Gillman Michael P. , Erenler Hilary E.
Published: March 2016

Globally disruptive events include asteroid/comet impacts, large igneous provinces and glaciations, all of which have been considered as contributors to mass extinctions. Understanding the overall relationship between the timings of the largest extinctions and their potential proximal causes remains one of science's great unsolved mysteries. Cycles of about 60 Myr in both fossil diversity and environmental data suggest external drivers such as the passage of the Solar System through the galactic plane. While cyclic phenomena are recognized statistically, a lack of coherent mechanisms and a failure to link key events has hampered wider acceptance of multi-million year periodicity and its relevance to earth science and evolution. The generation of a robust predictive model of timings, with a clear plausible primary mechanism, would signal a paradigm shift. Here, we present a model of the timings of globally disruptive events and a possible explanation of their ultimate cause. The proposed model is a symmetrical pattern of 63 Myr sequences around a central value, interpreted as the occurrence of events along, and parallel to, the galactic midplane. The symmetry is consistent with multiple dark matter disks, aligned parallel to the midplane. One implication of the precise pattern of timings and the underlying physical model is the ability to predict future events, such as a major extinction in 1–2 Myr.
Predicting the prevalence of peripheral arterial diseases: modelling and validation in different cohorts
Authors: Zhan Yiqiang , Zhuang Jie , Dong Ying , Xu Hong , Hu Dayi , Yu Jinming
Published: March 2016

Abstract. Background: To develop models for prevalence estimation of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and to validate them in an external cohort. Methods: Model training cohort was a population based cross-sectional survey. Age, sex, smoking status, body mass index, total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein (HDL), TC/HDL ratio, low density lipoprotein, fasting glucose, diabetes, hypertension, pulse pressure, and stroke history were considered candidate predicting variables. Ankle brachial index ≤ 0.9 was defined as the presence of peripheral arterial disease. Logistic regression method was used to build the prediction models. The likelihood ratio test was applied to select predicting variables. The bootstrap method was used for model internal validation. Model performance was validated in an external cohort. Results: The final models included age, sex, pulse pressure, TC/HDL ratio, smoking status, diabetes, and stroke history. Area under receiver operating characteristics (AUC) with 95% confidence interval (CI) of the final model from the training cohort was 0.74 (0.70, 0.77). Model validation in another cohort revealed AUC (95% CI) of 0.72 (0.70, 0.73). P value of Hosmer-Lemeshow’s model goodness of fit test was 0.75 indicating good model calibration. Conclusions: The developed model yielded a moderate usefulness for predicting the prevalence of PAD in general population.
Percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy in the treatment of acute and subacute occlusions of the peripheral arteries and bypasses
Authors: Stanek Frantisek , Ouhrabkova Radoslava , Prochazka David
Published: March 2016

Abstract. Background: The aim of this prospective single-centre study was to analyse the immediate results, failures and complications of percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy using the Rotarex catheter in the treatment of acute and subacute occlusions of peripheral arteries and bypasses, as well as to evaluate long-term outcomes of this method. Patients and methods: Patients with acute (duration of symptoms < 14 days) or subacute (duration of symptoms > 14 days and < 3 months) occlusions of peripheral arteries and bypasses were selected consecutively for treatment. The cohort consisted of 113 patients, aged 18 - 92 years (median 72 years). In all, 128 procedures were performed. Results: Angiographic success was obtained in 120 interventions (93.8 %). Reasons for failures were rethrombosis of a partially recanalised segment in six procedures, and embolism into crural arteries in one intervention - percutaneous aspiration thromboembolectomy (PAT) and/or thrombolysis were ineffective in all these cases. Breakage of the Rotarex catheter happened in one procedure. Embolisation into crural arteries as a transitory complication solvable with PAT and/or thrombolysis occurred in four cases. Rethrombosis was more frequent in bypasses than in native arteries (p = 0.0069), in patients with longer occlusions (p = 0.026) and those with poorer distal runoff (p = 0.048). Embolisation happened more often in patients with a shorter duration of symptoms (p = 0.0001). Clinical success was achieved in 82.5 %. Major amputation was performed in 10 % of cases. Cumulative patency rates were 75 % after one month, 71 % after six months, 38 % after 12 months, 33 % after 18 months and 30 % after 24, 30, 36 and 42 months. Conclusions: Rotarex thrombectomy has excellent immediate results with a low rate of failures and complications. In comparison to thrombolysis, it enables the fast and efficient treatment of acute and subacute occlusions of peripheral arteries in one session.
Risk factors for superficial vein thrombosis in patients with primary chronic venous disease
Authors: Musil Dalibor , Kaletova Marketa , Herman Jiri
Published: March 2016

Abstract. Background: Primary chronic venous disease (CVD) is associated with an increased risk of superficial vein thrombosis (SVT). While CVD is a predominant factor in SVT, there is a range of additional predisposing factors. The objective was to investigate the association between age, gender, BMI, smoking, oestrogen hormone therapy, family history of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and CEAP clinical classification in patients with CVD and a history of SVT. Patients and methods: In a retrospective observational study on consecutive patients with primary CVD, 641 outpatients were enrolled (152 men, 23.7 %; 489 women, 76.3 %). The prevalence of SVT was evaluated according to age, BMI, smoking, presence of family history of VTE, use of hormone therapy, and clinical class of CVD. Results: Risk of SVT was significantly increased in women (OR 1.68, 95 % CI = 1.02 - 2.76; p = 0.041), older patients (46 - 69 years, OR 1.57, 95% CI = 1.03 - 2.4; p = 0.036, ≥ 70 years, OR 2.93, 95 % CI = 1.5 - 5.76; p = 0.001), smokers (OR 1.69, 95 % CI = 1.1 - 2.58; p = 0.015) and in persons with first-degree siblings diagnosed with VTE (OR 2,28, 95 % CI = 1.28 - 4.05; p = 0.004). The risk was significantly increased in older male smokers (p - 0.042). In women, smoking and oestrogen therapy (p = 0.495) did not increase the risk of SVT even older women or in those with increased BMI. In CVD (C0 - C3), a history of episodes of SVT was found in 103/550 (18.7 %), in chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) in 27/91 (29.7 %). There was a significantly higher prevalence of SVT in patients with CVI (OR 1.70, 95% CI = 1.1 - 2.5; p = 0.016). Conclusions: In patients with primary CVD, SVT was significantly associated with female gender. In men, older age, smoking and positive family history of VTE were relevant SVT risk factors. In women, risk factors were older age, BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 and positive family history of VTE. Compared with C0 - C3 clinical classes, CVI significantly increases the risk of SVT.
Cdc42 deficiency induces podocyte apoptosis by inhibiting the Nwasp/stress fibers/YAP pathway
Authors: Huang Z , Zhang L , Chen Y , Zhang H , Zhang Q , Li R , Ma J , Li Z , Yu C , Lai Y , Lin T , Zhao X , Zhang B , Ye Z , Liu S , Wang W , Liang X , Liao R , Shi W
Published: March 2016

Podocyte apoptosis is a major mechanism that leads to proteinuria in many chronic kidney diseases. However, the concert mechanisms that cause podocyte apoptosis in these kidney diseases are not fully understood. The Rho family of small GTPases has been shown to be required in maintaining podocyte structure and function. Recent studies have indicated that podocyte-specific deletion of Cdc42 in vivo, but not of RhoA or Rac1, leads to congenital nephrotic syndrome and glomerulosclerosis. However, the underlying cellular events in podocyte controlled by Cdc42 remain unclear. Here, we assessed the cellular mechanisms by which Cdc42 regulates podocyte apoptosis. We found that the expression of Cdc42 and its activity were significantly decreased in high glucose-, lipopolysaccharide- or adriamycin-injured podocytes. Reduced Cdc42 expression in vitro and in vivo by small interfering RNA and selective Cdc42 inhibitor ML-141, respectively, caused podocyte apoptosis and proteinuria. Our results further demonstrated that insufficient Cdc42 or Nwasp, its downstream effector, could decrease the mRNA and protein expression of YAP, which had been regarded as an anti-apoptosis protein in podocyte. Moreover, our data indicated that the loss of stress fibers caused by Cdc42/Nwasp deficiency also decreased Yes-associated protein (YAP) mRNA and protein expression, and induced podocyte apoptosis. Podocyte apoptosis induced by Cdc42/Nwasp/stress fiber deficiency was significantly inhibited by overexpressing-active YAP. Thus, the Cdc42/Nwasp/stress fibers/YAP signal pathway may potentially play an important role in regulating podocyte apoptosis. Maintaining necessary Cdc42 would be one potent way to prevent proteinuria kidney diseases.
Observation of Weyl nodes and Fermi arcs in tantalum phosphide
Authors: Xu N. , Weng H. M. , Lv B. Q. , Matt C. E. , Park J. , Bisti F. , Strocov V. N. , Gawryluk D. , Pomjakushina E. , Conder K. , Plumb N. C. , Radovic M. , Autès G. , Yazyev O. V. , Fang Z. , Dai X. , Qian T. , Mesot J. , Ding H. , Shi M.
Published: March 2016

A Weyl semimetal possesses spin-polarized band-crossings, called Weyl nodes, connected by topological surface arcs. The low-energy excitations near the crossing points behave the same as massless Weyl fermions, leading to exotic properties like chiral anomaly. To have the transport properties dominated by Weyl fermions, Weyl nodes need to locate nearly at the chemical potential and enclosed by pairs of individual Fermi surfaces with non-zero Fermi Chern numbers. Combining angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy and first-principles calculation, here we show that TaP is a Weyl semimetal with only a single type of Weyl fermions, topologically distinguished from TaAs where two types of Weyl fermions contribute to the low-energy physical properties. The simple Weyl fermions in TaP are not only of fundamental interests but also of great potential for future applications. Fermi arcs on the Ta-terminated surface are observed, which appear in a different pattern from that on the As-termination in TaAs and NbAs.
VCP and ATL1 regulate endoplasmic reticulum and protein synthesis for dendritic spine formation
Authors: Shih Yu-Tzu , Hsueh Yi-Ping
Published: March 2016

Imbalanced protein homeostasis, such as excessive protein synthesis and protein aggregation, is a pathogenic hallmark of a range of neurological disorders. Here, using expression of mutant proteins, a knockdown approach and disease mutation knockin mice, we show that VCP (valosin-containing protein), together with its cofactor P47 and the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) morphology regulator ATL1 (Atlastin-1), regulates tubular ER formation and influences the efficiency of protein synthesis to control dendritic spine formation in neurons. Strengthening the significance of protein synthesis in dendritic spinogenesis, the translation blocker cyclohexamide and the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin reduce dendritic spine density, while a leucine supplement that increases protein synthesis ameliorates the dendritic spine defects caused by Vcp and Atl1 deficiencies. Because VCP and ATL1 are the causative genes of several neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders, we suggest that impaired ER formation and inefficient protein synthesis are significant in the pathogenesis of multiple neurological disorders.
Semiconductor-inspired design principles for superconducting quantum computing
Authors: Shim Yun-Pil , Tahan Charles
Published: March 2016

Superconducting circuits offer tremendous design flexibility in the quantum regime culminating most recently in the demonstration of few qubit systems supposedly approaching the threshold for fault-tolerant quantum information processing. Competition in the solid-state comes from semiconductor qubits, where nature has bestowed some very useful properties which can be utilized for spin qubit-based quantum computing. Here we begin to explore how selective design principles deduced from spin-based systems could be used to advance superconducting qubit science. We take an initial step along this path proposing an encoded qubit approach realizable with state-of-the-art tunable Josephson junction qubits. Our results show that this design philosophy holds promise, enables microwave-free control, and offers a pathway to future qubit designs with new capabilities such as with higher fidelity or, perhaps, operation at higher temperature. The approach is also especially suited to qubits on the basis of variable super-semi junctions.
Precision wildlife monitoring using unmanned aerial vehicles
Authors: Hodgson Jarrod C. , Baylis Shane M. , Mott Rowan , Herrod Ashley , Clarke Rohan H.
Published: March 2016

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) represent a new frontier in environmental research. Their use has the potential to revolutionise the field if they prove capable of improving data quality or the ease with which data are collected beyond traditional methods. We apply UAV technology to wildlife monitoring in tropical and polar environments and demonstrate that UAV-derived counts of colony nesting birds are an order of magnitude more precise than traditional ground counts. The increased count precision afforded by UAVs, along with their ability to survey hard-to-reach populations and places, will likely drive many wildlife monitoring projects that rely on population counts to transition from traditional methods to UAV technology. Careful consideration will be required to ensure the coherence of historic data sets with new UAV-derived data and we propose a method for determining the number of duplicated (concurrent UAV and ground counts) sampling points needed to achieve data compatibility.
Broadband Tunability of Polarization-Insensitive Absorber Based on Frequency Selective Surface
Authors: Wang Han , Kong Peng , Cheng Wentao , Bao Wenzong , Yu Xiaowei , Miao Ling , Jiang Jianjun
Published: March 2016

An innovative tunable and polarization-insensitive 1.6–8 GHz frequency selective surface (FSS) absorber was investigated in this study. The proposed FSS, which is in 4-axial symmetrical form, includes a novel array of PIN diodes with biasing lines including inductors. A gradually reduced equivalent resistor of PIN diodes can be achieved with increasing DC voltage, which characterizes tunable, multi-resonance absorption peaks. Via this simplified design, small value resistor and equivalent capacitance of the gap between patterns can improve the absorber’s performance in low frequencies; an active tunable absorber can be realized in a broad frequency range by employing adjustable devices. Changing the working state of the PIN diode allows the user to obtain strong absorption within the desired frequency. We analyzed the performance of the proposed absorber and found that it indeed shows very favorable absorption performance in low frequency (−10 dB in 1.6−4.3 GHz) and wideband (−8 dB in 4.3−5.4 GHz and −10 dB in 5.4−8.0 GHz) conditions. Calculation and simulation results also illustrated that the absorber is entirely polarization-insensitive.
Functionally different α-synuclein inclusions yield insight into Parkinson’s disease pathology
Authors: Raiss Christian C. , Braun Theresa S. , Konings Irene B. M. , Grabmayr Heinrich , Hassink Gerco C. , Sidhu Arshdeep , le Feber Joost , Bausch Andreas R. , Jansen Casper , Subramaniam Vinod , Claessens Mireille M. A. E.
Published: March 2016

The formation of α-synuclein (α-S) amyloid aggregates, called Lewy bodies (LBs), is a hallmark of Parkinson’s disease (PD). The function of LBs in the disease process is however still unclear; they have been associated with both neuroprotection and toxicity. To obtain insight into this contradiction, we induced the formation of α-S inclusions, using three different induction methods in SH-SY5Y cells and rat-derived primary neuronal cells. Using confocal and STED microscopy we observed induction-dependent differences in α-S inclusion morphology, location and function. The aggregation of α-S in functionally different compartments correlates with the toxicity of the induction method measured in viability assays. The most cytotoxic treatment largely correlates with the formation of proteasome-associated, juxta-nuclear inclusions. With less toxic methods cytosolic deposits that are not associated with the proteasome are more prevalent. The distribution of α-S over at least two different types of inclusions is not limited to cell models, but is also observed in primary neuronal cells and in human mesencephalon. The existence of functionally different LBs,in vivoandin vitro, gives important insights in the impact of Lewy Body formation on neuronal functioning and may thereby provide a platform for discovering therapeutics.
Tunable Lattice Coupling of Multipole Plasmon Modes and Near-Field Enhancement in Closely Spaced Gold Nanorod Arrays
Authors: Huang Yu , Zhang Xian , Ringe Emilie , Hou Mengjing , Ma Lingwei , Zhang Zhengjun
Published: March 2016

Considering the nanogap and lattice effects, there is an attractive structure in plasmonics: closely spaced metallic nanoarrays. In this work, we demonstrate experimentally and theoretically the lattice coupling of multipole plasmon modes for closely spaced gold nanorod arrays, offering a new insight into the higher order cavity modes coupled with each other in the lattice. The resonances can be greatly tuned by changes in inter-rod gaps and nanorod heights while the influence of the nanorod diameter is relatively insignificant. Experimentally, pronounced suppressions of the reflectance are observed. Meanwhile, the near-field enhancement can be further enhanced, as demonstrated through surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). We then confirm the correlation between the near-field and far-field plasmonic responses, which is significantly important for maximizing the near-field enhancement at a specific excitation wavelength. This lattice coupling of multipole plasmon modes is of broad interest not only for SERS but also for other plasmonic applications, such as subwavelength imaging or metamaterials.
Far-red/near-infrared fluorescence light-up probes for specific in vitro and in vivo imaging of a tumour-related protein
Authors: Chen Chao , Hua Yongquan , Hu Yawen , Fang Yuan , Ji Shenglu , Yang Zhimou , Ou Caiwen , Kong Deling , Ding Dan
Published: March 2016

As lysosomal protein transmembrane 4 beta (LAPTM4B) is an important biomarker for many solid tumours, development of small-molecule fluorescence light-up probes for detection and imaging of LAPTM4B proteins is particularly valuable. In this work, we reported the design and synthesis of a far-red/near-infrared (FR/NIR) fluorescence light-up probe DBT-2EEGIHGHHIISVG, which could specifically visualize LAPTM4B proteins in cancer cells and tumour-bearing live mice. DBT-2EEGIHGHHIISVG was synthesized by the conjugation of two LAPTM4B-binding peptide ligands (EEGIHGHHIISVG) with one environment-sensitive fluorogen, 4,7-di(thiophen-2-yl)-2,1,3-benzothiadiazole (DBT). Owing to the intramolecular charge transfer character of DBT, DBT-2EEGIHGHHIISVG is weakly emissive in aqueous solution, but switches to fluoresce upon LAPTM4B proteins specifically bind to the peptide ligand of the probe, which provide the DBT with hydrophobic microenvironment, greatly reducing its charge transfer effect with water. It is found that DBT-2EEGIHGHHIISVG can achieve targeted imaging of LAPTM4B proteins in HepG2 cancer cells and visualize LAPTM4B protein-expressed tumour tissues of live mice in a selective and high-contrast manner.
Polymorphism rs7278468 is associated with Age-related cataract through decreasing transcriptional activity of the CRYAA promoter
Authors: Ma Xiaoyin , Jiao Xiaodong , Ma Zhiwei , Hejtmancik J. Fielding
Published: March 2016

CRYAA plays critical functional roles in lens transparency and opacity and polymorphisms near CRYAA have been associated with age-related cataract (ARC). This study examines polymorphisms in the CRYAA promoter region for association with ARC and elucidates the mechanisms of this association. Three SNPs nominally associated with ARC were identified in the promoter region of CRYAA: rs3761382 (P = 0.06, OR (Odds ratio) = 1.5), rs13053109 (P = 0.04, OR = 1.6), rs7278468 (P = 0.007, OR = 0.6). The C-G-T haplotype increased the risk for ARC overall (P = 0.005, OR = 1.8) and both alleles and haplotypes show a stronger association with cortical cataract (rs3761382, P = 0.002, OR = 2.1; rs13053109, P = 0.002, OR = 2.1; rs7278468, P = 0.0007, OR = 0.5; C-G-T haplotype, P = 0.0003, OR = 2.2). The C-G-T risk haplotype decreased transcriptional activity through rs7278468, which lies in a consensus binding site for the transcription repressor KLF10. KLF10 binding inhibited CRYAA transcription and both binding and inhibition were greater with the T rs7278468 allele. Knockdown of KLF10 in HLE cells partially rescued the transcriptional activity of CRYAA with rs7278468 T allele, but did not affect activity with the G allele. Thus, our data suggest that the T allele of rs7278468 in the CRYAA promoter is associated with ARC through increasing binding of KLF-10 and thus decreasing CRYAA transcription.
Associations of functional alanine-glyoxylate aminotransferase 2 gene variants with atrial fibrillation and ischemic stroke
Authors: Seppälä Ilkka , Kleber Marcus E. , Bevan Steve , Lyytikäinen Leo-Pekka , Oksala Niku , Hernesniemi Jussi A. , Mäkelä Kari-Matti , Rothwell Peter M. , Sudlow Cathie , Dichgans Martin , Mononen Nina , Vlachopoulou Efthymia , Sinisalo Juha , Delgado Graciela E. , Laaksonen Reijo , Koskinen Tuomas , Scharnagl Hubert , Kähönen Mika , Markus Hugh S. , März Winfried , Lehtimäki Terho
Published: March 2016

Asymmetric and symmetric dimethylarginines (ADMA and SDMA) impair nitric oxide bioavailability and have been implicated in the pathogenesis of atrial fibrillation (AF). Alanine–glyoxylate aminotransferase 2 (AGXT2) is the only enzyme capable of metabolizing both of the dimethylarginines. We hypothesized that two functional AGXT2 missense variants (rs37369, V140I; rs16899974, V498L) are associated with AF and its cardioembolic complications. Association analyses were conducted using 1,834 individulas with AF and 7,159 unaffected individuals from two coronary angiography cohorts and a cohort comprising patients undergoing clinical exercise testing. In coronary angiography patients without structural heart disease, the minor A allele of rs16899974 was associated with any AF (OR = 2.07, 95% CI 1.59-2.68) and with paroxysmal AF (OR = 1.98, 95% CI 1.44–2.74) and chronic AF (OR = 2.03, 95% CI 1.35–3.06) separately. We could not replicate the association with AF in the other two cohorts. However, the A allele of rs16899974 was nominally associated with ischemic stroke risk in the meta-analysis of WTCCC2 ischemic stroke cohorts (3,548 cases, 5,972 controls) and with earlier onset of first-ever ischemic stroke (360 cases) in the cohort of clinical exercise test patients. In conclusion, AGXT2 variations may be involved in the pathogenesis of AF and its age-related thromboembolic complications.
A new Bi-based visible-light-sensitive photocatalyst BiLa1.4Ca0.6O4.2: crystal structure, optical property and photocatalytic activity
Authors: Zhong WenWu , Lou YanFang , Jin ShiFeng , Wang WenJun , Guo LiWei
Published: March 2016

A new compound of BiLa1.4Ca0.6O4.2 is synthesized through solid state reaction, where the Ca substitutes, in part, the La site in a stable BiLa2O4.5 phase. The structure of the BiLa1.4Ca0.6O4.2 crystallizes in space group R3mH with a hexagonal lattice constants of a = 3.893(1) Å, c = 9.891(1) Å. Its optical absorption edge is about 2.05 eV, which just spans the visible light region. The photocatalytic activity of the BiLa1.4Ca0.6O4.2 powder to degradation of RhB under visible light irradiation is measured and improved more than 7 times by annealing in nitrogen ambient, indicating that annealing in nitrogen can effectively improve the photocatalytic activity by producing oxygen vacancy. Although the absolute photocatalytic activity obtained is low, there is great potential for enhancing the activity such as nanoscaling, doping and coupling with other compounds.
Micheliolide inhibits LPS-induced inflammatory response and protects mice from LPS challenge
Authors: Qin Xiangyang , Jiang Xinru , Jiang Xin , Wang Yuli , Miao Zhulei , He Weigang , Yang Guizhen , Lv Zhenhui , Yu Yizhi , Zheng Yuejuan
Published: March 2016

Sepsis is the principal cause of fatality in the intensive care units worldwide. It involves uncontrolled inflammatory response resulting in multi-organ failure and even death. Micheliolide (MCL), a sesquiterpene lactone, was reported to inhibit dextran sodium sulphate (DSS)-induced inflammatory intestinal disease, colitis-associated cancer and rheumatic arthritis. Nevertheless, the role of MCL in microbial infection and sepsis is unclear. We demonstrated that MCL decreased lipopolysaccharide (LPS, the main cell wall component of Gram-negative bacteria)-mediated production of cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, MCP-1, etc) in Raw264.7 cells, primary macrophages, dendritic cells and human monocytes. MCL plays an anti-inflammatory role by inhibiting LPS-induced activation of NF-κB and PI3K/Akt/p70S6K pathways. It has negligible impact on the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. In the acute peritonitis mouse model, MCL reduced the secretion of IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, MCP-1, IFN-β and IL-10 in sera and ameliorated lung and liver damage. MCL down-regulated the high mortality rate caused by lethal LPS challenge. Collectively, our data illustrated that MCL enabled maintenance of immune equilibrium may represent a potentially new anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive drug candidate in the treatment of sepsis and septic shock.
Spontaneous Formation of Eutectic Crystal Structures in Binary and Ternary Charged Colloids due to Depletion Attraction
Authors: Toyotama Akiko , Okuzono Tohru , Yamanaka Junpei
Published: March 2016

Crystallization of colloids has extensively been studied for past few decades as models to study phase transition in general. Recently, complex crystal structures in multi-component colloids, including alloy and eutectic structures, have attracted considerable attention. However, the fabrication of 2D area-filling colloidal eutectics has not been reported till date. Here, we report formation of eutectic structures in binary and ternary aqueous colloids due to depletion attraction. We used charged particles + linear polyelectrolyte systems, in which the interparticle interaction could be represented as a sum of the electrostatic, depletion and van der Waals forces. The interaction was tunable at a lengthscale accessible to direct observation by optical microscopy. The eutectic structures were formed because of interplay of crystallization of constituent components and accompanying fractionation. An observed binary phase diagram, defined by a mixing ratio and inverse area fraction of the particles, was analogous to that for atomic and molecular eutectic systems. This new method also allows the adjustment of both the number and wavelengths of Bragg diffraction peaks. Furthermore, these eutectic structures could be immobilized in polymer gel to produce self-standing materials. The present findings will be useful in the design of the optical properties of colloidal crystals.
Complex responses of spring vegetation growth to climate in a moisture-limited alpine meadow
Authors: Ganjurjav Hasbagan , Gao Qingzhu , Schwartz Mark W. , Zhu Wenquan , Liang Yan , Li Yue , Wan Yunfan , Cao Xujuan , Williamson Matthew A. , Jiangcun Wangzha , Guo Hongbao , Lin Erda
Published: March 2016

Since 2000, the phenology has advanced in some years and at some locations on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, whereas it has been delayed in others. To understand the variations in spring vegetation growth in response to climate, we conducted both regional and experimental studies on the central Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. We used the normalized difference vegetation index to identify correlations between climate and phenological greening, and found that greening correlated negatively with winter-spring time precipitation, but not with temperature. We used open top chambers to induce warming in an alpine meadow ecosystem from 2012 to 2014. Our results showed that in the early growing season, plant growth (represented by the net ecosystem CO2 exchange, NEE) was lower in the warmed plots than in the control plots. Late-season plant growth increased with warming relative to that under control conditions. These data suggest that the response of plant growth to warming is complex and non-intuitive in this system. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that moisture limitation increases in early spring as temperature increases. The effects of moisture limitation on plant growth with increasing temperatures will have important ramifications for grazers in this system.
Thermal niche estimators and the capability of poor dispersal species to cope with climate change
Authors: Sánchez-Fernández David , Rizzo Valeria , Cieslak Alexandra , Faille Arnaud , Fresneda Javier , Ribera Ignacio
Published: March 2016

For management strategies in the context of global warming, accurate predictions of species response are mandatory. However, to date most predictions are based on niche (bioclimatic) models that usually overlook biotic interactions, behavioral adjustments or adaptive evolution and assume that species can disperse freely without constraints. The deep subterranean environment minimises these uncertainties, as it is simple, homogeneous and with constant environmental conditions. It is thus an ideal model system to study the effect of global change in species with poor dispersal capabilities. We assess the potential fate of a lineage of troglobitic beetles under global change predictions using different approaches to estimate their thermal niche: bioclimatic models, rates of thermal niche change estimated from a molecular phylogeny and data from physiological studies. Using bioclimatic models, at most 60% of the species were predicted to have suitable conditions in 2080. Considering the rates of thermal niche change did not improve this prediction. However, physiological data suggest that subterranean species have a broad thermal tolerance, allowing them to stand temperatures never experienced through their evolutionary history. These results stress the need of experimental approaches to assess the capability of poor dispersal species to cope with temperatures outside those they currently experience.
Orientation-selective alignments of nanoblocks in a and c directions of a tetragonal system through molecularly mediated manipulation
Authors: Nakagawa Yoshitaka , Kageyama Hiroyuki , Oaki Yuya , Imai Hiroaki
Published: March 2016

Selective 1D alignments of nanometric Mn3O4 cuboids in the a and c directions were achieved on the basis of the hydrophobic–hydrophilic interaction between a single dispersion medium and the specific crystal faces.
Effect of cation structure on the oxygen solubility and diffusivity in a range of bis{(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl}imide anion based ionic liquids for lithium–air battery electrolytes
Authors: Neale Alex R. , Li Peilin , Jacquemin Johan , Goodrich Peter , Ball Sarah C. , Compton Richard G. , Hardacre Christopher
Published: March 2016

Electrochemical measurements of oxygen mobility and solubility in a series of related [TFSI]−-based ILs relating to cation structure and physical properties of the ILs.
Carbon nano onions cross the blood brain barrier
Authors: Pakhira Bholanath , Ghosh Mitrajit , Allam Afreen , Sarkar Sabyasachi
Published: March 2016

Water soluble fluorescent carbon nano onions (wsCNO) cross the blood brain barrier (BBB) in the CADASIL murine model as well as in GBM induced mice.
High-performance capacitive behavior of layered reduced graphene oxide and polyindole nanocomposite materials
Authors: Zhou Qianjie , Zhu Danhua , Ma Xiumei , Xu Jingkun , Zhou Weiqiang , Zhao Feng
Published: March 2016

PIn/RGO nanocomposite prepared by in stiu chemical polymerization shows specific capacitance of 322.8 F g−1 at 1.0 A g−1, good stability of 94.5% retention after 1000 cycles, and high energy density of 36 W h kg−1 at high power density of 5000 W kg−1.
Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles with enhanced antibacterial activity using holocellulose as a substrate and reducing agent
Authors: Fu Lian-Hua , Deng Fu , Ma Ming-Guo , Yang Jun
Published: March 2016

The silver nanoparticles with uniform size and well-defined structure have been synthesized by using a hydrothermal method with holocellulose as substrate and reducing agent for silver ions, which exhibited good cytocompatibility and highly toxic.
Synthesis and stability study of isocyano aryl boronate esters and their synthetic applications
Authors: Fang Hao-Ping , Fu Chia-Chieh , Tai Chin-Kuen , Chang Ken-Hao , Yang Ru-Han , Wu Meng-Ju , Chen Hsien-Chi , Li Chia-Jung , Huang Shi-Qing , Lien Wan-Hsiang , Chen Chih-Hsin , Hsieh Chung-Hung , Wang Bo-Cheng , Cheung Siu-Fung , Pan Po-Shen
Published: March 2016

A facile synthesis of isocyano arylboronate esters is reported.
Visible-light-drived high photocatalytic activities of Cu/g-C3N4 photocatalysts for hydrogen production
Authors: Fan Mingshan , Song Chengjie , Chen Tianjun , Yan Xu , Xu Dongbo , Gu Wei , Shi Weidong , Xiao Lisong
Published: March 2016

The Cu/g-C3N4 photocatalysts presented here show excellent performance for H2 evolution in the absence of a noble-metal cocatalyst.
Portable detection of ochratoxin A in red wine based on a structure-switching aptamer using a personal glucometer
Authors: Gu Chunmei , Long Feng , Zhou Xiaohong , Shi Hanchang
Published: March 2016

A portable aptasensor for OTA detection with the use of a PGM was for the first time developed.
Dynamic spin interchange in a tridentate Fe(iii) Schiff-base compound
Authors: Vicente Ana I. , Joseph Abhinav , Ferreira Liliana P. , de Deus Carvalho Maria , Rodrigues Vítor H. N. , Duttine Mathieu , Diogo Hermínio P. , Minas da Piedade Manuel E. , Calhorda Maria José , Martinho Paulo N.
Published: March 2016

Dynamic spin interchange where crystals explode with preservation of magnetic memory is observed for a mononuclear hysteretic Fe(iii) Schiff-base compound.
Quantification of tunicamycin-induced protein expression and N-glycosylation changes in yeast
Authors: Xiao Haopeng , Smeekens Johanna M. , Wu Ronghu
Published: March 2016

Protein expression and glycosylation changes as a result of tunicamycin treatment were systematically and quantitatively investigated.
In situ electro-polymerization of nitrogen doped carbon dots and their application in an electrochemiluminescence biosensor for the detection of intracellular lead ions
Authors: Xiong Chengyi , Liang Wenbin , Wang Haijun , Zheng Yingning , Zhuo Ying , Chai Yaqin , Yuan Ruo
Published: March 2016

Here, a sensitive electrochemiluminescence (ECL) biosensor using N doped carbon dots (N-CDs) as luminophores, and Pd–Au hexoctahedrons (Pd@Au HOHs) as enhancers, was developed for the detection of intracellular Pb2+.
1,7-Naphthodiyne: a new platform for the synthesis of novel, sterically congested PAHs
Authors: Pozo Iago , Cobas Agustín , Peña Diego , Guitián Enrique , Pérez Dolores
Published: March 2016

The synthesis of an efficient precursor of the novel 1,7-naphthodiyne synthon is reported.
Chemoselective synthesis of functional homocysteine residues in polypeptides and peptides
Authors: Gharakhanian Eric G. , Deming Timothy J.
Published: March 2016

A procedure for conversion of methionine residue into functional homocysteine residue has been described.
An unexpected transmetalation intermediate: isolation and structural characterization of a solely CH3 bridged di-copper(i) complex
Authors: Molteni Roberto , Bertermann Rüdiger , Edkins Katharina , Steffen Andreas
Published: March 2016

A dicopper(i) complex, [Cu(PPh3)2(μ-Me)CuMe] (2), in which two metal centres are solely bridged by a methyl group and experience stabilizing metallophilic interactions, has been isolated and structurally characterized, showing a new bonding mode of CH3 and giving further inside into transmetalation reactions of organocopper compounds.
Conformation-specific spectroscopy of capped glutamine-containing peptides: role of a single glutamine residue on peptide backbone preferences
Authors: Walsh Patrick S. , Dean Jacob C. , McBurney Carl , Kang Hyuk , Gellman Samuel H. , Zwier Timothy S.
Published: March 2016

The conformational preferences of a series of short, aromatic-capped, glutamine-containing peptides have been studied under jet-cooled conditions in the gas phase.
Structure and reorientational dynamics of 1-F-adamantane
Authors: Ben Hassine B. , Negrier Ph. , Romanini M. , Barrio M. , Macovez R. , Kallel A. , Mondieig D. , Tamarit J. Ll.
Published: March 2016

Bimodal reorientational relaxations along the twofold (α) and threefold (α′) axes of the disordered Phase II (P4̄21c) of 1-F-adamantane.
Structural stabilization of a metal–organic framework for gas sorption investigation
Authors: Gao Qiang , Zhao Xiao-Lin , Chang Ze , Xu Jian , Bu Xian-He
Published: March 2016

In this contribution, by inserting a ligand intoCo-MOF1, the reformed aggregation of triangle grids (Co-MOF1-tpt) shows enhanced stability. In addition, owing to the maintenance of porosity,Co-MOF1-tptalso reveals a certain CO2storage ability and CO2/CH4adsorption selectivity as expected.
Anthocyanins in obesity-associated thrombogenesis: a review of the potential mechanism of action
Authors: Thompson Kiara , Pederick Wayne , Santhakumar Abishek Bommannan
Published: March 2016

Platelet dysfunction, oxidative stress and dyslipidemia are important contributors to pro-thrombotic progression particularly in obese and hyper-cholesterolemic populations.
Versatile, mild, and selective reduction of various carbonyl groups using an electron-deficient boron catalyst
Authors: Lucas Katherine M. , Kleman Adam F. , Sadergaski Luke R. , Jolly Caitlyn L. , Bollinger Brady S. , Mackesey Brittany L. , McGrath Nicholas A.
Published: March 2016

Acetanilides and nitriles are mildly and selectively reduced over various other carbonyl derivatives using an electron-deficient boron catalyst and triethylsilane.
Stereoselective synthesis of thiazino[4,3-a]indoles using the thia-Pictet–Spengler reaction of indoles bearing N-tethered thiols and vinylogous thiocarbonates
Authors: Gharpure Santosh J. , Nanda Santosh K.
Published: March 2016

Thia-Pictet–Spengler cyclization is used for stereoselective synthesis of N-fused thiazinoindole derivatives. One-pot, sequential Friedel–Crafts alkylation – Pictet–Spengler cyclization and the synthesis of thiazino-oxepino-indole is developed.
Cobalt-catalyzed synthesis of quinolines from the redox-neutral annulation of anilides and alkynes
Authors: Yan Qiangqiang , Chen Zhengkai , Liu Zhanxiang , Zhang Yuhong
Published: March 2016

A new method of cobalt-catalyzed annulation of anilides and internal alkynes for the efficient synthesis of quinoline scaffolds was developed.
Poly(piperazinyl phosphamide): a novel highly-efficient charring agent for an EVA/APP intumescent flame retardant system
Authors: Dong Liang-Ping , Deng Cong , Li Rui-Min , Cao Zhi-Jie , Lin Ling , Chen Li , Wang Yu-Zhong
Published: March 2016

Poly(piperazinyl phosphamide) is a kind of novel charring agent, showing highly-efficient charring capacity and good interaction with another flame-retardant component APP in flame retarding EVA.
The performance and mechanism for the catalytic oxidation of dibromomethane (CH2Br2) over Co3O4/TiO2 catalysts
Authors: Mei Jian , Zhao Songjian , Xu Haomiao , Qu Zan , Yan Naiqiang
Published: March 2016

A plausible reaction mechanism for DBM oxidation over Co3O4/TiO2 catalysts.
Concise preparation of fluorine-containing carbocycles involving the Diels–Alder reaction using fluorinated alkene or diene derivatives
Authors: Yamada S. , Hondo K. , Konno T. , Ishihara T.
Published: March 2016

The Diels–Alder reactions of trifluorovinyl substances with various dienes or 2,3-difluorobuta-1,3-dienes with various dienophiles proceeded well to give the corresponding trifluorinated cyclohexenes or vic-difluorocyclohexenes in acceptable yields, respectively.
Probing cation intermixing in Li2SnO3
Authors: Wang Zhong , Ren Yang , Ma Tianyuan , Zhuang Weidong , Lu Shigang , Xu Guiliang , Abouimrane Ali , Amine Khalil , Chen Zonghai
Published: March 2016

A significant amount of intra-layer Li–Sn intermixing was observed. It was shown that the intra-layer Li–Sn was the cause of the suppression of the characteristic high-order super-reflection peaks for the C2/c structure.
Improved photocatalytic activity of RGO/MoS2 nanosheets decorated on TiO2 nanoparticles
Authors: Nimbalkar Dipak Bapurao , Lo Hsin-Hsi , Ramacharyulu P. V. R. K. , Ke Shyue-Chu
Published: March 2016

Interfacial charge transfer from TiO2 nanoparticles to layered MoS2 surface active sites via RGO nanosheets by suppressing the recombination rate of electron–hole pairs for enhanced photocatalytic activity.