bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sequence variant at 4q25 near PITX2 associates with appendicitis
Authors: Kristjansson Ragnar P. , Benonisdottir Stefania , Oddsson Asmundur , Galesloot Tessel E. , Thorleifsson Gudmar , Aben Katja K. , Davidsson Olafur B. , Jonsson Stefan , Arnadottir Gudny A. , Jensson Brynjar O. , Walters G. Bragi , Sigurdsson Jon K. , Sigurdsson Snaevar , Holm Hilma , Arnar David O. , Thorgeirsson Gudmundur , Alexiusdottir Kristin , Jonsdottir Ingileif , Thorsteinsdottir Unnur , Kiemeney Lambertus A. , Jonsson Thorvaldur , Gudbjartsson Daniel F. , Rafnar Thorunn , Sulem Patrick , Stefansson Kari
Published: June 2017

Appendicitis is one of the most common conditions requiring acute surgery and can pose a threat to the lives of affected individuals. We performed a genome-wide association study of appendicitis in 7,276 Icelandic and 1,139 Dutch cases and large groups of controls. In a combined analysis of the Icelandic and Dutch data, we detected a single signal represented by an intergenic variant rs2129979 [G] close to the gene PITX2 associating with increased risk of appendicitis (OR = 1.15, P = 1.8 × 10−11). We only observe the association in patients diagnosed in adulthood. The marker is close to, but distinct from, a set of markers reported to associate with atrial fibrillation, which have been linked to PITX2. PITX2 has been implicated in determination of right-left symmetry during development. Anomalies in organ arrangement have been linked to increased prevalence of gastrointestinal and intra-abdominal complications, which may explain the effect of rs2129979 on appendicitis risk.
Yolk removal generates hatching asynchrony in snake eggs
Authors: Aubret Fabien , Bignon Florent , Bouffet-Halle Alix , Blanvillain Gaëlle , Kok Philippe J. R. , Souchet Jérémie
Published: June 2017

Hatching synchrony is wide-spread amongst egg-laying species and is thought to enhance offspring survival, notably by diluting predation risks. Turtle and snake eggs were shown to achieve synchronous hatching by altering development rates (where less advanced eggs may accelerate development) or by hatching prematurely (where underdeveloped embryos hatch concurrently with full-term embryos). In Natricine snakes, smaller eggs tend to slow down metabolism throughout incubation in order to hatch synchronously with larger eggs. To explore the underlying mechanism of this phenomenon we experimentally manipulated six clutches, where half of the eggs were reduced in mass by removing 7.2% of yolk, and half were used as the control. The former experienced higher heart rates throughout the incubation period, hatched earlier and produced smaller hatchlings than the latter. This study supports the idea that developmental rates are related to egg mass in snake eggs and demonstrates that the relationship can be influenced by removing yolk after egg-laying. The shift in heart rates however occurred in the opposite direction to expected, with higher heart rates in yolk-removed eggs resulting in earlier hatching rather than lower heart rates resulting in synchronous hatching, warranting further research on the topic.
Cell Sheets of Co-cultured Endothelial Progenitor Cells and Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Promote Osseointegration in Irradiated Rat Bone
Authors: Liu Huan , Zhou Wei , Ren Nan , Feng Zhihong , Dong Yan , Bai Shizhu , Jiao Yang , Wang Zhongshan , Zhao Yimin
Published: June 2017

Irradiated bone has a greater risk of implant failure than nonirradiated bone. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of cell sheets composed of co-cultured bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSCs) and endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) on implant osseointegration in irradiated bone. Cell sheets (EPCs, BMSCs or co-cultured EPCs and BMSCs) were wrapped around titanium implants to make cell sheet-implant complexes. The co-cultured group showed the highest osteogenic differentiation potential in vitro, as indicated by the extracellular matrix mineralization and the expression of osteogenesis related genes at both mRNA and protein levels. The co-cultured cells promoted ectopic bone formation as indicated by micro-computed tomography (Micro-CT) and histological analysis. In the irradiated tibias of rats, implants of the co-cultured group showed enhanced osseointegration by Micro-CT evaluation and histological observation. Co-cultured EPCs and BMSCs also up-regulated the expression of osteogenesis related genes in bone fragments in close contact with implants. In conclusion, cell sheets of co-cultured EPCs and BMSCs could promote osseous healing around implants and are potentially useful to improve osseointegration process for patients after radiotherapy.
The homology gene BtDnmt1 is Essential for Temperature Tolerance in Invasive Bemisia tabaci Mediterranean Cryptic Species
Authors: Dai Tian-Mei , Lü Zhi-Chuang , Liu Wan-Xue , Wan Fang-Hao , Hong Xiao-Yue
Published: June 2017

The Bemisia tabaci Mediterranean (MED) cryptic species has been rapidly invading most parts of the world owing to its strong ecological adaptability, particularly its strong resistance to temperature stress. Epigenetic mechanisms play important roles in mediating ecological plasticity. In particular, DNA methylation has been the focus of attempts to understand the mechanism of phenotypic plasticity. The relationship between temperature and DNA methylation and how it affects the adaptability of invasive insects remain unknown. To investigate the temperature resistance role of DNA methyltransferase 1 (Dnmt1) in MED, we cloned and sequenced BtDnmt1 homology and identified its functions under various temperature conditions. The full-length cDNA of MED BtDnmt1 homology was 5,958 bp and has a 4,287 bp open reading frame that encodes a 1,428-amino-acid protein. BtDnmt1 mRNA expression levels were significantly down-regulated after feeding with dsRNA. Furthermore, after feeding with dsBtDnmt1, the MED adults exhibited significantly higher mortality under temperature stress conditions than the controls, suggesting that MED BtDnmt1 homology plays an essential role in the temperature tolerance capacity of MED. Our data improve our understanding of the temperature resistance and temperature adaptability mechanisms that have allowed the successful invasion and colonization of various environments by this alien species.
Effect of climate warming on the annual terrestrial net ecosystem CO2 exchange globally in the boreal and temperate regions
Authors: Zhang Zhiyuan , Zhang Renduo , Cescatti Alessandro , Wohlfahrt Georg , Buchmann Nina , Zhu Juan , Chen Guanhong , Moyano Fernando , Pumpanen Jukka , Hirano Takashi , Takagi Kentaro , Merbold Lutz
Published: June 2017

The net ecosystem CO2exchange is the result of the imbalance between the assimilation process (gross primary production, GPP) and ecosystem respiration (RE). The aim of this study was to investigate temperature sensitivities of these processes and the effect of climate warming on the annual terrestrial net ecosystem CO2exchange globally in the boreal and temperate regions. A database of 403 site-years of ecosystem flux data at 101 sites in the world was collected and analyzed. Temperature sensitivities of rates of RE and GPP were quantified withQ10, defined as the increase of RE (or GPP) rates with a temperature rise of 10 °C. Results showed that on the annual time scale, the intrinsic temperature sensitivity of GPP (Q10sG) was higher than or equivalent to the intrinsic temperature sensitivity of RE (Q10sR).Q10sGwas negatively correlated to the mean annual temperature (MAT), whereasQ10sRwas independent of MAT. The analysis of the current temperature sensitivities and net ecosystem production suggested that temperature rise might enhance the CO2sink of terrestrial ecosystems both in the boreal and temperate regions. In addition, ecosystems in these regions with different plant functional types should sequester more CO2with climate warming.
The Role of TRPC6 in the Neuroprotection of Calycosin Against Cerebral Ischemic Injury
Authors: Guo Chao , Ma Yongyuan , Ma Shanbo , Mu Fei , Deng Jiao , Duan Jialin , Xiong Lize , Yin Ying , Wang Yanhua , Xi Miaomaio , Wen Aidong
Published: June 2017

Our previous studies have provided evidences that calycosin can protect the brain from ischemia/reperfusion injury, but its mechanisms is not fully understand. Transient receptor potential canonical 6 (TRPC6) has a critical role in promoting neuronal survival against cerebral ischemic injury. The aim of the present study is to test whether calycosin protects against cerebral ischemic injury through TRPC6-CREB pathway. In vivo, rats were subjected to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) for 2 h and then treated with different doses of calycosin at the onset of reperfusion. In vitro, primary cultured neurons were treated by calycosin, then exposed to 2 h oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD) followed by 24 h reoxygenation. Our results showed that treatment with calycosin protected against ischemia-induced damages by increasing TRPC6 and P-CREB expression and inhibiting calpain activation. The neuroprotection effect of calycosin was diminished by inhibition or knockdown of TRPC6 and CREB. These findings indicated that the potential neuroprotection mechanism of calycosin was involved with TRPC6-CREB pathway.
Genome-wide survey of switchgrass NACs family provides new insights into motif and structure arrangements and reveals stress-related and tissue-specific NACs
Authors: Yan Haidong , Zhang Ailing , Ye Yuntian , Xu Bin , Chen Jing , He Xiaoyan , Wang Chengran , Zhou Sifan , Zhang Xinquan , Peng Yan , Ma Xiao , Yan Yanhong , Huang Linkai
Published: June 2017

NAC proteins comprise of a plant-specific transcription factor (TF) family and play important roles in plant development and stress responses. Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) is the prime candidate and model bioenergy grass across the world. Excavating agronomically valuable genes is important for switchgrass molecular breeding. In this study, a total of 251 switchgrass NAC (PvNACs) family genes clustered into 19 subgroups were analyzed, and those potentially involved in stress response or tissue-specific expression patterns were pinpointed. Specifically, 27 PvNACs were considered as abiotic stress-related including four membrane-associated ones. Among 40 tissue-specific PvNACs expression patterns eight factors were identified that might be relevant for lignin biosynthesis and/or secondary cell wall formation. Conserved functional domains and motifs were also identified among the PvNACs and potential association between these motifs and their predicted functions were proposed, that might encourage experimental studies to use PvNACs as possible targets to improve biomass production and abiotic stress tolerance.
An Alcaligenes strain emulates Bacillus thuringiensis producing a binary protein that kills corn rootworm through a mechanism similar to Cry34Ab1/Cry35Ab1
Authors: Yalpani Nasser , Altier Dan , Barry Jennifer , Kassa Adane , Nowatzki Timothy M. , Sethi Amit , Zhao Jian-Zhou , Diehn Scott , Crane Virginia , Sandahl Gary , Guan Rongjin , Poland Brad , Perez Ortega Claudia , Nelson Mark E. , Xie Weiping , Liu Lu , Wu Gusui
Published: June 2017

Crops expressingBacillus thuringiensis(Bt)-derived insecticidal protein genes have been commercially available for over 15 years and are providing significant value to growers. However, there remains the need for alternative insecticidal actives due to emerging insect resistance to certainBtproteins. A screen of bacterial strains led to the discovery of a two-component insecticidal protein named AfIP-1A/1B from anAlcaligenes faecalisstrain. This protein shows selectivity against coleopteran insects including western corn rootworm (WCR). Transgenic maize plants expressingAfIP-1A/1Bdemonstrate strong protection from rootworm injury. Surprisingly, although little sequence similarity exists to known insecticidal proteins, efficacy tests using WCR populations resistant to two different Cry proteins show that AfIP-1A/1B and mCry3A differ in their mode of action while AfIP-1A/1B and the binary Cry34Ab1/Cry35Ab1 protein share a similar mode. These findings are supported by results of competitive binding assays and the similarity of the x-ray structure of AfIP-1A to Cry34Ab1. Our work indicates that insecticidal proteins obtained from a non-Btbacterial source can be useful for developing genetically modified crops and can function similarly to familiar proteins fromBt.
A Risk Model based on Ultrasound, Ultrasound Elastography, and Histologic Parameters for Predicting Axillary Lymph Node Metastasis in Breast Invasive Ductal Carcinoma
Authors: Li Xiao-Long , Xu Hui-Xiong , Li Dan-Dan , He Ya-Ping , Yue Wen-Wen , Xu Jun-Mei , Liu Bo-Ji , Sun Li-Ping , Fang Lin
Published: June 2017

To develop a risk model for predicting axillary lymph node metastasis (LNM) in patients with breast invasive ductal carcinoma (IDCs) using ultrasound (US), US elastography of virtual touch tissue imaging (VTI) and virtual touch tissue imaging & quantification (VTIQ), and histologic parameters. This study included 162 breast IDCs in 162 patients. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify the risk factors and a risk model was created. The results found that 64 (39.5%) of 162 patients had axillary LNMs. The risk score (RS) for axillary LNM was defined as following: RS = 1.3 × (if lesion size ≥20 mm) + 2.6 × (if taller than wide shape) + 2.2 × (if VTI score ≥5) + 3.9 × (if histological grade III) + 1.9 × (if positive C-erbB-2). The rating system was divided into 6 stages (i.e. Stage I, Stage II, Stage III, Stage IV, Stage V, and Stage VI) and the associated risk rates in terms of axillary LNM were 0% (0/19), 6.1% (2/33), 7.7% (3/39), 65.5% (19/29), 92.3% (24/26), and 100% (16/16), respectively. The risk model for axillary LNM established in the study may facilitate subsequent treatment planning and management in patients with breast IDCs.
Early changes in glioblastoma metabolism measured by MR spectroscopic imaging during combination of anti-angiogenic cediranib and chemoradiation therapy are associated with survival
Authors: Andronesi Ovidiu C. , Esmaeili Morteza , Borra Ronald J. H. , Emblem Kyrre , Gerstner Elizabeth R. , Pinho Marco C. , Plotkin Scott R. , Chi Andrew S. , Eichler April F. , Dietrich Jorg , Ivy S. Percy , Wen Patrick Y. , Duda Dan G. , Jain Rakesh , Rosen Bruce R. , Sorensen Gregory A. , Batchelor Tracy T.
Published: June 2017

Precise assessment of treatment response in glioblastoma during combined anti-angiogenic and chemoradiation remains a challenge. In particular, early detection of treatment response by standard anatomical imaging is confounded by pseudo-response or pseudo-progression. Metabolic changes may be more specific for tumor physiology and less confounded by changes in blood–brain barrier permeability. We hypothesize that metabolic changes probed by magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging can stratify patient response early during combination therapy. We performed a prospective longitudinal imaging study in newly diagnosed glioblastoma patients enrolled in a phase II clinical trial of the pan-vascular endothelial growth factor receptor inhibitor cediranib in combination with standard fractionated radiation and temozolomide (chemoradiation). Forty patients were imaged weekly during therapy with an imaging protocol that included magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging, perfusion magnetic resonance imaging, and anatomical magnetic resonance imaging. Data were analyzed using receiver operator characteristics, Cox proportional hazards model, and Kaplan–Meier survival plots. We observed that the ratio of total choline to healthy creatine after 1 month of treatment was significantly associated with overall survival, and provided as single parameter: (1) the largest area under curve (0.859) in receiver operator characteristics, (2) the highest hazard ratio (HR = 85.85, P = 0.006) in Cox proportional hazards model, (3) the largest separation (P = 0.004) in Kaplan–Meier survival plots. An inverse correlation was observed between total choline/healthy creatine and cerebral blood flow, but no significant relation to tumor volumetrics was identified. Our results suggest that in vivo metabolic biomarkers obtained by magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging may be an early indicator of response to anti-angiogenic therapy combined with standard chemoradiation in newly diagnosed glioblastoma.
A structural mechanism of flavonoids in inhibiting serine proteases
Authors: Xue Guangpu , Gong Lihu , Yuan Cai , Xu Mingming , Wang Xu , Jiang Longguang , Huang Mingdong
Published: June 2017

The crystal structure of quercerin:uPA reveals that catechol serves as the functional group in inhibiting serine proteases.
Core expanded, 21,23-dithiadiacenaphtho[1,2-c]porphyrin interactions with [60]fullerene
Authors: Bromby Ashley D. , Hogan David T. , Sutherland Todd C.
Published: June 2017

Saddle-shaped 21,23-dithiadiacenaphtho[1,2-c]porphyrin exhibits binding interaction with [60]fullerene in addition to photon absorption bands extending to 1000 nm.
Tailoring dielectric properties using designed polymer-grafted ZnO nanoparticles in silicone rubber
Authors: Wåhlander Martin , Nilsson Fritjof , Andersson Richard L. , Sanchez Carmen Cobo , Taylor Nathaniel , Carlmark Anna , Hillborg Henrik , Malmström Eva
Published: June 2017

Tuning of the dielectric properties of PDMS–ZnO nanocomposites by the control of inter-particle distances and self-assembled NP-morphologies via polymer grafting.
Computer simulation study on the self-assembly of unimodal and bimodal polymer-grafted nanoparticles in a polymer melt
Authors: Shi Rui , Qian Hu-Jun , Lu Zhong-Yuan
Published: June 2017

By performing comprehensive molecular dynamics simulations, the self-assembly behavior of polymer-grafted nanoparticles in a polymer matrix is investigated in this study. Short grafted chains on bimodal grafted NP surfaces favor the dispersion of NPs in the polymer matrix.
Synthesis and temperature-dependent studies of a perovskite-like manganese formate framework templated with protonated acetamidine
Authors: Mączka Mirosław , Janczak Jan , Trzebiatowska Monika , Sieradzki Adam , Pawlus Sebastian , Pikul Adam
Published: June 2017

Acetamidinium manganese formate undergoes a phase transition from the Imma to the P21/n structure at 304 K and magnetic order below 9 K.
Stable AuIII complexes with four N-heterocyclic carbene groups can be prepared in high yield directly from KAuCl4
Authors: Mageed Ahmed H. , Skelton Brian W. , Baker Murray V.
Published: June 2017

AuIII complexes bearing four N-heterocyclic carbene groups are surprisingly stable and can be synthesized directly from KAuCl4 and azolium salts.
Photoswitchable and pH responsive organoplatinum(ii) complexes with azopyridine ligands
Authors: Moustafa Mohamed E. , McCready Matthew S. , Boyle Paul D. , Puddephatt Richard J.
Published: June 2017

Several platinum(ii) complexes with ligands containing azo groups have been prepared and structurally characterised, and their photoswitching between trans and cis azo group isomers has been studied.
Two deep-ultraviolet nonlinear optical alkaline-earth metal borates based on different types of oxoboron clusters
Authors: Wei Qi , Sun Li , Zhang Jie , Yang Guo-Yu
Published: June 2017

Two non-centrosymmetric alkaline-earth metal borates were synthesized, showing the layered structures constructed from different oxoboron clusters and potentially new candidates for deep-UV NLO materials.
Group 2 metal (Mg, Ca, Sr) silylamides supported by a cyclen-derived macrocyclic polyamine
Authors: Mukherjee Debabrata , Shirase Satoru , Beckerle Klaus , Spaniol Thomas P. , Mashima Kazushi , Okuda Jun
Published: June 2017

[M{N(SiMe3)2}2] and [M{N(SiHMe2)2}2] (M = Mg, Ca, Sr) reacted with the macrocyclic NNNN-type polyamine (Me3TACD)H (LH) to give different types of products, especially with the β-SiH function, exhibiting the individuality of these alkaline earths within the identical ligand sets.
Effect of multicomponent fouling during microfiltration of natural surface waters containing nC60 fullerene nanoparticles
Authors: Floris R. , Moser G. , Nijmeijer K. , Cornelissen E. R.
Published: June 2017

To understand and mitigate the role of surface water composition and associated membrane fouling in the removal of nC60 nanoparticles by low-pressure membranes, experiments were carried out with microfiltration membranes using natural feed waters, mimicking separation in real industrial water treatment plants.
The role of soybean extracts and isoflavones in hormone-dependent breast cancer: aromatase activity and biological effects
Authors: Amaral Cristina , Toloi Maria Regina T. , Vasconcelos Luis Daniel , Fonseca Maria José V. , Correia-da-Silva Georgina , Teixeira Natércia
Published: June 2017

Biotransformed soybean extract has anti-aromatase and anti-tumoral properties in Estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer.
Stabilization of a non-aqueous self-double-emulsifying delivery system of rutin by fat crystals and nonionic surfactants: preparation and bioavailability study
Authors: Wang Qiang , Huang Juan , Hu Caibiao , Xia Nan , Li Tong , Xia Qiang
Published: June 2017

The use of a dual emulsifier system enhances emulsion stability and the non-aqueous SDEDS improves the oral bioavailability of rutin.
Ligand-induced conformational preorganization of loops of c-MYC G-quadruplex DNA and its implications in structure-specific drug design
Authors: Harikrishna S. , Kotaru Saikiran , Pradeepkumar P. I.
Published: June 2017

Ligand binding toc-MYCG-quadruplex DNA induces conformational changes in the loops of the quadruplex.c-MYCquadruplex-specific small molecules can be designed by targeting these loop conformers.
Synergic modulation of the inflammatory state of macrophages utilizing anti-oxidant and phosphatidylserine-containing polymer–lipid hybrid nanoparticles
Authors: Hosain Md. Zahangir , Yuzuriha Kazuki , Khadijah Khadijah , Takeo Masafumi , Kishimura Akihiro , Murakami Yoshihiko , Mori Takeshi , Katayama Yoshiki
Published: June 2017

Bioactive particles directed the macrophage to anti-inflammatory phenotype.
Chemically coded time-programmed self-assembly
Authors: Tóth-Szeles Eszter , Horváth Judit , Holló Gábor , Szűcs Rózsa , Nakanishi Hideyuki , Lagzi István
Published: June 2017

Coupling of a pH clock reaction (activation) with lactone hydrolysis (deactivation) can control and drive the self-assembly of pH-responsive building blocks.
A new approach to switchable photochromic materials by combining photochromism and piezochromism together in an AIE-active molecule
Authors: Yu Tao , Ou Depei , Wang Leyu , Zheng Shizhao , Yang Zhiyong , Zhang Yi , Chi Zhenguo , Liu Siwei , Xu Jiarui , Aldred Matthew P.
Published: June 2017

Switchable photochromic material was achieved by combining photochromism and piezochromism together. The photochromic ON/OFF states can be easily controlled and indicated.
A mechanistic study on cationic Li prompted Diels–Alder cycloaddition of cycloparaphenylene
Authors: Dang Jing-Shuang , Wang Wei-Wei , Zhao Xiang , Nagase Shigeru
Published: June 2017

Reaction barriers for Diels–Alder cycloadditions of cycloparaphenylenes are reduced by using cationic Li as a Lewis acid catalyst.
Magnetic targeted nanoparticles based on β-cyclodextrin and chitosan for hydrophobic drug delivery and a study of their mechanism
Authors: Chen Pengfei , Song Hang , Yao Shun , Tu Xianyu , Su Miao , Zhou Lu
Published: June 2017

Magnetic nanoparticles double coated with β-cyclodextrin and chitosan were prepared for hydrophobic drug delivery, and its related mechanism was discussed.
In-plane growth of large ultra-thin SnS2 nanosheets by tellurium-assisted chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Wang Zhigang , Pang Fei
Published: June 2017

We successfully synthesized in-plane SnS2 NSs with sizes up to 280 μm on SiO2/Si substrates via Te-assisted CVD.
Mechanistic study on ligand-controlled copper-catalyzed regiodivergent silacarboxylation of allenes with carbon dioxide and silylborane
Authors: Han Shu-Min , Wang Xingdong , Miao Shenhua , Yu Zhang-Yu , Liu Tao
Published: June 2017

The origin of ligand-controlled copper-catalyzed regiodivergent silacarboxylation was rationalized.
Efficient photocatalytic and photovoltaic applications with nanocomposites between CdTe QDs and an NTU-9 MOF
Authors: Kaur Rajnish , Rana Aniket , Singh Rajiv K. , Chhabra Varun A. , Kim Ki-Hyun , Deep Akash
Published: June 2017

CdTe QDs + NTU-9 MOF as a novel photoanode to improve the efficiency of a QD cell by about 1.5%.
A scheme for the generation of Fe–P networks to search for low-energy LiFePO4 crystal structures
Authors: Lv Xiaobao , Zhao Xin , Wu Shunqing , Wu Ping , Sun Yang , Nguyen Manh Cuong , Shi Yongliang , Lin Zijing , Wang Cai-Zhuang , Ho Kai-Ming
Published: June 2017

Herein we present a network generation scheme to explore the structural diversity of LiFePO4, which is an important cathode material in Li-ion batteries.
Self-supported nickel phosphosulphide nanosheets for highly efficient and stable overall water splitting
Authors: Luo Jie , Wang Haiyan , Su Geng , Tang Yulian , Liu Huangqing , Tian Fenyang , Li Deliang
Published: June 2017

Self-supported nickel phosphosulfide (NiP0.62S0.38) nanosheets are fabricated by convenient one-step programming annealing in phosphorus and sulfur gas in series.
A freestanding cellulose nanofibril–reduced graphene oxide–molybdenum oxynitride aerogel film electrode for all-solid-state supercapacitors with ultrahigh energy density
Authors: Zheng Qifeng , Kvit Alexander , Cai Zhiyong , Ma Zhenqiang , Gong Shaoqin
Published: June 2017

Supercapacitors made with CNF/RGO/MoOxNyaerogel film electrodes exhibit outstanding specific capacitances and remarkable energy densities in different electrolytes.
Highly efficient and stable low-temperature processed ZnO solar cells with triple cation perovskite absorber
Authors: Song Jiaxing , Liu Leijing , Wang Xiao-Feng , Chen Gang , Tian Wenjing , Miyasaka Tsutomu
Published: June 2017

Although ZnO is a compatible electron transport layer (ETL) for perovskite solar cells (PSCs), the fact that MAPbI3 easily undergoes thermal decomposition on a low-temperature processed ZnO surface limits the use of one-step deposition of perovskite and hence the resulting photovoltaic performance. The triple cation perovskite prepared with a one-step deposition method is demonstrated to be a stable light absorber in highly efficient PSCs with low-temperature processed ZnO as the ETL.
Targeted delivery and release of doxorubicin using a pH-responsive and self-assembling copolymer
Authors: Huang Kaizong , Zhu Lingli , Wang Yunke , Mo Ran , Hua Zichun
Published: June 2017

We developed a pH-response copolymer that entrapped DOX into its hydrophobic core and self-assembles into smart DOX-loaded nanoparticles, which could enhance cancer-targeting and effective drug release in tumors.
Anion-exchange reactions: facile and general access to sensitive photoelectrochemical platforms for biomarker immunosensing
Authors: Niu Kaili , Li Yuzhen , Bai Ruili , Qu Yongfang , Song Yanyan
Published: June 2017

The combination of CdSe NCs with biocatalytic precipitation provides a highly sensitive immunosensing strategy.
Enhancement‐mode AlGaN/GaN HEMTs with optimised electric field using a partial GaN cap layer
Authors: Guo Haijun , Duan Baoxing , Xie Shenlong , Yuan Song , Yang Yintang
Published: June 2017

To optimise the surface electric field distribution of conventional enhancement‐mode AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs), a novel enhancement‐mode AlGaN/GaN HEMT with a P‐type GaN gate is proposed for the first time in this work. The proposed AlGaN/GaN HEMT has an optimised surface electric field using a partial GaN cap layer. Through the introduction of the partial GaN cap layer in the region between the gate and drain electrodes, a two‐dimensional electron gas (2DEG) density reduction is obtained due to the polarisation effect. By modifying the concentration distribution of high‐density 2DEG, the electric field modulation effect is applied, which introduces a new electric field peak. The high electric field peak near the gate edge of the drain side effectively decreases, and the electric field is more uniformly redistributed from the gate to the drain regions. The simulation results show that the breakdown voltage can be improved by 192.2% compared with that of the conventional enhancement‐mode AlGaN/GaN HEMTs.
Comparison of Specific Prediction Equations to Estimate Peak Oxygen Uptake in Obese Women
Authors: Racil Ghazi , Lemaire Christine , Dubart Alain-Eric , Debeaumont David , Castres Ingrid , Coquart Jérémy B.
Published: June 2017

The aim of the current study was to compare 2 equations to predict peak oxygen uptake (V̇O2peak) in obese women, according to their obesity class. 92 maximal cardiopulmonary exercise testing sets (CPET with initial and subsequent increments set to achieve an exercise duration between 8–12 min) were retrospectively analysed. These CPET were divided into 3 groups according to the women body mass indexes (BMI): class 1 (30 kg.m−2≤BMI<35 kg.m−2, n=22), class 2 (35 kg.m−2≤BMI<40 kg.m−2, n=36) or class 3 (BMI≥40 kg.m−2, n=34). Each participant’s V̇O2peak was predicted from 2 prediction equations (from Wasserman et al.'s and Debeaumont et al.'s equations) and compared with the actual V̇O2peak. Moreover, the correlations between these values were studied, and the accuracy of the predictions was analysed. Only predicted V̇O2peak from the Debeaumont et al.'s equation was not significantly different from the actual V̇O2peak in the women in obesity class 3 (p=0.89). Moreover, significant correlation was found between these values (p<0.001, r=0.68). The bias and the 95% limits of agreement represented -3.2±34.0%. In women in obesity class 3, Debeaumont et al.'s equation may be the accurate one to predict V̇O2peak. However, the accuracy of predictions is low. Consequently, to improve this accuracy, new prediction equations for obese women are required according to the obesity class.
Chirurgische Möglichkeiten der Glaukomtherapie
Authors: Dietlein Thomas , Rosentreter André
Published: June 2017

Die Glaukomchirurgie erfährt in den letzten Jahren einen Innovationsschub insbesondere bedingt durch neue Mikroimplantate, die den Kammerwasserabfluss über transsklerale Wege, über den Schlemm-Kanal oder den Suprachoroidalraum verbessern sollen und eine sehr gute Kombinierbarkeit mit der modernen Kleinschnittkataraktchirurgie aufweisen. Auch lange bestehende glaukomchirurgische Verfahren, wie die Trabekulektomie oder die Drainageimplantatchirurgie erleben eine Aufwertung durch eine Verbesserung ihres Risiko-Nutzen-Profils, die in vermehrter chirurgischer Erfahrung und detaillierten chirurgischen Modifikationen begründet ist. Bei aller Euphorie über die chirurgischen Innovationen muss mit kritischem Abstand abgewartet werden, welches der neueren chirurgischen Verfahren langfristig dem klinischen Vergleich mit den etablierten Verfahren standhält.
Modeling and optimization of a double-well double-barrier GaN/AlGaN/GaN/AlGaN resonant tunneling diode
Authors: Liu Yang , Gao Bo , Gong Min , Shi Ruiying
Published: June 2017

The influence of a GaN layer as a sub-quantum well for an AlGaN/GaN/AlGaN double barrier resonant tunneling diode (RTD) on device performance has been investigated by means of numerical simulation. The introduction of the GaN layer as the sub-quantum well turns the dominant transport mechanism of RTD from the 3D-2D model to the 2D-2D model and increases the energy difference between tunneling energy levels. It can also lower the effective height of the emitter barrier. Consequently, the peak current and peak-to-valley current difference of RTD have been increased. The optimal GaN sub-quantum well parameters are found through analyzing the electrical performance, energy band, and transmission coefficient of RTD with different widths and depths of the GaN sub-quantum well. The most pronounced electrical parameters, a peak current density of 5800 KA/cm2, a peak-to-valley current difference of 1.466 A, and a peak-to-valley current ratio of 6.35, could be achieved by designing RTD with the active region structure of GaN/Al0.2Ga0.8 N/GaN/Al0.2Ga0.8 N (3 nm/1.5 nm/1.5 nm/1.5 nm).
GaSbBi/GaSb quantum well laser diodes
Authors: Delorme O. , Cerutti L. , Luna E. , Narcy G. , Trampert A. , Tournié E. , Rodriguez J.-B.
Published: June 2017

We report on the structural and optical properties of GaSbBi single layers and GaSbBi/GaSb quantum well heterostructures grown by molecular beam epitaxy on GaSb substrates. Excellent crystal quality and room-temperature photoluminescence are achieved in both cases. We demonstrate laser operation from laser diodes with an active zone composed of three GaSb0.885Bi0.115/GaSb quantum wells. These devices exhibit continuous-wave lasing at 2.5 μm at 80 K, and lasing under pulsed operation at room-temperature near 2.7 μm.
Synthesizing InxGa1−xAs using molten In and GaAs by the sessile drop method at 400–600 °C
Authors: Zhao Liang , Ding Xiangdong , Li Jingjuan , Yang Shen , Zhao Lei , Guo Zuoxing
Published: June 2017

We studied the surface reaction between metallic In and a single-crystal GaAs substrate at 400–600 °C induced by the improved sessile drop method. Studying the surface morphology and microstructure using scanning electron microscopy, we found that many large particles had formed on the GaAs substrate, indicating a violent reaction between the In and GaAs. This reaction became more violent with increasing temperature. Characterizing the generated phases by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy, we identified the particles as InxGa1−xAs compounds. Our results show that indium (In) reacted with single-crystal GaAs through this method to form InxGa1−xAs compounds. Moreover, during the synthesis of InxGa1−xAs by the sessile drop method, the molten In and GaAs exhibited wettability at 400–600 °C. This experiment lays the foundation for synthesizing InxGa1−xAs compounds only using the metal In and GaAs substrate by a simple method.
Atomistic origin of the reduced lattice thermal conductivity of silicon nanotubes
Authors: Zhang Liang , He Yan , Ouyang Gang
Published: June 2017

Understanding the effect of edge relaxation in nanotubes (NTs) with two kinds of surfaces has been of central importance in the exploration thermal transportation properties for their applications in thermoelectric energy harvesting and heat management in nanoelectronics. In order to pursue a quantitative description of thermal transportation of SiNTs, we propose a theoretical model to deal with the lattice thermal conductivity by taking into account the sandwiched configurations based on the atomic-bond-relaxation correlation mechanism. It is found that the lattice thermal conductivity can be effectively tuned by different types of surface effect in Si nanostructures. As comparable to the Si nanowires and nanofilms, the SiNTs have the lowest thermal conductivity under identical conditions.
Making the Korean nation in the Russian Far East, 1863–1926
Authors: Sablin Ivan , Kuchinsky Alexander
Published: June 2017

Exploring the history of Koreans in the Russian Far East from the perspective of New Imperial History, the article demonstrates that political activism of Koreans and policies of the Russian (Soviet), Korean, and Japanese governments resulted in consolidation of two visions of their future. The first vision implied unity between the Koreans living in the Russian Far East with those who stayed in Korea, moved to Japan, or emigrated elsewhere and corresponded to the agenda of building a Korean nation. The second vision implied that the bilingual or Russified Koreans aspired to stay in the Russian Far East permanently, ensuring their own livelihood in the new regional frontier. The two currents interlaced in the project of Korean autonomy in a post-imperial state, first the Far Eastern Republic and later the Union of the Soviet Socialist Republics. The project involved inclusion of Koreans into the global spread of revolution through the Communist International and left open the issue of the duration of Korean presence in the Russian Far East. Its ultimate failure in 1926 left the Koreans partly excluded from the Soviet system without the institutional benefits of national autonomy.
One-bit compressive sensing of dictionary-sparse signals
Authors: Baraniuk R , Foucart S , Needell D , Plan Y , Wootters M
Published: June 2017

One-bit compressive sensing has extended the scope of sparse recovery by showing that sparse signals can be accurately reconstructed even when their linear measurements are subject to the extreme quantization scenario of binary samples—only the sign of each linear measurement is maintained. Existing results in one-bit compressive sensing rely on the assumption that the signals of interest are sparse in some fixed orthonormal basis. However, in most practical applications, signals are sparse with respect to an overcomplete dictionary, rather than a basis. There has already been a surge of activity to obtain recovery guarantees under such a generalized sparsity model in the classical compressive sensing setting. Here, we extend the one-bit framework to this important model, providing a unified theory of one-bit compressive sensing under dictionary sparsity. Specifically, we analyze several different algorithms—based on convex programming and on hard thresholding—and show that, under natural assumptions on the sensing matrix (satisfied by Gaussian matrices), these algorithms can efficiently recover analysis–dictionary-sparse signals in the one-bit model.
Observational constraints to boxy/peanut bulge formation time
Authors: Pérez I. , Martínez-Valpuesta I. , Ruiz-Lara T. , de Lorenzo-Caceres A. , Falcón-Barroso J. , Florido E. , González Delgado R. M. , Lyubenova M. , Marino R. A. , Sánchez S. F. , Sánchez-Blázquez P. , van de Ven G. , Zurita A.
Published: June 2017

Boxy/peanut bulges are considered to be part of the same stellar structure as bars and both could be linked through the buckling instability. The Milky Way is our closest example. The goal of this Letter is to determine if the mass assembly of the different components leaves an imprint in their stellar populations allowing the estimation the time of bar formation and its evolution. To this aim, we use integral field spectroscopy to derive the stellar age distributions, SADs, along the bar and disc of NGC 6032. The analysis clearly shows different SADs for the different bar areas. There is an underlying old (≥12 Gyr) stellar population for the whole galaxy. The bulge shows star formation happening at all times. The inner bar structure shows stars of ages older than 6 Gyr with a deficit of younger populations. The outer bar region presents an SAD similar to that of the disc. To interpret our results, we use a generic numerical simulation of a barred galaxy. Thus, we constrain, for the first time, the epoch of bar formation, the buckling instability period and the posterior growth from disc material. We establish that the bar of NGC 6032 is old, formed around 10 Gyr ago while the buckling phase possibly happened around 8 Gyr ago. All these results point towards bars being long-lasting even in the presence of gas.
No Ly α emitters detected around a QSO at z = 6.4: Suppressed by the QSO?
Authors: Goto Tomotsugu , Utsumi Yousuke , Kikuta Satoshi , Miyazaki Satoshi , Shiki Kensei , Hashimoto Tetsuya
Published: June 2017

Understanding how quasars’ (QSOs’) ultraviolet (UV) radiation affects galaxy formation is vital to our understanding of the reionization era. Using a custom-made narrow-band filter, NB906, on Subaru/Suprime-Cam, we investigated the number density of Ly α emitters (LAEs) around a QSO at z = 6.4. To date, this is the highest redshift narrow-band observation, where LAEs around a luminous QSO are investigated. Due to the large field of view of Suprime-Cam, our survey area is ∼5400 cMpc2, much larger than previous studies at z = 5.7 (∼200 cMpc2). In this field, we previously found a factor of 7 overdensity of Lyman break galaxies. Based on this, we expected to detect ∼100 LAEs down to NB906 = 25 ABmag. However, our 6.4 h exposure found none. The obtained upper limit on the number density of LAEs is more than an order lower than the blank fields. Furthermore, this lower density of LAEs spans a large scale of 10 pMpc across. A simple argument suggests that a strong UV radiation from the QSO can suppress star formation in haloes with Mvir < 1010 M⊙ within a pMpc from the QSO, but the deficit at the edge of the field (5 pMpc) remains to be explained.
The origin, diversification and adaptation of a major mangrove clade (Rhizophoreae) revealed by whole-genome sequencing
Authors: Xu Shaohua , He Ziwen , Zhang Zhang , Guo Zixiao , Guo Wuxia , Lyu Haomin , Li Jianfang , Yang Ming , Du Zhenglin , Huang Yelin , Zhou Renchao , Zhong Cairong , Boufford David E , Lerdau Manuel , Wu Chung-I , Duke Norman C. ,   The International Mangrove Consortium, Shi Suhua
Published: June 2017

Mangroves invade some very marginal habitats for woody plants—at the interface between land and sea. Since mangroves anchor tropical coastal communities globally, their origin, diversification and adaptation are of scientific significance, particularly at a time of global climate change. In this study, a combination of single-molecule long reads and the more conventional short reads are generated from Rhizophora apiculata for the de novo assembly of its genome to a near chromosome level. The longest scaffold, N50 and N90 for the R. apiculata genome, are 13.3 Mb, 5.4 Mb and 1.0 Mb, respectively. Short reads for the genomes and transcriptomes of eight related species are also generated. We find that the ancestor of Rhizophoreae experienced a whole-genome duplication ∼70 Myrs ago, which is followed rather quickly by colonization and species diversification. Mangroves exhibit pan-exome modifications of amino acid (AA) usage as well as unusual AA substitutions among closely related species. The usage and substitution of AAs, unique among plants surveyed, is correlated with the rapid evolution of proteins in mangroves. A small subset of these substitutions is associated with mangroves’ highly specialized traits (vivipary and red bark) thought to be adaptive in the intertidal habitats. Despite the many adaptive features, mangroves are among the least genetically diverse plants, likely the result of continual habitat turnovers caused by repeated rises and falls of sea level in the geologically recent past. Mangrove genomes thus inform about their past evolutionary success as well as portend a possibly difficult future.
Distribution-Sensitive Multidimensional Poverty Measures
Authors: Datt Gaurav
Published: June 2017

This paper presents axiomatic arguments to make the case for distribution-sensitive multidimensional poverty measures. The commonly used counting measures violate the strong transfer axiom, which requires regressive transfers to be unambiguously poverty increasing, and they are also invariant to changes in the distribution of a given set of deprivations among the poor. The paper appeals to strong transfer as well as an additional cross-dimensional convexity property to offer axiomatic justification for distribution-sensitive multidimensional poverty measures. Given the nonlinear structure of these measures, it is also shown how the problem of an exact dimensional decomposition can be solved using Shapley decomposition methods to assess dimensional contributions to poverty. An empirical illustration for India highlights distinctive features of the distribution-sensitive measures.
Astroglial MicroRNA-219-5p in the Ventral Tegmental Area Regulates Nociception in Rats
Authors: Zhang Song , Yang Xiao-Na , Zang Ting , Luo Jun , Pan Zhiqiang , Wang Lei , Liu He , Liu Di , Li Yan-Qiang , Zhang Yao-Dong , Zhang Hongxing , Ding Hai-Lei , Cao Jun-Li
Published: June 2017

Background

The authors previously reported that noncoding microRNA miR-219-5p is down-regulated in the spinal cord in a nociceptive state. The ventral tegmental area also plays critical roles in modulating nociception, although the underlying mechanism remains unknown. The authors hypothesized that miR-219-5p in the ventral tegmental area also may modulate nociception.

Methods

The authors studied the bidirectional regulatory role of ventral tegmental area miR-219-5p in a rat complete Freund’s adjuvant model of inflammatory nociception by measuring paw withdrawal latencies. Using molecular biology technologies, the authors measured the effects of astroglial coiled-coil and C2 domain containing 1A/nuclear factor κB cascade and dopamine neuron activity on the down-regulation of ventral tegmental area miR-219-5p–induced nociceptive responses.

Results

MiR-219-5p expression in the ventral tegmental area was reduced in rats with thermal hyperalgesia. Viral overexpression of ventral tegmental area miR-219-5p attenuated complete Freund’s adjuvant–induced nociception from 7 days after complete Freund’s adjuvant injection (paw withdrawal latencies: 6.09 ± 0.83 s vs. 3.96 ± 0.76 s; n = 6/group). Down-regulation of ventral tegmental area miR-219-5p in naïve rats was sufficient to induce thermal hyperalgesia from 7 days after lentivirus injection (paw withdrawal latencies: 7.09 ± 1.54 s vs. 11.75 ± 2.15 s; n = 8/group), which was accompanied by increased glial fibrillary acidic protein (fold change: 2.81 ± 0.38; n = 3/group) and reversed by intraventral tegmental area injection of the astroglial inhibitor fluorocitrate. The nociceptive responses induced by astroglial miR-219-5p down-regulation were inhibited by interfering with astroglial coiled-coil and C2 domain containing 1A/nuclear factor-κB signaling. Finally, pharmacologic inhibition of ventral tegmental area dopamine neurons alleviated this hyperalgesia.

Conclusions

Down-regulation of astroglial miR-219-5p in ventral tegmental area induced nociceptive responses are mediated by astroglial coiled-coil and C2 domain containing 1A/nuclear factor-κB signaling and elevated dopamine neuron activity.
Euroscore Performance in Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Margaryan Rafik , Moscarelli Marco , Gasbarri Tommaso , Bianchi Giacomo , Kallushi Enkel , Giuseppe Cerillo Alfredo , Farneti Pierandrea , Solinas Marco
Published: June 2017

Objective

Prediction of operative risk in adults undergoing cardiac surgery remains a challenge. The European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (EuroSCORE) is one of the most commonly used in clinical settings. Recently, the new EuroSCORE II was published attempting to improve the accuracy of risk prediction. We sought to assess the predictive value of EuroSCORE or EuroSCORE II in selected field of minimally invasive cardiac surgery.

Methods

Patients who underwent cardiac surgery operation with minimally invasive approach from 2007 to 2013 identified from prospective cardiac surgical database. Additional variables included in EuroSCORE II, but not in original EuroSCORE, were retrospectively collected via electronic health records reviewing. The C-statistic was calculated for the EuroSCORE (additive and logistic) and EuroSCORE II. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test was used to assess model calibration by comparing observed and expected morality in number of risk strata.

Results

There were 39 hospitals deaths (1.6%). A total of 2472 patients were identified from the main database. The mean ± SD logistic EuroSCORE was 7.6 ± 8.3, mean ± SD additive EuroSCORE was 6.1 ± 2.7, and mean ± SD EuroSCORE II was 2.9 ± 4.2. EuroSCORE logistic model performed with substantial accuracy of 0.78, EuroSCORE additive performed with accuracy of 0.78, and EuroSCORE II performed as almost perfect 0.82. Model calibration was poor in EuroSCORE II (χ2 = 17.57, P = 0.02), calibration for logistic EuroSCORE was also poor (χ2 = 140.58, P < 0.01), and additive model also (χ2 = 94.95, P < 0.01). The area under the curve was high in all algorithms; logistic EuroSCORE was 0.78 (95% confidence interval = 0.71–0.85), additive EuroSCORE was 0.79 (95% confidence interval = 0.71–0.86), and EuroSCORE II was 0.82 (95% confidence interval = 0.75–0.89).

Conclusions

In overall settings, original EuroSCORE and EuroSCORE II perform poorly in minimally invasive operation conditions. Data suggest that EuroSCORE could not be used for estimating operative risks correctly. New risk score should be explored, developed, and implemented for selective minimally invasive cohorts.