bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Laboratory measurements of resistivity in warm dense plasmas relevant to the microphysics of brown dwarfs
Authors: Booth N. , Robinson A. P. L. , Hakel P. , Clarke R. J. , Dance R. J. , Doria D. , Gizzi L. A. , Gregori G. , Koester P. , Labate L. , Levato T. , Li B. , Makita M. , Mancini R. C. , Pasley J. , Rajeev P. P. , Riley D. , Wagenaars E. , Waugh J. N. , Woolsey N. C.
Published: November 2015

Since the observation of the first brown dwarf in 1995, numerous studies have led to a better understanding of the structures of these objects. Here we present a method for studying material resistivity in warm dense plasmas in the laboratory, which we relate to the microphysics of brown dwarfs through viscosity and electron collisions. Here we use X-ray polarimetry to determine the resistivity of a sulphur-doped plastic target heated to Brown Dwarf conditions by an ultra-intense laser. The resistivity is determined by matching the plasma physics model to the atomic physics calculations of the measured large, positive, polarization. The inferred resistivity is larger than predicted using standard resistivity models, suggesting that these commonly used models will not adequately describe the resistivity of warm dense plasma related to the viscosity of brown dwarfs.
Late Na+ current and protracted electrical recovery are critical determinants of the aging myopathy
Authors: Signore Sergio , Sorrentino Andrea , Borghetti Giulia , Cannata Antonio , Meo Marianna , Zhou Yu , Kannappan Ramaswamy , Pasqualini Francesco , O'Malley Heather , Sundman Mark , Tsigkas Nikolaos , Zhang Eric , Arranto Christian , Mangiaracina Chiara , Isobe Kazuya , Sena Brena F. , Kim Junghyun , Goichberg Polina , Nahrendorf Matthias , Isom Lori L. , Leri Annarosa , Anversa Piero , Rota Marcello
Published: November 2015

The aging myopathy manifests itself with diastolic dysfunction and preserved ejection fraction. We raised the possibility that, in a mouse model of physiological aging, defects in electromechanical properties of cardiomyocytes are important determinants of the diastolic characteristics of the myocardium, independently from changes in structural composition of the muscle and collagen framework. Here we show that an increase in the late Na+ current (INaL) in aging cardiomyocytes prolongs the action potential (AP) and influences temporal kinetics of Ca2+ cycling and contractility. These alterations increase force development and passive tension. Inhibition of INaL shortens the AP and corrects dynamics of Ca2+ transient, cell contraction and relaxation. Similarly, repolarization and diastolic tension of the senescent myocardium are partly restored. Thus, INaL offers inotropic support, but negatively interferes with cellular and ventricular compliance, providing a new perspective of the biology of myocardial aging and the aetiology of the defective cardiac performance in the elderly.
Meta-analysis identifies seven susceptibility loci involved in the atopic march
Authors: Marenholz Ingo , Esparza-Gordillo Jorge , Rüschendorf Franz , Bauerfeind Anja , Strachan David P. , Spycher Ben D. , Baurecht Hansjörg , Margaritte-Jeannin Patricia , Sääf Annika , Kerkhof Marjan , Ege Markus , Baltic Svetlana , Matheson Melanie C. , Li Jin , Michel Sven , Ang Wei Q. , McArdle Wendy , Arnold Andreas , Homuth Georg , Demenais Florence , Bouzigon Emmanuelle , Söderhäll Cilla , Pershagen Göran , de Jongste Johan C. , Postma Dirkje S. , Braun-Fahrländer Charlotte , Horak Elisabeth , Ogorodova Ludmila M. , Puzyrev Valery P. , Bragina Elena Yu , Hudson Thomas J. , Morin Charles , Duffy David L. , Marks Guy B. , Robertson Colin F. , Montgomery Grant W. , Musk Bill , Thompson Philip J. , Martin Nicholas G. , James Alan , Sleiman Patrick , Toskala Elina , Rodriguez Elke , Fölster-Holst Regina , Franke Andre , Lieb Wolfgang , Gieger Christian , Heinzmann Andrea , Rietschel Ernst , Keil Thomas , Cichon Sven , Nöthen Markus M. , Pennell Craig E. , Sly Peter D. , Schmidt Carsten O. , Matanovic Anja , Schneider Valentin , Heinig Matthias , Hübner Norbert , Holt Patrick G. , Lau Susanne , Kabesch Michael , Weidinger Stefan , Hakonarson Hakon , Ferreira Manuel A. R. , Laprise Catherine , Freidin Maxim B. , Genuneit Jon , Koppelman Gerard H. , Melén Erik , Dizier Marie- Hélène , Henderson A John , Lee Young Ae
Published: November 2015

Eczema often precedes the development of asthma in a disease course called the ‘atopic march’. To unravel the genes underlying this characteristic pattern of allergic disease, we conduct a multi-stage genome-wide association study on infantile eczema followed by childhood asthma in 12 populations including 2,428 cases and 17,034 controls. Here we report two novel loci specific for the combined eczema plus asthma phenotype, which are associated with allergic disease for the first time; rs9357733 located in EFHC1 on chromosome 6p12.3 (OR 1.27; P=2.1 × 10−8) and rs993226 between TMTC2 and SLC6A15 on chromosome 12q21.3 (OR 1.58; P=5.3 × 10−9). Additional susceptibility loci identified at genome-wide significance are FLG (1q21.3), IL4/KIF3A (5q31.1), AP5B1/OVOL1 (11q13.1), C11orf30/LRRC32 (11q13.5) and IKZF3 (17q21). We show that predominantly eczema loci increase the risk for the atopic march. Our findings suggest that eczema may play an important role in the development of asthma after eczema.
Correction: Corrigendum: Plasticity of Listeriolysin O Pores and its Regulation by pH and Unique Histidine
Authors: Podobnik Marjetka , Marchioretto Marta , Zanetti Manuela , Bavdek Andrej , Kisovec Matic , Mojca Cajnko Miša , Lunelli Lorenzo , Dalla Serra Mauro , Anderluh Gregor
Published: November 2015

Pore formation of cellular membranes is an ancient mechanism of bacterial pathogenesis that allows efficient damaging of target cells. Several mechanisms have been described, however, relatively little is known about the assembly and properties of pores. Listeriolysin O (LLO) is a pH-regulated cholesterol-dependent cytolysin from the intracellular pathogen Listeria monocytogenes, which forms transmembrane β-barrel pores. Here we report that the assembly of LLO pores is rapid and efficient irrespective of pH. While pore diameters at the membrane surface are comparable at either pH 5.5 or 7.4, the distribution of pore conductances is significantly pH-dependent. This is directed by the unique residue H311, which is also important for the conformational stability of the LLO monomer and the rate of pore formation. The functional pores exhibit variations in height profiles and can reconfigure significantly by merging to other full pores or arcs. Our results indicate significant plasticity of large β-barrel pores, controlled by environmental cues like pH.
Chemogenomic profiling of Plasmodium falciparum as a tool to aid antimalarial drug discovery
Authors: Pradhan Anupam , Siwo Geoffrey H. , Singh Naresh , Martens Brian , Balu Bharath , Button-Simons Katrina A. , Tan Asako , Zhang Min , Udenze Kenneth O. , Jiang Rays H.Y. , Ferdig Michael T. , Adams John H. , Kyle Dennis E.
Published: November 2015

The spread of Plasmodium falciparum multidrug resistance highlights the urgency to discover new targets and chemical scaffolds. Unfortunately, lack of experimentally validated functional information about most P. falciparum genes remains a strategic hurdle. Chemogenomic profiling is an established tool for classification of drugs with similar mechanisms of action by comparing drug fitness profiles in a collection of mutants. Inferences of drug mechanisms of action and targets can be obtained by associations between shifts in drug fitness and specific genetic changes in the mutants. In this screen, P. falciparum, piggyBac single insertion mutants were profiled for altered responses to antimalarial drugs and metabolic inhibitors to create chemogenomic profiles. Drugs targeting the same pathway shared similar response profiles and multiple pairwise correlations of the chemogenomic profiles revealed novel insights into drugs’ mechanisms of action. A mutant of the artemisinin resistance candidate gene - “K13-propeller” gene (PF3D7_1343700) exhibited increased susceptibility to artemisinin drugs and identified a cluster of 7 mutants based on similar enhanced responses to the drugs tested. Our approach of chemogenomic profiling reveals artemisinin functional activity, linked by the unexpected drug-gene relationships of these mutants, to signal transduction and cell cycle regulation pathways.
Targeting extra-oral bitter taste receptors modulates gastrointestinal motility with effects on satiation
Authors: Avau Bert , Rotondo Alessandra , Thijs Theo , Andrews Christopher N. , Janssen Pieter , Tack Jan , Depoortere Inge
Published: November 2015

Bitter taste receptors (TAS2Rs) are present in extra-oral tissues, including gut endocrine cells. This study explored the presence and mechanism of action of TAS2R agonists on gut smooth muscle in vitro and investigated functional effects of intra-gastric administration of TAS2R agonists on gastric motility and satiation. TAS2Rs and taste signalling elements were expressed in smooth muscle tissue along the mouse gut and in human gastric smooth muscle cells (hGSMC). Bitter tastants induced concentration and region-dependent contractility changes in mouse intestinal muscle strips. Contractions induced by denatonium benzoate (DB) in gastric fundus were mediated via increases in intracellular Ca2+ release and extracellular Ca2+-influx, partially masked by a hyperpolarizing K+-efflux. Intra-gastric administration of DB in mice induced a TAS2R-dependent delay in gastric emptying. In hGSMC, bitter compounds evoked Ca2+-rises and increased ERK-phosphorylation. Healthy volunteers showed an impaired fundic relaxation in response to nutrient infusion and a decreased nutrient volume tolerance and increased satiation during an oral nutrient challenge test after intra-gastric DB administration. These findings suggest a potential role for intestinal TAS2Rs as therapeutic targets to alter gastrointestinal motility and hence to interfere with hunger signalling.
Clinical efficacy of early loading versus conventional loading of dental implants
Authors: Zhu Yanfei , Zheng Xinyi , Zeng Guanqi , Xu Yi , Qu Xinhua , Zhu Min , Lu Eryi
Published: November 2015

The aim of this study was to determine the clinical differences between early and conventional loading protocols for dental implants. A comprehensive search of the Medline, Embase and OVID databases for studies published through January 10, 2015 was conducted. Fourteen studies were included in our analysis. We found that early loading imposed a significantly higher risk of implant failure than did conventional loading (risk ratio = 2.09, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.18, 3.69], P = 0.01), while no significant differences between the methods were found with regards to the marginal bone loss (weighted mean differences [WMD] = 0.11, 95% CI [−0.07, 0.28], P = 0.23), periotest value (WMD = 0.02, 95% CI [−0.83, 0.87], P = 0.96), or implant stability quotient (WMD = 0.79, 95% CI [−0.03, 1.62], P = 0.06). As for the health status of the peri-implant tissue, conventionally loaded implants demonstrated better performance than did early loaded implants. Subgroup analyses demonstrated that the sample size, time of publication, loading definition, implant position, extent and restoration type influenced the results. Although early implant loading is convenient and comfortable for patients, this method still cannot achieve the same clinical outcomes as the conventional loading method.
Combination of acamprosate and baclofen as a promising therapeutic approach for Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Hajj Rodolphe , Milet Aude , Toulorge Damien , Cholet Nathalie , Laffaire Julien , Foucquier Julie , Robelet Sandra , Mitry Richard , Guedj Mickael , Nabirotchkin Serguei , Chumakov Ilya , Cohen Daniel
Published: November 2015

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterised by the loss of dopaminergic nigrostriatal neurons but which involves the loss of additional neurotransmitter pathways. Mono- or polytherapeutic interventions in PD patients have declining efficacy long-term and no influence on disease progression. The systematic analysis of available genetic and functional data as well as the substantial overlap between Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and PD features led us to repurpose and explore the effectiveness of a combination therapy (ABC) with two drugs – acamprosate and baclofen – that was already effective in AD animal models, for the treatment of PD. We showed in vitro that ABC strongly and synergistically protected neuronal cells from oxidative stress in the oxygen and glucose deprivation model, as well as dopaminergic neurons from cell death in the 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) rat model. Furthermore, we showed that ABC normalised altered motor symptoms in vivo in 6-OHDA-treated rats, acting by protecting dopaminergic cell bodies and their striatal terminals. Interestingly, ABC also restored a normal behaviour pattern in lesioned rats suggesting a symptomatic effect and did not negatively interact with L-dopa. Our results demonstrate the potential value of combining repurposed drugs as a promising new strategy to treat this debilitating disease.
Apelin regulates FoxO3 translocation to mediate cardioprotective responses to myocardial injury and obesity
Authors: Boal Frederic , Roumegoux Jessica , Alfarano Chiara , Timotin Andrei , Calise Denis , Anesia Rodica , Drougard Anne , Knauf Claude , Lagente Christine , Roncalli Jerome , Desmoulin Franck , Tronchere Helene , Valet Philippe , Parini Angelo , Kunduzova Oksana
Published: November 2015

The increasing incidence of obesity accentuates the importance of identifying mechanisms and optimal therapeutic strategies for patients with heart failure (HF) in relation to obesity status. Here, we investigated the association between plasma level of apelin, an adipocyte-derived factor and clinicopathological features of obese and non-obese patients with HF. We further explored potential regulatory mechanisms of cardiac cell fate responses in conditions combining myocardial injury and obesity. In a prospective, cross-sectional study involving patients with HF we show that obese patients (BMI ≥30 kg/m2) have higher left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and greater levels of plasma apelin (p < 0.005) than non-obese patients (< 30 kg/m2), independently of ischemic etiology. In a mouse model combining ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury and high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity, we identify apelin as a novel regulator of FoxO3 trafficking in cardiomyocytes. Confocal microscopy analysis of cardiac cells revealed that apelin prevents nuclear translocation of FoxO3 in response to oxygen deprivation through a PI3K pathway. These findings uncover apelin as a novel regulator of FoxO3 nucleocytoplasmic trafficking in cardiac cells in response to stress and provide insight into its potential clinical relevance in obese patients with HF.
Strengthening behavior of carbon/metal nanocomposites
Authors: Shin S. E. , Choi H. J. , Hwang J. Y. , Bae D. H.
Published: November 2015

Nanocomposites reinforced with nano-scale reinforcements exhibit excellent mechanical properties with low volume fraction of the reinforcement. For instance, only an addition of 0.7 vol.% few-layer graphene (FLG) into the pure titanium shows strength of ~1.5 GPa, obviously much superior to that of the monolithic titanium. The strengthening efficiency of composites is determined by several factors such as reinforcement geometrical/spatial characteristics and interfacial features between the matrix and the reinforcement. For the metal-matrix nanocomposites (MMNCs), since the nano-scale reinforcement has significantly high specific surface area, interfacial feature is more important and has to be clearly evaluated in understanding property of MMNCs. Although many researchers suggested the theoretical work using continuum mechanics in order to estimate the mechanical properties of the metallic composites, a clear determination has yet not to be proven by systematic experimental works. Here, we provide a new model to predict strength and stiffness of MMNCs based on quantitative analysis of efficiency parameters in which interface feature is strongly emphasized. To validate the model, we select multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) and FLG for reinforcement and titanium (Ti) and aluminum (Al) for the matrix to modify bonding strength and specific surface area in the MMNCs.
Mechanisms underlying the activity-dependent regulation of locomotor network performance by the Na+ pump
Authors: Zhang Hong-Yan , Picton Laurence , Li Wen-Chang , Sillar Keith T.
Published: November 2015

Activity-dependent modification of neural network output usually results from changes in neurotransmitter release and/or membrane conductance. InXenopusfrog tadpoles, spinal locomotor network output is adapted by an ultraslow afterhyperpolarization (usAHP) mediated by an increase in Na+pump current. Here we systematically explore how the interval between two swimming episodes affects the second episode, which is shorter and slower than the first episode. We find the firing reliability of spinal rhythmic neurons to be lower in the second episode, except for excitatory descending interneurons (dINs). The sodium/proton antiporter, monensin, which potentiates Na+pump function, induced similar effects to short inter-swim intervals. A usAHP induced by supra-threshold pulses reduced neuronal firing reliability during swimming. It also increased the threshold current for spiking and introduced a delay to the first spike in a train, without reducing subsequent firing frequency. This delay was abolished by ouabain or zero K+saline, which eliminate the usAHP. We present evidence for an A-type K+current in spinal CPG neurons which is inactivated by depolarization and de-inactivated by hyperpolarization and accounts for the prolonged delay. We conclude that the usAHP attenuates neuronal responses to excitatory network inputs by both membrane hyperpolarization and enhanced de-inactivation of an A-current.
A General Time-Periodic Driving Approach to Realize Topological Phases in Cold Atomic Systems
Authors: Yan Zhongbo , Li Bo , Yang Xiaosen , Wan Shaolong
Published: November 2015

For time-reversal symmetric cold atomic insulating systems, it is found that the usual driving approach based on electromagnetic field used in solid state systems loses its power to drive them from trivial regimes to topological regimes if the driven systems still hold time-reversal symmetry (TRS). For such systems, we point out that simply varying the optical lattice potential periodically provides a general and effective way to drive them into topological regimes without breaking their symmetries. Based on this approach, we find that the time-reversal symmetric Kane-Mele model can be effectively driven from the trivial phase to topological phases named as Floquet Quantum Spin Hall insulator. Due to the existence of two gaps in the Floquet system, this novel state of matter can stably host one or two pair of gapless helical states on the same boundary, which suggests this state is not a simple analog of the Quantum Spin Hall insulator. This new driving approach to a system without TRS is also investigated.
Sub-wavelength Laser Nanopatterning using Droplet Lenses
Authors: Duocastella Martí , Florian Camilo , Serra Pere , Diaspro Alberto
Published: November 2015

When a drop of liquid falls onto a screen, e.g. a cell phone, the pixels lying underneath appear magnified. This lensing effect is a combination of the curvature and refractive index of the liquid droplet. Here, the spontaneous formation of such lenses is exploited to overcome the diffraction limit of a conventional laser direct-writing system. In particular, micro-droplets are first laser-printed at user-defined locations on a surface and they are later used as lenses to focus the same laser beam. Under conditions described herein, nanopatterns can be obtained with a reduction in spot size primarily limited by the refractive index of the liquid. This all-optics approach is demonstrated by writing arbitrary patterns with a feature size around 280 nm, about one fourth of the processing wavelength.
Highly efficient radiosensitization of human glioblastoma and lung cancer cells by a G-quadruplex DNA binding compound
Authors: Merle Patrick , Gueugneau Marine , Teulade-Fichou Marie-Paule , Müller-Barthélémy Mélanie , Amiard Simon , Chautard Emmanuel , Guetta Corinne , Dedieu Véronique , Communal Yves , Mergny Jean-Louis , Gallego Maria , White Charles , Verrelle Pierre , Tchirkov Andreï
Published: November 2015

Telomeres are nucleoprotein structures at the end of chromosomes which stabilize and protect them from nucleotidic degradation and end-to-end fusions. The G-rich telomeric single-stranded DNA overhang can adopt a four-stranded G-quadruplex DNA structure (G4). Stabilization of the G4 structure by binding of small molecule ligands enhances radiosensitivity of tumor cells and this combined treatment represents a novel anticancer approach. We studied the effect of the platinum-derived G4-ligand, Pt-ctpy, in association with radiation on human glioblastoma (SF763 and SF767) and non-small cell lung cancer (A549 and H1299) cells in vitro and in vivo. Treatments with submicromolar concentrations of Pt-ctpy inhibited tumor proliferation in vitro with cell cycle alterations and induction of apoptosis. Non-toxic concentrations of the ligand were then combined with ionizing radiation. Pt-ctpy radiosensitized all cell lines with dose-enhancement factors between 1.32 and 1.77. The combined treatment led to increased DNA breaks. Furthermore, a significant radiosensitizing effect of Pt-ctpy in mice xenografted with glioblastoma SF763 cells was shown by delayed tumor growth and improved survival. Pt-ctpy can act in synergy with radiation for efficient killing of cancer cells at concentrations at which it has no obvious toxicity per se, opening perspectives for future therapeutic applications.
Fine-tuning of synaptic upscaling at excitatory synapses by endocannabinoid signaling is mediated via the CB1 receptor
Authors: Song Yunping , Zhang Jian , Chen Chu
Published: November 2015

The endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) functions as a retrograde signaling molecule mediating synaptic transmission and plasticity at both inhibitory and excitatory synapses. However, little is known about whether 2-AG signaling is involved in homeostatic regulation of miniature synaptic events at excitatory synapses in response to activity deprivation. Here, we report that chronic blockade of firing by tetrodotoxin (TTX) for two days resulted in increases both in the frequency and amplitude of spontaneous miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs) in cultured mouse hippocampal neurons. However, treatment with 2-AG alone or JZL184, a potent and selective inhibitor for monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) that hydrolyzes 2-AG, induced a CB1 receptor-dependent reduction of the frequency of mEPSCs, but not the amplitude. The TTX-increased frequency was blunted by 2-AG or JZL184 and this effect was eliminated by pharmacological or genetic inhibition of CB1 receptors. In addition, TTX still increased frequency and amplitude of mEPSCs in the presence of CB1 receptor inhibition. Our results suggest that while endocannabinoids are not required for induction of synaptic scaling at excitatory glutamate synapses after chronic activity deprivation, 2-AG signaling may play a role in fine-tuning of synaptic strengths via presynaptically-expressed CB1 receptors.
Micro-metric electronic patterning of a topological band structure using a photon beam
Authors: Frantzeskakis E. , De Jong N. , Zwartsenberg B. , Huang Y. K. , Bay T. V. , Pronk P. , Van Heumen E. , Wu D. , Pan Y. , Radovic M. , Plumb N. C. , Xu N. , Shi M. , De Visser A. , Golden M. S.
Published: November 2015

In an ideal 3D topological insulator (TI), the bulk is insulating and the surface conducting due to the existence of metallic states that are localized on the surface; these are the topological surface states. Quaternary Bi-based compounds of Bi2−xSbxTe3−ySey with finely-tuned bulk stoichiometries are good candidates for realizing ideal 3D TI behavior due to their bulk insulating character. However, despite its insulating bulk in transport experiments, the surface region of Bi2−xSbxTe3−ySey crystals cleaved in ultrahigh vacuum also exhibits occupied states originating from the bulk conduction band. This is due to adsorbate-induced downward band-bending, a phenomenon known from other Bi-based 3D TIs. Here we show, using angle-resolved photoemission, how an EUV light beam of moderate flux can be used to exclude these topologically trivial states from the Fermi level of Bi1.46Sb0.54Te1.7Se1.3 single crystals, thereby re-establishing the purely topological character of the low lying electronic states of the system. We furthermore prove that this process is highly local in nature in this bulk-insulating TI and are thus able to imprint structures in the spatial energy landscape at the surface. We illustrate this by ‘writing’ micron-sized letters in the Dirac point energy of the system.
De novo protein conformational sampling using a probabilistic graphical model
Authors: Bhattacharya Debswapna , Cheng Jianlin
Published: November 2015

Efficient exploration of protein conformational space remains challenging especially for large proteins when assembling discretized structural fragments extracted from a protein structure data database. We propose a fragment-free probabilistic graphical model, FUSION, for conformational sampling in continuous space and assess its accuracy using ‘blind’ protein targets with a length up to 250 residues from the CASP11 structure prediction exercise. The method reduces sampling bottlenecks, exhibits strong convergence and demonstrates better performance than the popular fragment assembly method, ROSETTA, on relatively larger proteins with a length of more than 150 residues in our benchmark set. FUSION is freely available through a web server at http://protein.rnet.missouri.edu/FUSION/.
Multiple exaggerated weapon morphs: a novel form of male polymorphism in harvestmen
Authors: Painting Christina J. , Probert Anna F. , Townsend Daniel J. , Holwell Gregory I.
Published: November 2015

Alternative reproductive tactics in animals are commonly associated with distinct male phenotypes resulting in polymorphism of sexually selected weapons such as horns and spines. Typically, morphs are divided between small (unarmed) and large (armed) males according to one or more developmental thresholds in association with body size. Here, we describe remarkable weapon trimorphism within a single species, where two exaggerated weapon morphs and a third morph with reduced weaponry are present. MalePantopsalis cheliferoidesharvestmen display exaggerated chelicerae (jaws) which are highly variable in length among individuals. Across the same body size spectrum, however, some males belong to a distinct second exaggerated morph which possesses short, broad chelicerae. Multiple weapon morphs in a single species is a previously unknown phenomenon and our findings have significant implications for understanding weapon diversity and maintenance of polymorphism. Specifically, this species will be a valuable model for testing how weapons diverge by being able to test directly for the circumstances under which a certain weapon type is favoured and how weapon shape relates to performance.
Preparation of porous aromatic framework/ionic liquid hybrid composite coated solid-phase microextraction fibers and their application in the determination of organochlorine pesticides combined with GC-ECD detection
Authors: Wu Mingxue , Chen Gang , Liu Ping , Zhou Weihong , Jia Qiong
Published: November 2015

Novel porous aromatic framework/ionic liquid hybrid composite coated SPME fibers were prepared for the preconcentration of OCPs coupled with GC-ECD.
Polymer-coated micro-optofluidic ring resonator detector for a comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatographic microsystem: μGC × μGC–μOFRR
Authors: Collin William R. , Scholten Kee W. , Fan Xudong , Paul Dibyadeep , Kurabayashi Katsuo , Zellers Edward T.
Published: November 2015

Modulated peak widths ranged from 120 to 690 ms and were inversely proportional to analyte vapor pressure; LODs as low as 7 ng were achieved.
A universal tumor cell isolation method enabled by fibrin-coated microchannels
Authors: Zhang Jinling , Fan Z. Hugh
Published: November 2015

We found that the fibrin-immobilized surfaces on microchannels were able to capture both epithelial and mesenchymal tumor cells.
Improved maximum entropy method for the analysis of fluorescence spectroscopy data: evaluating zero-time shift and assessing its effect on the determination of fluorescence lifetimes
Authors: Esposito Rosario , Mensitieri Giuseppe , de Nicola Sergio
Published: November 2015

A new algorithm based on the Maximum Entropy Method (MEM) is proposed for recovering the lifetime distribution and the zero-time shift from experimental time-resolved fluorescence decays.
Determination of Mo(vi) in water with poly(quaternary ammonium salt) as a binding phase of diffusive gradients in thin-films
Authors: Chen Hong , Zhang Menghan , Zhang Han , Zhang Yu , Liu Xu , Li Jianrong
Published: November 2015

A DGT device with poly(quaternary ammonium salt) as a binding agent was developed for the sampling and measurement of Mo(vi) in waters.
Determination of trace Bi by ICP-OES after magnetic solid phase extraction with fullerene C60 modified γ-Fe2O3 superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Kılınç Ersin
Published: November 2015

In this research, a procedure for the preconcentration of Bi at trace levels in milk samples prior to inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) is proposed.
The synthesis and biological evaluation of a kabiramide C fragment modified with a WH2 consensus actin-binding motif as a potential disruptor of the actin cytoskeleton
Authors: Tetlow Daniel J. , Winder Steve J. , Aïssa Christophe
Published: November 2015

Despite its low affinity for actin monomers, a fragment of kabiramide C disrupts actin filamentsin vitroand in cells.
Coordination-induced gelation of an l-glutamic acid Schiff base derivative: the anion effect and cyanide-specific selectivity
Authors: Sun Jinguo , Liu Yucun , Jin Longyi , Chen Tie , Yin Bingzhu
Published: November 2015

Three metallogels, ZnG, CuG and Zn-CuG, were prepared in the presence of specific anions, with their efficacy linked to the Hofmeister series. Importantly, Zn-CuG gel could fluorescently detect CN− with specific selectivity.
Facile synthesis of covalent probes to capture enzymatic intermediates during E1 enzyme catalysis
Authors: An Heeseon , Statsyuk Alexander V.
Published: November 2015

Electrophilic UBL–AMP probes form a covalent bond with the catalytic cysteine of cognate E1s, mimicking the ternary E1–UBL–AMP intermediates.
A mesoionic bis(Py-tzNHC) palladium(ii) complex catalyses “green” Sonogashira reaction through an unprecedented mechanism
Authors: Gazvoda Martin , Virant Miha , Pevec Andrej , Urankar Damijana , Bolje Aljoša , Kočevar Marijan , Košmrlj Janez
Published: November 2015

A chelating ligand with one pyridine donor and one mesoionic carbene donor forms a novel type of cationic bis-carbene palladium complex that performs excellently in Sonogashira cross-coupling under green conditions.
Effects of various kinetic rates of FtsZ filaments on bacterial cytokinesis
Authors: He Zi , Liu Zhuan , Guo Kunkun , Ding Lina
Published: November 2015

Cell morphodynamics during bacterial cytokinesis is extensively investigated by a combination of phase field model for rod-shaped cells and a kinetic description for FtsZ ring maintenance.
LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 high-voltage cathode coated with Li4Ti5O12: a hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (HAXPES) study
Authors: Sachs Malte , Gellert Michael , Chen Min , Drescher Hans-Jörg , Kachel Stefan Renato , Zhou Han , Zugermeier Malte , Gorgoi Mihaela , Roling Bernhard , Gottfried J. Michael
Published: November 2015

A Li4Ti5O12 coated LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 high-voltage cathode was depth profiled by hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy after electrochemical cycling.
A critical assessment of methods to recover information from averaged data
Authors: Ravera Enrico , Sgheri Luca , Parigi Giacomo , Luchinat Claudio
Published: November 2015

We analyze the different approaches to obtain quantitative and accurate structural information from averaged data. We cluster them in two groups: those satisfying the maximum entropy principle and those recovering ensembles composed of a restricted number of conformations. Information of different types are recovered in the two cases.
Anomalous twisting strength of tilt grain boundaries in armchair graphene nanoribbons
Authors: Liu XiaoYi , Wang FengChao , Wu HengAn
Published: November 2015

The critical instability twist rate of graphene nanoribbons can be improved by grain boundaries.
From globules to crystals: a spectral study of poly(2-isopropyl-2-oxazoline) crystallization in hot water
Authors: Sun Shengtong , Wu Peiyi
Published: November 2015

Two stages, nucleation and crystal growth, were distinguished by two-dimensional correlation infrared spectroscopy in the crystallization of poly(2-isopropyl-2-oxazoline) in hot water starting from globules.
Equilibrium and dynamical properties of polymer chains in random medium filled with randomly distributed nano-sized fillers
Authors: Li Chao-Yang , Luo Meng-Bo , Huang Jian-Hua , Li Hong
Published: November 2015

The effect of randomly distributed nano-sized fillers on the equilibrium and dynamical properties of linear polymers is studied by using off-lattice Monte Carlo simulation.
Dodenuclear [MnIII8LnIII4] clusters with 2-(hydroxymethyl)pyridine: syntheses, structures, and magnetic properties
Authors: Sun Lei , Chen Hui , Ma Chengbing , Chen Changneng
Published: November 2015

Dodenuclear Mn/Ln clusters with 2-(hydroxymethyl)pyridine as a ligand have been synthesized. Complexes 1 and 5 showed a frequency-dependent decrease in χ′MT and an out-of-phase χ′′M peak maximum, indicating slow magnetic relaxation and potential SMM behaviour.
Design of an artificial photosynthetic system for production of alcohols in high concentration from CO2
Authors: Singh Meenesh R. , Bell Alexis T.
Published: November 2015

The design for a novel artificial photosynthetic system is proposed that can be ten-fold more efficient than natural photosynthesis and produce almost pure liquid fuel.
Water decontamination with hydrogen production using microwave-formed minute-made ruthenium catalysts
Authors: Heim Leo E. , Vallazza Simona , van der Waals Dominic , Prechtl Martin H. G.
Published: November 2015

A method for the decontamination of water, with concomitant hydrogen formation, is herein described.
Efficient testosterone production by engineered Pichia pastoris co-expressing human 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 3 and Saccharomyces cerevisiae glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase with NADPH regeneration
Authors: Shao Minglong , Zhang Xian , Rao Zhiming , Xu Meijuan , Yang Taowei , Li Hui , Xu Zhenghong , Yang Shangtian
Published: November 2015

Co-expressing human 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 3 andS. cerevisiaeglucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase for testosterone production.
Correction: A rapid and efficient ion-exchange chromatography for Lu–Hf, Sm–Nd, and Rb–Sr geochronology and the routine isotope analysis of sub-ng amounts of Hf by MC-ICP-MS
Authors: Bast R. , Scherer E. E. , Sprung P. , Fischer-Gödde M. , Stracke A. , Mezger K.
Published: November 2015

Correction for ‘A rapid and efficient ion-exchange chromatography for Lu–Hf, Sm–Nd, and Rb–Sr geochronology and the routine isotope analysis of sub-ng amounts of Hf by MC-ICP-MS’ by R. Bast et al., J. Anal. At. Spectrom., 2015, 30, 2323–2333.
Genetic analysis of the clonal stability of Chinese hamster ovary cells for recombinant protein production
Authors: Li Hongwen , Chen Kaiming , Wang Zhe , Li Dong , Lin Jiannan , Yu Chao , Yu Fang , Wang Xin , Huang Lei , Jiang Cizhong , Gu Hua , Fang Jianmin
Published: November 2015

Up-regulation of cell proliferation-related genes is potentially a major cause of production instability of the CHO cell line.
PdII-mediated integration of isocyanides and azide ions might proceed via formal 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition between RNC ligands and uncomplexed azide
Authors: Kinzhalov Mikhail A. , Novikov Alexander S. , Luzyanin Konstantin V. , Haukka Matti , Pombeiro Armando J. L. , Kukushkin Vadim Yu.
Published: November 2015

The generation of (tetrazolate)PdII complexes via the integration of (isocyanide)PdII precursors with uncomplexed azides and the verification of plausible reaction mechanisms.
Fabrication of multilayered nanofluidic membranes through silicon templates
Authors: Varricchio Stefano S. G. , Cyrille Hibert , Arnaud Bertsch , Philippe Renaud
Published: November 2015

We present a new fabrication method for solid-state nanoporous membranes based on sacrificial template structures made of silicon.
Three-dimensionally grown thorn-like Cu nanowire arrays by fully electrochemical nanoengineering for highly enhanced hydrazine oxidation
Authors: Huang Jianfei , Zhao Shunan , Chen Wei , Zhou Ying , Yang Xiaoling , Zhu Yihua , Li Chunzhong
Published: November 2015

Non-extraneous 3D Cu nanowire arrays were prepared by fully-electrochemical nanoengineering and delivered considerably enhanced hydrazine oxidation activity.
Electrosynthesis of a polyaniline/zeolite nanocomposite coating on copper in a three-step process and the effect of current density on its corrosion protection performance
Authors: Shabani-Nooshabadi Mehdi , Karimian-Taheri Fatemeh
Published: November 2015

We describe electrosynthesis of a polyaniline/zeolite nanocomposite on copper and the effect of current density on its corrosion performance for the first time.
Efficient and selective extraction and determination of ultra trace amounts of Hg2+ using solid phase extraction combined with ion pair based surfactant-assisted dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction
Authors: Sadeghi Marzieh , Nematifar Ziba , Irandoust Mohsen , Fattahi Nazir , Hamzei Parya , Barati Ali , Ramezani Majid , Shamsipur Mojtaba
Published: November 2015

Solid phase extraction coupled with ion pair based surfactant-assisted dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction based on the solidification of the floating organic drop method was applied for determination of Hg2+ in different samples.
Preparation and characterization of fully renewable polybenzoxazines from monomers containing multi-oxazine rings
Authors: Zhang Lei , Zhu Yejun , Li Dan , Wang Min , Chen Haibin , Wu Jingshen
Published: November 2015

Fully renewable polybenzoxazines prepared from monomers with multi-oxazine rings shows reversible pH responsiveness, good thermal and mechanical performance.
c-Si solar cells and Si n-MOSFETs prepared by ICP assisted hot wire implantation doping
Authors: Chen Yi-Hao , Chang Shoou-Jinn , Hsu Cheng-Liang , Wu Yao-Kun , Hsueh Ting-Jen
Published: November 2015

With the growth of the internet of things (IoTs), self-powered devices are becoming more extensively investigated the IHWID technique can be used to fabricate n-type MOSFETs (n-MOSFETs) for integration into c-Si solar cells.
Squaramide-based lab-on-a-molecule for the detection of silver ion and nitroaromatic explosives
Authors: Shan Bo , Liu Yunfei , Shi Rui , Jin Shaohua , Li Lijie , Chen Shusen , Shu Qinghai
Published: November 2015

A squaramide based lab-on-a-molecule showed selective absorption enhancement and emission quenching towards Ag+ and nitroaromatic explosives, respectively in aqueous solution.
Photo-induced proton coupled electron transfer from a benzophenone ‘antenna’ to an isoindoline nitroxide
Authors: Morris Jason C. , Walsh Liam A. , Gomes Brunell A. , Gigmes Didier , Fairfull-Smith Kathryn E. , Bottle Steven E. , Blinco James P.
Published: November 2015

When exposed to light, a novel nitroxide-benzophenone hybrid will undergo an energy transfer process whereby the nitroxide enters an excited state which induces an efficient hydrogen atom transfer from unactivated alkanes.
Electrochemical study of ivabradine hydrochloride ion selective electrodes using different ionophores
Authors: Abo-Talib Nisreen F. , Tammam Marwa H. , Attia Ali K.
Published: November 2015

Development of novel sensors for the determination of ivabradine hydrochloride using sulphonated calix-8-arene and cyclodextrin derivatives as neutral ionophores.
Facile electrochemical assisted synthesis of ZnO/graphene nanosheets with enhanced photocatalytic activity
Authors: Sawant Sandesh Y. , Cho Moo Hwan
Published: November 2015

In the present study, an electrochemical exfoliation technique was used to synthesize a series of zinc oxide/graphene (ZnO/Gr) nanocomposites using different concentrations of zinc nitrate in an electrolyte solution.
Thermodynamic synthesis of solution processable ladder polymers
Authors: Lee Jongbok , Rajeeva Bharath Bangalore , Yuan Tianyu , Guo Zi-Hao , Lin Yen-Hao , Al-Hashimi Mohammed , Zheng Yuebing , Fang Lei
Published: November 2015

The synthesis of a carbazole-derived, well-defined ladder polymer was achieved under thermodynamic control by employing reversible ring-closing olefin metathesis.
Polymorphism influences singlet fission rates in tetracene thin films
Authors: Arias Dylan H. , Ryerson Joseph L. , Cook Jasper D. , Damrauer Niels H. , Johnson Justin C.
Published: November 2015

We report the effect of crystal structure and crystallite grain size on singlet fission (SF) in polycrystalline tetracene, one of the most widely studied SF and organic semiconductor materials.
Shear thickening regimes of dense non-Brownian suspensions
Authors: Ness Christopher , Sun Jin
Published: November 2015

A flow regime map for suspended particles that unifies aspects of colloidal, granular and soft-particle rheology across remarkably diverse scales.
Modulating molecular aggregation by facile heteroatom substitution of diketopyrrolopyrrole based small molecules for efficient organic solar cells
Authors: Qian Deping , Liu Bo , Wang Suhao , Himmelberger Scott , Linares Mathieu , Vagin Mikhail , Müller Christian , Ma Zaifei , Fabiano Simone , Berggren Magnus , Salleo Alberto , Inganäs Olle , Zou Yingping , Zhang Fengling
Published: November 2015

The correlation between molecular structures and aggregations provides insight for designing conjugated small molecules for solar cells.
HIF-2α, acting via miR-191, is involved in angiogenesis and metastasis of arsenite-transformed HBE cells
Authors: Xu Wenchao , Luo Fei , Sun Baofei , Ye Hua , Li Jun , Shi Le , Liu Yi , Lu Xiaolin , Wang Bairu , Wang Qingling , Liu Qizhan , Zhang Aihua
Published: November 2015

Arsenic is a well established human carcinogen that causes diseases of the lung. Some studies have suggested that hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in human lung cancer; however, their molecular mechanisms that causally contribute to arsenite-caused malignant transformation of cells remain unclear. To elucidate the mechanisms of angiogenesis and metastasis of lung cancer caused by arsenite, we investigated the role of HIF-2α regulation of miRNA-191 (miR-191) in the angiogenic and metastatic properties of human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cells transformed by arsenite. In HBE cells, HIF-2α binds to the hypoxia response element (HRE) in the promoter region of miR-191 and initiates transcription of miR-191. Blocking of HIF-2α with siRNA inhibited the up-regulation of miR-191, Wilms’ tumor 1 (WT1) protein, matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and the down-regulation of brain acid-soluble protein 1 (BASP1). In arsenite-transformed HBE (T-HBE) cells, down-regulation of HIF-2α by siRNA blocked the process of angiogenesis and decreased their neoplastic properties and metastatic capacity, which were reversed by over-expression of miR-191 or by up-regulating WT1. Thus, HIF-2α up-regulates WT1 via miR-191, both of which are involved in the angiogenesis and metastasis of T-HBE cells. The results present a better understanding of the processes involved in lung cancer caused by arsenite exposure.
miR-1343 attenuates pathways of fibrosis by targeting the TGF-β receptors
Authors: Stolzenburg Lindsay R. , Wachtel Sarah , Dang Hong , Harris Ann
Published: November 2015

Irreversible respiratory obstruction resulting from progressive airway damage, inflammation and fibrosis is a feature of several chronic respiratory diseases, including cystic fibrosis (CF), idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The cytokine transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) has a pivotal role in promoting lung fibrosis and is implicated in respiratory disease severity. In the present study, we show that a previously uncharacterized miRNA, miR-1343, reduces the expression of both TGF-β receptor 1 and 2 by directly targeting their 3′-UTRs. After TGF-β exposure, elevated intracellular miR-1343 significantly decreases levels of activated TGF-β effector molecules, pSMAD2 (phosphorylated SMAD2) and pSMAD3 (phosphorylated SMAD3), when compared with a non-targeting control miRNA. As a result, the abundance of fibrotic markers is reduced, cell migration into a scratch wound impaired and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) repressed. Mature miR-1343 is readily detected in human neutrophils and HL-60 cells and is activated in response to stress in A549 lung epithelial cells. miR-1343 may have direct therapeutic applications in fibrotic lung disease.
Review: can diet influence the selective advantage of mitochondrial DNA haplotypes?
Authors: Ballard J. William O. , Youngson Neil A.
Published: November 2015

This review explores the potential for changes in dietary macronutrients to differentially influence mitochondrial bioenergetics and thereby the frequency of mtDNA haplotypes in natural populations. Such dietary modification may be seasonal or result from biogeographic or demographic shifts. Mechanistically, mtDNA haplotypes may influence the activity of the electron transport system (ETS), retrograde signalling to the nuclear genome and affect epigenetic modifications. Thus, differential provisioning by macronutrients may lead to selection through changes in the levels of ATP production, modulation of metabolites (including AMP, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the NAD+/NADH ratio) and potentially complex epigenetic effects. The exquisite complexity of dietary influence on haplotype frequency is further illustrated by the fact that macronutrients may differentially influence the selective advantage of specific mutations in different life-history stages. In Drosophila, complex I mutations may affect larval growth because dietary nutrients are fed through this complex in immaturity. In contrast, the majority of electrons are provided to complex III in adult flies. We conclude the review with a case study that considers specific interactions between diet and complex I of the ETS. Complex I is the first enzyme of the mitochondrial ETS and co-ordinates in the oxidation of NADH and transfer of electrons to ubiquinone. Although the supposition that mtDNA variants may be selected upon by dietary macronutrients could be intuitively consistent to some and counter intuitive to others, it must face a multitude of scientific hurdles before it can be recognized.