bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How low can dietary greenhouse gas emissions be reduced without impairing nutritional adequacy, affordability and acceptability of the diet? A modelling study to guide sustainable food choices
Authors: Perignon Marlène , Masset Gabriel , Ferrari Gaël , Barré Tangui , Vieux Florent , Maillot Matthieu , Amiot Marie-Josèphe , Darmon Nicole
Published: April 2016

Objective

To assess the compatibility between reduction of diet-related greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE) and nutritional adequacy, acceptability and affordability dimensions of diet sustainability.

Design

Dietary intake, nutritional composition, GHGE and prices were combined for 402 foods selected among those most consumed by participants of the Individual National Study on Food Consumption. Linear programming was used to model diets with stepwise GHGE reductions, minimized departure from observed diet and three scenarios of nutritional constraints: none (FREE), on macronutrients (MACRO) and for all nutrient recommendations (ADEQ). Nutritional quality was assessed using the mean adequacy ratio (MAR) and solid energy density (SED).

Setting

France.

Subjects

Adults (n 1899).

Results

In FREE and MACRO scenarios, imposing up to 30 % GHGE reduction did not affect the MAR, SED and food group pattern of the observed diet, but required substitutions within food groups; higher GHGE reductions decreased diet cost, but also nutritional quality, even with constraints on macronutrients. Imposing all nutritional recommendations (ADEQ) increased the fruits and vegetables quantity, reduced SED and slightly increased diet cost without additional modifications induced by the GHGE constraint up to 30 % reduction; higher GHGE reductions decreased diet cost but required non-trivial dietary shifts from the observed diet. Not all the nutritional recommendations could be met for GHGE reductions ≥70 %.

Conclusions

Moderate GHGE reductions (≤30 %) were compatible with nutritional adequacy and affordability without adding major food group shifts to those induced by nutritional recommendations. Higher GHGE reductions either impaired nutritional quality, even when macronutrient recommendations were imposed, or required non-trivial dietary shifts compromising acceptability to reach nutritional adequacy.
Mid-upper arm circumference v. weight-for-height Z-score for predicting mortality in hospitalized children under 5 years of age
Authors: Sachdeva Sakshi , Dewan Pooja , Shah Dheeraj , Malhotra Rajeev Kumar , Gupta Piyush
Published: April 2016

Objective

To compare the performance of mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) against weight-for-height Z-score (WHZ) for predicting inpatient deaths in children under 5 years of age.

Design

Diagnostic test accuracy study.

Setting

Paediatric emergency department of a tertiary care hospital catering to semi-urban and rural population in Delhi, India.

Subjects

Hospitalized children (n 1663) aged 6 months to 5 years, for whom discharge outcome was available, were consecutively recruited over 14 months. MUAC (cm), weight (kg) height (cm), clinical details and the outcome were recorded. MUAC (index test) was compared with WHZ based on the WHO growth standards (reference test) for predicting the outcome.

Results

One hundred and twenty-four (7 %) children died during hospital stay. Both MUAC < 11·5 cm (adjusted OR (95 % CI): 3·7 (2·43, 5·60), P<0·001) and WHZ<−3 (2·0 (1·37, 2·99), P<0·001) served as independent predictors of inpatient mortality. However, MUAC was a significantly better predictor of mortality compared with WHZ in terms of area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (MUAC=0·698, WHZ=0·541, P<0·001). MUAC<11·5 cm had the best trade-off of sensitivity and specificity for predicting inpatient mortality. A combination of WHZ<−3 and/or MUAC<11·5 cm did not significantly improve the predictive value over that of MUAC/WHZ, assessed individually.

Conclusion

MUAC<11·5 cm is a better predictor of mortality in hospitalized under-5 children, as compared with WHZ<−3. It should be measured in all emergency settings to identify the children at higher risk of death.
Developing and implementing a Radiotherapy Research Activity Assessment Tool (RAAT): a prospective feasibility study
Authors: Goldsworthy Simon , Roe Benjamin , McGrail Stuart , McCormack Stephen , Walther Julie
Published: April 2016

Aim

Cancer research in the National Health Service has increased by 10·5% in 3 years since the formation of the National Cancer Research networks in 2000. The initial enthusiasm from clinical staffs to embark on a project has to be balanced against the implications of resources, costs and other developments. There is no standardised method to assess the impact of research projects on clinical practice. The aim of this project was to develop and implement a Radiotherapy Research Activity Assessment Tool (RAAT) to assess the feasibility of newly proposed projects within clinical settings.

Methods and materials

A multi-step development method was used. The steps involved the principles of quality function deployment. The consecutive steps involved developing a user-friendly and replicable tool and would fit on one A4 page. The process involved multi-professionals and patients throughout the design process. The tool was preliminary tested on usability among eight stakeholders on a ten-point scale (1=poor; 10=very good). Percentage agreement was evaluated at 6 month post initial RAAT assessment scoring by the seven multi-disciplinary team (MDT) members.

Findings

The RAAT was developed in an e-form available in Microsoft Excel. The tool scored a mode of 6 for usability. Interrater reliability testing between the radiotherapy MDT resulted in 88% agreement. The RAAT seems to be feasible in clinical practice, and provide a framework to guide the decision-making process. The study calls for further testing of usability and review of long-term implications on all stakeholders.
The Construction of Crime: The Presumption of Blue-Collar Guilt and White-Collar Innocence
Authors: Marriott Lisa
Published: April 2016

This study examines a recent legislative change in New Zealand social policy that provides for the partners of people engaging in welfare fraud to be prosecuted for the crime and to be jointly liable for the debt generated from the crime. This situation applies where the partner knew, or ought to have known, of the fraud. This approach may be contrasted with the treatment of the partners of those who engage in tax evasion, or other forms of financial crime, who are not liable for prosecution or any debt resulting from the offence.

Discrimination of those on welfare is well-established. The article highlights the extent to which welfare beneficiaries are now targeted for greater punitive measures in New Zealand and the increasing criminalisation of welfare in the country. The practices outlined appear to contravene the New Zealand Human Rights Act. Moreover, these practices are not aligned with the basic provisions of criminal law: that a guilty mind and a positive act are present for a crime to be committed. The study draws attention to issues of equity, knowledge of crime, and the construction of crime and criminals in the New Zealand justice system.
An envelope tracking RF power amplifier with capacitive charge pump modulator
Authors: Watkins Gavin Tomas , Mimis Konstantinos
Published: April 2016

An envelope tracking (ET) radio frequency (RF) power amplifier (PA) is described intended for handsets and applications where a large number of PAs are needed. Instead of the usual split frequency architecture, a linear tracking charge pump structure is proposed. This allows the supply voltage of an RF PA to increase during the peaks of a high peak-to-average power ratio signal. When combined with an LDMOS RF PA, 42.9% efficiency was achieved at 31.3 dBm output power (POUT) when amplifying a 5 MHz bandwidth 8 dB PAPR 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) long term evolution signal. The first channel adjacent power ratio (ACPR) without digital pre-distortion was −30.4 dBc, meeting the 3GPP handset emission mask. The ACPR could be improved to −32.5 dBc by adopting a curved envelope shaping function at a reduced efficiency of 38.9%.
Migration in the UNFCCC Workstream on Loss and Damage: An Assessment of Alternative Framings and Conceivable Responses
Authors: Mayer Benoit
Published: April 2016

Discourses on ‘climate migration’ have played an instrumental role in initiating negotiations on loss and damage under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Yet, to date, the framing of climate migration has not been clear: it has been considered as a tool for reducing loss and damage (hence essentially a form of adaptation) or, alternatively, as a source of loss and damage for the migrants or for other concerned communities. Moreover, proposed approaches to address climate migration as a form of loss and damage have extended beyond compensation, and remain controversial among developed nations. In the highly politicized field of migration governance, however, this article submits that policy support and guidance in addressing loss and damage could prompt dangerous forms of political interference, such as the imposition of a Western objective of containing migrants to the Global South. It is thus suggested that top-down migration policies may not help vulnerable nations who face loss and damage in the context of climate migration.
Mercury anomalies and the timing of biotic recovery following the end-Triassic mass extinction
Authors: Thibodeau Alyson M. , Ritterbush Kathleen , Yager Joyce A. , West A. Joshua , Ibarra Yadira , Bottjer David J. , Berelson William M. , Bergquist Bridget A. , Corsetti Frank A.
Published: April 2016

The end-Triassic mass extinction overlapped with the eruption of the Central Atlantic Magmatic Province (CAMP), and release of CO2 and other volcanic volatiles has been implicated in the extinction. However, the timing of marine biotic recovery versus CAMP eruptions remains uncertain. Here we use Hg concentrations and isotopes as indicators of CAMP volcanism in continental shelf sediments, the primary archive of faunal data. In Triassic–Jurassic strata, Muller Canyon, Nevada, Hg levels rise in the extinction interval, peak before the appearance of the first Jurassic ammonite, remain above background in association with a depauperate fauna, and fall to pre-extinction levels during significant pelagic and benthic faunal recovery. Hg isotopes display no significant mass independent fractionation within the extinction and depauperate intervals, consistent with a volcanic origin for the Hg. The Hg and palaeontological evidence from the same archive indicate that significant biotic recovery did not begin until CAMP eruptions ceased.
Catalytic N-radical cascade reaction of hydrazones by oxidative deprotonation electron transfer and TEMPO mediation
Authors: Hu Xiao-Qiang , Qi Xiaotian , Chen Jia-Rong , Zhao Quan-Qing , Wei Qiang , Lan Yu , Xiao Wen-Jing
Published: April 2016

Compared with the popularity of various C-centred radicals, the N-centred radicals remain largely unexplored in catalytic radical cascade reactions because of a lack of convenient methods for their generation. Known methods for their generation typically require the use of N-functionalized precursors or various toxic, potentially explosive or unstable radical initiators. Recently, visible-light photocatalysis has emerged as an attractive tool for the catalytic formation of N-centred radicals, but the pre-incorporation of a photolabile groups at the nitrogen atom largely limited the reaction scope. Here, we present a visible-light photocatalytic oxidative deprotonation electron transfer/2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPO)-mediation strategy for catalytic N-radical cascade reaction of unsaturated hydrazones. This mild protocol provides a broadly applicable synthesis of 1,6-dihydropyradazines with complete regioselectivity and good yields. The 1,6-dihydropyradazines can be easily transformed into diazinium salts that showed promisingin vitroantifungal activities against fungal pathogens. DFT calculations are conducted to explain the mechanism.
Circular RNA profiling reveals an abundant circHIPK3 that regulates cell growth by sponging multiple miRNAs
Authors: Zheng Qiupeng , Bao Chunyang , Guo Weijie , Li Shuyi , Chen Jie , Chen Bing , Luo Yanting , Lyu Dongbin , Li Yan , Shi Guohai , Liang Linhui , Gu Jianren , He Xianghuo , Huang Shenglin
Published: April 2016

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) represent a class of widespread and diverse endogenous RNAs that may regulate gene expression in eukaryotes. However, the regulation and function of human circRNAs remain largely unknown. Here we generate ribosomal-depleted RNA sequencing data from six normal tissues and seven cancers, and detect at least 27,000 circRNA candidates. Many of these circRNAs are differently expressed between the normal and cancerous tissues. We further characterize one abundant circRNA derived from Exon2 of the HIPK3 gene, termed circHIPK3. The silencing of circHIPK3 but not HIPK3 mRNA significantly inhibits human cell growth. Via a luciferase screening assay, circHIPK3 is observed to sponge to 9 miRNAs with 18 potential binding sites. Specifically, we show that circHIPK3 directly binds to miR-124 and inhibits miR-124 activity. Our results provide evidence that circular RNA produced from precursor mRNA may have a regulatory role in human cells.
Structural basis for ligand-dependent dimerization of phenylalanine hydroxylase regulatory domain
Authors: Patel Dipali , Kopec Jolanta , Fitzpatrick Fiona , McCorvie Thomas J. , Yue Wyatt W.
Published: April 2016

The multi-domain enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) catalyzes the hydroxylation of dietary I-phenylalanine (Phe) to I-tyrosine. Inherited mutations that result in PAH enzyme deficiency are the genetic cause of the autosomal recessive disorder phenylketonuria. Phe is the substrate for the PAH active site, but also an allosteric ligand that increases enzyme activity. Phe has been proposed to bind, in addition to the catalytic domain, a site at the PAH N-terminal regulatory domain (PAH-RD), to activate the enzyme via an unclear mechanism. Here we report the crystal structure of human PAH-RD bound with Phe at 1.8 Å resolution, revealing a homodimer of ACT folds with Phe bound at the dimer interface. This work delivers the structural evidence to support previous solution studies that a binding site exists in the RD for Phe, and that Phe binding results in dimerization of PAH-RD. Consistent with our structural observation, a disease-associated PAH mutant impaired in Phe binding disrupts the monomer:dimer equilibrium of PAH-RD. Our data therefore support an emerging model of PAH allosteric regulation, whereby Phe binds to PAH-RD and mediates the dimerization of regulatory modules that would bring about conformational changes to activate the enzyme.
Three-dimensional direct measurement of cardiomyocyte volume, nuclearity, and ploidy in thick histological sections
Authors: Bensley Jonathan Guy , De Matteo Robert , Harding Richard , Black Mary Jane
Published: April 2016

Quantitative assessment of myocardial development and disease requires accurate measurement of cardiomyocyte volume, nuclearity (nuclei per cell), and ploidy (genome copies per cell). Current methods require enzymatically isolating cells, which excludes the use of archived tissue, or serial sectioning. We describe a method of analysis that permits the direct simultaneous measurement of cardiomyocyte volume, nuclearity, and ploidy in thick histological sections. To demonstrate the utility of our technique, heart tissue was obtained from four species (rat, mouse, rabbit, sheep) at up to three life stages: prenatal, weaning and adulthood. Thick (40 μm) paraffin sections were stained with Wheat Germ Agglutinin-Alexa Fluor 488 to visualise cell membranes, and DAPI (4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole) to visualise nuclei and measure ploidy. Previous methods have been restricted to thin sections (2–10 μm) and offer an incomplete picture of cardiomyocytes. Using confocal microscopy and three-dimensional image analysis software (Imaris Version 8.2, Bitplane AG, Switzerland), cardiomyocyte volume, nuclearity, and ploidy were measured. This method of staining and analysis of cardiomyocytes enables accurate morphometric measurements in thick histological sections, thus unlocking the potential of archived tissue. Our novel time-efficient method permits the entire cardiomyocyte to be visualised directly in 3D, eliminating the need for precise alignment of serial sections.
A wild Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin adopts a socially and genetically distant neonate
Authors: Sakai Mai , Kita Yuki F. , Kogi Kazunobu , Shinohara Masanori , Morisaka Tadamichi , Shiina Takashi , Inoue-Murayama Miho
Published: April 2016

Alloparental behaviour and adoption have been reported in many mammals and birds. Such behaviours are energetically costly and their causes and functions remain unclear. We observed the adoption behaviour of a wild Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops aduncus) near Mikura Island, Japan. A calf was seen with its mother on six observation days. Following the mother’s death, the calf was observed with a sub-adult female on all 18 observation days from May to September 2012. On three days, the calf was observed swimming with this female in the suckling position and milk was seen leaking from the female’s mammary slit. A five-year dataset revealed no significant social or kin relationships between the biological mother and allomother, indicating that kinship and social relationships did not play an important role in the observed adoption.
Phase transformation and deformation behavior of NiTi-Nb eutectic joined NiTi wires
Authors: Wang Liqiang , Wang Cong , Zhang Lai-Chang , Chen Liangyu , Lu Weijie , Zhang Di
Published: April 2016

NiTi wires were brazed together via eutectic reaction between NiTi and Nb powder deposited at the wire contact region. Phase transformation and deformation behavior of the NiTi-Nb eutectic microstructure were investigated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and cyclic loading-unloading tests. Results show that R phase and B19′ martensite transformation are induced by plastic deformation. R phase transformation, which significantly contributes to superelasticity, preferentially occurs at the interfaces between NiTi and eutectic region. Round-shaped Nb-rich phase with rod-like and lamellar-type eutectics are observed in eutectic regions. These phases appear to affect the deformation behavior of the brazed NiTi-Nb region via five distinct stages in stress-strain curves: (I) R phase reorientation, (II) R phase transformation from parent phase, (III) elastic deformation of reoriented martensite accompanied by the plastic deformation of Nb-rich phase and lamellar NiTi-Nb eutectic, (IV) B19′ martensitic transformation and (V) plastic deformation of the specimen.
Vancomycin-sensitive bacteria trigger development of colitis-associated colon cancer by attracting neutrophils
Authors: Tanaka Yuriko , Ito Sachiko , Isobe Ken-ichi
Published: April 2016

Inflammatory bowel disease confers an increased risk of developing colitis-associated colon cancer (CAC). During the active colitis or developing tumor stage, commensal bacteria show dynamic translocation. However, whether alteration of the bacterial composition in the gut causes CAC is still unclear. To clarify the effect of commensal bacteria on CAC development, we employed an azoxymethane (AOM) and dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced murine CAC model treated with or without antibiotics. In addition, we analyzed the effects of antibiotics on infiltration of myeloid cells, colonic inflammatory responses and colorectal cancer formation. We found that vancomycin treatment dramatically suppressed tumor development. In addition, AOM/DSS treatment greatly induced the infiltration of Gr-1high/CD11bhigh neutrophils to the colon, which led to the production of tumor necrosis factor α and inducible nitric oxide synthase. Vancomycin treatment suppressed the infiltration of neutrophils induced by AOM/DSS. Moreover, vancomycin treatment greatly reduced the colon injury and DNA damage caused by AOM/DSS-induced NO radicals. Our results indicate that vancomycin-sensitive bacteria induced colon inflammation and DNA damage by attracting neutrophils into damaged colon tissue, thus promoting tumor formation.
Targeted mutagenesis in chicken using CRISPR/Cas9 system
Authors: Oishi Isao , Yoshii Kyoko , Miyahara Daichi , Kagami Hiroshi , Tagami Takahiro
Published: April 2016

The CRISPR/Cas9 system is a simple and powerful tool for genome editing in various organisms including livestock animals. However, the system has not been applied to poultry because of the difficulty in accessing their zygotes. Here we report the implementation of CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene targeting in chickens. Two egg white genes, ovalbumin and ovomucoid, were efficiently (>90%) mutagenized in cultured chicken primordial germ cells (PGCs) by transfection of circular plasmids encoding Cas9, a single guide RNA and a gene encoding drug resistance, followed by transient antibiotic selection. We transplanted CRISPR-induced mutant-ovomucoid PGCs into recipient chicken embryos and established three germline chimeric roosters (G0). All of the roosters had donor-derived mutant-ovomucoid spermatozoa and the two with a high transmission rate of donor-derived gametes produced heterozygous mutant ovomucoid chickens as about half of their donor-derived offspring in the next generation (G1). Furthermore, we generated ovomucoid homozygous mutant offspring (G2) by crossing the G1 mutant chickens. Taken together, these results demonstrate that the CRISPR/Cas9 system is a simple and effective gene-targeting method in chickens.
Ndfip2 is a potential regulator of the iron transporter DMT1 in the liver
Authors: Foot Natalie J. , Gembus Kelly M. , Mackenzie Kimberly , Kumar Sharad
Published: April 2016

The regulation of divalent metal ion transporter DMT1, the primary non-heme iron importer in mammals, is critical for maintaining iron homeostasis. Previously we identified ubiquitin-dependent regulation of DMT1 involving the Nedd4 family of ubiquitin ligases and the Ndfip1 and Ndfip2 adaptors. We also established the in vivo function of Ndfip1 in the regulation of DMT1 in the duodenum of mice. Here we have studied the function of Ndfip2 using Ndfip2-deficient mice. The DMT1 protein levels in the duodenum were comparable in wild type and Ndfip2−/− mice, as was the transport activity of isolated enterocytes. A complete blood examination showed no significant differences between wild type and Ndfip2−/− mice in any of the hematological parameters measured. However, when fed a low iron diet, female Ndfip2−/− mice showed a decrease in liver iron content, although they maintained normal serum iron levels and transferrin saturation, compared to wild type female mice that showed a reduction in serum iron and transferrin saturation. Ndfip2−/− female mice also showed an increase in DMT1 expression in the liver, with no change in male mice. We suggest that Ndfip2 controls DMT1 in the liver with female mice showing a greater response to altered dietary iron than the male mice.
SHEsisPlus, a toolset for genetic studies on polyploid species
Authors: Shen Jiawei , Li Zhiqiang , Chen Jianhua , Song Zhijian , Zhou Zhaowei , Shi Yongyong
Published: April 2016

Currently, algorithms and softwares for genetic analysis of diploid organisms with bi-allelic markers are well-established, while those for polyploids are limited. Here, we present SHEsisPlus, the online algorithm toolset for both dichotomous and quantitative trait genetic analysis on polyploid species (compatible with haploids and diploids, too). SHEsisPlus is also optimized for handling multiple-allele datasets. It’s free, open source and also designed to perform a range of analyses, including haplotype inference, linkage disequilibrium analysis, epistasis detection, Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and single locus association tests. Meanwhile, we developed an accurate and efficient haplotype inference algorithm for polyploids and proposed an entropy-based algorithm to detect epistasis in the context of quantitative traits. A study of both simulated and real datasets showed that our haplotype inference algorithm was much faster and more accurate than existing ones. Our epistasis detection algorithm was the first try to apply information theory to characterizing the gene interactions in quantitative trait datasets. Results showed that its statistical power was significantly higher than conventional approaches. SHEsisPlus is freely available on the web at http://shesisplus.bio-x.cn/. Source code is freely available for download at https://github.com/celaoforever/SHEsisPlus.
Spinal cord lesions shrink peripersonal space around the feet, passive mobilization of paraplegic limbs restores it
Authors: Scandola Michele , Aglioti Salvatore Maria , Bonente Claudio , Avesani Renato , Moro Valentina
Published: April 2016

Peripersonal space (PPS) is the space surrounding us within which we interact with objects. PPS may be modulated by actions (e.g. when using tools) or sense of ownership (e.g. over a rubber hand). Indeed, intense and/or prolonged use of a tool may induce a sense of ownership over it. Conversely, inducing ownership over a rubber hand may activate brain regions involved in motor control. However, the extent to which PPS is modulated by action-dependent or ownership-dependent mechanisms remains unclear. Here, we explored the PPS around the feet and the sense of ownership over lower limbs in people with Paraplegia following Complete spinal cord Lesions (PCL) and in healthy subjects. PCL people can move their upper body but have lost all sensory-motor functions in their lower body (e.g. lower limbs). We tested whether PPS alterations reflect the topographical representations of various body parts. We found that the PPS around the feet was impaired in PCL who however had a normal representation of the PPS around the hands. Significantly, passive mobilization of paraplegic limbs restored the PPS around the feet suggesting that activating action representations in PCL brings about short-term changes of PPS that may thus be more plastic than previously believed.
Deletion of BMP receptor type IB decreased bone mass in association with compromised osteoblastic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal progenitors
Authors: Shi Ce , Iura Ayaka , Terajima Masahiko , Liu Fei , Lyons Karen , Pan Haichun , Zhang Honghao , Yamauchi Mitsuo , Mishina Yuji , Sun Hongchen
Published: April 2016

We previously found that disruption of two type I BMP receptors, Bmpr1a and Acvr1, respectively, in an osteoblast-specific manner, increased bone mass in mice. BMPR1B, another BMP type I receptor, is also capable of binding to BMP ligands and transduce BMP signaling. However, little is known about the function of BMPR1B in bone. In this study, we investigated the bone phenotype in Bmpr1b null mice and the impacts of loss of Bmpr1b on osteoblasts and osteoclasts. We found that deletion of Bmpr1b resulted in osteopenia in 8-week-old male mice and the phenotype was transient and gender specific. The decreased bone mass was neither due to the changes in osteoblastic bone formation activity nor osteoclastic bone resorption activity in vivo. In vitro differentiation of Bmpr1b null osteoclasts was increased but resorption activity was decreased. Calvarial pre-osteoblasts from Bmpr1b mutant showed comparable differentiation capability in vitro, while they showed increased BMP-SMAD signaling in culture. Different from calvarial pre-osteoblasts, Bmpr1b mutant bone marrow mesenchymal progenitors showed compromised differentiation in vitro, which may be a reason for the osteopenic phenotype in the mutant mice. In conclusion, our results suggested that BMPR1B plays distinct roles from BMPR1A and ACVR1 in maintaining bone mass and transducing BMP signaling.
Dinuclear PdIcomplexes with bridging allyl and related ligands
Authors: Hazari Nilay , Hruszkewycz Damian P.
Published: April 2016

The synthesis, structure and reactivity of dinuclear PdIcomplexes containing bridging allyl or related bridging cyclopentadienyl and/or indenyl ligands is reviewed.
3D-printing technologies for electrochemical applications
Authors: Ambrosi Adriano , Pumera Martin
Published: April 2016

Since its conception during the 80s, 3D-printing has been receiving unprecedented levels of attention from industry and research laboratories, in addition to end users. Enabling almost infinite possibilities for rapid prototyping, 3D-printing is being considered as fabrication tool in numerous research fields including electrochemistry which can certainly exploit the advantages of this technology for sensing, energy-related and synthetic applications.
Inorganic nanoparticles in porous coordination polymers
Authors: Kim Cho Rong , Uemura Takashi , Kitagawa Susumu
Published: April 2016

This review highlights studies on the synthesis, characterization, and functions of the inorganic nanoparticles in porous coordination polymers.
Carcinogenic potential of high aspect ratio carbon nanomaterials
Authors: Luanpitpong Sudjit , Wang Liying , Davidson Donna C. , Riedel Heimo , Rojanasakul Yon
Published: April 2016

Review of recent advances in nanomaterial genotoxicity and carcinogenicity with a focus on lung carcinogenicity of high aspect ratio carbon nanotubes.
Assessing corneal biomechanics with Brillouin spectro-microscopy
Authors: Lepert Guillaume , Gouveia Ricardo M. , Connon Che J. , Paterson Carl
Published: April 2016

A new Brillouin spectro-microscope was designed and built to investigate the mechanical properties of bovine and human corneas. This instrument integrates a single-stage virtually imaged phased array spectrometer with a novel adaptive-optics interferometric filter to achieve unprecedented rejection of the elastic background signal. As a result, highly-resolved, reproducible data from both thin and thick collagen-based materials were obtained. In particular, this technique is capable of rigorously measuring the relative stiffness of different areas of human corneas, thus providing a true non-contact method to characterise the fundamental mechanical features of both live and fixed biological tissue samples.
One-pot, regiospecific assembly of (E)-benzamidines from δ- and γ-amino acids via an intramolecular aminoquinazolinone rearrangement
Authors: Schroeder Chad E. , Neuenswander Sarah A. , Yao Tuanli , Aubé Jeffrey , Golden Jennifer E.
Published: April 2016

Conversion of extended N-BOC protected amino acids to (E)-cycloamidines has been accomplished through an efficient, intramolecular rearrangement of aminoalkylquinazolinones.
Visualizing surface plasmons with photons, photoelectrons, and electrons
Authors: El-Khoury P. Z. , Abellan P. , Gong Y. , Hage F. S. , Cottom J. , Joly A. G. , Brydson R. , Ramasse Q. M. , Hess W. P.
Published: April 2016

Multidimensional imaging of surface plasmons via hyperspectral dark field optical microscopy, tip-enhanced Raman scattering, nonlinear photoemission electron microscopy, and electron energy loss spectroscopy.
Surface ligation-based resonance light scattering analysis of methylated genomic DNA on a microarray platform
Authors: Ma Lan , Lei Zhen , Liu Xia , Liu Dianjun , Wang Zhenxin
Published: April 2016

A surface ligation-based RLS method is developed on a microarray platform for a sensitive and specific assay of methylated genomic DNA.
A long-wavelength quantum dot-concentric FRET configuration: characterization and application in a multiplexed hybridization assay
Authors: Li Jia Jun , Algar W. Russ
Published: April 2016

Quantum dot-based concentric Förster resonance energy transfer (cFRET) is a promising modality for the development of multifunctional fluorescent probes for bioanalysis and bioimaging. A new long-wavelength configuration and multiplexed hybridization assay format expands the scope of cFRET.
Supramolecular biosensors based on electropolymerised pyrrole–cyclodextrin modified surfaces for antibody detection
Authors: Wajs Ewelina , Fernández Núria , Fragoso Alex
Published: April 2016

The self-assembly of an adamantane-appended polymer bearing an antigen fragment on a polypyrrole–cyclodextrin modified surface provides a highly sensitive immunosensor with low limits of detection for celiac disease related antibodies.
Ensemble-based support vector machine classifiers as an efficient tool for quality assessment of beef fillets from electronic nose data
Authors: Mohareb Fady , Papadopoulou Olga , Panagou Efstathios , Nychas George-John , Bessant Conrad
Published: April 2016

Over the past years, the application of electronic nose devices has been investigated as a potential tool for assessing food freshness.
Electrospun nanofibers for cancer diagnosis and therapy
Authors: Chen Zhou , Chen Zhaofeng , Zhang Aili , Hu Jiaming , Wang Xinmei , Yang Zhaogang
Published: April 2016

The advent of nanotechnology has provided unprecedented opportunities for nanomedicine.
Dynamic control of cell adhesion on a stiffness-tunable substrate for analyzing the mechanobiology of collective cell migration
Authors: Kamimura Masao , Sugawara Michiko , Yamamoto Shota , Yamaguchi Kazuo , Nakanishi Jun
Published: April 2016

A photoactivatable gel substrate with defined mechanical properties was developed to study the mechanobiology of collective cell migration.
Controlled electropolymerisation of a carbazole-functionalised iron porphyrin electrocatalyst for CO2 reduction
Authors: Hu Xin-Ming , Salmi Zakaria , Lillethorup Mie , Pedersen Emil B. , Robert Marc , Pedersen Steen U. , Skrydstrup Troels , Daasbjerg Kim
Published: April 2016

A straightforward electrochemical approach is presented by which iron porphyrin catalysts may be immobilised inside a CO2 absorbing microporous material.
Selective preparation of elusive and alternative single component polymorphic solid forms through multi-component crystallisation routes
Authors: Thomas Lynne H. , Wales Craig , Wilson Chick C.
Published: April 2016

A transferable, simple, route to previously elusive and novel polymorphic forms of important active pharmaceutical ingredients is demonstrated using N-heterocyclic co-molecules to influence the self-assembly crystallisation process in a multi-component environment.
Pd-catalyzed cascade reactions between o-iodo-N-alkenylanilines and tosylhydrazones: novel approaches to the synthesis of polysubstituted indoles and 1,4-dihydroquinolines
Authors: Paraja Miguel , Valdés Carlos
Published: April 2016

Pd-catalyzed reactions between tosylhydrazones and o-iodo-N-alkenylanilines provide indoles or dihydroquinolines through carbene migratory insertion/substituent-controlled cyclization cascades.
Correction: Weak backbone CH⋯OC and side chain tBu⋯tBu London interactions help promote helix folding of achiral NtBu peptoids
Authors: Angelici G. , Bhattacharjee N. , Roy O. , Faure S. , Didierjean C. , Jouffret L. , Jolibois F. , Perrin L. , Taillefumier C.
Published: April 2016

Correction for ‘Weak backbone CH⋯OC and side chain tBu⋯tBu London interactions help promote helix folding of achiral NtBu peptoids’ by G. Angelici et al., Chem. Commun., 2016, 52, 4573–4576.
Performance of polarisation functionals for linear and nonlinear optical properties of bulk zinc chalcogenides ZnX (X = S, Se, and Te)
Authors: Grüning M. , Attaccalite C.
Published: April 2016

We calculated the frequency dependent macroscopic dielectric function and second-harmonic generation of cubic ZnS, ZnSe and ZnTe within time-dependent density-polarisation functional theory.
Density functional theory + U analysis of the electronic structure and defect chemistry of LSCF (La0.5Sr0.5Co0.25Fe0.75O3−δ)
Authors: Ritzmann Andrew M. , Dieterich Johannes M. , Carter Emily A.
Published: April 2016

Density functional theory + U calculations of oxygen vacancy formation in La0.5Sr0.5Co0.25Fe0.75O3 reveal a preference for configurations.
Magnetism behaviours dominated by the interplay of magnetic anisotropy and exchange coupling in local CoII7 discs
Authors: Yang En-Cui , Liu Zhong-Yi , Zhang Lei , Yang Na , Zhao Xiao-Jun
Published: April 2016

Structure and magnetism of two CoII7 disc-based layers were reported. An asymmetric CoII7 core in the (4,4) layer exhibited single-molecule magnetic behavior. A highly symmetric C2h CoII7 disc in the (3,6) sheet showed ferromagnetic exchange.
Structural and chemical synergistic encapsulation of polysulfides enables ultralong-life lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Wang Xiaolei , Li Ge , Li Jingde , Zhang Yining , Wook Ahn , Yu Aiping , Chen Zhongwei
Published: April 2016

An innovative design strategy for the structural and chemical synergistic encapsulation of polysulfides is proposed enabling the achievement of ultra stable lithium–sulfur batteries.
Clayey–sand filter for the removal of pharmaceuticals from wastewater effluent: percolation experiments
Authors: Thiebault T. , Boussafir M. , Guégan R. , Le Milbeau C. , Le Forestier L.
Published: April 2016

The objective of the study was to evaluate the sorption of a pool of pharmaceutically active compounds (PhACs) onto a clay–sand filter in a dynamic sorption experiment.
Precise Mo isotope ratio measurements of low-Mo (ng g−1) geological samples using MC-ICP-MS
Authors: Liu Jie , Wen Hanjie , Zhang Yuxu , Fan Haifeng , Zhu Chuanwei
Published: April 2016

The double-spike (DS) mass bias correction approach was the method of choice for geological samples with <0.5 μg g−1Mo; both the double-spike and the sample-standard bracketing (SSB) approaches could be applied for samples with >0.5 μg g−1Mo. This method provided a wide range of applications for most Mo reservoirs in geological processes.
A disposable, roll-to-roll hot-embossed inertial microfluidic device for size-based sorting of microbeads and cells
Authors: Wang Xiao , Liedert Christina , Liedert Ralph , Papautsky Ian
Published: April 2016

We present a low-cost and disposable inertial microfluidic device fabricated using roll-to-roll hot embossing for size-based sorting of microparticles and cells.
Sortase-mediated labelling of lipid nanodiscs for cellular tracing
Authors: Petrache A. Ivona , Machin Darren C. , Williamson Daniel J. , Webb Michael E. , Beales Paul A.
Published: April 2016

Lipid nanodiscs have broad applications in membrane protein assays, biotechnology and materials science.
Effect of gold nanoparticle shapes for phototherapy and drug delivery
Authors: Adnan Nik N. M. , Cheng Y. Y. , Ong Nur M. N. , Kamaruddin Tuan T. , Rozlan Eliza , Schmidt Timothy W. , Duong Hien T. T. , Boyer Cyrille
Published: April 2016

In this study, we compared three different hybrid gold nanoparticle shapes (spherical, rod and star) for photothermal therapy and the delivery of doxorubicin.
Kinetics study of the Al–water reaction promoted by an ultrasonically prepared Al(OH)3 suspension
Authors: Liang Gao-Heng , Gai Wei-Zhuo , Deng Zhen-Yan , Xu Pingguang , Cheng Zhenxiang
Published: April 2016

The hydrogen-generation rate of Al in a Al(OH)3 suspension is comparable to the behavior of Al in a NaOH solution.
Preconcentration of bisphenols by using calix[4]arene derivatives modified porous polymer monolith coupled with HPLC
Authors: Wang Huiqi , Wei Shigang , Zhang Huihui , Jia Qiong
Published: April 2016

A functionalized calix[4]arene (alkenyl@C[4]A) was introduced into the poly(butyl methacrylate-ethylene dimethacrylate) monolith inside a capillary to prepare a polymer monolith microextraction (PMME) material (poly(BMA-alkenyl@C[4]A-EDMA)).
Relationship between activity and structure of carbon materials for Br2/Br− in zinc bromine flow batteries
Authors: Wang Chenhui , Li Xianfeng , Xi Xiaoli , Xu Pengcheng , Lai Qinzhi , Zhang Huamin
Published: April 2016

The relationship between activity and structure of carbon materials for Br2/Br− in zinc bromine flow batteries.
Role of capping agents in controlling silver nanoparticles size, antibacterial activity and potential application as optical hydrogen peroxide sensor
Authors: Ajitha B. , Kumar Reddy Y. Ashok , Reddy P. Sreedhara , Jeon Hwan-Jin , Ahn Chi Won
Published: April 2016

Catalytic reaction between PVA-capped AgNPs and hydrogen peroxide, and the corresponding LSPR optical absorbance spectra as a function of time.
Droplet migration during condensation on chemically patterned micropillars
Authors: Orejon Daniel , Shardt Orest , Waghmare Prashant R. , Kumar Gunda Naga Siva , Takata Yasuyuki , Mitra Sushanta K.
Published: April 2016

Droplet migration from a micropillar's side to its top due to the wettability gradient imposed by our novel fabrication process.
Biomineralization on single crystalline rutile: the modulated growth of hydroxyapatite by fibronectin in a simulated body fluid
Authors: Cai Yixiao , Li Hu , Karlsson Mikael , Leifer Klaus , Engqvist Håkan , Xia Wei
Published: April 2016

The aim of this study is to probe the complex interaction between surface bioactivity and protein adsorption on single crystalline rutile.
Effects of water and alcohols on the polymerization of furan during its acid-catalyzed conversion into benzofuran
Authors: Hu Xun , Jiang Shengjuan , Kadarwati Sri , Dong Dehua , Li Chun-Zhu
Published: April 2016

Furan has distinct reaction pathways during acid treatment in methanol, water and dimethyl sulfoxide.
Systematic elongation of thienyl linkers and their effect on optical and electrochemical properties in carbazole–BODIPY donor–acceptor systems
Authors: Brzeczek Alina , Piwowar Katarzyna , Domagala Wojciech , Mikołajczyk Mikołaj M. , Walczak Krzysztof , Wagner Pawel
Published: April 2016

Synthesis, spectral and electrochemical properties of a series of new panchromatic BODIPY donor–acceptor–donor derivatives, comprising carbazole conjugated with systematically elongated framework by thiophene – based linkers were investigated.
Exploring the hydrated microstructure and molecular mobility in blend polyelectrolyte membranes by quantum mechanics and molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Bahlakeh Ghasem , Hasani-Sadrabadi Mohammad Mahdi , Jacob Karl I.
Published: April 2016

QMs and MD simulations were employed to investigate the effect of water contents and temperatures on structural and dynamical behaviors of blended PEMs.
A modified two-step sequential deposition method for preparing perovskite CH3NH3PbI3 solar cells
Authors: Shao Feng , Xu Li , Tian Zhangliu , Xie Yian , Wang Yaoming , Sheng Peng , Wang Deliang , Huang Fuqiang
Published: April 2016

Solvent–solvent extracted (SSE) PbI2 film combined with the spin-spray method greatly enhances device performance.
Steric and chelating ring concerns on the l-lactide polymerization by asymmetric β-diketiminato zinc complexes
Authors: Chuang Wan-Jung , Chen Hsing-Yin , Chen Wei-Ting , Chang Heng-Yi , Chiang Michael Y. , Chen Hsuan-Ying , Hsu Sodio C. N.
Published: April 2016

Asymmetric β-diketiminato zinc complexes were investigated in l-lactide polymerization. The catalytic rate depended heavily on the N-aryl substituents.
A study of conductive hydrogel composites of pH-responsive microgels and carbon nanotubes
Authors: Cui Zhengxing , Zhou Mi , Greensmith Paula J. , Wang Wenkai , Hoyland Judith A. , Kinloch Ian A. , Freemont Tony , Saunders Brian R.
Published: April 2016

pH-Responsive microgels can disperse carbon nanotubes and act as macro-crosslinkers to give hydrogel composites with ductilities that increase with increasing modulus.
The impact of MgO nanoparticle interface in ultra-insulating polyethylene nanocomposites for high voltage DC cables
Authors: Pallon L. K. H. , Hoang A. T. , Pourrahimi A. M. , Hedenqvist M. S. , Nilsson F. , Gubanski S. , Gedde U. W. , Olsson R. T.
Published: April 2016

Ultra-insulating polyethylene nanocomposites were achieved by appropriate MgO nanoparticle surface modification, resulting in unprecedented dispersion and 2 orders of magnitude lower conductivity.
Role of post-translational modifications at the β-subunit ectodomain in complex association with a promiscuous plant P4-ATPase
Authors: Costa Sara R. , Marek Magdalena , Axelsen Kristian B. , Theorin Lisa , Pomorski Thomas G. , López-Marqués Rosa L.
Published: April 2016

P-type ATPases of subfamily IV (P4-ATPases) constitute a major group of phospholipid flippases that form heteromeric complexes with members of the Cdc50 (cell division control 50) protein family. Some P4-ATPases interact specifically with only one β-subunit isoform, whereas others are promiscuous and can interact with several isoforms. In the present study, we used a site-directed mutagenesis approach to assess the role of post-translational modifications at the plant ALIS5 β-subunit ectodomain in the functionality of the promiscuous plant P4-ATPase ALA2. We identified two N-glycosylated residues, Asn181 and Asn231. Whereas mutation of Asn231 seems to have a small effect on P4-ATPase complex formation, mutation of evolutionarily conserved Asn181 disrupts interaction between the two subunits. Of the four cysteine residues located in the ALIS5 ectodomain, mutation of Cys86 and Cys107 compromises complex association, but the mutant β-subunits still promote complex trafficking and activity to some extent. In contrast, disruption of a conserved disulfide bond between Cys158 and Cys172 has no effect on the P4-ATPase complex. Our results demonstrate that post-translational modifications in the β-subunit have different functional roles in different organisms, which may be related to the promiscuity of the P4-ATPase.
Mindestmengen und Krankenhaussterblichkeit – Beobachtungsstudie mit deutschlandweiten Krankenhausabrechnungsdaten von 2006 bis 2013
Authors: Nimptsch U. , Peschke D. , Mansky T.
Published: April 2016

Hintergrund: Mit dem Ziel der Verbesserung der Versorgung wurden für die Durchführung planbarer Eingriffe und Behandlungen in deutschen Krankenhäusern Mindestmengen festgelegt. Diese Arbeit untersucht retrospektiv ob die Einhaltung der Mindestmengenvorgabe mit den Behandlungsergebnissen in Zusammenhang steht. Analysiert wurden Unterschiede in der Krankenhaussterblichkeit für komplexe Ösophagus- und Pankreaseingriffe, Leber- und Nierentransplantationen, Stammzellentransplantationen sowie Knie-Totalendoprothesen.

Methode: In den Mikrodaten der deutschlandweiten Fallpauschalenbezogenen Krankenhausstatistik (DRG-Statistik) wurden alle Behandlungsfälle identifiziert, die der Mindestmengenregelung unterliegen und die jährliche Fallzahl des jeweiligen Leistungsbereiches pro Krankenhaus berechnet. Jahresweise wurde bestimmt, ob die Mindestmengenvorgabe erreicht wurde. Auf dieser Grundlage wurden die Behandlungsfälle 2 Untersuchungsgruppen zugeordnet: Fälle in Krankenhäusern mit Fallzahl gleich oder größer der Mindestmenge (≥ MM) und Fälle in Krankenhäusern mit Fallzahl unter der Mindestmenge (< MM). Anhand logistischer Regressionsverfahren wurden adjustierte Sterblichkeiten berechnet.

Ergebnisse: Insgesamt wurden 28 931 Eingriffe am Ösophagus, 78 879 Eingriffe am Pankreas, 7 984 Lebertransplantationen, 21 773 Nierentransplantationen, 51 064 Stammzellentransplantationen und 1 093 296 Knie-Totalendprothesenimplantationen untersucht. Die adjustierte Sterblichkeit in Krankenhäusern mit Fallzahl≥MM war signifikant geringer als in Krankenhäusern mit Fallzahl<MM bei Eingriffen am Ösophagus (9,2% [95% KI 8,8–9,6] vs. 12,1% [11,4–12,9]), Eingriffen am Pankreas (8,6% [8,3–8,8] vs. 11,8% [11,2–12,5]), Nierentransplantationen (1,7% [1,4–1,8] vs. 3,3% [2,1–5,0]) und Knie-Totalendoprothesen (0,13% [0,12–0,14] vs. 0,18% [0,14–0,23]). Bei Lebertransplantationen zeigte die adjustierte Sterblichkeit keinen signifikanten Unterschied (15,5% [14,7–16,5] vs. 15,9% [12,9–19,3]). Bei Stammzellentransplantationen war die Sterblichkeit in Krankenhäusern mit Fallzahl≥MM signifikant höher als in Krankenhäusern mit Fallzahl<MM (6,0% [5,7–6,2] vs. 4,0% [3,2–4,9]).

Schlussfolgerung: Die Ergebnisse zeigen für 4 der 6 untersuchten Leistungsbereiche ein signifikant geringeres Sterberisiko bei Behandlung in einem Krankenhaus, das die Mindestmengenvorgabe erreicht. Daraus lässt sich schließen, dass eine stringente Umsetzung der Mindestmengenregelung die Versorgungsqualität bei diesen Eingriffen verbessern könnte.