bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cross-Species Comparison in the Evolutionary Study of Art: A Cognitive Approach to the Ape Art Debate
Authors: Seghers Eveline
Published: October 2014

Aside from humans, artistic behavior has been attributed to species varying from bowerbirds to elephants. The most notable case are nonhuman primate species, and chimpanzees in particular. Some researchers have stated that the latter provide us with a window to the evolution of human art via the phylogenetic tree. However, little argumentation has been developed to substantiate these claims. This article undertakes a joint examination of empirical studies on ‘ape art’ and literature on human artistic cognition, with a focus on the capacities of intentionalist thinking, symbolism, and aesthetic sensitivity. Although aesthetic sensitivity turns out to be a potential parallel between human and nonhuman cognition with regard to art-making, little or no evidence surfaces to support the presence of intentionalist thinking and symbolic cognition among, for example, chimpanzees, in their response toward painting and drawing material. As a result, few reasons remain to consider chimpanzee painting and drawing as art. The evolutionary study of art is therefore unlikely to prosper much through primatology and comparative psychological analysis of humans and their primate cousins. Several implications of the present analysis are discussed.
Ethnic Russians in Post-Soviet Estonia: Perceived Devaluation, Acculturation, Well-Being, and Ethnic Attitudes
Authors: Kus-Harbord Larissa , Ward Colleen
Published: October 2014

Ethnic Russians in Estonia, who previously enjoyed a privileged status in the Soviet era, have become a relatively deprived group with devalued group identity in the new Estonian state. We examined acculturation (cultural maintenance and participation) and perceived group devaluation of ethnic Russians ( N = 190) as predictors of their well-being and ethnic attitudes toward native Estonians. The results of surveys revealed that participation in Estonian culture predicted more positive ethnic attitudes; however, Russian cultural maintenance and perceived group devaluation were associated with both negative ethnic attitudes and lower life satisfaction. Significant interactions also emerged. Perceived group devaluation dampened the positive relation between participation and ethnic attitudes and exacerbated the negative relation between cultural maintenance and ethnic attitudes. Participation was associated with higher well-being under conditions of low perceived group devaluation but poorer well-being when group devaluation was perceived as high. Similarly, an interaction between the acculturation dimensions of maintenance and participation demonstrated that participation in Estonian culture was associated with lower life satisfaction under the conditions of high cultural maintenance. The key findings on cultural maintenance and the “failure” of integration are distinctive in the light of previous studies and point to the important implications of contextual sociopolitical and historical factors for well-being and ethnic relations in a culturally diverse society.
Slc15a4 function is required for intact class switch recombination to IgG2c in response to TLR9 stimulation
Authors: Dosenovic Pia , Ádori Monika , Adams William C , Pedersen Gabriel K , Soldemo Martina , Beutler Bruce , Karlsson Hedestam Gunilla B
Published: October 2014

Signalling through Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) by endogenous components of viruses or bacteria can promote antibody (Ab) isotype switching to IgG2a/c. Multiple cell types are capable of responding to TLR stimulation in vivo and the processes underlying TLR‐induced Ab isotype switching are not fully defined. Here, we used feeble mice, which are deficient in the peptide/histidine transporter solute carrier family 15 member 4 (Slc15a4), and fail to produce cytokines including interferon alpha (IFNα) in response to TLR9 stimulation, to study Ab isotype switching to IgG2c in response to vaccination. We demonstrate that the production of IgG2c in response to CpGA‐adjuvanted vaccines was severely reduced in feeble mice, while a more subtle defect was observed for CpGB. The reduced IgG2c production in feeble could not be ascribed to defective plasmacytoid dendritic cell (pDC) responses alone as we found that splenic cDCs and B cells from feeble mice were also defective in response to TLR9 ligation ex vivo. We conclude that Slc15a4 is required for intact function of TLR9‐expressing cells and for effective Ab isotype switching to IgG2c in response to CpG‐adjuvanted vaccines.
Intra- and inter-generic transfer of pathogenicity island-encoded virulence genes by cos phages
Authors: Chen John , Carpena Nuria , Quiles-Puchalt Nuria , Ram Geeta , Novick Richard P , Penadés José R
Published: October 2014

Bacteriophage-mediated horizontal gene transfer is one of the primary driving forces of bacterial evolution. The pac-type phages are generally thought to facilitate most of the phage-mediated gene transfer between closely related bacteria, including that of mobile genetic elements-encoded virulence genes. In this study, we report that staphylococcal cos-type phages transferred the Staphylococcus aureus pathogenicity island SaPIbov5 to non-aureus staphylococcal species and also to different genera. Our results describe the first intra- and intergeneric transfer of a pathogenicity island by a cos phage, and highlight a gene transfer mechanism that may have important implications for pathogen evolution.
Missing driver in the Sun–Earth connection from energetic electron precipitation impacts mesospheric ozone
Authors: Andersson M. E. , Verronen P. T. , Rodger C. J. , Clilverd M. A. , Seppälä A.
Published: October 2014

Energetic electron precipitation (EEP) from the Earth’s outer radiation belt continuously affects the chemical composition of the polar mesosphere. EEP can contribute to catalytic ozone loss in the mesosphere through ionization and enhanced production of odd hydrogen. However, the long-term mesospheric ozone variability caused by EEP has not been quantified or confirmed to date. Here we show, using observations from three different satellite instruments, that EEP events strongly affect ozone at 60–80 km, leading to extremely large (up to 90%) short-term ozone depletion. This impact is comparable to that of large, but much less frequent, solar proton events. On solar cycle timescales, we find that EEP causes ozone variations of up to 34% at 70–80 km. With such a magnitude, it is reasonable to suspect that EEP could be an important part of solar influence on the atmosphere and climate system.
A designed peptide targeting CXCR4 displays anti-acute myelocytic leukemia activity in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Li Xiaojin , Guo Hua , Yang Yanlian , Meng Jie , Liu Jian , Wang Chen , Xu Haiyan
Published: October 2014

Leukemia cells highly expressing chemokine receptor CXCR4 can actively response to stroma derived factor 1α (CXCL12), trafficking and homing to the marrow microenvironment, which causes poor prognosis and relapse. Here we demonstrate that a novel designed peptide (E5) targeting CXCR4 inhibits CXCL12- and stroma-induced activation in multiple acute myelocytic leukemia (AML) cell lines and displays anti-AML activity. We show that E5 has high affinity to multiple AML cells with high CXCR4 level in a concentration dependent manner. E5 significantly inhibits CXCL12- or murine stromal cell (MS-5)-induced migration of leukemia cells and prevents the cells from adhering to stromal cells. Mechanistic studies demonstrate that E5 down-regulates CXCL12-induced phosphorylation of Akt, Erk and p38, which affects the cytoskeleton F-actin organization and ultimately results in the inhibition of CXCL12- and stroma-mediated leukemia cell responses. E5 can induce concentration-dependent apoptosis in the four AML cell lines tested while did not affect the viability of MS-5 or human umbilical vein cell (ea.hy926) even at 80 µM, both of which have a low level of CXCR4. In vivo experimental results show that immunocompromised mice transplanted with HL-60 cells survived longer when treated with E5 twice a week in comparison to those treated with cyclophosphamide.
Nondestructive natural gas hydrate recovery driven by air and carbon dioxide
Authors: Kang Hyery , Koh Dong-Yeun , Lee Huen
Published: October 2014

Current technologies for production of natural gas hydrates (NGH), which include thermal stimulation, depressurization and inhibitor injection, have raised concerns over unintended consequences. The possibility of catastrophic slope failure and marine ecosystem damage remain serious challenges to safe NGH production. As a potential approach, this paper presents air-driven NGH recovery from permeable marine sediments induced by simultaneous mechanisms for methane liberation (NGH decomposition) and CH4-air or CH4-CO2/air replacement. Air is diffused into and penetrates NGH and, on its surface, forms a boundary between the gas and solid phases. Then spontaneous melting proceeds until the chemical potentials become equal in both phases as NGH depletion continues and self-regulated CH4-air replacement occurs over an arbitrary point. We observed the existence of critical methane concentration forming the boundary between decomposition and replacement mechanisms in the NGH reservoirs. Furthermore, when CO2 was added, we observed a very strong, stable, self-regulating process of exchange (CH4 replaced by CO2/air; hereafter CH4-CO2/air) occurring in the NGH. The proposed process will work well for most global gas hydrate reservoirs, regardless of the injection conditions or geothermal gradient.
“Ready-to-use” hollow nanofiber membrane-based glucose testing strips
Authors: Ji Xiaoyuan , Su Zhiguo , Wang Ping , Ma Guanghui , Zhang Songping
Published: October 2014

Fabrication and application of a hollow nanofiber membrane-based test strip for glucose detection.
A recyclable chitosan-based QCM biosensor for sensitive and selective detection of breast cancer cells in real time
Authors: Zhang Shaolian , Bai Haihua , Luo Jinmei , Yang Peihui , Cai Jiye
Published: October 2014

A sensitive and recyclable QCM biosensor for the real-time measurement of MCF-7 breast cancer cells was developed for the first time using folic acid coupled to chitosan as an excellent biocompatible biosensor film.
Water-soluble pyridine-based colorimetric chemosensor for naked eye detection of silver ions: design, synthesis, spectral and theoretical investigation
Authors: Annaraj B. , Neelakantan M. A.
Published: October 2014

A selective and sensitive colorimetric chemosensor (L) for silver ions is reported. Various spectroscopic results show the sensing properties of (L). A simple and cost effective test kit has been prepared for the detection of silver ion in water samples.
Synergistic dual-targeting hydrogel improves targeting and anticancer effect of Taxol in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Shu Chang , Li Ruixin , Yin Yajun , Yin Deyan , Gu Yueqing , Ding Li , Zhong Wenying
Published: October 2014

A synergistic dual-targeting self-assembly hydrogel was designed with estrone and RGD to enhance targeted delivery and anticancer effect of Taxol.
Graphitic carbon nitride solid nanofilms for selective and recyclable sensing of Cu2+ and Ag+ in water and serum
Authors: Huang Heqin , Chen Rui , Ma Jiale , Yan Li , Zhao Yingqi , Wang Yu , Zhang Wenjun , Fan Jun , Chen Xianfeng
Published: October 2014

Graphitic carbon nitride hybrid nanofilms are reported as sensitive, rapid and recyclable sensor for Cu2+ and Ag+, and the sensing in serum demonstrates their potential in medical applications.
A disulfide polymerized protein crystal
Authors: Quistgaard Esben M.
Published: October 2014

A protein crystal has been grown, which uniquely, is fully cross-linked by cysteine-mediated disulfide bonds along the c-axis.
Palladium-catalyzed selective aminoamidation and aminocyanation of alkenes using isonitrile as amide and cyanide sources
Authors: Jiang Huanfeng , Gao Hanling , Liu Bifu , Wu Wanqing
Published: October 2014

An efficient aminoamidation and aminocyanation reaction of alkenes has been developed for the synthesis of substituted indolines, tetrahydroisoquinolines and pyrrolidines.
Crystallisation control of paracetamol from ionic liquids
Authors: Smith K. B. , Bridson R. H. , Leeke G. A.
Published: October 2014

The use of ionic liquids as a novel media for crystallisation and potential suitability for particle habit manipulation of paracetamol.
Impact of constitution of the terthiophene–vinylene conjugated side chain on the optical and photovoltaic properties of two-dimensional polythiophenes
Authors: Hsiow Chuen-Yo , Raja Rathinam , Wang Chun-Yao , Lin Yu-Hsiang , Yang Yu-Wen , Hsieh Yen-Ju , Rwei Syang-Peng , Chiu Wen-Yen , Huang Ching-I , Wang Leeyih
Published: October 2014

The effects of the spatial arrangement of the conjugated side chains of 2-D polymers on their optical, electrochemical, and photovoltaic characteristics were investigated.
The role of native defects in the transport of charge and mass and the decomposition of Li4BN3H10
Authors: Hoang Khang , Janotti Anderson , Van de Walle Chris G.
Published: October 2014

We propose an atomistic mechanism for the decomposition of Li4BN3H10 in which the cogeneration of NH3 gas is associated with self-diffusion of negatively charged hydrogen vacancies.
Resolving the anomalous infrared spectrum of the MeCN–HCl molecular cluster using ab Initio molecular dynamics
Authors: Bork Nicolai , Loukonen Ville , Kjaergaard Henrik G. , Vehkamäki Hanna
Published: October 2014

Molecular dynamics simulations reveal that the asymmetric peak seen in IR spectra of acetonitrile–HCl molecular complexes are due to high population of complexes with partially broken hydrogen bonds.
Understanding catalysis
Authors: Roduner Emil
Published: October 2014

Catalysts often perform miraculous transformations of reactants A to very different products P in seemingly a single step. Such catalysts appear as a black box. This tutorial shows how we can shine light into this black box and understand the reaction mechanism. In particular, it aims at explaining some of the fundamental principles of the action of a catalyst.
A conformationally stressed novel ball-type perylenediimide appended zinc(ii)phthalocyanine hybrid: spectroelectrochemical, electrocolorimetric and photovoltaic properties
Authors: Pekdemir Fatih , Kurnalı Sertan , Şengül Abdurrahman , Altındal Ahmet , Rıza Özkaya Ali , Salih Bekir , Bekaroğlu Özer
Published: October 2014

The ZnPc-perylenediimide hybrid displayed a well-defined electrochromic behaviour and the best photovoltaic conversion efficiency observed with a Pc-based organic solar cell.
Bismuth(iii) complexes derived from α-amino acids: the impact of hydrolysis and oxido-cluster formation on their activity against Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Busse Madleen , Border Emily , Junk Peter C. , Ferrero Richard L. , Andrews Philip C.
Published: October 2014

Bi(iii) complexes, [BiL3] and [Bi2L3], derived from α-amino acids (LH) have been synthesised and characterised. Hydrolysis and oxido-cluster formation in water impacts significantly on their activity towardsH. pylori.
Towards understanding cell penetration by stapled peptides
Authors: Chu Qian , Moellering Raymond E. , Hilinski Gerard J. , Kim Young-Woo , Grossmann Tom N. , Yeh Johannes T.-H. , Verdine Gregory L.
Published: October 2014

A systematic study on cell penetration by stapled peptides.
An insight into silver nanoparticles bioavailability in rats
Authors: Jiménez-Lamana Javier , Laborda Francisco , Bolea Eduardo , Abad-Álvaro Isabel , Castillo Juan R. , Bianga Juliusz , He Man , Bierla Katarzyna , Mounicou Sandra , Ouerdane Laurent , Gaillet Sylvie , Rouanet Jean-Max , Szpunar Joanna
Published: October 2014

The bioavailability in rats orally treated with silver nanoparticles is studied through the analysis of their content in the liver, kidney, feces and urine.
Uncovering the structures of modular polyketide synthases
Authors: Weissman Kira J.
Published: October 2014

This review covers a breakthrough in the structural biology of the gigantic modular polyketide synthases (PKS): the structural characterization of intact modules by single-particle cryo-electron microscopy and small-angle X-ray scattering.
From monomer to monolayer: a global optimisation study of (ZnO)n nanoclusters on the Ag surface
Authors: Demiroglu Ilker , Woodley Scott M. , Sokol Alexey A. , Bromley Stefan T.
Published: October 2014

We employ global optimisation to investigate how oxide nanoclusters of increasing size can best adapt their structure to lower the system energy when interacting with a realistic extended metal support.
Catalyst engineering for lithium ion batteries: the catalytic role of Ge in enhancing the electrochemical performance of SnO2(GeO2)0.13/G anodes
Authors: Zhu Yun Guang , Wang Ye , Han Zhao Jun , Shi Yumeng , Wong Jen It , Huang Zhi Xiang , Ostrikov Kostya (Ken) , Yang Hui Ying
Published: October 2014

The catalytic role of Ge promotes the reversible electrochemical reaction of SnO2 to Sn, overcoming the limitation of the traditional specific capacity of SnO2.
Novel chemical route for atomic layer deposition of MoS2 thin film on SiO2/Si substrate
Authors: Jin Zhenyu , Shin Seokhee , Kwon Do Hyun , Han Seung-Joo , Min Yo-Sep
Published: October 2014

An amorphous MoS2 thin film is grown at 100 °C on SiO2/Si by atomic layer deposition using molybdenum hexacarbonyl and dimethyldisulfide. The as-grown film is crystallized with (002) basal planes in a direction parallel to the substrate.
Solution structure of a cucurbit[8]uril induced compact supramolecular protein dimer
Authors: Dang Dung T. , Bosmans Ralph P. G. , Moitzi Christian , Voets Ilja K. , Brunsveld Luc
Published: October 2014

Cucurbit[8]uril induces protein dimerization of fluorescent proteins with a flexible FGG-tagged N-terminus into a compact z-shaped dimer revealed by SAXS.
Biomineralization-inspired synthesis of functional organic/inorganic hybrid materials: organic molecular control of self-organization of hybrids
Authors: Arakaki Atsushi , Shimizu Katsuhiko , Oda Mayumi , Sakamoto Takeshi , Nishimura Tatsuya , Kato Takashi
Published: October 2014

Biomineralization-inspired synthesis of functional organic/inorganic hybrid materials. Molecularly controlled mechanisms of biomineralization and application of the processes towards future material synthesis are introduced.
Novel naphthoquinone derivatives and evaluation of their trypanocidal and leishmanicidal activities
Authors: Naujorks Aline Alves dos Santos , da Silva Adriano Olímpio , Lopes Rosangela da Silva , de Albuquerque Sérgio , Beatriz Adilson , Marques Maria Rita , de Lima Dênis Pires
Published: October 2014

Novel naphthoquinone derivatives were synthesized and tested for trypanocidal and leishmanicidal activities. Compound 11a was the most active against T. cruzi.
Magnetization, crystal structure and anisotropic thermal expansion of single-crystal SrEr2O4
Authors: Li Hai-Feng , Wildes Andrew , Hou Binyang , Zhang Cong , Schmitz Berthold , Meuffels Paul , Roth Georg , Brückel Thomas
Published: October 2014

The magnetization, crystal structure, and thermal expansion of a nearly stoichiometric Sr1.04(3)Er2.09(6)O4.00(1)single crystal have been studied by PPMS measurements and in-house and high-resolution synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction.
A rapid and effective vignetting correction for quantitative microscopy
Authors: Lee Sung Sik , Pelet Serge , Peter Matthias , Dechant Reinhard
Published: October 2014

We describe a novel and versatile algorithm for vignetting correction and demonstrate its usefulness for quantitative microscopy.
Two stage chemical bath deposition of MoO3 nanorod films
Authors: Dhara Arpan , Hodes Gary , Sarkar Shaibal K.
Published: October 2014

h-MoO3 nanorods are deposited on a FTO substrate by a two step chemical bath deposition method. The first stage of the deposition is the nucleation step followed by growth at the second stage.
2,4-Dinitrobenzenesulfonic acid in an efficient Brønsted acid-catalyzed controlled/living ring-opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone
Authors: Wang Huiying , Wu Wenzhuo , Li Zhenjiang , Zhi Xu , Chen Cheng , Zhao Chengxu , Li Xiaopei , Zhang Qiguo , Guo Kai
Published: October 2014

2,4-Dinitrobenzenesulfonic acid as an efficient Brønsted acidic catalyst has been evaluated for the controlled/living ring-opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone end-functionalized, α,ω-dihydroxy telechelic poly(ε-caprolactone), and diblock copolymers were also synthesised successfully.
Total synthesis of (+)-swainsonine and (+)-8-epi-swainsonine
Authors: Trajkovic Milos , Balanac Vesna , Ferjancic Zorana , Saicic Radomir N.
Published: October 2014

Enantioselective total synthesis of (+)-swaisonine that hinges on a combination of organocatalyzed aldolization and reductive amination, affords the title compound in 9 steps, with 24% overall yield.
Temperature-dependent templated growth of porphine thin films on the (111) facets of copper and silver
Authors: Diller Katharina , Klappenberger Florian , Allegretti Francesco , Papageorgiou Anthoula C. , Fischer Sybille , Duncan David A. , Maurer Reinhard J. , Lloyd Julian A. , Oh Seung Cheol , Reuter Karsten , Barth Johannes V.
Published: October 2014

The templated growth of the basic porphyrin unit, free-base porphine (2H-P), is characterized by means of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and near-edge X-ray absorption fine-structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy measurements and density functional theory (DFT). The DFT simulations allow the deconvolution of the complex XPS and NEXAFS signatures into contributions originating from five inequivalent carbon atoms, which can be grouped into C–N and C–C bonded species. Polarization-dependent NEXAFS measurements reveal an intriguing organizational behavior: On both Cu(111) and Ag(111), for coverages up to one monolayer, the molecules adsorb undeformed and parallel to the respective metal surface. Upon increasing the coverage, however, the orientation of the molecules in the thin films depends on the growth conditions. Multilayers deposited at low temperatures exhibit a similar average tilting angle (30° relative to the surface plane) on both substrates. Conversely, for multilayers grown at room temperature a markedly different scenario exists. On Cu(111) the film thickness is self-limited to a coverage of approximately two layers, while on Ag(111) multilayers can be grown easily and, in contrast to the bulk 2H-P crystal, the molecules are oriented perpendicular to the surface. This difference in molecular orientation results in a modified line-shape of the C 1s XPS signatures, which depends on the incident photon energy and is explained by comparison with depth-resolved DFT calculations. Simulations of ionization energies for differently stacked molecules show no indication for a packing-induced modification of the multilayer XP spectra, thus indicating that the comparison of single molecule calculations to multilayer data is justified.
General theory of the multistage geminate reactions of the isolated pairs of reactants. II. Detailed balance and universal asymptotes of kinetics
Authors: Kipriyanov Alexey A. , Doktorov Alexander B.
Published: October 2014

The analysis of general (matrix) kinetic equations for the mean survival probabilities of any of the species in a sample (or mean concentrations) has been made for a wide class of the multistage geminate reactions of the isolated pairs. These kinetic equations (obtained in the frame of the kinetic approach based on the concept of “effective” particles in Paper I) take into account various possible elementary reactions (stages of a multistage reaction) excluding monomolecular, but including physical and chemical processes of the change in internal quantum states carried out with the isolated pairs of reactants (or isolated reactants). The general basic principles of total and detailed balance have been established. The behavior of the reacting system has been considered on macroscopic time scales, and the universal long-term kinetics has been determined.
First-principles study of structural, electronic, vibrational, dielectric and elastic properties of tetragonal Ba2YTaO6
Authors: Ganeshraj C. , Santhosh P. N.
Published: October 2014

We report first-principles study of structural, electronic, vibrational, dielectric, and elastic properties of Ba2YTaO6, a pinning material in high temperature superconductors (HTS), by using density functional theory. By using different exchange-correlation potentials, the accuracy of the calculated lattice constants of Ba2YTaO6 has been achieved with GGA-RPBE, since many important physical quantities crucially depend on change in volume. We have calculated the electronic band structure dispersion, total and partial density of states to study the band gap origin and found that Ba2YTaO6 is an insulator with a direct band gap of 3.50 eV. From Mulliken population and charge density studies, we conclude that Ba2YTaO6 have a mixed ionic-covalent character. Moreover, the vibrational properties, born effective charges, and the dielectric permittivity tensor have been calculated using linear response method. Vibrational spectrum determined through our calculations agrees well with the observed Raman spectrum, and allows assignment of symmetry labels to modes. We perform a detailed analysis of the contribution of the various infrared-active modes to the static dielectric constant to explain its anisotropy, while electronic dielectric tensor of Ba2YTaO6 is nearly isotropic, and found that static dielectric constant is in good agreement with experimental value. The six independent elastic constants were calculated and found that tetragonal Ba2YTaO6 is mechanically stable. Other elastic properties, including bulk modulus, shear modulus, Young's modulus, Poisson's ratio, and elastic anisotropy ratios are also investigated and found that Poisson's ratio and Young's modulus of Ba2YTaO6 are similar to that of other pinning materials in HTS.
A compact and accurate semi-global potential energy surface for malonaldehyde from constrained least squares regression
Authors: Mizukami Wataru , Habershon Scott , Tew David P.
Published: October 2014

We present a new approach to semi-global potential energy surface fitting that uses the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) constrained least squares procedure to exploit an extremely flexible form for the potential function, while at the same time controlling the risk of overfitting and avoiding the introduction of unphysical features such as divergences or high-frequency oscillations. Drawing from a massively redundant set of overlapping distributed multi-dimensional Gaussian functions of inter-atomic separations we build a compact full-dimensional surface for malonaldehyde, fit to explicitly correlated coupled cluster CCSD(T)(F12*) energies with a root mean square deviations accuracy of 0.3%–0.5% up to 25 000 cm−1 above equilibrium. Importance-sampled diffusion Monte Carlo calculations predict zero point energies for malonaldehyde and its deuterated isotopologue of 14 715.4(2) and 13 997.9(2) cm−1 and hydrogen transfer tunnelling splittings of 21.0(4) and 3.2(4) cm−1, respectively, which are in excellent agreement with the experimental values of 21.583 and 2.915(4) cm−1.
Stable doping of carbon nanotubes via molecular self assembly
Authors: Lee B. , Chen Y. , Cook A. , Zakhidov A. , Podzorov V.
Published: October 2014

We report a novel method for stable doping of carbon nanotubes (CNT) based on methods of molecular self assembly. A conformal growth of a self-assembled monolayer of fluoroalkyl trichloro-silane (FTS) at CNT surfaces results in a strong increase of the sheet conductivity of CNT electrodes by 60–300%, depending on the CNT chirality and composition. The charge carrier mobility of undoped partially aligned CNT films was independently estimated in a field-effect transistor geometry (∼100 cm2V−1s−1). The hole density induced by the FTS monolayer in CNT sheets is estimated to be ∼1.8 × 1014 cm−2. We also show that FTS doping of CNT anodes greatly improves the performance of organic solar cells. This large and stable doping effect, easily achieved in large-area samples, makes this approach very attractive for applications of CNTs in transparent and flexible electronics.
Relationship between direct and converse flexoelectric coefficients
Authors: Shu Longlong , Li Fei , Huang Wenbin , Wei Xiaoyong , Yao Xi , Jiang Xiaoning
Published: October 2014

Flexoelectric effect, as a universal electromechanical coupling, has drawn lots of interests in dielectric materials. However, due to the restrictions of present measurement techniques, only part of coefficients has been experimentally examined. In this study, we derived the coordinate-dependent Gibbs free energy density function in the inhomogeneous spatial field to investigate the relationship between the direct and converse flexoelectric coefficients. In crystalline mediums and systems, the direct and converse flexoelectric coefficients are proved to equivalent according to the Maxwell relation. These results will broaden the application of the Maxwell relation into non-linear spatial field, and provide the guideline for experimental measurement and prediction of flexoelectric coefficients.
Large object investigation by digital holography with effective spectrum multiplexing under single-exposure approach
Authors: Liu Ning , Zhang Yingying , Xie Jun
Published: October 2014

We present a method to investigate large object by digital holography with effective spectrum multiplexing under single-exposure approach. This method splits the original reference beam and redirects one of its branches as a second object beam. Through the modified Mach-Zehnder interferometer, the two object beams can illuminate different parts of the large object and create a spectrum multiplexed hologram onto the focal plane array of the charge-coupled device/complementary metal oxide semiconductor camera. After correct spectrum extraction and image reconstruction, the large object can be fully observed within only one single snap-shot. The flexibility and great performance make our method a very attractive and promising technique for large object investigation under common 632.8 nm illumination.
Quantifying lubricant droplet spreading on a flat substrate using molecular dynamics
Authors: Noble Brooklyn , Ovcharenko Andrey , Raeymaekers Bart
Published: October 2014

Understanding the physical behavior of polymer-based lubricants on the nanoscale is of critical importance to a myriad of engineering applications and devices. We have used molecular dynamics simulations to quantitatively evaluate the physical mechanisms underlying perfluoropolyether lubricant spreading on a solid substrate. We quantify the effect of molecular mass, molecule length, and lubricant and substrate functional end groups on lubricant spreading. The results show that lubricant functional end groups play a critical role in lubricant spreading on the nanoscale. Lubricant spreading increases with increasing molecule length for lubricant with functional end groups, but decreases with the increase in molecule length for lubricant without functional end groups. In the former case, the fraction of the lubricant chain that is functional is the primary driving factor for lubricant spreading, while in the latter case, the molecular mass is most important. For both lubricants with and without functional end groups, spreading is inhibited by molecule entanglement beyond a critical molecule length, and spreading becomes independent of lubricant functional end groups and molecular mass.
One-step fabrication of free-standing flexible membranes reinforced with self-assembled arrays of carbon nanotubes
Authors: Grilli S. , Coppola S. , Vespini V. , Pagliarulo V. , Nasti G. , Carfagna C. , Ferraro P.
Published: October 2014

Here, we report on a single step approach for fabricating free-standing polymer membranes reinforced with arrayed self-assembled carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The CNTs are self-assembled spontaneously by electrode-free DC dielectrophoresis based on surface charge templates. The electrical charge template is generated through the pyroelectric effect onto periodically poled lithium niobate ferroelectric crystals. A thermal stimulus enables simultaneously the self-assembly of the CNTs and the cross-linking of the host polymer. Examples of thin polydimethylsiloxane membranes reinforced with CNT patterns are shown.
High-quality NbN nanofilms on a GaN/AlN heterostructure
Authors: Sam-Giao Diane , Pouget Stéphanie , Bougerol Catherine , Monroy Eva , Grimm Alexander , Jebari Salha , Hofheinz Max , Gérard J.-M. , Zwiller Val
Published: October 2014

We demonstrate high-quality monocrystalline NbN films deposited by DC magnetron sputtering on a GaN/AlN waveguiding heterostructure. NbN layers with a thickness of 8 nm are grown along the [111] direction, and show two orientation domains with NbN(111) [2-1-1]//AlN (0001) [10-10] and NbN(111) [2-1-1]//AlN(0001) [01-10] epitaxial relationships. Our NbN films display a critical temperature of 13.2 K, with the superconducting transition taking place in a temperature range of only 0.7 K.
The Shape of a Hole is Perceived as the Shape of its Interior
Authors: Nelson Rolf , Reiss Jason E , Gong Xue , Conklin Sherri , Parker Laura , Palmer Stephen E
Published: October 2014

In typical figure–ground displays the figure has shape and is perceived as being in front, whereas the ground is shapeless and recedes to the back. The recent literature on the visual perception of holes has questioned the nature of this coupling between shape and depth both theoretically and empirically. In this paper we provide a theoretical framework that clarifies the underlying issues and we report new evidence supporting the view that the shape of a hole is perceived as the shape of its interior region. Palmer, Davis, Nelson, and Rock (2008 Perception, 37, 1569–1586) showed that the shape of the interior region of a hole is remembered as such, even though the surface visible through it is perceived as farther in depth. The present paper extends this evidence to perceiving holes. Participants performed a speeded shape-matching task in which they compared a surrounded interior region (of either a hole or an object) or its exterior complement with one of several shapes. The results indicate that holes are perceived as shaped in the same way as their material counterparts. We conclude that the shape of a hole is encoded as the shape of its interior region, even though that region contains no surface material. These results can be reconciled with recent experiments that have provided evidence that holes are perceived differently from their material counterparts.
Spleen supports a pool of innate-like B cells in white adipose tissue that protects against obesity-associated insulin resistance
Authors: Wu Lan , Parekh Vrajesh V. , Hsiao Joseph , Kitamura Daisuke , Van Kaer Luc
Published: October 2014

Significance

The rise in obesity-associated diseases has led to increased efforts to identify new therapeutic targets. Lipid accumulation in obesity triggers a low-grade inflammation that links obesity to its associated diseases, notably insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. In this report, we have studied a group of innate-like B lymphocytes in visceral white adipose tissue (VAT) of mice that are (
i
) capable of producing the anti-inflammatory mediator IL-10; (
ii
) replenished from precursor cells in spleen during diet-induced obesity (DIO); and (
iii
) impaired in VAT of DIO mice, resulting in diminished protection against obesity-associated insulin resistance that can be ameliorated by supplementation of these cells. These findings identify spleen-supplied innate-like B cells in VAT as previously unidentified therapeutic targets for obesity-associated diseases.
Efficient replication of Epstein–Barr virus in stratified epithelium in vitro
Authors: Temple Rachel M. , Zhu Junjia , Budgeon Lynn , Christensen Neil David , Meyers Craig , Sample Clare E.
Published: October 2014

Significance

Epstein–Barr virus establishes a life-long latent infection (i.e., no virus is produced) in B cells in most people worldwide. A specific group of latency-associated proteins is expressed in B-cell and epithelial malignancies and likely contributes to tumorigenesis, but the role of epithelial cells in the virus life cycle is not well understood. We grew epithelial cells in organotypic cultures, allowing the cells to differentiate and stratify as they do in vivo. Unlike B-cell infection, EBV infection of epithelial cultures resulted in spontaneous production of high levels of virus, likely expanding the virus pool and increasing efficiency of transmission. This model of EBV-infected epithelium will enhance our understanding of the role of epithelial cells in the EBV life cycle.
Computational design of a red fluorophore ligase for site-specific protein labeling in living cells
Authors: Liu Daniel S. , Nivón Lucas G. , Richter Florian , Goldman Peter J. , Deerinck Thomas J. , Yao Jennifer Z. , Richardson Douglas , Phipps William S. , Ye Anne Z. , Ellisman Mark H. , Drennan Catherine L. , Baker David , Ting Alice Y.
Published: October 2014

Significance

This work establishes a fluorescence labeling method that can be used in living cells to derivatize specific proteins of interest with a small red fluorophore, resorufin. The method has extremely high sequence specificity and is based on a computationally designed fluorophore ligase, derived from
Escherichia coli
lipoic acid ligase. These results demonstrate the power of computational design to majorly reengineer enzyme specificity. Extensive screening of rationally designed enzyme mutants failed to achieve the same result.
Domesticated transposase Kat1 and its fossil imprints induce sexual differentiation in yeast
Authors: Rajaei Naghmeh , Chiruvella Kishore K. , Lin Feng , Åström Stefan U.
Published: October 2014

Significance

Transposable elements (TEs) are mobile genetic elements that colonize the nuclei of all organisms. Although TEs can be detrimental, they are considered important evolutionary forces. We discovered a domesticated TE in the mating-type locus of the yeast
Kluyveromyces lactis
.
K. lactis hobo/Activator/Tam3
(hAT) transposase 1 (Kat1) mobilizes this TE from the genome by inducing DNA double-strand breaks followed by gene conversion, resulting in a switch of mating type. Hence, Kat1 triggers an adaptive genome rearrangement facilitating sexual differentiation. Surprisingly, the translation of Kat1 requires a programmed frameshift. The frameshift in the
KAT1
gene dampens the activity of Kat1. In contrast, Kat1 is transcriptionally activated by nutrient limitation. Together our results reveal Kat1 as a highly regulated transposase that stimulates sexual reproduction.
Double-stranded RNA under force and torque: Similarities to and striking differences from double-stranded DNA
Authors: Lipfert Jan , Skinner Gary M. , Keegstra Johannes M. , Hensgens Toivo , Jager Tessa , Dulin David , Köber Mariana , Yu Zhongbo , Donkers Serge P. , Chou Fang-Chieh , Das Rhiju , Dekker Nynke H.
Published: October 2014

Significance

RNA, like DNA, can form double helices held together by the pairing of complementary bases, and such helices are ubiquitous in functional RNAs. Here we apply external forces and torques to individual double-stranded RNA molecules to determine the mechanical properties and conformational transitions of these fundamental biological building blocks. For small forces and torques, RNA helices behave like elastic rods, and we have determined their bending, stretching, and twisting stiffness. Surprisingly, we find that RNA shortens when it is overwound, whereas DNA lengthens. Finally, we twist RNA until it buckles and forms a loop, and find the timescale of this transition to be much slower for RNA compared with DNA, suggesting unexpected differences in their flexibilities on short length scales.
Role of pyruvate kinase M2 in transcriptional regulation leading to epithelial–mesenchymal transition
Authors: Hamabe Atsushi , Konno Masamitsu , Tanuma Nobuhiro , Shima Hiroshi , Tsunekuni Kenta , Kawamoto Koichi , Nishida Naohiro , Koseki Jun , Mimori Koshi , Gotoh Noriko , Yamamoto Hirofumi , Doki Yuichiro , Mori Masaki , Ishii Hideshi
Published: October 2014

Significance

Our study shows that pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2), an alternatively spliced variant of the pyruvate kinase gene, mediates epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), which is critical for cancer cells to acquire invasive potential. Our study demonstrates that EMT stimulates nuclear translocation of PKM2 and decreases epithelial cadherin transcription (a requirement for EMT induction). Our results also demonstrate that PKM2 interacts with the transcriptional factor TGF-β–induced factor homeobox 2, which induces the deacetylation of histone H3, resulting in repressed E-cadherin expression. The precise understanding of nuclear PKM2 function suggests the potential for a model preventing cancer metastasis.
Maternal age effect and severe germ-line bottleneck in the inheritance of human mitochondrial DNA
Authors: Rebolledo-Jaramillo Boris , Su Marcia Shu-Wei , Stoler Nicholas , McElhoe Jennifer A. , Dickins Benjamin , Blankenberg Daniel , Korneliussen Thorfinn S. , Chiaromonte Francesca , Nielsen Rasmus , Holland Mitchell M. , Paul Ian M. , Nekrutenko Anton , Makova Kateryna D.
Published: October 2014

Significance

The frequency of intraindividual mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) polymorphisms—heteroplasmies—can change dramatically from mother to child owing to the mitochondrial bottleneck at oogenesis. For deleterious heteroplasmies such a change may transform alleles that are benign at low frequency in a mother into disease-causing alleles when at a high frequency in her child. Our study estimates the mtDNA germ-line bottleneck to be small (30–35) and documents a positive association between the number of child heteroplasmies and maternal age at fertilization, enabling prediction of transmission of disease-causing variants and informing mtDNA evolution.
Central domain of IL-33 is cleaved by mast cell proteases for potent activation of group-2 innate lymphoid cells
Authors: Lefrançais Emma , Duval Anais , Mirey Emilie , Roga Stéphane , Espinosa Eric , Cayrol Corinne , Girard Jean-Philippe
Published: October 2014

Significance

Interleukin-33 (IL-33) is an IL-1 family cytokine with important roles in type-2 immunity and human asthma. IL-33 is a key activator of the recently described group-2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s), which are involved in the initiation of allergic inflammation. Here, we investigated the mechanisms regulating IL-33 activity. We discovered that mast cells, critical effector cells in allergic disorders, secrete proteases, which cleave IL-33 and generate mature forms with increased biological activity. We demonstrate that these mature forms of IL-33 are 30-fold more potent than full-length IL-33 for activation of ILC2s. Our study suggests that inhibition of IL-33 cleavage by mast cell and other inflammatory proteases could be useful to limit IL-33–mediated responses in allergic asthma and other inflammatory diseases.
Oil platforms off California are among the most productive marine fish habitats globally
Authors: Claisse Jeremy T. , Pondella Daniel J. , Love Milton , Zahn Laurel A. , Williams Chelsea M. , Williams Jonathan P. , Bull Ann S.
Published: October 2014

Significance

Secondary production is the formation of new animal biomass from growth for all individuals in a given area during some period of time. It can be a powerful tool for evaluating ecosystem function because it incorporates multiple characteristics of a population or community of organisms such as density, body size, growth, and survivorship into a single metric. Here, we find that fish communities living on the complex hardscape habitat created throughout the water column by the structure of oil and gas platforms off California have the highest secondary production per unit area of seafloor of any marine ecosystem for which similar estimates exist.
TLR-dependent phagosome tubulation in dendritic cells promotes phagosome cross-talk to optimize MHC-II antigen presentation
Authors: Mantegazza Adriana R. , Zajac Allison L. , Twelvetrees Alison , Holzbaur Erika L. F. , Amigorena Sebastián , Marks Michael S.
Published: October 2014

Significance

Dendritic cells (DCs) ingest bacteria at sites of infection, signal the presence of invaders via phagosomal Toll-like receptors (TLRs), and present bacterial antigens to the adaptive immune system. We show that TLR signaling from maturing phagosomes in DCs stimulates the formation of membrane tubules that facilitate content transfer with other signaling phagosomes and thereby promote optimal presentation of phagocytosed antigens. The phagosomal tubules are thus functionally distinct from those of lysosomes and link innate immune signaling to enhanced adaptive immune responses.
Dynamical facilitation governs glassy dynamics in suspensions of colloidal ellipsoids
Authors: Mishra Chandan K. , Hima Nagamanasa K. , Ganapathy Rajesh , Sood A. K. , Gokhale Shreyas
Published: October 2014

Significance

Although glasses have been used for a plethora of applications since times immemorial, the basic physics underlying their formation remains mysterious. Furthermore, although competing theories are routinely tested in glass formers comprising spherical particles, little is known about anisotropic systems, despite the fact that most molecular liquids exhibit anisotropy in shape and interactions. Here, we have applied the dynamical facilitation (DF) approach, a prominent theory of the glass transition, to study glass formation in suspensions of colloidal ellipsoids with attractive interactions. We observe that DF can not only explain the phenomenology of glass formation in ellipsoids but also predict the existence of reentrant glass transitions, suggesting that DF can be the dominant mechanism of structural relaxation in realistic glass formers.
The protein Compromised Hydrolysis of Triacylglycerols 7 (CHT7) acts as a repressor of cellular quiescence in Chlamydomonas
Authors: Tsai Chia-Hong , Warakanont Jaruswan , Takeuchi Tomomi , Sears Barb B. , Moellering Eric R. , Benning Christoph
Published: October 2014

Significance

Microalgae accumulate valuable compounds under conditions adverse to growth. For example, nutrient starvation causes accumulation of triacylglycerols but also induces cellular quiescence, characterized by the reversible cessation of growth. Among other factors, this inverse relationship between biomass productivity and triacylglycerol accumulation has long hampered efforts toward the efficient generation of biofuel feedstocks from microalgae. The discovery of a mutant and corresponding protein of
Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
affecting the orderly transition of algal cells from quiescence to normal growth provides mechanistic insights to address this problem. Quiescent cells also are found in plants and animals. Thus, understanding how Chlamydomonas CHT7 affects the exit out of quiescence promises to provide important insights into the regulation of cellular behavior in multicellular organisms as well.
Equity theory and fair inequality: A neuroeconomic study
Authors: Cappelen Alexander W. , Eichele Tom , Hugdahl Kenneth , Specht Karsten , Sørensen Erik Ø. , Tungodden Bertil
Published: October 2014

Significance

People’s preferences for income distribution fundamentally affect their behavior and contribute to shaping important social and political institutions. The study of such preferences has become a major topic in behavioral research in social psychology and economics. Despite the large literature studying preferences for income distribution, there is no direct neuronal evidence of how the brain responds to income distributions when people have made different contributions in terms of work effort. The present paper reports from, to our knowledge, the first neuroimaging study designed to examine how the brain responds to the distribution of income in such situations. As such, to our knowledge it is also the first study to examine the neuronal basis for equity theory.