bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Attraction of Nanoparticles to Tilt Grain Boundaries in Block Copolymers
Authors: Koski Jason , Hagberg Brett , Riggleman Robert A.
Published: January 2016

Self‐assembly of block copolymers can be used to create nanoscale patterns for numerous applications that span from the fabrication of microelectronic devices to producing structured nanocomposites with enhanced properties. One ubiquitous challenge for controlling the distribution of nanoparticles in a block copolymer matrix is the strong interactions between the nanoparticles and any defects in the block copolymer order; nanoparticles are known to segregate to and stabilize defects and grain boundaries, but a quantitative analysis of this effect remains limited. Using 3‐Dimensional field‐theoretic simulations, this attraction is quantified by creating tilt grain boundaries of controlled size within ordered block copolymer nanocomposite films. For particles that are chemically identical to one of the copolymer blocks, the scaling of the particle attraction is proportional to the chain stretching at the grain boundary. Furthermore, the free energy of segregation is proportional to the volume of the particles, suggesting that a nanoparticle enables relaxation of a volume of material at the grain boundary that is proportional to the volume of the particle. At low particle concentrations, fluctuations play a large role in determining the final particle configuration, in contrast to homopolymer additives where fluctuation effects are relatively minor.

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Free flaps for reconstruction of soft tissue defects in lower extremity: A meta‐analysis on microsurgical outcome and safety
Authors: Xiong Lingyun , Gazyakan Emre , Kremer Thomas , Hernekamp Frederick J. , Harhaus Leila , Saint‐Cyr Michel , Kneser Ulrich , Hirche Christoph
Published: January 2016

Background

Microsurgical free flaps for reconstruction of soft tissue defects in lower extremity have evolved into a reliable procedure over last decades; however, there lacked high level of evidence.

Methods

A systematic literature research was performed including studies between 2000 and 2014 in English, German, and Chinese (PubMed, EMBASE). Publications were selected applying inclusion/exclusion criteria. Postoperative complications were statistically analyzed with metaprop command of R GUI 3.0.1.

Results

Alltogether 30 articles overlooking 1,397 free flaps were included. The rate of total flap loss was 6.0% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 4.0%–8.0%, PQ (P values of Q statistics) = 0.03); the thrombosis rate was 6.0% (95% CI = 4.0%–9.0%, PQ = 0.01); the hematoma rate was 4.0% (95% CI = 3.0%–5.0%, PQ = 0.79); the partial necrosis rate was 6.0% (95% CI = 4.0%–10.0%, PQ < 0.01); the early infection rate was 4.0% (95% CI = 2.0%–6.0%, PQ = 0.03), and the dehiscence rate was 3.0% (95% CI = 2.0%–5.0%, PQ = 0.12). Reconstruction for diabetic foot may be not associated with a significant increase of procedural risk (Total flap loss rate = 6%, 95% CI = 3.0%–9.0%, PQ = 0.44).

Conclusions

Microsurgical reconstruction of soft tissue defects in the lower extremity reconstruction could be regarded safe and reliable. A standardization of report of perioperative parameters and clinical outcomes is needed. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 36:511–524, 2016.
Measurement of extremely 2H‐enriched water samples by laser spectrometry: application to batch electrolytic concentration of environmental tritium samples
Authors: Wassenaar L. I. , Kumar B. , Douence C. , Belachew D. L. , Aggarwal P. K.
Published: January 2016

Rationale

Natural water samples artificially or experimentally enriched in deuterium (2H) at concentrations up to 10,000 ppm are required for various medical, environmental and hydrological tracer applications, but are difficult to measure using conventional stable isotope ratio mass spectrometry.

Methods

Here we demonstrate that off‐axis integrated cavity output (OA‐ICOS) laser spectrometry, along with 2H‐enriched laboratory calibration standards and appropriate analysis templates, allows for low‐cost, fast, and accurate determinations of water samples having δ2HVSMOW‐SLAP values up to at least 57,000 ‰ (~9000 ppm) at a processing rate of 60 samples per day.

Results

As one practical application, extremely 2H‐enriched samples were measured by laser spectrometry and compared to the traditional 3H Spike‐Proxy method in order to determine tritium enrichment factors in the batch electrolysis of environmental waters. Highly 2H‐enriched samples were taken from different sets of electrolytically concentrated standards and low‐level (<10 TU) IAEA inter‐comparison tritium samples, and all cases returned accurate and precise initial low‐level 3H results.

Conclusions

The ability to quickly and accurately measure extremely 2H‐enriched waters by laser spectrometry will facilitate the use of deuterium as a tracer in numerous environmental and other applications. For low‐level tritium operations, this new analytical ability facilitated a 10–20 % increase in sample productivity through the elimination of spike standards and gravimetrics, and provides immediate feedback on electrolytic enrichment cell performance. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bewertung von Stahlbauwerken durch zerstörungsfreie Bestimmung von Spannungszuständen
Authors: Fox Christian , Doktor Markus , Schneider Eckhardt , Kurz Wolfgang
Published: January 2016

Belastungsversuche an Bauwerken zur Bestimmung ihrer Resttragfähigkeit sind etabliert und werden schon seit längerer Zeit erfolgreich eingesetzt. Zerstörungsfreie Prüfverfahren bieten die Möglichkeit, den Bauwerkszustand zu beschreiben und mit diesen Erkenntnissen den Tragfähigkeitsnachweis zu führen sowie Resttragfähigkeiten zu bestimmen. Ziel des hier vorgestellten Forschungsvorhabens ist es, das diesbezügliche Potenzial der zerstörungsfreien Bauteilprüfung zu ermitteln.

Contribution of non‐destructive techniques to the evaluation of steel. For some time already established load tests are applied to analyze the remaining load bearing capacity of existing buildings. Nondestructive techniques offer the possibility to describe the stress of the structure. By using this information the remaining capacity can be checked. The objective of the R&D project presented here is to identify the potential of the nondestructive material characterization for that purpose.
MicroRNA-29a in Adult Muscle Stem Cells Controls Skeletal Muscle Regeneration During Injury and Exercise Downstream of Fibroblast Growth Factor-2
Authors: Galimov Artur , Merry Troy L. , Luca Edlira , Rushing Elisabeth J. , Mizbani Amir , Turcekova Katarina , Hartung Angelika , Croce Carlo M. , Ristow Michael , Krützfeldt Jan
Published: January 2016

The expansion of myogenic progenitors (MPs) in the adult muscle stem cell niche is critical for the regeneration of skeletal muscle. Activation of quiescent MPs depends on the dismantling of the basement membrane and increased access to growth factors such as fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF2). Here, we demonstrate using microRNA (miRNA) profiling in mouse and human myoblasts that the capacity of FGF2 to stimulate myoblast proliferation is mediated by miR-29a. FGF2 induces miR-29a expression and inhibition of miR-29a using pharmacological or genetic deletion decreases myoblast proliferation. Next generation RNA sequencing from miR-29a knockout myoblasts (Pax7CE/+; miR-29aflox/flox) identified members of the basement membrane as the most abundant miR-29a targets. Using gain- and loss-of-function experiments, we confirm that miR-29a coordinately regulates Fbn1, Lamc1, Nid2, Col4a1, Hspg2 and Sparc in myoblasts in vitro and in MPs in vivo. Induction of FGF2 and miR-29a and downregulation of its target genes precedes muscle regeneration during cardiotoxin (CTX)-induced muscle injury. Importantly, MP-specific tamoxifen-induced deletion of miR-29a in adult skeletal muscle decreased the proliferation and formation of newly formed myofibers during both CTX-induced muscle injury and after a single bout of eccentric exercise. Our results identify a novel miRNA-based checkpoint of the basement membrane in the adult muscle stem cell niche. Strategies targeting miR-29a might provide useful clinical approaches to maintain muscle mass in disease states such as ageing that involve aberrant FGF2 signaling.
A Multimodal Imaging Protocol, 123I/99Tc‐Sestamibi, SPECT, and SPECT/CT, in Primary Hyperparathyroidism Adds Limited Benefit for Preoperative Localization
Authors: Lee Grace S. , McKenzie Travis J. , Mullan Brian P. , Farley David R. , Thompson Geoffrey B. , Richards Melanie L.
Published: January 2016

Introduction

Focused parathyroidectomy in primary hyperparathyroidism (1°HPT) is possible with accurate preoperative localization and intraoperative PTH monitoring (IOPTH). The added benefit of multimodal imaging techniques for operative success is unknown.

Method

Patients with 1°HPT, who underwent parathyroidectomy in 2012–2014 at a single institution, were retrospectively reviewed. Only the patients who underwent the standardized multimodal imaging workup consisting of 123I/99Tc‐sestamibi subtraction scintigraphy, SPECT, and SPECT/CT were assessed.

Results

Of 360 patients who were identified, a curative operation was performed in 96 %, using pre‐operative imaging and IOPTH. Imaging analysis showed that 123I/99Tc‐sestamibi had a sensitivity of 86 % (95 % CI 82–90 %), positive predictive value (PPV) 93 %, and accuracy 81 %, based on correct lateralization. SPECT had a sensitivity of 77 % (95 % CI 72–82 %), PPV 92 % and accuracy 72 %. SPECT/CT had a sensitivity of 75 % (95 % CI 70–80 %), PPV of 94 %, and accuracy 71 %. There were 3 of 45 (7 %) patients with negative sestamibi imaging that had an accurate SPECT and SPECT/CT. Of 312 patients (87 %) with positive uptake on sestamibi (93 % true positive, 7 % false positive), concordant findings were present in 86 % SPECT and 84 % SPECT/CT. In cases where imaging modalities were discordant, but at least one method was true‐positive, 123I/99Tc‐sestamibi was significantly better than both SPECT and SPECT/CT (p < 0.001). The inclusion of SPECT and SPECT/CT in 1°HPT imaging protocol increases patient cost up to 2.4‐fold.

Conclusion

123I/99Tc‐sestamibi subtraction imaging is highly sensitive for preoperative localization in 1°HPT. SPECT and SPECT/CT are commonly concordant with 123I/99Tc‐sestamibi and rarely increase the sensitivity. Routine inclusion of multimodality imaging technique adds minimal clinical benefit but increases cost to patient in high‐volume setting.
Retrospective Analyses of Esophageal Bypass Surgery for Patients with Esophagorespiratory Fistulas Caused by Esophageal Carcinomas
Authors: Nakajima Yasuaki , Kawada Kenro , Tokairin Yutaka , Miyawaki Yutaka , Okada Takuya , Miyake Satoshi , Kawano Tatsuyuki
Published: January 2016

Background

Esophagorespiratory fistula (ERF) caused by esophageal carcinoma is a fatal complication. In our institution, esophageal bypass surgery has been indicated when possible. We herein retrospectively describe the clinical results of esophageal bypass surgery for ERF.

Patients and methods

Between April 2001 and March 2015, 20 patients with ERF underwent esophageal bypass surgery. For these patients, the clinical safety, validity, and effectiveness of esophageal bypass surgery were examined and compared with the results of bypass surgery without ERF.

Results

Eight patients developed ERF at the initial diagnosis, while 10 patients developed ERF during and after chemoradiotherapy. Postoperative complications such as pneumonia, surgical site infection, and anastomotic leakage developed in 12, 5, and 1 patient, respectively. All the patients could eat solid foods at a median of 9 postoperative days. Two patients died within 30 days after the operation and 1 patient developed in‐hospital death. Fourteen patients received chemo(radio)therapy after the operation. The median overall survival was 244 days and the one‐year and three‐year overall survival rates were 45.7 and 15.3 %, respectively. There was no significant difference in terms of the intraoperative findings, postoperative morbidities, and short‐term and long‐term clinical results between the two groups.

Conclusion

Esophageal bypass surgery for ERF is not considered to be highly invasive or risky compared with bypass surgery without ERF. After the operation, respiratory symptoms caused by ERF may improve and oral intake can be achieved. Esophageal bypass surgery should therefore be aggressively performed for patients with a tolerable performance status.
The micromorphology of Younger Dryas-aged black mats from Nevada, Arizona, Texas and New Mexico
Authors: Harris-Parks Erin
Published: January 2016

Black mats are organic-rich sediments and soils that form in wet environments associated with spring discharge. Micromorphological and geochemical analyses of 25 black mats dating to the Younger Dryas Chronozone (12.9–11.7 ka) and early Holocene were conducted to determine their composition and depositional environment. Samples were collected from Arizona, New Mexico, Texas and Nevada. Micromorphological analyses were conducted on thin sections using polarized and blue fluorescent light. These analyses determined that black mats contain humic acids, fine (5–20 μm) plant fragments, diatoms, phytoliths, and gastropods. The dominant type of organic matter in black mats is derived from herbaceous plants, contradicting previous studies that supported algal or charcoal sources. Differences in the micromorphological characteristics of the samples revealed that black mats formed as three different types, organic horizons, moist soils and ponded sediments, depending on their topographic position in relation to the water table. The microscopic evidence found in black mats supports the presence of widespread wet environments in Nevada and Arizona during the Younger Dryas Chronozone, clearly indicating a sustained period of greater effective moisture, optimal for spring discharge and black mat formation.
Managing Corporate Impacts
Authors: Griffin Jennifer J.
Published: January 2016

Managing Corporate Impacts draws on the insights and experiences of managers from around the world to examine how companies can manage corporate impacts to co-create enduring value for business and society. Corporate impacts - the points at which businesses create or destroy value with others - extend well beyond financial impacts to include the workplace, procurement and delivery of goods and services, and shaping perceptions held about corporate behavior. This book uses simple frameworks to demonstrate why and how today's corporations co-create enduring value with multiple stakeholders simultaneously. By introducing multiplier effects and spillover effects, the frameworks move the attention of management beyond direct impacts to examine indirect impacts that create or destroy value connected to the core of the business. By purposely connecting with stakeholders through information-sharing, and effectively managing myriad impacts along supply and distribution chains, companies are poised to provide solutions and co-create value.
Brownian Ratchets
Authors: Cubero David , Renzoni Ferruccio
Published: January 2016

Illustrating the development of Brownian ratchets, from their foundations, to their role in the description of life at the molecular scale and in the design of artificial nano-machinery, this text will appeal to both advanced graduates and researchers entering the field. Providing a self-contained introduction to Brownian ratchets, devices which rectify microscopic fluctuations, Part I avoids technicalities and sets out the broad range of physical systems where the concept of ratchets is relevant. Part II supplies a single source for a complete and modern theoretical analysis of ratchets in regimes such as classical vs quantum and stochastic vs deterministic, and in Part III readers are guided through experimental developments in different physical systems, each highlighting a specific unique feature of ratchets. The thorough and systematic approach to the topic ensures that this book provides a complete guide to Brownian ratchets for newcomers and established researchers in physics, biology and biochemistry.
Demography and Evolutionary Ecology of Hadza Hunter-Gatherers
Authors: Blurton Jones Nicholas
Published: January 2016

The Hadza, an ethnic group indigenous to northern Tanzania, are one of the few remaining hunter-gatherer populations. Archaeology shows 130,000 years of hunting and gathering in their land but Hadza are rapidly losing areas vital to their way of life. This book offers a unique opportunity to capture a disappearing lifestyle. Blurton Jones interweaves data from ecology, demography and evolutionary ecology to present a comprehensive analysis of the Hadza foragers. Discussion centres on expansion of the adaptationist perspective beyond topics customarily studied in human behavioural ecology, to interpret a wider range of anthropological concepts. Analysing behavioural aspects, with a specific focus on relationships and their wider impact on the population, this book reports the demographic consequences of different patterns of marriage and the availability of helpers such as husbands, children, and grandmothers. Essential for researchers and graduate students alike, this book will challenge preconceptions of human sociobiology.
Revealed Preference Theory
Authors: Chambers Christopher P. , Echenique Federico
Published: January 2016

Pioneered by American economist Paul Samuelson, revealed preference theory is based on the idea that the preferences of consumers are revealed in their purchasing behavior. Researchers in this field have developed complex and sophisticated mathematical models to capture the preferences that are 'revealed' through consumer choice behavior. This study of consumer demand and behavior is closely tied up with econometrics (especially nonparametric econometrics), where testing the validity of different theoretical models is an important aspect of research. The theory of revealed preference has a very long and distinguished tradition in economics, but there was no systematic presentation of the theory until now. This book deals with basic questions in economic theory, such as the relation between theory and data, and studies the situations in which empirical observations are consistent or inconsistent with some of the best known theories in economics.
COMPACTIFICATIONS OF PEL-TYPE SHIMURA VARIETIES IN RAMIFIED CHARACTERISTICS
Authors: LAN KAI-WEN
Published: January 2016

We show that, by taking normalizations over certain auxiliary good reduction integral models, one obtains integral models of toroidal and minimal compactifications of PEL-type Shimura varieties which enjoy many features of the good reduction theory studied as in the earlier works of Faltings and Chai’s and the author’s. We treat all PEL-type cases uniformly, with no assumption on the level, ramifications, and residue characteristics involved.
THE SYMBOLIC ROLE OF ANIMALS IN BABYLON: A CONTEXTUAL APPROACH TO THE LION, THE BULL AND THEMUŠḪUŠŠU
Authors: Watanabe Chikako E.
Published: January 2016

This paper examines the meaning of three animals—the lion, the bull, and themušḫuššu-dragon—as depicted on the walls of the Ishtar Gate and Processional Way at Babylon. These animals embody multiple layers of meaning but are associated with specific deities and all possess apotropaic qualities. The animals served traditionally as guardian figures placed at the entrances to Mesopotamian temples and palaces. This study focuses on their apotropaic roles which are evoked by the specific architectural context in which the animals are placed. It is suggested that the images of these animals underscored the importance of both the Ishtar Gate and the Processional Way as a crucial route into the symbolic heart of the city.
TWO NEW PRINTS OF LAYARD'S EXCAVATIONS AT NIMRUD: AN ARTIST AT NIMRUD AND NINEVEH
Authors: Clayden Tim
Published: January 2016

This paper presents prints of two previously unpublished water colours depicting the excavation of slabs and sculptures found during Layard's excavations at Nimrud in June 1850. Though neither image is signed, an identification of the artist as S.C. Malan is probable. Gadd's (1938) study of Malan's drawings concentrated on his work at Nineveh. This paper focuses on the sketches made at Nimrud and completes the catalogue of pictures Malan drew at both sites (Appendix A) and publishes the previously unpublished Nimrud and Nineveh drawings.
ON BABYLONIAN LAVATORIES AND SEWERS
Authors: George A.R.
Published: January 2016

This study begins by examining the archaeological and documentary evidence for lavatories (toilets) and foul-water drains in ancient Mesopotamian dwelling houses. It goes on to investigate the use, etymology and history of the Akkadian wordasurrû: in the Old Babylonian period it served mainly as a term for a kind of foul-water drain or “sewer” but later shed that meaning.
Special Delivery: Post Office to Issue Space-Themed Stamps
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: January 2016

Letter writers will be able to adorn their envelopes this year with full-disk images of the planets, Pluto, and the full Moon, as well as Star Trek icons.
The histone demethylase JMJD2A/KDM4A links ribosomal RNA transcription to nutrients and growth factors availability
Authors: Salifou Kader , Ray Swagat , Verrier Laure , Aguirrebengoa Marion , Trouche Didier , Panov Konstantin I. , Vandromme Marie
Published: January 2016

The interplay between methylation and demethylation of histone lysine residues is an essential component of gene expression regulation and there is considerable interest in elucidating the roles of proteins involved. Here we report that histone demethylase KDM4A/JMJD2A, which is involved in the regulation of cell proliferation and is overexpressed in some cancers, interacts with RNA Polymerase I, associates with active ribosomal RNA genes and is required for serum-induced activation of rDNA transcription. We propose that KDM4A controls the initial stages of transition from ‘poised’, non-transcribed rDNA chromatin into its active form. We show that PI3K, a major signalling transducer central for cell proliferation and survival, controls cellular localization of KDM4A and consequently its association with ribosomal DNA through the SGK1 downstream kinase. We propose that the interplay between PI3K/SGK1 signalling cascade and KDM4A constitutes a mechanism by which cells adapt ribosome biogenesis level to the availability of growth factors and nutrients.
Detection of nanoscale electron spin resonance spectra demonstrated using nitrogen-vacancy centre probes in diamond
Authors: Hall L. T. , Kehayias P. , Simpson D. A. , Jarmola A. , Stacey A. , Budker D. , Hollenberg L. C. L.
Published: January 2016

Electron spin resonance (ESR) describes a suite of techniques for characterizing electronic systems with applications in physics, chemistry, and biology. However, the requirement for large electron spin ensembles in conventional ESR techniques limits their spatial resolution. Here we present a method for measuring ESR spectra of nanoscale electronic environments by measuring the longitudinal relaxation time of a single-spin probe as it is systematically tuned into resonance with the target electronic system. As a proof of concept, we extracted the spectral distribution for the P1 electronic spin bath in diamond by using an ensemble of nitrogen-vacancy centres, and demonstrated excellent agreement with theoretical expectations. As the response of each nitrogen-vacancy spin in this experiment is dominated by a single P1 spin at a mean distance of 2.7 nm, the application of this technique to the single nitrogen-vacancy case will enable nanoscale ESR spectroscopy of atomic and molecular spin systems.
Global proteogenomic analysis of human MHC class I-associated peptides derived from non-canonical reading frames
Authors: Laumont Céline M. , Daouda Tariq , Laverdure Jean-Philippe , Bonneil Éric , Caron-Lizotte Olivier , Hardy Marie-Pierre , Granados Diana P. , Durette Chantal , Lemieux Sébastien , Thibault Pierre , Perreault Claude
Published: January 2016

In view of recent reports documenting pervasive translation outside of canonical protein-coding sequences, we wished to determine the proportion of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I-associated peptides (MAPs) derived from non-canonical reading frames. Here we perform proteogenomic analyses of MAPs eluted from human B cells using high-throughput mass spectrometry to probe the six-frame translation of the B-cell transcriptome. We report that ∼10% of MAPs originate from allegedly noncoding genomic sequences or exonic out-of-frame translation. The biogenesis and properties of these ‘cryptic MAPs’ differ from those of conventional MAPs. Cryptic MAPs come from very short proteins with atypical C termini, and are coded by transcripts bearing long 3′UTRs enriched in destabilizing elements. Relative to conventional MAPs, cryptic MAPs display different MHC class I-binding preferences and harbour more genomic polymorphisms, some of which are immunogenic. Cryptic MAPs increase the complexity of the MAP repertoire and enhance the scope of CD8 T-cell immunosurveillance.
How type 1 fimbriae help Escherichia coli to evade extracellular antibiotics
Authors: Avalos Vizcarra Ima , Hosseini Vahid , Kollmannsberger Philip , Meier Stefanie , Weber Stefan S. , Arnoldini Markus , Ackermann Martin , Vogel Viola
Published: January 2016

To survive antibiotics, bacteria use two different strategies: counteracting antibiotic effects by expression of resistance genes or evading their effects e.g. by persisting inside host cells. Since bacterial adhesins provide access to the shielded, intracellular niche and the adhesin type 1 fimbriae increases bacterial survival chances inside macrophages, we asked if fimbriae also influenced survival by antibiotic evasion. Combined gentamicin survival assays, flow cytometry, single cell microscopy and kinetic modeling of dose response curves showed that type 1 fimbriae increased the adhesion and internalization by macrophages. This was caused by strongly decreased off-rates and affected the number of intracellular bacteria but not the macrophage viability and morphology. Fimbriae thus promote antibiotic evasion which is particularly relevant in the context of chronic infections.
Weak-coupling superconductivity in a strongly correlated iron pnictide
Authors: Charnukha A. , Post K. W. , Thirupathaiah S. , Pröpper D. , Wurmehl S. , Roslova M. , Morozov I. , Büchner B. , Yaresko A. N. , Boris A. V. , Borisenko S. V. , Basov D. N.
Published: January 2016

Iron-based superconductors have been found to exhibit an intimate interplay of orbital, spin and lattice degrees of freedom, dramatically affecting their low-energy electronic properties, including superconductivity. Albeit the precise pairing mechanism remains unidentified, several candidate interactions have been suggested to mediate the superconducting pairing, both in the orbital and in the spin channel. Here, we employ optical spectroscopy (OS), angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES), ab initio band-structure and Eliashberg calculations to show that nearly optimally doped NaFe0.978Co0.022As exhibits some of the strongest orbitally selective electronic correlations in the family of iron pnictides. Unexpectedly, we find that the mass enhancement of itinerant charge carriers in the strongly correlated band is dramatically reduced near the Γ point and attribute this effect to orbital mixing induced by pronounced spin-orbit coupling. Embracing the true band structure allows us to describe all low-energy electronic properties obtained in our experiments with remarkable consistency and demonstrate that superconductivity in this material is rather weak and mediated by spin fluctuations.
Genetic diversity and natural selection footprints of the glycine amidinotransferase gene in various human populations
Authors: Khan Asifullah , Tian Lei , Zhang Chao , Yuan Kai , Xu Shuhua
Published: January 2016

The glycine amidinotransferase gene (GATM) plays a vital role in energy metabolism in muscle tissues and is associated with multiple clinically important phenotypes. However, the genetic diversity of the GATM gene remains poorly understood within and between human populations. Here we analyzed the 1,000 Genomes Project data through population genetics approaches and observed significant genetic diversity across the GATM gene among various continental human populations. We observed considerable variations in GATM allele frequencies and haplotype composition among different populations. Substantial genetic differences were observed between East Asian and European populations (FST = 0.56). In addition, the frequency of a distinct major GATM haplotype in these groups was congruent with population-wide diversity at this locus. Furthermore, we identified GATM as the top differentiated gene compared to the other statin drug response-associated genes. Composite multiple analyses identified signatures of positive selection at the GATM locus, which was estimated to have occurred around 850 generations ago in European populations. As GATM catalyzes the key step of creatine biosynthesis involved in energy metabolism, we speculate that the European prehistorical demographic transition from hunter-gatherer to farming cultures was the driving force of selection that fulfilled creatine-based metabolic requirement of the populations.
Anomalous temperature-dependent spin-valley polarization in monolayer WS2
Authors: Hanbicki A.T. , Kioseoglou G. , Currie M. , Hellberg C. Stephen , McCreary K.M. , Friedman A.L. , Jonker B.T.
Published: January 2016

Single layers of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) are direct gap semiconductors with nondegenerate valley indices. An intriguing possibility for these materials is the use of their valley index as an alternate state variable. Several limitations to such a utility include strong intervalley scattering, as well as multiparticle interactions leading to multiple emission channels. We prepare single-layer WS2 films such that the photoluminescence is from either the neutral or charged exciton (trion). After excitation with circularly polarized light, the neutral exciton emission has zero polarization. However, the trion emission has a large polarization (28%) at room temperature. The trion emission also has a unique, non-monotonic temperature dependence that is a consequence of the multiparticle nature of the trion. This temperature dependence enables us to determine that intervalley scattering, electron-hole radiative recombination and Auger processes are the dominant mechanisms at work in this system. Because this dependence involves trion systems, one can use gate voltages to modulate the polarization (or intensity) emitted from TMD structures.
Three Dimensional Sculpturing of Vertical Nanowire Arrays by Conventional Photolithography
Authors: Shi Run , Huang Chengzi , Zhang Linfei , Amini Abbas , Liu Kai , Shi Yuan , Bao Shuhan , Wang Ning , Cheng Chun
Published: January 2016

Ordered nanoarchitectures have attracted an intense research interest recently because of their promising device applications. They are always fabricated by self-assembling building blocks such as nanowires, nanodots. This kind of bottom up approaches is limited in poor control over height, lateral resolution, aspect ratio and patterning. Here, we break these limits and realize 3D sculpturing of vertical ZnO nanowire arrays (NAs) based on the conventional photolithography approach. These are achieved by immersing nanowire NAs in thick photoresist (PR) layers, which enable the cutting and patterning of ZnO NAs as well as the tailoring of NAs. Our strategy of 3D sculpturing of NAs promisingly paves the way for designing novel NAs-based nanoarchitectures.
Apoptosis-related microRNA changes in the right atrium induced by remote ischemic perconditioning during valve replacement surgery
Authors: Hu Qinghua , Luo Wanjun , Huang Lingjin , Huang Rimao , Chen Ri
Published: January 2016

We previously found that remote ischemic perconditioning (RIPerc) was effective in attenuating myocardial injury during cardiac surgery. Given that microRNAs (miRs) act as an important player in ischemic/reperfusion (I/R) injury and apoptosis, this study aimed to investigate whether RIPerc reduces apoptosis in atrial myocardium and which apoptosis-related miRs are involved during valve replacement surgery. Here, we demonstrated that RIPerc inhibited apoptosis in atrial myocardium during cardiac ischemia and that 17 miRs showed at least a 1.5-fold change in expression after ischemia. Of the 17 miRs, 9 miRs, including miR-1, miR-21, miR-24 and miR-195, which are related to apoptosis, exhibited different expression patterns in the RIPerc group compared with the control. Using qRT-PCR and Western blotting, we demonstrated that miR-1 and miR-195 were downregulated and that their common putative target gene Bcl-2 was upregulated in the RIPerc group. However, the differences in miR-21 and miR-24 expression, together with programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4), which is the target gene of miR-21, were not significant. These findings provide some insight into the role of miRs in the cardioprotective effects induced by RIPerc.
Telomere length as a predictor of response to Pioglitazone in patients with unremitted depression: a preliminary study
Authors: Rasgon N , Lin K W , Lin J , Epel E , Blackburn E
Published: January 2016

We studied peripheral leukocyte telomere length (LTL) as a predictor of antidepressant response to PPAR-γ agonist in patients with unremitted depression. In addition we examined correlation between LTL and the insulin resistance (IR) status in these subjects. Forty-two medically stable men and women ages 23–71 with non-remitted depression participated in double-blind placebo-controlled add-on of Pioglitazone to treatment-as-usual. Oral glucose tolerance tests were administered at baseline and at 12 weeks. Diagnostic evaluation of psychiatric disorders was performed at baseline and mood severity was followed weekly throughout the duration of the trial. At baseline, no differences in LTL were detected by depression severity, duration or chronicity. LTL was also not significantly different between insulin-resistant and insulin-sensitive subjects at baseline. Subjects with longer telomeres exhibited greater declines in depression severity in the active arm, but not in a placebo arm, P=0.005, r=−0.63, 95% confidence interval (95% CI)=(−0.84,−0.21). In addition, LTL predicted improvement in insulin sensitivity in the group overall and did not differ between intervention arms, P=0.036, r=−0.44, 95% CI=(−0.74,0.02) for the active arm, and P=0.026, r=−0.50, 95% CI=(−0.78,−0.03) for the placebo arm. LTL may emerge as a viable predictor of antidepressant response. An association between insulin sensitization and LTL regardless of the baseline IR status points to potential role of LTL as a non-specific moderator of metabolic improvement in these patients.
Role of the electric field in selective ion filtration in nanostructures
Authors: Park Yong , Kim Sueon , Jang In Hyuk , Nam Young Suk , Hong Hiki , Choi Dukhyun , Lee Won Gu
Published: January 2016

Nafion has received great attention as a proton conductor that can block negative ions.
Urinary profiling of cis-diol-containing metabolites in rats with bisphenol A exposure by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and isotope labeling
Authors: Li Shangfu , Jin Yibao , Wang Jue , Tang Zhi , Xu Shunqing , Wang Tiejie , Cai Zongwei
Published: January 2016

A rapid UPLC-MS method combined with isotope labeling technology was developed for the detection ofcis-diolmetabolites in rat urine after bisphenol A exposure.
Silk fibroin gelation via non-solvent induced phase separation
Authors: Kasoju Naresh , Hawkins Nicholas , Pop-Georgievski Ognen , Kubies Dana , Vollrath Fritz
Published: January 2016

The metastable nature of reconstituted silk fibroin (RSF) and its sensitivity to the solvent quality were explored to prepare hydrogels and porous foams that could be useful for the encapsulation of cells and/or hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs.
Copper(ii)-mediated regioselective N-arylation of pyrroles, indoles, pyrazoles and carbazole via dehydrogenative coupling
Authors: Sadhu Pradeep , Punniyamurthy Tharmalingam
Published: January 2016

Copper-mediated regioselectiveN-arylation of pyrroles, indoles, pyrazoles and carbazole is described using 8-aminoquinoline amide as a directing groupviadehydrogenative coupling. The protocol has a broad substrate scope with good yields at moderate temperature.
A leucine zipper pair-based lipid vesicle for image-guided therapy in breast cancer
Authors: Lim Eun-Kyung , Bae Panki , Kim Haeran , Jung Juyeon
Published: January 2016

We developed a controllable image-guided therapy system as a powerful tool for diagnostic and therapeutic applications.
Durable and self-healing superamphiphobic coatings repellent even to hot liquids
Authors: Li Bucheng , Zhang Junping
Published: January 2016

Durable and self-healing superamphiphobic coatings with high repellency to both cool and hot liquids are prepared using palygorskite and organosilanes.
Cobalt PNCNHC ‘pincers’: ligand dearomatisation, formation of dinuclear and N2 complexes and promotion of C–H activation
Authors: Simler Thomas , Braunstein Pierre , Danopoulos Andreas A.
Published: January 2016

Ligand dearomatisation in CoII phosphino-picoline NHC-type pincers and dicobalt complexes result from side-arm metalation or C–H activation at the NHC backbone; in the latter case, an ‘anionic dicarbene’ originates from a dearomatised CoI–N2 complex.
Thiophene-substituted phenoxyl-imidazolyl radical complexes with high photosensitivity
Authors: Ikezawa Takahiro , Mutoh Katsuya , Kobayashi Yoichi , Abe Jiro
Published: January 2016

Fast photoswitch molecules became sensitive to visible light by using a thiophene ring as a radical linker unit.
Ancillary ligand-free copper catalysed hydrohydrazination of terminal alkynes with NH2NH2
Authors: Peltier Jesse L. , Jazzar Rodolphe , Melaimi Mohand , Bertrand Guy
Published: January 2016

An atom-efficient route for the formation of CN bonds containing products from bulk materials and a cheap catalyst.
Synthesis, X-ray characterization, DFT calculations and Hirshfeld surface analysis of thiosemicarbazone complexes of Mn+ ions (n = 2, 3; M = Ni, Cd, Mn, Co and Cu)
Authors: Mahmoudi Ghodrat , Castiñeiras Alfonso , Garczarek Piotr , Bauzá Antonio , Rheingold Arnold L. , Kinzhybalo Vasyl , Frontera Antonio
Published: January 2016

Herein we report the synthesis, X-ray characterization, DFT calculations and Hirshfeld surface analysis of seven complexes of transition metal ions with pyridine-based thiosemicarbazone ligands.
Carbon dioxide induced bubble formation in a CH4–CO2–H2O ternary system: a molecular dynamics simulation study
Authors: Sujith K. S. , Ramachandran C. N.
Published: January 2016

The role of carbon dioxide in the formation of gas bubbles in a CH4–CO2–H2O ternary system is studied using molecular dynamics simulations.
Probing the interactions of phenol with oxygenated functional groups on curved fullerene-like sheets in activated carbon
Authors: Yin Chun-Yang , Ng Man-Fai , Goh Bee-Min , Saunders Martin , Hill Nick , Jiang Zhong-Tao , Balach Juan , El-Harbawi Mohanad
Published: January 2016

Decreased activated carbon phenol uptake is attributed to increased oxygenated functional groups concentration on convex side of curved carbon sheets.
Deconstructing field-induced ketene isomerization through Lagrangian descriptors
Authors: Craven Galen T. , Hernandez Rigoberto
Published: January 2016

Phase space contours (shown in color) constructed using the method of Lagrangian descriptors resolve the separatrices governing state transitions on the reaction-path potential energy surface (shown in white) for field-induced ketene isomerization.
Correction: The impact of doping rates on the morphologies of silver and gold nanowires grown in helium nanodroplets
Authors: Volk Alexander , Thaler Philipp , Knez Daniel , Hauser Andreas W. , Steurer Johannes , Grogger Werner , Hofer Ferdinand , Ernst Wolfgang E.
Published: January 2016

Correction for ‘The impact of doping rates on the morphologies of silver and gold nanowires grown in helium nanodroplets’ by Alexander Volk et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2016, DOI: 10.1039/c5cp06248a.
Biocatalytic asymmetric Mannich reaction of ketimines using wheat germ lipase
Authors: Wu Ling-Ling , Xiang Yang , Yang Da-Cheng , Guan Zhi , He Yan-Hong
Published: January 2016

Wheat germ lipase (WGL) was used for the first time as a biocatalyst in asymmetric Mannich reaction of ketimines.
Preparation and reactivity of a Ru(0) phosphino–carbene complex
Authors: Mosaferi Eliar , Pan Li , Wang Tongen , Sun Yunshan , Pranckevicius Conor , Stephan Douglas W.
Published: January 2016

The reaction of the phosphino–carbene MeNC3H2NPtBu2 with RuHCl(CO)(PPh3)3 is shown to give facile access to the Ru(0) species (MeNC3H2NPtBu2)Ru(CO)(PPh3)2 (1).
Determination of the exciton binding energy and effective masses for methylammonium and formamidinium lead tri-halide perovskite semiconductors
Authors: Galkowski Krzysztof , Mitioglu Anatolie , Miyata Atsuhiko , Plochocka Paulina , Portugall Oliver , Eperon Giles E. , Wang Jacob Tse-Wei , Stergiopoulos Thomas , Stranks Samuel D. , Snaith Henry J. , Nicholas Robin J.
Published: January 2016

The reduced effective mass (μ) and excitonic Rydberg (R*) are measured by magneto-optics for new perovskite semiconductors.
Pinhole-free perovskite films for efficient solar modules
Authors: Qiu W. , Merckx T. , Jaysankar M. , Masse de la Huerta C. , Rakocevic L. , Zhang W. , Paetzold U. W. , Gehlhaar R. , Froyen L. , Poortmans J. , Cheyns D. , Snaith H. J. , Heremans P.
Published: January 2016

We demonstrated a 4 cm2aperture area perovskite solar module with a PCE of 13.6% and a geometrical fill factor of 91%.
Net-zero water management: achieving energy-positive municipal water supply
Authors: Englehardt James D. , Wu Tingting , Bloetscher Frederick , Deng Yang , du Pisani Piet , Eilert Sebastian , Elmir Samir , Guo Tianjiao , Jacangelo Joseph , LeChevallier Mark , Leverenz Harold , Mancha Erika , Plater-Zyberk Elizabeth , Sheikh Bahman , Steinle-Darling Eva , Tchobanoglous George
Published: January 2016

Municipal water management can now be energy-positive and economical, through total water recycling.
Milk with and without lactoferrin can influence intestinal damage in a pig model of malnutrition
Authors: Garas Lydia C. , Feltrin Cristiano , Kristina Hamilton M. , Hagey Jill V. , Murray James D. , Bertolini Luciana R. , Bertolini Marcelo , Raybould Helen E. , Maga Elizabeth A.
Published: January 2016

Malnutrition remains a leading contributor to the morbidity and mortality of children under the age of five worldwide.
Improved extraction of fluoroquinolones with recyclable ionic-liquid-based aqueous biphasic systems
Authors: Almeida Hugo F. D. , Freire Mara G. , Marrucho Isabel M.
Published: January 2016

Improved ionic-liquid-based aqueous biphasic systems combined with recyclable extraction platforms to remove fluoroquinolones from aqueous media are presented.
Hydrodeoxygenation of sulfoxides to sulfides by a Pt and MoOx co-loaded TiO2 catalyst
Authors: Touchy Abeda Sultana , Hakim Siddiki S. M. A. , Onodera Wataru , Kon Kenichi , Shimizu Ken-ichi
Published: January 2016

We report the first reusable catalyst for hydrodeoxygenation of various sulfoxides to sulfides as well as the first example of hydrodeoxygenation of a sulfone to a sulfide.
Wettability properties vary with different morphologies of ZnO nanoparticles deposited on glass and modified by stearic acid
Authors: Rezayi T. , Entezari M. H.
Published: January 2016

In the present study, variations in morphology and surface wettability are accomplished using different zinc sources for the deposition of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles on a glass surface.
On the formation of gold nanoparticles from [AuIIICl4]− and a non-classical reduced polyoxomolybdate as an electron source: a quantum mechanical modelling and experimental study
Authors: Lang Zhongling , Gabas Isabel Maicas , López Xavier , Clotet Anna , de la Fuente Jesús M. , Mitchell Scott G. , Poblet Josep M.
Published: January 2016

DFT calculations and experimental data prove that the [Na{(MoV2O4)3(μ2-O)3(μ2-SO3)3(μ6-SO3)}2]15− POM is capable of completely reducing Au(iii) to Au(0).
A miniaturized microbial fuel cell with three-dimensional graphene macroporous scaffold anode demonstrating a record power density of over 10 000 W m−3
Authors: Ren Hao , Tian He , Gardner Cameron L. , Ren Tian-Ling , Chae Junseok
Published: January 2016

We report a miniaturized microbial fuel cell, integrated with a 3D free-standing graphene scaffold, delivering a record high power density of 11 220 W m−3.
Vibrational spectroscopy and imaging for concurrent cellular trafficking of co-localized doxorubicin and deuterated phospholipid vesicles
Authors: Misra S. K. , Mukherjee P. , Ohoka A. , Schwartz-Duval A. S. , Tiwari S. , Bhargava R. , Pan D.
Published: January 2016

Simultaneous tracking of nanoparticles and encapsulated payload is of great importance and visualizing their activity is arduous.
Synthesis and anti-mycobacterial activity of glycosyl sulfamides of arabinofuranose
Authors: Suthagar Kajitha , Fairbanks Antony J.
Published: January 2016

A series ofarabino N-glycosyl sulfamides, forced to adopt the furanose form by removal of the 5-hydroxyl group, were synthesised as putative isosteric mimics of decaprenolphosphoarabinose, the donor processed by arabinosyltransferases during mycobacterial cell wall assembly.
Novel PARP inhibitors sensitize human leukemic cells in an endogenous PARP activity dependent manner
Authors: Hegde Mahesh , Mantelingu Kempegowda , Swarup Hassan A. , Pavankumar Chottanahalli S. , Qamar Imteyaz , Raghavan Sathees C. , Rangappa Kanchugarakoppal S.
Published: January 2016

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) is a critical nuclear enzyme which helps in DNA repair. In this study we report, synthesis and biological studies of novel pyridazine derivatives as PARP inhibitors.
Scalable synthesis of nanometric α-Fe2O3within interconnected carbon shells from pyrolytic alginate chelates for lithium storage
Authors: Qiu Jun , Li Mingjie , Zhao Yun , Kong Qingshan , Li Xianguo , Li Chaoxu
Published: January 2016

By combining naturally abundant iron ions and sodium alginate into conventional wet-spinning and pyrolysis processes, α-Fe2O3could be nanostructured and carbon-coated in a facile and scalable technique.
A simple nanoporous silica-based dual mode optical sensor for detection of multiple analytes (Fe3+, Al3+ and CN−) in water mimicking XOR logic gate
Authors: Afshani Jafar , Badiei Alireza , Lashgari Negar , Mohammadi Ziarani Ghodsi
Published: January 2016

A simple but versatile nanoporous silica-based optical sensor was synthesized and characterized using different techniques such as XRD, BET, TGA, and FT-IR.
Enhanced oil-fouling resistance of poly(ether sulfone) membranes by incorporation of novel amphiphilic zwitterionic copolymers
Authors: Zhang Guangfa , Gao Fan , Zhang Qinghua , Zhan Xiaoli , Chen Fengqiu
Published: January 2016

A heterogeneous PES membrane modified with novel amphiphilic zwitterionic copolymers that displayed dramatically enhanced oil-fouling resistance.
Graphene foam with hierarchical structures for the removal of organic pollutants from water
Authors: Yang Sudong , Chen Lin , Mu Lei , Hao Bin , Chen Junteng , Ma Peng-Cheng
Published: January 2016

Graphene foam with hierarchical structure was prepared. The developed material exhibited high porosity, hydrophobicity, excellent thermal stability, and can be for oil–water separation.
Au NCs-enhanced chemiluminescence from NaHSO3–H2O2 and its analytical application
Authors: He Yanyan , Sui Yanyan , Xu Shuangjiao , Chen Funan
Published: January 2016

It was found that the ultra-weak chemiluminescence (CL) emission from the sodium bisulfite (NaHSO3)–H2O2 system could be enhanced by gold nanoclusters (Au NCs).
Step-by-step deposition of type B gelatin and tannic acid displays a peculiar ionic strength dependence at pH 5
Authors: Ringwald C. , Ball V.
Published: January 2016

Tannic acid (TA), among other polyphenols, interacts strongly with proteins, in particular proline rich proteins, a mechanism which is at the origin of mouth astringency.