bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Peroxo Compounds of Vanadium(V) and Niobium(V) as Potent Inhibitors of Calcineurin Activity towards RII‐Phosphopeptide
Authors: Saikia Gangutri , Gogoi Sandhya Rani , Boruah Jeena Jyoti , Ram Babul Moni , Begum Pakiza , Ahmed Kabirun , Sharma Mitu , Ramakrishna Gayatri , Ramasarma Tangirala , Islam Nashreen S.
Published: July 2017

Calcineurin (CN) is a major calmodulin binding serine/threonine phosphatase which plays a crucial role in numerous mammalian signal transduction pathways. Calcineurin inhibitors represent a valuable tool for elucidating CN dependent cellular processes. The present work deals with the synthesis and comprehensive characterization of a new polymer anchored peroxo niobium complex, [Nb2(O2)6(carboxylate)2]‐PA (Nb2) [PA=poly(sodium acrylate)], and identification of a set comprising of neat homoleptic as well as polymer immobilized peroxo complexes of vanadium(V) and niobium(V) as potent CN inhibitors. The in‐vitro effect of the complexes on calmodulin mediated dephosphorylation activity of CN was investigated using a physiological substrate of calcineurin, RII‐phosphopeptide as well as a non‐protein substrate p‐nitrophenyl phosphate (p‐NPP). Enzyme kinetic analysis data revealed that the compounds inhibit function of CN via uncompetitive pathway with Ki values ranging between 1–3 μM, suggesting the formation of an enzyme‐inhibitor‐substrate complex during the course of inhibition.
Development of Flexible Energy Storage Device by Using Polymer Electrolyte Based on Ionic Liquid
Authors: Jeong Hyeon Taek , Du Jin Feng , Kim Yong Ryeol
Published: July 2017

A flexible supercapacitor composed of the reduced graphene oxide / acid‐treated single‐wall carbon nanotubes (rGO/ASWCNTs) composite (weight ratio of 1:9) electrode with the polymer based gel electrolyte was fabricated via spray coating technique. The ionic liquid based polymer electrolyte (IL‐b‐PE) was prepared by using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and 1‐Butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (BMIMBF4), which was able to fabricate full device as flexible supercapacitor. The electrochemical performances evaluated by cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and galvanostatic charge / discharge (GCD) measurements. The flexible supercapacitor with the ionic liquid based polymer electrolyte (IL‐b‐PE) exhibited enhanced electrochemical performances compared to the flexible supercapacitor with PVA‐H3PO4 gel electrolyte. The electrochemical properties of the flexible supercapacitor assembled by IL‐b‐PE were investigated as a function of bending cycles. The cycling stability of the flexible supercapacitor was analysed as the function of bending test (0∼300) and GCD cycles (0∼4000). The specific capacitance value of the flexible supercapacitor (unbent) was 62.4 F g−1, which decreased to 55.7 F g−1 (89.3% retention after 1000 GCD cycles. The flexible supercapacitor was retained 64.6% (40.3 F g−1) of its initial capacitance value (62.4 F g−1) after 300 bending with application 4000th GCD cycles.
Sonication‐Assisted Synthesis of Hydantoin Derivative‐Decorated Graphene Oxide‐Based Sensor for Guanine
Authors: Sasmal Supriya , Haldar Debasish
Published: July 2017

We report an eco‐friendly and facile synthetic protocol for the fabrication of well‐decorated hydantoin derivatives on the surface of graphene oxide by sonication assisted exfoliation and assembly. The hydantoin derivatives were synthesized from urea and L‐phenylalanine/L‐tryptophan/ L‐leucine by one‐pot microwave‐assisted solvent free synthesis. The X‐ray crystallography shed some light on the structure and assembly pattern of the hydantoin derivatives. The formation of the hybrid materials were successfully characterized by AFM, FE‐SEM, FT‐IR, Raman, UV‐vis and fluorescence spectroscopy. The resulted hybrid material acts as highly sensitive turn off guanine sensor. The approach and findings presented here could also be extended to the fabrication of sensors for other biologically active compounds.
Accelerated Synthesis of Protected Peptides in a Continuous‐Flow Fixed‐Bed Reactor
Authors: Szloszár Aliz , Fülöp Ferenc , Mándity István M.
Published: July 2017

Continuous flow technologies are of considerable current interest. These methods offer several advantages over conventional batch procedures, such as faster heat and mass transfer, shorter reaction time, etc. Herein we show the development of a continuous procedure for the solid‐phase synthesis of protected peptide sequences. Importantly, the synthesis of peptides is more than twice as fast as methods in the published literature. Nonetheless, the protected sequences are constructed in a highly sustainable way, because solvent usage is an order of magnitude lower than those in known literature technologies. The developed method has shown excellent side‐chain protecting group tolerance with a wide range of chemical functionalities. The efficacy of the technology is demonstrated by the synthesis of various calcitonin and corticotropin fragments. Importantly, the products formed with excellent conversion and were isolated in high purity.
Effects of soil origin and current microclimate conditions on nitrogen mineralization in forest soil on different slope aspects in Hokkaido, Japan
Authors: Hishi Takuo , Urakawa Rieko , Shibata Hideaki
Published: July 2017

Climate change may alter the rate of soil N transformation. Therefore, it is important to investigate how climate conditions and soil properties affect soil N transformation. In the present study, soil transplantation experiments were performed using soils on a xeric south‐facing slope and a mesic north‐facing slope in cool‐temperate broad‐leaved natural forests. Soil N transformation rates and leaching between slopes were compared using the resin‐core method to clarify whether soil history (soil origins) or current environmental condition (locations) is the most important factor affecting soil N dynamics. The annual N mineralization did not differ significantly among soil from different origins and locations. In both locations, the annual net ammonification in south‐facing soils was higher than that in north‐facing soils, whereas the annual nitrification of north‐facing soil was higher than that of south‐facing soil. N mineralization and nitrification in north‐facing soil were significantly higher during the growing season. N mineralization in south‐facing soil was not significantly different between seasons. The interaction effect among seasons, soil origin, and location on net ammonification was significant. Net ammonification was higher in south‐facing than in north‐facing soils, and on south‐facing than on north‐facing slopes during the dormant season, suggesting that environmental change during winter affected the ammonification of south‐facing soil. During the dormant season, N mineralization and leaching were not enhanced in soil of either origin at the transplanted locations, compared with the original locations, suggesting that, in this region, snow regime changes might not enhance the risk of N loss from forest ecosystems.
Changes in severity of psychosocial difficulties in adolescents accessing specialist mental healthcare in England (2009–2014)
Authors: Edbrooke‐Childs J. , Deighton J. , Wolpert M.
Published: July 2017

In England, clinicians and professional organisations report that higher numbers of adolescents with more severe psychosocial difficulties are accessing specialist services. A lack of national data on patterns of access to specialist services means there is limited information to inform policy. We examined whether severity of psychosocial difficulties in adolescents accessing mental healthcare has changed over time. Adolescents seen in specialist child mental healthcare in 2009 vs. 2014 were matched on demographics and problem types using propensity score matching; final sample N = 2776 adolescents. We found: 1) stability over time in overall severity of difficulties, 2) an increase in severity of young women's emotional problems, and 3) a decrease in adolescents' conduct problems. The findings suggest the intriguing possibility that the criteria for accessing mental healthcare are not universally rising, but rather the patterns in access to specialist services may mirror epidemiological changes in severity of psychosocial difficulties in the population.
Childhood cumulative contextual risk and depression diagnosis among young adults: The mediating roles of adolescent alcohol use and perceived social support
Authors: Patwardhan Irina , Mason W. Alex , Savolainen Jukka , Chmelka Mary B. , Miettunen Jouko , Järvelin Marjo‐Riitta
Published: July 2017

This study examined associations between cumulative contextual risk in childhood and depression diagnosis in early adulthood, testing two adolescent mediating mechanisms, alcohol use and perceived social support from family and friends, while accounting for the stability of internalizing problems over time and examining possible gender moderation. Multiple group mediation analyses were conducted using parent‐ and adolescent‐report as well as hospital records data from the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1986 (N = 6963). Our analyses demonstrated that the association between cumulative contextual risk in childhood and depression diagnosis in adulthood is mediated by adolescent alcohol use and perceived social support both for boys and girls. The findings highlight potentially malleable mediating mechanisms associated with depression in vulnerable youth that could be targets in selective depression preventive interventions.
Emotional intelligence and social skills on self‐efficacy in Secondary Education students. Are there gender differences?
Authors: Salavera Carlos , Usán Pablo , Jarie Laurane
Published: July 2017

Self‐efficacy affects our students' academic results, which may be related to people's social skills and emotional intelligence. This study included 1402 (50.71% males) Secondary Education Spanish students (12–17 years), and analysed the relation of self‐efficacy with emotional intelligence and social skills. It showed how these constructs were related, and how the self‐efficacy perceived by students varied according to their social skills and emotional intelligence. Gender did not influence self‐efficacy, social skills and emotional intelligence. These variables showed similar correlation indices in females and males. Self‐efficacy was related with social skills and emotional intelligence in Secondary Education students, but this relation was not gender‐sensitive. More studies and research are needed to study and describe these variables according to gender from other perspectives. One proposal is to investigate the association between gender identity and self‐efficacy and social skills and emotional intelligence to better understand how these constructs participate in adolescent development.
A Hedonic Analysis of the Impact of Marine Aquaculture on Coastal Housing Prices in Maine
Authors: Evans Keith S. , Chen Xuan , Robichaud Christina A.
Published: July 2017

Converting coastal waters to farmed production of seafood may generate conflicts with other resource users. This study explores the impact of marine aquaculture development on coastal homeowners. Using single-family home sales from 2012–2014 and spatial data on coastal aquaculture activity, we employ hedonics to assess the impacts of mariculture development in three study areas of Maine, USA. Our results suggest modest impacts on residential property values with significant spatial variation across study areas. This spatial variation represents a challenge for managers and highlights the potential benefits from coordinating the development of aquaculture to balance resource users' objectives with industry growth.
Electron-scale reduced fluid models with gyroviscous effects
Authors: Passot T. , Sulem P. L. , Tassi E.
Published: July 2017

Reduced fluid models for collisionless plasmas including electron inertia and finite Larmor radius corrections are derived for scales ranging from the ion to the electron gyroradii. Based either on pressure balance or on the incompressibility of the electron fluid, they respectively capture kinetic Alfvén waves (KAWs) or whistler waves (WWs), and can provide suitable tools for reconnection and turbulence studies. Both isothermal regimes and Landau fluid closures permitting anisotropic pressure fluctuations are considered. For small values of the electron beta parameter $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FD}_{e}$, a perturbative computation of the gyroviscous force valid at scales comparable to the electron inertial length is performed at order $O(\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FD}_{e})$, which requires second-order contributions in a scale expansion. Comparisons with kinetic theory are performed in the linear regime. The spectrum of transverse magnetic fluctuations for strong and weak turbulence energy cascades is also phenomenologically predicted for both types of waves. In the case of moderate ion to electron temperature ratio, a new regime of KAW turbulence at scales smaller than the electron inertial length is obtained, where the magnetic energy spectrum decays like $k_{\bot }^{-13/3}$, thus faster than the $k_{\bot }^{-11/3}$ spectrum of WW turbulence.
Converging from branching to linear metrics on Markov chains
Authors: BACCI GIORGIO , BACCI GIOVANNI , LARSEN KIM G. , MARDARE RADU
Published: July 2017

We study two well-known linear-time metrics on Markov chains (MCs), namely, the strong and strutter trace distances. Our interest in these metrics is motivated by their relation to the probabilistic linear temporal logic (LTL)-model checking problem: we prove that they correspond to the maximal differences in the probability of satisfying the same LTL and LTL−X(LTL without next operator) formulas, respectively.

The threshold problem for these distances (whether their value exceeds a given threshold) is NP-hard and not known to be decidable. Nevertheless, we provide an approximation schema where each lower and upper approximant is computable in polynomial time in the size of the MC.

The upper approximants are bisimilarity-like pseudometrics (hence, branching-time distances) that converge point-wise to the linear-time metrics. This convergence is interesting in itself, because it reveals a non-trivial relation between branching and linear-time metric-based semantics that does not hold in equivalence-based semantics.
The Comparative Method in Practice: Case Selection and the Social Science of Revolution
Authors: Beck Colin J.
Published: July 2017

Formalization of comparative case methodology has given the appearance of growing consensus and cross-disciplinary acceptance around a set of best practices. Yet how researchers use a method may differ widely from what methodologists believe, which is the crux of institutionalization of a method. This study examines whether comparative methodology has, in fact, institutionalized within the social sciences using evidence from the entire corpus of comparative studies of revolution published from 1970 to 2009. Content analysis of methods of case selection within the revolution subfield reveals a wide diversity of strategies with only modest methodological awareness by practitioners, a lack of consensus among which case selection strategies to use, and little convergence over time. Thus, the comparative method has not yet institutionalized in its practice. Methodological practice has implications for the coverage of cases of revolution and what is substantively known about the phenomenon.
Overseas Passenger Fares and Emigration from Germany in the Mid-Nineteenth Century
Authors: Cohn Raymond L. , Wegge Simone A.
Published: July 2017

Mid-nineteenth-century German immigrants who settled in the United States and other faraway destinations faced the formidable hurdle of crossing an ocean and coming up with the resources to pay for it. Using new data from German emigrant newspapers we provide more concrete information on the fares to various international ports, and how they varied seasonally and by method of transport (sail or steam). We do not observe fares declining in the late 1840s and 1850s. Unskilled German workers could not easily afford such a voyage, providing perspective on why German immigration to the United States was positively self-selected.
Organocatalyzed synthesis of fluorinated poly(aryl thioethers)
Authors: Park Nathaniel H. , Gomes Gabriel dos Passos , Fevre Mareva , Jones Gavin O. , Alabugin Igor V. , Hedrick James L.
Published: July 2017

The preparation of high-performance fluorinated poly(aryl thioethers) has received little attention compared to the corresponding poly(aryl ethers), despite the excellent physical properties displayed by many polysulfides. Herein, we report a highly efficient route to fluorinated poly(aryl thioethers) via an organocatalyzed nucleophilic aromatic substitution of silyl-protected dithiols. This approach requires low catalyst loadings, proceeds rapidly at room temperature, and is effective for many different perfluorinated or highly activated aryl monomers. Computational investigations of the reaction mechanism reveal an unexpected, concerted SNAr mechanism, with the organocatalyst playing a critical, dual-activation role in facilitating the process. Not only does this remarkable reactivity enable rapid access to fluorinated poly(aryl thioethers), but also opens new avenues for the processing, fabrication, and functionalization of fluorinated materials with easy removal of the volatile catalyst and TMSF byproducts.
Photo-enhanced Aqueous Solubilization of an Azo-compound
Authors: Ishikawa Minoru , Ohzono Takuya , Yamaguchi Takao , Norikane Yasuo
Published: July 2017

We previously showed that disruption of intermolecular interactions, e.g., by lowering the molecular planarity and/or introducing bent structures, improves the aqueous solubility of compounds, and based upon that work, we hypothesized that azobenzenetrans-to-cisphotoswitching could also be utilized to enhance the aqueous solubility of compounds. Here, we demonstrate that UV/visible light irradiation can reversibly switch the aqueous solubilization of an anti-cancer candidate drug, a low-molecular-weight kinase inhibitor bearing an azobenzene moiety. The increase of solubilization associated with UV-inducedtrans-to-cisconversion may have clinical relevance, because the time-scale of thermalcis-to-transreversion at 37 °C is longer than that of oral absorption.
The neuroprotective effect of hesperidin in NMDA-induced retinal injury acts by suppressing oxidative stress and excessive calpain activation
Authors: Maekawa Shigeto , Sato Kota , Fujita Kosuke , Daigaku Reiko , Tawarayama Hiroshi , Murayama Namie , Moritoh Satoru , Yabana Takeshi , Shiga Yukihiro , Omodaka Kazuko , Maruyama Kazuichi , Nishiguchi Koji M. , Nakazawa Toru
Published: July 2017

We found that hesperidin, a plant-derived bioflavonoid, may be a candidate agent for neuroprotective treatment in the retina, after screening 41 materials for anti-oxidative properties in a primary retinal cell culture under oxidative stress. We found that the intravitreal injection of hesperidin in mice prevented reductions in markers of the retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and RGC death after N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-induced excitotoxicity. Hesperidin treatment also reduced calpain activation, reactive oxygen species generation and TNF-α gene expression. Finally, hesperidin treatment improved electrophysiological function, measured with visual evoked potential, and visual function, measured with optomotry. Thus, we found that hesperidin suppressed a number of cytotoxic factors associated with NMDA-induced cell death signaling, such as oxidative stress, over-activation of calpain, and inflammation, thereby protecting the RGCs in mice. Therefore, hesperidin may have potential as a therapeutic supplement for protecting the retina against the damage associated with excitotoxic injury, such as occurs in glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy.
Astragaloside IV protects against podocyte injury via SERCA2-dependent ER stress reduction and AMPKα-regulated autophagy induction in streptozotocin-induced diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Guo Hengjiang , Wang Yi , Zhang Xuemei , Zang Yingjun , Zhang Yang , Wang Li , Wang Hao , Wang Yunman , Cao Aili , Peng Wen
Published: July 2017

Aberrant endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and autophagy are associated with diabetic nephropathy. Here we investigated the effect of astragaloside IV (AS-IV) on the progression of diabetic nephropathy (DN) and the underlying mechanism involving ER stress and autophagy in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice and high glucose (HG)-incubated podocytes. The diabetic mice developed progressive albuminuria and glomerulosclerosis within 8 weeks, which were significantly ameliorated by AS-IV treatment in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, diabetes or HG-induced podocyte apoptosis was markedly attenuated by AS-IV, paralleled by a marked remission in ER stress and a remarkable restoration in impaired autophagy, which were associated with a significant improvement in the expression of sarcoendoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase 2b (SERCA2b) and AMP-activated protein kinase α (AMPKα) phosphorylation, respectively. Knockdown of SERCA2 in podocytes induced ER stress and largely abolished the protective effect of AS-IV, but had no obvious effect on the expression of autophagy-associated proteins. On the other hand, blockade of either autophagy induction or AMPKα activation could also significantly mitigate AS-IV-induced beneficial effect. Collectively, these results suggest that AS-IV prevented the progression of DN, which is mediated at least in part by SERCA2-dependent ER stress attenuation and AMPKα-promoted autophagy induction.
Salmonella typhimurium-induced IL-1 release from primary human monocytes requires NLRP3 and can occur in the absence of pyroptosis
Authors: Diamond Catherine E. , Leong Keith Weng Kit , Vacca Maurizio , Rivers-Auty Jack , Brough David , Mortellaro Alessandra
Published: July 2017

Large molecular complexes known as inflammasomes regulate the release of IL-1β from immune cells in response to infection and injury. Salmonella typhimurium infection is reported to activate NLRP3 and NLRC4 inflammasomes which are subsequently involved in pyroptosis of the cell and pathogen clearance. However, the response to S. typhimurium in primary human monocytes has not been studied in detail. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of S. typhimurium on inflammasomes in primary human monocytes. Much of the previous research in the field has been conducted in murine models and human THP-1 cells, which may not reflect the responses of primary human monocytes. Here, we report that inhibiting NLRP3 with the selective inhibitor MCC950, blocked release of IL-1β and the related cytokine IL-1α from primary human monocytes in response to S. typhimurium. Additionally, under these conditions S. typhimurium-induced IL-1 release occurred independently of pyroptosis. We propose that IL-1β release without pyroptosis may occur in early-recruited monocytes to regulate a maximal innate immune response to Salmonella infection, allowing a sustained inflammatory signal. This insight into the mechanisms involved in IL-1 release from primary human monocytes highlights major differences between immune cell types, and the defences they employ during bacterial infection.
Administration of Lactobacillus salivarius LI01 or Pediococcus pentosaceus LI05 prevents CCl4-induced liver cirrhosis by protecting the intestinal barrier in rats
Authors: Shi Ding , Lv Longxian , Fang Daiqiong , Wu Wenrui , Hu Chenxia , Xu Lichen , Chen Yanfei , Guo Jing , Hu Xinjun , Li Ang , Guo Feifei , Ye Jianzhong , Li Yating , Andayani Dewi , Li Lanjuan
Published: July 2017

Alterations in the gut microbiome have been reported in liver cirrhosis, and probiotic interventions are considered a potential treatment strategy. This study aimed to evaluate the effects and mechanisms of Lactobacillus salivarius LI01, Pediococcus pentosaceus LI05, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, Clostridium butyricum MIYAIRI and Bacillus licheniformis Zhengchangsheng on CCl4-induced cirrhotic rats. Only administration of LI01 or LI05 prevented liver fibrosis and down-regulated the hepatic expression of profibrogenic genes. Serum endotoxins, bacterial translocations (BTs), and destruction of intestinal mucosal ultrastructure were reduced in rats treated with LI01 or LI05, indicating maintenance of the gut barrier as a mechanism; this was further confirmed by the reduction of not only hepatic inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-17A, but also hepatic TLR2, TLR4, TLR5 and TLR9. Metagenomic sequencing of 16S rRNA gene showed an increase in potential beneficial bacteria, such as Elusimicrobium and Prevotella, and a decrease in pathogenic bacteria, such as Escherichia. These alterations in gut microbiome were correlated with profibrogenic genes, gut barrier markers and inflammatory cytokines. In conclusion, L. salivarius LI01 and P. pentosaceus LI05 attenuated liver fibrosis by protecting the intestinal barrier and promoting microbiome health. These results suggest novel strategies for the prevention of liver cirrhosis.
Broadband tunable integrated CMOS pulser with 80-ps minimum pulse width for gain-switched semiconductor lasers
Authors: Chen Shaoqiang , Diao Shengxi , Li Pengtao , Nakamura Takahiro , Yoshita Masahiro , Weng Guoen , Hu Xiaobo , Shi Yanling , Liu Yiqing , Akiyama Hidefumi
Published: July 2017

High power pulsed lasers with tunable pulse widths are highly favored in many applications. When combined with power amplification, gain-switched semiconductor lasers driven by broadband tunable electric pulsers can meet such requirements. For this reason, we designed and produced a low-cost integrated CMOS pulse generator with a minimum pulse width of 80 ps and a wide tuning range of up to 270 ns using a 40-nm microelectronic process technique. We used this pulser to drive a 1.3-µm semiconductor laser diode directly, and thereafter investigated the gain-switching properties of the laser system. The optical pulses consist of a spike followed by a steady state region. Tuning the width of the electrical pulse down to approximately 1.5 ns produces optical pulses consisting only of the spike, which has a minimum pulse-width of 100 ps. Moreover, the duration of the steady state can be tuned continuously by tuning the electrical pulse width, with a peak power of approximately 5 mW. The output voltage of the electric pulser has a tuning range of 0.8–1.5 V that can be used to directly drive semiconductor laser diodes with wavelengths in the near-infrared spectrum, which are suitable for power amplification with rare-earth doped fiber amplifiers.
Substrate and Fano Resonance Effects on the Reversal of Optical Binding Force between Plasmonic Cube Dimers
Authors: Mahdy M. R. C. , Zhang Tianhang , Danesh Md. , Ding Weiqiang
Published: July 2017

The behavior of Fano resonance and the reversal of near field optical binding force of dimers over different substrates have not been studied so far. Notably, for particle clustering and aggregation, controlling the near filed binding force can be a key factor. In this work, we observe that if the closely located plasmonic cube homodimers over glass or high permittivity dielectric substrate are illuminated with plane wave, no reversal of lateral optical binding force occurs. But if we apply the same set-up over a plasmonic substrate, stable Fano resonance occurs along with the reversal of near field lateral binding force. It is observed that during such Fano resonance, stronger coupling occurs between the dimers and plasmonic substrate along with the strong enhancement of the substrate current. Such binding force reversals of plasmonic cube dimers have been explained based on the observed unusual behavior of optical Lorentz force during the induced stronger Fano resonance and the dipole-dipole resonance. Although previously reported reversals of near field optical binding forces were highly sensitive to particle size/shape (i.e. for heterodimers) and inter-particle distance, our configuration provides much relaxation of those parameters and hence could be verified experimentally with simpler experimental set-ups.
Sustained and Cost Effective Silver Substrate for Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Based Biosensing
Authors: Ju Jian , Liu Wei , Perlaki Clint Michael , Chen Keren , Feng Chunhua , Liu Quan
Published: July 2017

While surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) based biosensing has demonstrated great potential for point-of-care diagnostics in the laboratory, its application in the field is limited by the short life time of commonly used silver based SERS active substrates. In this work, we report our attempt towards SERS based field biosensing, involving the development of a novel sustained and cost-effective substrate composed of silver nanoparticles protected by small nitrogen-doped Graphene Quantum Dots, i.e. Ag NP@N-GQD, and its systematic evaluation for glucose sensing. The new substrate demonstrated significantly stronger Raman enhancement compared to pure silver nanoparticles. More importantly, the new substrate preserved SERS performance in a normal indoor environment for at least 30 days in both the wet and dry states, in contrast to only 10 days for pure silver nanoparticles. The Ag NP@N-GQD thin film in the dry state was then successfully applied as a SERS substrate for glucose detection in mouse blood samples. The new substrate was synthesized under mild experimental conditions, and the cost increase due to N-GQD was negligible. These results suggest that the Ag NP@N-GQD is a cost-effective and sustained SERS substrate, the development of which represents an important step towards SERS based field biosensing.
Prediction of aboveground grassland biomass on the Loess Plateau, China, using a random forest algorithm
Authors: Wang Yinyin , Wu Gaolin , Deng Lei , Tang Zhuangsheng , Wang Kaibo , Sun Wenyi , Shangguan Zhouping
Published: July 2017

Grasslands are an important component of terrestrial ecosystems that play a crucial role in the carbon cycle and climate change. In this study, we collected aboveground biomass (AGB) data from 223 grassland quadrats distributed across the Loess Plateau from 2011 to 2013 and predicted the spatial distribution of the grassland AGB at a 100-m resolution from both meteorological station and remote sensing data (TM and MODIS) using a Random Forest (RF) algorithm. The results showed that the predicted grassland AGB on the Loess Plateau decreased from east to west. Vegetation indexes were positively correlated with grassland AGB, and the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) acquired from TM data was the most important predictive factor. Tussock and shrub tussock had the highest AGB, and desert steppe had the lowest. Rainfall higher than 400 m might have benefitted the grassland AGB. Compared with those obtained for the bagging, mboost and the support vector machine (SVM) models, higher values for the mean Pearson coefficient (R) and the symmetric index of agreement (λ) were obtained for the RF model, indicating that this RF model could reasonably estimate the grassland AGB (65.01%) on the Loess Plateau.
Single genetic locus improvement of iron, zinc and β-carotene content in rice grains
Authors: Singh Simrat Pal , Gruissem Wilhelm , Bhullar Navreet K.
Published: July 2017

Nearly half of the world’s population obtains its daily calories from rice grains, which lack or have insufficient levels of essential micronutrients. The deficiency of micronutrients vital for normal growth is a global health problem, and iron, zinc and vitamin A deficiencies are the most prevalent ones. We developed rice lines expressing Arabidopsis NICOTIANAMINE SYNTHASE 1 (AtNAS1), bean FERRITIN (PvFERRITIN), bacterial CAROTENE DESATURASE (CRTI) and maize PHYTOENE SYNTHASE (ZmPSY) in a single genetic locus in order to increase iron, zinc and β-carotene content in the rice endosperm. NAS catalyzes the synthesis of nicotianamine (NA), which is a precursor of deoxymugeneic acid (DMA) iron and zinc chelators, and also chelate iron and zinc for long distance transport. FERRITIN provides efficient storage of up to 4500 iron ions. PSY catalyzes the conversion of GGDP to phytoene, and CRTI performs the function of desaturases required for the synthesis of β-carotene from phytoene. All transgenic rice lines have significantly increased β-carotene, iron, and zinc content in the polished rice grains. Our results establish a proof-of-concept for multi-nutrient enrichment of rice grains from a single genetic locus, thus offering a sustainable and effective approach to address different micronutrient deficiencies at once.
Non-labeling multiphoton excitation microscopy as a novel diagnostic tool for discriminating normal tissue and colorectal cancer lesions
Authors: Matsui Takahiro , Mizuno Hiroki , Sudo Takao , Kikuta Junichi , Haraguchi Naotsugu , Ikeda Jun-ichiro , Mizushima Tsunekazu , Yamamoto Hirofumi , Morii Eiichi , Mori Masaki , Ishii Masaru
Published: July 2017

Multiphoton excitation microscopy (MPM) is regarded as an effective tool that enables the visualization of deep regions within living tissues and organs, with little damage. Here, we report novel non-labeling MPM (NL-MPM) imaging of fresh human colorectal mucosa, which is useful for discriminating cancer lesions from normal tissues quantitatively without any need for resection, fixation, or staining. Using NL-MPM, we visualized three components in human colorectal mucosa, epithelial cells, immune cells, and basement membranes, based on their characteristic patterns of fluorescence. These patterns are characterized by the different auto-fluorescence properties of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate, and flavin adenine dinucleotide and from second harmonic generation (SHG). NL-MPM images were at least as informative to pathologists as were ‘conventional’ images of fixed tissue sections stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Additionally, two quantitative parameters extracted from NL-MPM images – the nucleus diameter (index N) and the intensity of SHG in the basement membrane (index S) – rendered it possible to diagnose cancer regions effectively. In conclusion, NL-MPM is a novel, promising method for real-time clinical diagnosis of colorectal cancers, and is associated with minimal invasiveness.
Improving cartilage phenotype from differentiated pericytes in tunable peptide hydrogels
Authors: Alakpa Enateri V. , Jayawarna Vineetha , Burgess Karl E. V. , West Christopher C. , Péault Bruno , Ulijn Rein V. , Dalby Matthew J.
Published: July 2017

Differentiation of stem cells to chondrocytes in vitro usually results in a heterogeneous phenotype. This is evident in the often detected over expression of type X collagen which, in hyaline cartilage structure is not characteristic of the mid-zone but of the deep-zone ossifying tissue. Methods to better match cartilage developed in vitro to characteristic in vivo features are therefore highly desirable in regenerative medicine. This study compares phenotype characteristics between pericytes, obtained from human adipose tissue, differentiated using diphenylalanine/serine (F2/S) peptide hydrogels with the more widely used chemical induced method for chondrogenesis. Significantly higher levels of type II collagen were noted when pericytes undergo chondrogenesis in the hydrogel in the absence of induction media. There is also a balanced expression of collagen relative to aggrecan production, a feature which was biased toward collagen production when cells were cultured with induction media. Lastly, metabolic profiles of each system show considerable overlap between both differentiation methods but subtle differences which potentially give rise to their resultant phenotype can be ascertained. The study highlights how material and chemical alterations in the cellular microenvironment have wide ranging effects on resultant tissue type.
Wetland salinity induces sex-dependent carry-over effects on the individual performance of a long-distance migrant
Authors: Masero José A. , Abad-Gómez José M. , Gutiérrez Jorge S. , Santiago-Quesada Francisco , Senner Nathan R. , Sánchez-Guzmán Juan M. , Piersma Theunis , Schroeder Julia , Amat Juan A. , Villegas Auxiliadora
Published: July 2017

Salinization is having a major impact on wetlands and its biota worldwide. Specifically, many migratory animals that rely on wetlands are increasingly exposed to elevated salinity on their nonbreeding grounds. Experimental evidence suggests that physiological challenges associated with increasing salinity may disrupt self-maintenance processes in these species. Nonetheless, the potential role of salinity as a driver of ecological carry-over effects remains unstudied. Here, we investigated the extent to which the use of saline wetlands during winter – inferred from feather stable isotope values – induces residual effects that carry over and influence physiological traits relevant to fitness in black-tailed godwits Limosa limosa limosa on their northward migration. Overwintering males and females were segregated by wetland salinity in West Africa, with females mostly occupying freshwater wetlands. The use of these wetlands along a gradient of salinities was associated with differences in immune responsiveness to phytohaemagglutinin and sized-corrected body mass in godwits staging in southern Europe during northward migration – 3,000 km from the nonbreeding grounds – but in males only. These findings provide a window onto the processes by which wetland salinity can induce carry-over effects and can help predict how migratory species should respond to future climate-induced increases in salinity.
Dirac Magnon Nodal Loops in Quasi-2D Quantum Magnets
Authors: Owerre S. A.
Published: July 2017

In this report, we propose a new concept of one-dimensional (1D) closed lines of Dirac magnon nodes in two-dimensional (2D) momentum space of quasi-2D quantum magnetic systems. They are termed “2D Dirac magnon nodal-line loops”. We utilize the bilayer honeycomb ferromagnets with intralayer coupling J and interlayer coupling J
L
, which is realizable in the honeycomb chromium compounds CrX3 (X ≡ Br, Cl, and I). However, our results can also exist in other layered quasi-2D quantum magnetic systems. Here, we show that the magnon bands of the bilayer honeycomb ferromagnets overlap for J
L
 ≠ 0 and form 1D closed lines of Dirac magnon nodes in 2D momentum space. The 2D Dirac magnon nodal-line loops are topologically protected by inversion and time-reversal symmetry. Furthermore, we show that they are robust against weak Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction Δ
DM
 < J
L
and possess chiral magnon edge modes.
Evidence for Treatment-by-Biomarker interaction for FDA-approved Oncology Drugs with Required Pharmacogenomic Biomarker Testing
Authors: Vivot Alexandre , Boutron Isabelle , Béraud-Chaulet Geoffroy , Zeitoun Jean-David , Ravaud Philippe , Porcher Raphaël
Published: July 2017

For oncology drugs that were approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and required pharmacogenomic biomarker testing, we describe 1) the use of enrichment (biomarker-positive patients) and a randomized controlled design by pre-approval trials and 2) the treatment-by-biomarker interaction. From the 137 drugs included in the FDA table, we selected the 22 oncology drugs with required genetic testing in their labels. These drugs corresponded to 35 approvals supported by 80 clinical studies included in the FDA medical officer reviews of efficacy. For two thirds of approvals (24/35, 69%), all clinical studies were restricted to biomarker-positive patients (enriched). Among the 11 remaining approvals with at least one non-enriched trial, for five approvals, the non-enriched studies were non-randomized. The treatment-by-biomarker interaction was statistically significant for three approvals and missing for two. Among the six approvals with a non-enriched randomized controlled trial, three featured a statistically significant treatment-by-biomarker interaction (p < 0.10), for an enhanced treatment effect in the biomarker-positive subgroup. For two thirds of FDA approvals of anticancer agents, the requirement for predictive biomarker testing was based on clinical development restricted to biomarker-positive patients. We found only few cases with clinical evidence that biomarker-negative patients would not benefit from treatment.
Chronic exposures to fungicide pyrimethanil: multi-organ effects on Italian tree frog (Hyla intermedia)
Authors: Bernabò Ilaria , Guardia Antonello , Macirella Rachele , Tripepi Sandro , Brunelli Elvira
Published: July 2017

Amphibian habitats are easily contaminated by several pollutants, and in agricultural landscapes the likely exposure scenario is represented by pesticides. Many of these substances are known or suspected to act as endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). The goal of the present study was to assess the effects of pyrimethanil, a common-used but also overlooked fungicide, on liver, kidney and gonadal differentiation of Hyla intermedia. Through a multi-organ evaluation, we demonstrated that a long term exposure to two environmentally relevant concentrations of pyrimethanil (5 and 50 µg/L) elicits a range of toxic responses. First we showed that pyrimethanil induces underdevelopment of ovaries and interferes with normal sexual differentiation, thus revealing the endocrine disruption potential of this fungicide. Moreover we revealed that all considered organs are seriously affected by this fungicide and both necrosis and apoptosis contribute to the histological response. This is the first report on the effects of pyrimethanil on gonads, liver and kidney histology of a non-model species and it demonstrates that the hazardous properties of this fungicide can result from several pathological processes affecting different key compartments of amphibian.
Phaeocystis globosa Virus DNA Polymerase X: a “Swiss Army knife”, Multifunctional DNA polymerase-lyase-ligase for Base Excision Repair
Authors: Fernández-García José L. , de Ory Ana , Brussaard Corina P. D. , de Vega Miguel
Published: July 2017

Phaeocystis globosa virus 16T is a giant virus that belongs to the so-called nucleo-cytoplasmic large DNA virus (NCLDV) group. Its linear dsDNA genome contains an almost full complement of genes required to participate in viral base excision repair (BER). Among them is a gene coding for a bimodular protein consisting of an N-terminal Polβ-like core fused to a C-terminal domain (PgVPolX), which shows homology with NAD+-dependent DNA ligases. Analysis of the biochemical features of the purified enzyme revealed that PgVPolX is a multifunctional protein that could act as a “Swiss army knife” enzyme during BER since it is endowed with: 1) a template-directed DNA polymerization activity, preferentially acting on DNA structures containing gaps; 2) 5′-deoxyribose-5-phosphate (dRP) and abasic (AP) site lyase activities; and 3) an NAD+-dependent DNA ligase activity. We show how the three activities act in concert to efficiently repair BER intermediates, leading us to suggest that PgVPolX may constitute, together with the viral AP-endonuclease, a BER pathway. This is the first time that this type of protein fusion has been demonstrated to be functional.
Directing group assisted copper-mediated aroylation of phenols using 2-bromoacetophenones
Authors: Baruah Swagata , Borthakur Somadrita , Gogoi Sanjib
Published: July 2017

A new method for a directing group-assisted synthesis of aryl esters and an external bromine free synthesis of 2,2-dibromoacetophenones is described.
Cyclodextrin-assisted modulation of the photophysical properties and acidity constant of pyrene-armed calix[4]arene
Authors: Kalyani V. S. , Malkhede D. D. , Mohanty J.
Published: July 2017

The supramolecular pKashift and modulation in the monomer and excimer emission behaviour of pyrene-armed calixarene with cyclodextrins find applications in ratiometric sensing.
Reply to the ‘Comment on “Proton transport in barium stannate: classical, semi-classical and quantum regime”’
Authors: Geneste Grégory , Hermet Jessica , Dezanneau Guilhem
Published: July 2017

We respond to the erroneous criticisms about our modeling of proton transport in barium stannate [G. Genesteet al.,Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2015,17, 19104].
Investigating the evolving microstructure of lithium metal electrodes in 3D using X-ray computed tomography
Authors: Taiwo O. O. , Finegan D. P. , Paz-Garcia J. M. , Eastwood D. S. , Bodey A. J. , Rau C. , Hall S. A. , Brett D. J. L. , Lee P. D. , Shearing P. R.
Published: July 2017

The growth of dendritic and mossy deposits through the separator of lithium batteries can result in battery short circuiting and failure. In situ X-ray CT provides insight into evolution of lithium-metal electrodes during battery operation.
Surface configuration and wettability of nickel(oxy)hydroxides: a first-principles investigation
Authors: Eslamibidgoli Mohammad Javad , Groß Axel , Eikerling Michael
Published: July 2017

This article explores the wetting behavior of β-type nickel hydroxide, β-Ni(OH)2, and nickel oxyhydroxide, β-NiOOH, by means of first-principles calculations.
A complicated biocomputing system based on multi-responsive P(NIPAM-co-APBA) copolymer film electrodes and electrocatalysis of NADH
Authors: Liang Jiying , Yu Xue , Yang Tiangang , Li Menglu , Shen Li , Jin Yue , Liu Hongyun
Published: July 2017

Possible stimuli-sensitive mechanism for poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-3-aminophenylboronic acid) (P(NIPAM-co-APBA)) films toward temperature, pH, and glucose.
Tracer diffusion of96Zr and134Ba in polycrystalline BaZrO3
Authors: Sažinas Rokas , Sakaguchi Isao , Hasle Ida , Polfus Jonathan M. , Haugsrud Reidar , Einarsrud Mari-Ann , Grande Tor
Published: July 2017

Tracer diffusion revealed that the diffusion of Ba is faster than that of Zr in BaZrO3and the diffusion mechanism is through Ba vacancies.
Commensurate–incommensurate adsorption and diffusion in ordered crystalline microporous materials
Authors: Krishna Rajamani , van Baten Jasper M.
Published: July 2017

If the channel dimensions are commensurate with those of the guest molecules, the guest molecules pack face-to-face within the channels.
Surface chemistry and interface science
Authors: Li Junbai , Holmberg Krister
Published: July 2017

Surface chemistry and interface science is about phenomena at interfaces and the self-assembly of amphiphilic molecules.
Water as a catalytic switch in the oxidation of aryl alcohols by polymer incarcerated rhodium nanoparticles
Authors: Weston Jack O. , Miyamura Hiroyuki , Yasukawa Tomohiro , Sutarma Dedi , Baker Chloe A. , Singh Preabjot K. , Bravo-Sanchez Mariela , Sano Naoko , Cumpson Peter J. , Ryabenkova Yulia , Kobayashi Shū , Conte Marco
Published: July 2017

Rh nanoparticles that were inactive in toluene, were converted into a powerful catalyst for aryl alcohol oxidation by the presence of water in the reaction media.
High performance metal–insulator–graphene diodes for radio frequency power detection application
Authors: Shaygan Mehrdad , Wang Zhenxing , Elsayed Mohamed Saeed , Otto Martin , Iannaccone Giuseppe , Ghareeb Ahmed Hamed , Fiori Gianluca , Negra Renato , Neumaier Daniel
Published: July 2017

Metal–insulator–graphene diodes are proved to be able to deliver high performance, and meanwhile are suitable for radiofrequency power detection.
Understanding the atomic-level process of CO-adsorption-driven surface segregation of Pd in (AuPd)147bimetallic nanoparticles
Authors: An Hyesung , Ha Hyunwoo , Yoo Mi , Kim Hyun You
Published: July 2017

The atomic-level process of CO-induced surface segregation of Pd in Au–Pd bimetallic nanoparticles is studied through density functional theory calculations.
Photoswitchable fluorescent polymeric nanoparticles for rewritable fluorescence patterning and intracellular dual-color imaging with AIE-based fluorogens as FRET donors
Authors: Zhong Weibang , Zeng Xuyao , Chen Jian , Hong Yongxiang , Xiao Lehui , Zhang Peisheng
Published: July 2017

Photoswitchable fluorescent polymeric nanoparticles with AIE-based fluorogens as FRET donors were prepared for rewritable fluorescence patterning and intracellular dual-color imaging.