bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A review of altered biochemistry in the anterior cingulate cortex of first-episode psychosis
Authors: Squarcina L. , Stanley J. A. , Bellani M. , Altamura C. A. , Brambilla P.
Published: January 2017

Relevant biochemicals of the brain can be quantified in vivo, non-invasively, using proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (¹H MRS). This includes metabolites associated with neural general functioning, energetics, membrane phospholipid metabolism and neurotransmission. Moreover, there is substantial evidence of implication of the frontal and prefrontal areas in the pathogenesis of psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia. In particular, the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) plays an important role in cognitive control of emotional and non-emotional processes. Thus the study of its extent of biochemistry dysfunction in the early stages of psychosis is of particular interest in gaining a greater understanding of its aetiology. In this review, we selected ¹H MRS studies focused on the ACC of first-episode psychosis (FEP). Four studies reported increased glutamatergic levels in FEP, while other four showed preserved concentrations. Moreover, findings on FEP do not fully mirror those in chronic patients. Due to conflicting findings, larger longitudinal ¹H MRS studies are expected to further explore glutamatergic neurotransmission in ACC of FEP in order to have a better understanding of the glutamatergic mechanisms underlying psychosis, possibly using ultra high field MR scanners.
Situs Inversus Totalis in Twins: A Brief Review and a Life History / Twin Research: Twin Studies of Trisomy 21; Monozygotic Twin Concordance for Bilateral Coronoid Hyperplasia; Prenatal Hormonal Effects in Mixed-Sex Non-Human Primate Litters; Insurance Mandates and Twinning After In Vitro Fertilization / News Reports: First Report of Identical Twin Puppies; Twins Sisters Turn 100; Remembering an Identical Twin Production Designer; New York City Marathon Quadruplets
Authors: Segal Nancy L.
Published: January 2017

The presence of situs inversus totalis (full reversal of internal organs) in twins is briefly reviewed. Information gathered from 35-year-old monozygotic (MZ) female twin pair discordant for this condition is presented. This is followed by summaries of research on the frequency of trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) in twins, the first case of MZ twin concordance for bilateral coronoid hyperplasia, prenatal hormonal effects in mixed-sex non-human primate litters, and links between insurance mandates and twinning following in vitro fertilization. The final section of this article describes twin-related events reported in the news, namely, the first recorded birth of identical twin puppies; the 100th birthday celebration of a pair of fraternal female twins, the passing of an award-winning identical twin production designer, and the first running of the New York City Marathon by a set of quadruplets.
Geoscientist-Rich Crew Slated for Space Station Next Year
Authors: Wendel JoAnna
Published: January 2017

Geophysicists from NASA and the European Space Agency and the first African American chosen to serve on the International Space Station are selected for 2018 missions.
Trump EPA Pick Scott Pruitt Faces Heated Confirmation Hearing
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: January 2017

Republicans tout Oklahoma Attorney General Pruitt as someone who will rein in regulatory overreach, whereas Democrats question his commitment to protecting the environment and public health.
Docosahexaenoic acid-mediated protein aggregates may reduce proteasome activity and delay myotube degradation during muscle atrophy in vitro
Authors: Shin Seung Kyun , Kim Ji Hyeon , Lee Jung Hoon , Son Young Hoon , Lee Min Wook , Kim Hak Joong , Noh Sue Ah , Kim Kwang Pyo , Kim In-Gyu , Lee Min Jae
Published: January 2017

Proteasomes are the primary degradation machinery for oxidatively damaged proteins that compose a class of misfolded protein substrates. Cellular levels of reactive oxygen species increase with age and this cellular propensity is particularly harmful when combined with the age-associated development of various human disorders including cancer, neurodegenerative disease and muscle atrophy. Proteasome activity is reportedly downregulated in these disease conditions. Herein, we report that docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a major dietary omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid, mediates intermolecular protein cross-linkages through oxidation, and the resulting protein aggregates potently reduce proteasomal activity both in vitro and in cultured cells. Cellular models overexpressing aggregation-prone proteins such as tau showed significantly elevated levels of tau aggregates and total ubiquitin conjugates in the presence of DHA, thereby reflecting suppressed proteasome activity. Strong synergetic cytotoxicity was observed when the cells overexpressing tau were simultaneously treated with DHA. Antioxidant N-acetyl cysteine significantly desensitized the cells to DHA-induced oxidative stress. DHA significantly delayed the proteasomal degradation of muscle proteins in a cellular atrophy model. Thus, the results of our study identified DHA as a potent inducer of cellular protein aggregates that inhibit proteasome activity and potentially delay systemic muscle protein degradation in certain pathologic conditions.
Bacterial community segmentation facilitates the prediction of ecosystem function along the coast of the western Antarctic Peninsula
Authors: Bowman Jeff S , Amaral-Zettler Linda A , Rich Jeremy J , Luria Catherine M , Ducklow Hugh W
Published: January 2017

Bacterial community structure can be combined with observations of ecophysiological data to build predictive models of microbial ecosystem function. These models are useful for understanding how function might change in response to a changing environment. Here we use five spring–summer seasons of bacterial community structure and flow cytometry data from a productive coastal site along the western Antarctic Peninsula to construct models of bacterial production (BP), an ecosystem function that heterotrophic bacteria provide. Through a novel application of emergent self-organizing maps we identified eight recurrent modes in the structure of the bacterial community. A model that combined bacterial abundance, mode and the fraction of cells belonging to the high nucleic acid population (fHNA; R2=0.730, P<0.001) best described BP. Abrupt transitions between modes during the 2013–2014 spring–summer season corresponded to rapid shifts in fHNA. We conclude that parameterizing community structure data via segmentation can yield useful insights into microbial ecosystem function and ecosystem processes.
Acoustic-optical phonon up-conversion and hot-phonon bottleneck in lead-halide perovskites
Authors: Yang Jianfeng , Wen Xiaoming , Xia Hongze , Sheng Rui , Ma Qingshan , Kim Jincheol , Tapping Patrick , Harada Takaaki , Kee Tak W. , Huang Fuzhi , Cheng Yi-Bing , Green Martin , Ho-Baillie Anita , Huang Shujuan , Shrestha Santosh , Patterson Robert , Conibeer Gavin
Published: January 2017

The hot-phonon bottleneck effect in lead-halide perovskites (APbX3) prolongs the cooling period of hot charge carriers, an effect that could be used in the next-generation photovoltaics devices. Using ultrafast optical characterization and first-principle calculations, four kinds of lead-halide perovskites (A=FA+/MA+/Cs+, X=I−/Br−) are compared in this study to reveal the carrier-phonon dynamics within. Here we show a stronger phonon bottleneck effect in hybrid perovskites than in their inorganic counterparts. Compared with the caesium-based system, a 10 times slower carrier-phonon relaxation rate is observed in FAPbI3. The up-conversion of low-energy phonons is proposed to be responsible for the bottleneck effect. The presence of organic cations introduces overlapping phonon branches and facilitates the up-transition of low-energy modes. The blocking of phonon propagation associated with an ultralow thermal conductivity of the material also increases the overall up-conversion efficiency. This result also suggests a new and general method for achieving long-lived hot carriers in materials.
The shape of telephone cord blisters
Authors: Ni Yong , Yu Senjiang , Jiang Hongyuan , He Linghui
Published: January 2017

Formation of telephone cord blisters as a result of buckling delamination is widely observed in many compressed film-substrate systems. Here we report a universal morphological feature of such blisters characterized by their sequential sectional profiles exhibiting a butterfly shape using atomic force microscopy. Two kinds of buckle morphologies, light and heavy telephone cord blisters, are observed and differentiated by measurable geometrical parameters. Based on the Föppl-von Kármán plate theory, the observed three-dimensional features of the telephone cord blister are predicted by the proposed approximate analytical model and simulation. The latter further replicates growth and coalescence of the telephone cord into complex buckling delamination patterns observed in the experiment.
Diverse feather shape evolution enabled by coupling anisotropic signalling modules with self-organizing branching programme
Authors: Li Ang , Figueroa Seth , Jiang Ting-Xin , Wu Ping , Widelitz Randall , Nie Qing , Chuong Cheng-Ming
Published: January 2017

Adaptation of feathered dinosaurs and Mesozoic birds to new ecological niches was potentiated by rapid diversification of feather vane shapes. The molecular mechanism driving this spectacular process remains unclear. Here, through morphology analysis, transcriptome profiling, functional perturbations and mathematical simulations, we find that mesenchyme-derived GDF10 and GREM1 are major controllers for the topologies of rachidial and barb generative zones (setting vane boundaries), respectively, by tuning the periodic-branching programme of epithelial progenitors. Their interactions with the anterior–posterior WNT gradient establish the bilateral-symmetric vane configuration. Additionally, combinatory effects of CYP26B1, CRABP1 and RALDH3 establish dynamic retinoic acid (RA) landscapes in feather mesenchyme, which modulate GREM1 expression and epithelial cell shapes. Incremental changes of RA gradient slopes establish a continuum of asymmetric flight feathers along the wing, while switch-like modulation of RA signalling confers distinct vane shapes between feather tracts. Therefore, the co-option of anisotropic signalling modules introduced new dimensions of feather shape diversification.
Extremely broadband, on-chip optical nonreciprocity enabled by mimicking nonlinear anti-adiabatic quantum jumps near exceptional points
Authors: Choi Youngsun , Hahn Choloong , Yoon Jae Woong , Song Seok Ho , Berini Pierre
Published: January 2017

Time-asymmetric state-evolution properties while encircling an exceptional point are presently of great interest in search of new principles for controlling atomic and optical systems. Here, we show that encircling-an-exceptional-point interactions that are essentially reciprocal in the linear interaction regime make a plausible nonlinear integrated optical device architecture highly nonreciprocal over an extremely broad spectrum. In the proposed strategy, we describe an experimentally realizable coupled-waveguide structure that supports an encircling-an-exceptional-point parametric evolution under the influence of a gain saturation nonlinearity. Using an intuitive time-dependent Hamiltonian and rigorous numerical computations, we demonstrate strictly nonreciprocal optical transmission with a forward-to-backward transmission ratio exceeding 10 dB and high forward transmission efficiency (∼100%) persisting over an extremely broad bandwidth approaching 100 THz. This predicted performance strongly encourages experimental realization of the proposed concept to establish a practical on-chip optical nonreciprocal element for ultra-short laser pulses and broadband high-density optical signal processing.
National guidelines for smoking cessation in primary care: a literature review and evidence analysis
Authors: Verbiest Marjolein , Brakema Evelyn , van der Kleij Rianne , Sheals Kate , Allistone Georgia , Williams Siân , McEwen Andy , Chavannes Niels
Published: January 2017

National guidelines for smoking cessation in primary care can be effective in improving clinical practice. This study assessed which parties are involved in the development of such guidelines worldwide, which national guidelines address primary care, what recommendations are made for primary care settings, and how these recommendations correlate with each other and with current evidence. We identified national guidelines using an online resource. Only the most recent version of a guideline was included. If an English version was not available, we requested a translation or summary of the recommendations from the authors. Two researchers independently extracted data on funding sources, development methodologies, involved parties, and recommendations made within the guidelines. These recommendations were categorised using the pile-sort method. Each recommendation was cross-checked with the latest evidence and was awarded an evidence-rating. We identified 43 guidelines from 39 countries and after exclusion, we analysed 26 guidelines (22 targeting general population, 4 targeted subpopulations). Twelve categories of recommendations for primary care were identified. There was almost universal agreement regarding the need to identify smokers, advice them to quit and offer behavioural and pharmacological quit smoking support. Discrepancies were greatest for specific recommendations regarding behavioural and pharmacological support, which are likely to be due to different interpretations of evidence and/or differences in contextual health environments. Based on these findings, we developed a universal checklist of guideline recommendations as a practice tool for primary care professionals and future guideline developers.
Modeling Stem Cell Myogenic Differentiation
Authors: Deshpande Rajiv S. , Spector Alexander A.
Published: January 2017

The process of stem cell myogenesis (transformation into skeletal muscle cells) includes several stages characterized by the expression of certain combinations of myogenic factors. The first part of this process is accompanied by cell division, while the second part is mainly associated with direct differentiation. The mechanical cues are known to enhance stem cell myogenesis, and the paper focuses on the stem cell differentiation under the condition of externally applied strain. The process of stem cell myogenic differentiation is interpreted as the interplay among transcription factors, targeted proteins and strain-generated signaling molecule, and it is described by a kinetic multi-stage model. The model parameters are optimally adjusted by using the available data from the experiment with adipose-derived stem cells subjected to the application of cyclic uniaxial strains of the magnitude of 10%. The modeling results predict the kinetics of the process of myogenic differentiation, including the number of cells in each stage of differentiation and the rates of differentiation from one stage to another for different strains from 4% to 16%. The developed model can help better understand the process of myogenic differentiation and the effects of mechanical cues on stem cell use in muscle therapies.
Efficient visible light-induced degradation of rhodamine B by W(NxS1−x)2 nanoflowers
Authors: Liu Peitao , Zhang Jingyan , Gao Daqiang , Ye Weichun
Published: January 2017

Here, W(NxS1−x)2 nanoflowers were fabricated by simple sintering process. Photocatalytic activity results indicated our fabricated N-doped WS2 nanoflowers shown outstanding photoactivity of degradating of rhodamine B with visible light. Which is attributed to the high separation efficiency of photoinduced electron–hole pairs, the broadening of the valence band (VB), and the narrowing of energy band gap. Meanwhile, our work provided a novel method to induce surface sulfur vacancies in crystals by introduing impurities atoms for enhancing their photodegradation.
Catalyst shape engineering for anisotropic cross-sectioned nanowire growth
Authors: Calahorra Yonatan , Kelrich Alexander , Cohen Shimon , Ritter Dan
Published: January 2017

The ability to engineer material properties at the nanoscale is a crucial prerequisite for nanotechnology. Hereunder, we suggest and demonstrate a novel approach to realize non-hemispherically shaped nanowire catalysts, subsequently used to grow InP nanowires with a cross section anisotropy ratio of up to 1:1.8. Gold was deposited inside high aspect ratio nanotrenches in a 5 nm thick SiNx selective area mask; inside the growth chamber, upon heating to 455 °C, the thin gold stripes agglomerated, resulting in an ellipsoidal dome (hemiellipsoid). The initial shape of the catalyst was preserved during growth to realize asymmetrically cross-sectioned nanowires. Moreover, the crystalline nature of the nanowire side facets was found to depend on the nano-trench orientation atop the substrate, resulting in hexagonal or octagonal cross-sections when the nano-trenches are aligned or misaligned with the [1̄10] orientation atop a [111]B substrate. These results establish the role of catalyst shape as a unique tool to engineer nanowire growth, potentially allowing further control over its physical properties.
Nesfatin-1 protects dopaminergic neurons against MPP+/MPTP-induced neurotoxicity through the C-Raf–ERK1/2-dependent anti-apoptotic pathway
Authors: Shen Xiao-Li , Song Ning , Du Xi-Xun , Li Yong , Xie Jun-Xia , Jiang Hong
Published: January 2017

Several brain-gut peptides have been reported to have a close relationship with the central dopaminergic system; one such brain-gut peptide is nesfatin-1. Nesfatin-1 is a satiety peptide that is predominantly secreted by X/A-like endocrine cells in the gastric glands, where ghrelin is also secreted. We previously reported that ghrelin exerted neuroprotective effects on nigral dopaminergic neurons, which implied a role for ghrelin in Parkinson’s disease (PD). In the present study, we aim to clarify whether nesfatin-1 has similar effects on dopaminergic neurons both in vivo and in vitro. We show that nesfatin-1 attenuates the loss of nigral dopaminergic neurons in the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1, 2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced mouse model of PD. In addition, nesfatin-1 antagonized 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridillium ion (MPP+)-induced toxicity by restoring mitochondrial function, inhibiting cytochrome C release and preventing caspase-3 activation in MPP+-treated MES23.5 dopaminergic cells. These neuroprotective effects could be abolished by selective inhibition of C-Raf and the extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2). Our data suggest that C-Raf-ERK1/2, which is involved in an anti-apoptotic pathway, is responsible for the neuroprotective effects of nesfatin-1 in the context of MPTP-induced toxicity. These results imply that nesfatin-1 might have therapeutic potential for PD.
Center of mass in complex networks
Authors: Fu Chuanji , Gao Yachun , Cai Shimin , Yang Hongchun , Yang Chun
Published: January 2017

Network dynamics is always a big challenge in nonlinear dynamics. Although great advancements have been made in various types of complex systems, an universal theoretical framework is required. In this paper, we introduce the concept of center of ‘mass’ of complex networks, where ‘mass’ stands for node importance or centrality in contrast to that of particle systems, and further prove that the phase transition and evolutionary state of the system can be characterized by the activity of center of ‘mass’. The steady states of several complex networks (gene regulatory networks and epidemic spreading systems) are then studied by analytically calculating the decoupled equation of the dynamic activity of center of ‘mass’, which is derived from the dynamic equation of the complex networks. The limitations of this method are also pointed out, such as the dynamical problems that related with the relative activities among components, and those systems that consist of oscillatory or chaotic motions.
Endoplasmic Reticulum Oxidative Stress Triggers Tgf-Beta-Dependent Muscle Dysfunction by Accelerating Ascorbic Acid Turnover
Authors: Pozzer Diego , Favellato Mariagrazia , Bolis Marco , Invernizzi Roberto William , Solagna Francesca , Blaauw Bert , Zito Ester
Published: January 2017

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and oxidative stress are two related phenomena that have important metabolic consequences. As many skeletal muscle diseases are triggered by oxidative stress, we explored the chain of events linking a hyperoxidized ER (which causes ER and oxidative stress) with skeletal muscle dysfunction. An unbiased exon expression array showed that the combined genetic modulation of the two master ER redox proteins, selenoprotein N (SEPN1) and endoplasmic oxidoreductin 1 (ERO1), led to an SEPN1-related myopathic phenotype due to excessive signalling of transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta. The increased TGF-beta activity in the genetic mutants was caused by accelerated turnover of the ER localized (anti-oxidant) ascorbic acid that affected collagen deposition in the extracellular matrix. In a mouse mutant of SEPN1, which is dependent on exogenous ascorbic acid, a limited intake of ascorbic acid revealed a myopathic phenotype as a consequence of an altered TGF-beta signalling. Indeed, systemic antagonism of TGF-beta re-established skeletal muscle function in SEPN1 mutant mice. In conclusion, this study sheds new light on the molecular mechanism of SEPN1-related myopathies and indicates that the TGF-beta/ERO1/ascorbic acid axis offers potential for their treatment.
Altered glucose and lipid homeostasis in liver and adipose tissue pre-dispose inducible NOS knockout mice to insulin resistance
Authors: Kanuri Babu Nageswararao , Kanshana Jitendra S. , Rebello Sanjay C. , Pathak Priya , Gupta Anand P. , Gayen Jiaur R. , Jagavelu Kumaravelu , Dikshit Madhu
Published: January 2017

On the basis of diet induced obesity and KO mice models, nitric oxide is implied to play an important role in the initiation of dyslipidemia induced insulin resistance. However, outcomes using iNOS KO mice have so far remained inconclusive. The present study aimed to assess IR in iNOS KO mice after 5 weeks of LFD feeding by monitoring body composition, energy homeostasis, insulin sensitivity/signaling, nitrite content and gene expressions changes in the tissues. We found that body weight and fat content in KO mice were significantly higher while the respiratory exchange ratio (RER), volume of carbon dioxide (VCO2), and heat production were lower as compared to WT mice. Furthermore, altered systemic glucose tolerance, tissue insulin signaling, hepatic gluconeogenesis, augmented hepatic lipids, adiposity, as well as gene expression regulating lipid synthesis, catabolism and efflux were evident in iNOS KO mice. Significant reduction in eNOS and nNOS gene expression, hepatic and adipose tissue nitrite content, circulatory nitrite was also observed. Oxygen consumption rate of mitochondrial respiration has remained unaltered in KO mice as measured using extracellular flux analyzer. Our findings establish a link between the NO status with systemic and tissue specific IR in iNOS KO mice at 5 weeks.
Multiplexing PKA and ERK1&2 kinases FRET biosensors in living cells using single excitation wavelength dual colour FLIM
Authors: Demeautis Claire , Sipieter François , Roul Julien , Chapuis Catherine , Padilla-Parra Sergi , Riquet Franck B. , Tramier Marc
Published: January 2017

Monitoring of different signalling enzymes in a single assay using multiplex biosensing provides a multidimensional workspace to elucidate biological processes, signalling pathway crosstalk, and determine precise sequence of events at the single living cell level. In this study, we interrogate the complexity in cAMP/PKA-MAPK/ERK1&2 crosstalk by using multi-parameter biosensing experiments to correlate biochemical activities simultaneously in time and space. Using a single excitation wavelength dual colour FLIM method we are able to detect fluorescence lifetime images of two donors to simultaneously measure PKA and ERK1&2 kinase activities in the same cellular localization by using FRET biosensors. To this end, we excite two FRET donors mTFP1 and LSSmOrange with a 440 nm wavelength and we alleviate spectral bleed-through associated limitations with the very dim-fluorescent acceptor ShadowG for mTFP1 and the red-shifted mKate2 for LSSmOrange. The simultaneous recording of PKA and ERK1&2 kinase activities reveals concomitant EGF-mediated activations of both kinases in HeLa cells. Under these conditions the subsequent Forskolin-induced cAMP release reverses the transient increase of EGF-mediated ERK1&2 kinase activity while reinforcing PKA activation. Here we propose a validated methodology for multiparametric kinase biosensing in living cells using FRET-FLIM.
Overexpression of MoSM1, encoding for an immunity-inducing protein from Magnaporthe oryzae, in rice confers broad-spectrum resistance against fungal and bacterial diseases
Authors: Hong Yongbo , Yang Yayun , Zhang Huijuan , Huang Lei , Li Dayong , Song Fengming
Published: January 2017

Potential ofMoSM1, encoding for a cerato-platanin protein fromMagnaporthe oryzae, in improvement of rice disease resistance was examined. Transient expression ofMoSM1in rice leaves initiated hypersensitive response and upregulated expression of defense genes. When transiently expressed in tobacco leaves, MoSM1 targeted to plasma membrane. TheMoSM1-overexpressing (MoSM1-OE) transgenic rice lines showed an improved resistance, as revealed by the reduced disease severity and decreasedin plantapathogen growth, against 2 strains belonging to two different races ofM. oryzae, causing blast disease, and against 2 strains ofXanthomonas oryzaepv.oryzae, causing bacterial leaf blight disease. However, no alteration in resistance to sheath blight disease was observed in MoSM1-OE lines. The MoSM1-OE plants contained elevated levels of salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA) and constitutively activated the expression of SA and JA signaling-related regulatory and defense genes. Furthermore, the MoSM1-OE plants had no effect on drought and salt stress tolerance and on grain yield. We conclude that MoSM1 confers a broad-spectrum resistance against different pathogens through modulating SA- and JA-mediated signaling pathways without any penalty on abiotic stress tolerance and grain yield, providing a promising potential for application of MoSM1 in improvement of disease resistance in crops.
Fabrication of Au-Ag nanocage@NaYF4@NaYF4:Yb,Er Core-Shell Hybrid and its Tunable Upconversion Enhancement
Authors: Chen Xu , Zhou Donglei , Xu Wen , Zhu Jinyang , Pan Gencai , Yin Ze , Wang He , Zhu Yongsheng , Shaobo Cui , Song Hongwei
Published: January 2017

Localized electric filed enhancement by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) of noble metal nanoparticles is an effective method to amplify the upconversion luminescence (UCL) strength of upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs), whereas the highly effective UCL enhancement of UCNPs in colloids has not been realized until now. Here, we designed and fabricated the colloidal Au-Ag nanocage@NaYF4@NaYF4:Yb,Er core-shell hybrid with different intermediate thickness (NaYF4) and tunable SPR peaks from visible wavelength region to NIR region. After the optimization of the intermediate spacer thickness (~7.5 nm) of NaYF4 NPs and the SPR peak (~950 nm) of noble metal nanoparticles, an optimum enhancement as high as ~25 folds was obtained. Systematic investigation indicates that UCL enhancement mainly originates from the influence of the intermediate spacer and the coupling of Au-Ag nanocages with the excitation electromagnetic field of the UCNPs. Our findings may provide a new thinking on designing highly effective metal@UCNPs core-shell hybrid in colloids.
Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein M associates with mTORC2 and regulates muscle differentiation
Authors: Chen Wei-Yen , Lin Chia-Lung , Chuang Jen-Hua , Chiu Fu-Yu , Sun Yun-Ya , Liang Mei-Chih , Lin Yenshou
Published: January 2017

Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) plays a range of crucial roles in cell survival, growth, proliferation, metabolism, and morphology. However, mTOR forms two distinct complexes, mTOR complex 1 and mTOR complex 2 (mTORC1 and mTORC2), via association with a series of different components; this allows the complexes to execute their wide range of functions. This study explores further the composition of the mTORC2 complex. Utilizing Rictor knock-out cells, immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry, a novel Rictor associated protein, heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein M (hnRNP M), was identified. The association between hnRNP M and Rictor was verified using recombinant and endogenous protein and the binding site was found to be within aa 1~532 of hnRNP M. The presence of hnRNP M significantly affects phosphorylation of SGK1 S422, but not of Akt S473, PKCα S657 and PKCζ T560. Furthermore, hnRNP M also plays a critical role in muscle differentiation because knock-down of either hnRNP M or Rictor in C2C12 myoblasts reduced differentiation. This decrease is able to be rescued by overexpression SGK S422D in hnRNP M knockdown C2C12 myoblasts. Taken together, we have identified a novel Rictor/mTOR binding molecule, hnRNP M, that allows mTORC2 signaling to phosphorylate SGK1 thus regulating muscle differentiation.
Organocatalyzed aerobic oxidative Robinson-type annulation of 2-isocyanochalcones: expedient synthesis of phenanthridines
Authors: Hu Zhongyan , Dong Jinhuan , Men Yang , Li Yifei , Xu Xianxiu
Published: January 2017

An unprecedented organocatalyzed aerobic oxidative Robinson annulation of 2-isocyanochalcones with active methylene ketones was developed for the expedient synthesis of phenanthridines and hydrophenanthridinones in high to excellent yields.
Reversible covalent interactions of β-aminoboronic acids with carbohydrate derivatives
Authors: Garrett Graham E. , Diaz Diego B. , Yudin Andrei K. , Taylor Mark S.
Published: January 2017

β-Aminoalkylboronic acids bind reversibly to diol groups, a phenomenon that can be exploited in carbohydrate recognition and in catalysis.
Conformational sampling of metastable states: Tq-REM as a novel replica exchange method
Authors: Lee MinJun , Yoon Jeseong , Jang Soonmin , Shin Seokmin
Published: January 2017

We propose a new replica exchange scheme (Tq-REM) created by combining the conventional temperature-REM (T-REM) and one of the Hamiltonian-REMs (q-REM), which shows improved sampling efficiency of metastable states.
Isotopic studies of the ammonia decomposition reaction using lithium imide catalyst
Authors: Wood Thomas J. , Makepeace Joshua W. , David William I. F.
Published: January 2017

15N-Labelled ammonia decomposition experiments over lithium imide catalyst reveal a bulk-surface mechanism via a lithium-rich phase.
Polarizability as a tool to determine the electrostatic shielding effect of nanocarbon cages: a polarizability distribution study on noble gas endohedral fullerenes
Authors: Liu Liuxie , Li Laicai , Li Quan , Zeng Qun
Published: January 2017

A noble gas atom can be treated as a sensor to determine the dielectric properties of nanocages including fullerenes.
Carbon dissolution and segregation in platinum
Authors: Janthon Patanachai , Viñes Francesc , Sirijaraensre Jakkapan , Limtrakul Jumras , Illas Francesc
Published: January 2017

Density functional studies at show the feasibility of C subsurface incorporation in Platinum occupying tetrahedral sites. A comparative with Ni and Pd highlights that surface relaxation is critical in C dissolution, specially at low-coordinated sites of Pt nanoparticles. Results explain phenomena such as C dissolution and segregation to form graphene from below, and may serve to tune the Pt surface chemical reactivity.
Highly efficient removal of organic contaminants based on peroxymonosulfate activation by iron phthalocyanine: mechanism and the bicarbonate ion enhancement effect
Authors: Dai Dejun , Yang Zhiyuan , Yao Yuyuan , Chen Likun , Jia Guosheng , Luo Lianshun
Published: January 2017

The development of catalytic oxidation processes with high efficiency based on peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation is a promising yet challenging research topic in the environmental catalysis field.
Carbazole-based N4-donor Schiff base macrocycles: obtained metal free and as Cu(ii) and Ni(ii) complexes
Authors: Malthus Stuart J. , Wilson Rajni K. , Vikas Aggarwal A. , Cameron Scott A. , Larsen David S. , Brooker Sally
Published: January 2017

Practical multi-step routes to 1,8-diformylcarbazole head units, and the first examples of Schiff base macrocycles derived from them, are reported. Like porphyrins, both macrocycles are shown to impose a strong ligand field.
Isolation of an unusual [Cu6] nanocluster through sequential addition of copper(i) to a polynucleating ligand
Authors: Phanopoulos Andreas , Warren Mark , White Andrew J. P. , Horton Andrew , Crimmin Mark R.
Published: January 2017

Addition of 2 equiv. of CuI to a [Cu]4 multimetallic complex results in cluster formation leading to the isolation of a rare bicapped tetrahedral [Cu6I2] cluster that is stabilised by two conformationally constrained polynucleating ligands.
Yolk–shell Fe3O4@SiO2@PMO: amphiphilic magnetic nanocomposites as an adsorbent and a catalyst with high efficiency and recyclability
Authors: Dai Jinyu , Zou Houbing , Wang Runwei , Wang Yu , Shi Zhiqiang , Qiu Shilun
Published: January 2017

This study describes the preparation of a multifunctional adsorptive catalyst by the incorporation of ligand groups within the channels of magnetic amphiphilic nanocomposites and attached with Pd nanoparticles.
Converting Pasteurella multocida α2–3-sialyltransferase 1 (PmST1) to a regioselective α2–6-sialyltransferase by saturation mutagenesis and regioselective screening
Authors: McArthur John B. , Yu Hai , Zeng Jie , Chen Xi
Published: January 2017

A sialyltransferase mutant for selectively α2–6-sialylating terminal galactose in polyLacNAc-glycan was identified using a novel microtiter plate-based screening assay.
New protocols to access imidazoles and their ring fused analogues: synthesis from N-propargylamines
Authors: Vessally Esmail , Soleimani-Amiri Somayeh , Hosseinian Akram , Edjlali Ladan , Bekhradnia Ahmadreza
Published: January 2017

Imidazole and its derivatives are privileged N-heterocyclic structures present in various natural products and synthetic pharmaceuticals.
Effect of humins from different sediments on microbial degradation of 2,2′,4,4′,5,5′-hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB153), and their polyphasic characterization
Authors: Zhang Dongdong , Zhang Ning , Yu Xinwei , Zhang Zhichao , Yang Shengmao , Zhang Chunfang
Published: January 2017

This study was carried out to evaluate the activity of humins from four different sediments as electron mediators for microbial reductive dechlorination of PCB153and to analyze the electron-mediating properties of humins.
Preferred cell alignment along concave microgrooves
Authors: Sun Baoce , Xie Kai , Chen Ting-Hsuan , Lam Raymond H. W.
Published: January 2017

The radius of curvature affects cell body characteristics on microfabricated concave microgrooves.
Synthesis of nanoparticles based on PDMMLA derivative copolymers and study of warfarin encapsulation and controlled release
Authors: Msolli Inès , Belibel Rima , Chaubet Frédéric , Maaroufi Raoui Mounir , Barbaud Christel
Published: January 2017

The warfarin encapsulation by new biodegradable nanoparticles based on PDMMLA and its controlled release were studied for the first time.
Preparation and tribological properties of graphene oxide/nano-MoS2 hybrid as multidimensional assembly used in the polyimide nanocomposites
Authors: Xin Yuanshi , Li Tongsheng , Gong Dafei , Xu Fanglin , Wang Mingming
Published: January 2017

A three-step strategy was employed to prepare a self-lubricating and anti-wear graphene oxide/nano-MoS2 (GO/nano-MoS2, abbreviated GMS) hybrid by chemical compounding as a novel multidimensional assembly.
Exfoliating nanomaterials in canola protein derived adhesive improves strength and water resistance
Authors: Bandara Nandika , Esparza Yussef , Wu Jianping
Published: January 2017

A new green wood adhesives was developed by exfoliating nanomaterials at low concentrations in canola protein.
High-quality K0.47Na0.53NbO3 single crystal toward high performance transducer
Authors: Hu Chengpeng , Tian Hao , Meng Xiangda , Shi Guang , Cao Wenwu , Zhou Zhongxiang
Published: January 2017

A large-sized, high-quality single crystal of K0.47Na0.53NbO3 was grown by the top-seeded solution growth method.
Synthesis and characterization of titanium(iv)/graphene oxide foam: a sustainable catalyst for the oxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde
Authors: Ma Wenxi , Tong Qiaoling , Wang Jian , Yang Huali , Zhang Meng , Jiang Hailun , Wang Qinghe , Liu Yongxiang , Cheng Maosheng
Published: January 2017

A sustainable catalyst for the selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol (BnOH) to benzaldehyde (BzH) was developed by mineralizing Ti(SO4)2 on graphene oxide foam (GOF) surface.
Amorphous molybdenum sulfide on graphene–carbon nanotube hybrids as supercapacitor electrode materials
Authors: Pham Kien-Cuong , McPhail David S. , Wee Andrew T. S. , Chua Daniel H. C.
Published: January 2017

Deposition of amorphous molybdenum sulfide on a high specific surface area carbon support strongly enhanced the specific capacitance of the material.
[V4Mo3O14(NAr)3(μ2-NAr)3]2−: the first polyarylimido-stabilized molybdovanadate cluster
Authors: Huang Yichao , Zhang Jiangwei , Ge Jingxuan , Sui Chong , Hao Jian , Wei Yongge
Published: January 2017

This work presents the first polyarylimido-stabilized molybdovanadate cluster, which will enrich polyoxometalate chemistry and lead to more potential POM-based materials.
Noble-metal-free MoS2 nanosheet modified-InVO4 heterostructures for enhanced visible-light-driven photocatalytic H2 production
Authors: Kong Zhe , Yuan Yong-Jun , Chen Daqin , Fang Gaoliang , Yang Yan , Yang Shuhui , Cao Dapeng
Published: January 2017

Noble-metal-free, visible-light-responding and “green” MoS2 nanosheet modified-InVO4 heterostructures were synthesized as efficient photocatalysts for photocatalytic H2 production.
Sugar nucleotide quantification by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry reveals a distinct profile in Plasmodium falciparum sexual stage parasites
Authors: López-Gutiérrez Borja , Dinglasan Rhoel R. , Izquierdo Luis
Published: January 2017

The obligate intracellular lifestyle of Plasmodium falciparum and the difficulties in obtaining sufficient amounts of biological material have hampered the study of specific metabolic pathways in the malaria parasite. Thus, for example, the pools of sugar nucleotides required to fuel glycosylation reactions have never been studied in-depth in well-synchronized asexual parasites or in other stages of its life cycle. These metabolites are of critical importance, especially considering the renewed interest in the presence of N-, O-, and other glycans in key parasite proteins. In this work, we adapted a liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method based on the use of porous graphitic carbon (PGC) columns and MS-friendly solvents to quantify sugar nucleotides in the malaria parasite. We report the thorough quantification of the pools of these metabolites throughout the intraerythrocytic cycle of P. falciparum. The sensitivity of the method enabled, for the first time, the targeted analysis of these glycosylation precursors in gametocytes, the parasite sexual stages that are transmissible to the mosquito vector.
Rab23’s genetic structure, function and related diseases: a review
Authors: Zheng Li-Qiang , Chi Su-Min , Li Cheng-Xin
Published: January 2017

Rab23 has been proven to play a role in membrane trafficking and protein transport in eukaryotic cells. Rab23 is also a negative regulator of the Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling pathway in an indirect way. The nonsense mutation and loss of protein of Rab23 has been associated with neural tube defect in mice and aberrant expression in various diseases in human such as neural system, breast, visceral, and cutaneous tumor. In addition, Rab23 may play joint roles in autophagosome formation during anti-infection process against Group A streptococcus. In this review, we give a brief review on the functions of Rab23, summarize the involvement of Rab23 in genetic research, membrane trafficking, and potential autophagy pathway, especially focus on tumor promotion, disease pathogenesis, and discuss the possible underlying mechanisms that are regulated by Rab23.
Charge‐coupled device based on optical tomography system for monitoring two‐phase flow
Authors: Jamaludin J. , Abdul Rahim R. , Abdul Rahim H. , Fazalul Rahiman M.H. , Mohd Rohani J.
Published: January 2017

An application of charge‐coupled device (CCD) linear sensor and laser diode in an optical tomography (OPT) system is presented. The measurements are based on the final light intensity received by the sensor. The aim is to analyse and demonstrate the capability of laser with a CCD in an OPT system for detecting transparent objects in crystal clear water. The image reconstruction algorithms used were filtered images of linear back projection algorithms. These algorithms were programmed using LabVIEW programming software. Experiments in detecting transparent hollow straw were conducted. Based on the results, statistical analysis was performed to verify that the captured data were valid compared with the actual object data. The object's characteristics such as diameter also are observed. In conclusion, a non‐intrusive and non‐invasive OPT system that can detect transparent objects in crystal clear water is successfully developed.
Finite‐time attitude tracking control for rigid spacecraft with control input constraints
Authors: Zou An‐Min , de Ruiter Anton H.J. , Kumar Krishna Dev
Published: January 2017

This study considers the problem of attitude tracking control for rigid spacecraft subject to control input saturation. To address this problem, a smooth model is first proposed to describe the input magnitude saturation. The output of the model is always in agreement with the constraints imposed by the actuators. Then, two finite‐time attitude tracking control schemes are designed based on the model derived here and the homogeneous method. The measurement of angular velocity is required in the first scheme while it is relaxed in the second one. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed control laws is illustrated by numerical simulations.
Boundary barrier‐based control of a flexible riser system
Authors: Liu Yu , Guo Fang , Zhao Zhijia
Published: January 2017

In this study, the vibration control and boundary output constraint problem of a marine riser system subjected to the disturbances are investigated. The control objective is to ensure the vibration reduction of the marine riser and the boundary output in the constrained region. A boundary control strategy is put forward to realise this objective through combining with Lyapunov's direct method, barrier‐based control and backstepping technique. In addition, the disturbance observer including barrier term is developed to cope with the effects of unknown external disturbance. With the designed control strategy, the closed‐loop riser system is ensured to be uniformly bounded stable through rigorous Lyapunov analysis without violation of the output constraint. Finally, the effectiveness of the designed boundary control strategy is verified via numerical simulations.
Complete three‐phase detection framework for identifying abnormal cervical cells
Authors: Zhao Lili , Li Kuan , Yin Jianping , Liu Qiang , Wang Siqi
Published: January 2017

Automatic identification of abnormal cervical cells, including feature representation, feature combination and classification strategy, is highly demanded in women's annual cervical cancer screenings. However, previous methods only deal with one or two of these three phases, and currently there is few complete framework for this problem. A novel three‐phrase boosting framework is proposed for the detection of abnormal cells from cervical smear images. First, the authors extract 160 dimensional features with respect to each cervical cell from three aspects, including cytology morphology, chromatin pathology and region intensity. In particular, 106 dimensional chromatin pathology features are newly adopted to describe the nucleus textural transformation. Second, an adaptive feature combination method is introduced to select the optimal feature patterns, which can combine all features using a reinforced margin‐based approach with the heuristic knowledge. Finally, a two‐stage classification strategy is presented to reduce erroneous classification abnormal cells using two different classifiers. Experimental results achieve state‐of‐the‐art performance and the proposed framework outperforms the other 16 compared detection methods.
Compact dual‐polarised microstrip patch antenna with high interport isolation for 2.5 GHz in‐band full‐duplex wireless applications
Authors: Nawaz Haq , Tekin Ibrahim
Published: January 2017

In‐band full duplex (IBFD) wireless operation can be accomplished by mitigating the self‐interference (SI) at the receiver that is caused by coupling of radio‐frequency power from its own transmitter. Maximum amount of SI cancellation (SIC) should be achieved at antenna stage to enable full‐duplex wireless communication operation at same frequency. This study presents the design and implementation of a compact two‐port dual‐polarised microstrip patch antenna which uses three‐port microstrip patch antenna with 3 dB ring hybrid coupler as SIC circuit to achieve high interport isolation. The implemented antenna provides 57dB interport isolation between transmit and receive ports at centre frequency of 2.5GHz with linear orthogonal polarisation and interport isolation is better than 40dB for 50MHz bandwidth. The fabricated compact microstrip patch antenna has 3.1 and 3.7 dBi gains for Tx and Rx modes, respectively. The proposed antenna has comparatively wider 10dB input bandwidth (50MHz) along with high interport isolation.
System theory of the integrating sphere as a model for the wireless optical indoor communication channel
Authors: Schulze Henrik
Published: January 2017

The integrating sphere is the base for a physical model of the wireless optical indoor communication channel. The author has found that the approximate expression for the channel transfer function for the integrating sphere used in that model can be replaced by an exact expression. A comparison shows that the approximation is valid for a wide range of interest, however there are some differences for high frequency values. For the impulse response (obtained by the inverse Fourier transform), the author observes significant deviations in the time region where first order reflections contribute significantly to the curve shape.