bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anästhesie bei ophthalmologischen Operationen – eine Standortbestimmung
Authors: Moll Jens , Kaufmann Mark
Published: March 2016

Zusammenfassung. Ein Grossteil der opthalmologischen Eingriffe kann heute in Lokoregionalanästhesie mit «Monitored Anesthesia Care» (MAC) durchgeführt werden. Allgemeinanästhesieverfahren sind hauptsächlich im pädiatrischen Segment, bei spezifischer Comorbidität und bei langdauernden Eingriffen mit völlig ruhiggestelltem OP-Gebiet notwendig. Kataraktoperationen bei mehrheitlich geriatrischen Patienten gehören aufgrund Ihrer Häufigkeit zur sogenannten «Hochvolumen-Chirurgie»: In Anbetracht des niedrigen perioperativen Risikos bei dieser Patientengruppe sind angepasste, optimierte Prozesse sinnvoll. Eine fokussierte Prämedikation und Information dieser Patienten gewährleistet eine gute perioperative Compliance. Präoperative Untersuchungen sollen bei dieser Patientengruppe nur in Abhängigkeit von relevanter Comorbidität durchgeführt werden. Neben der klassischen Anästhesiesprechstunde stehen heute für gesundheitlich kompensierte Patienten auch neue Verfahren wie eine internetbasierte Prämedikationsvisite zur Verfügung. Das intraoperative Anästhesieverfahren hängt von den Erfordernissen des Chirurgen und den Erwartungen und Kooperationsmöglichkeiten des Patienten ab.
Einmal Burnout ist nicht immer Burnout: Eine stationäre multimodale Psychotherapie ist eine effektive Burnout-Behandlung
Authors: Schwarzkopf Kathleen , Conrad Nathalie , Straus Doris , Porschke Hildburg , von Känel Roland
Published: March 2016

Zusammenfassung. Retrospektiv wurden der klinische Verlauf und die Langzeiteffekte einer stationären Behandlung bei 723 Patientinnen und Patienten untersucht, die 2012–2013 in einer auf «Burnout»-Behandlung spezialisierten Klinik mit einer ICD-10 F-Hauptdiagnose und Zusatzcode Z73.0 («Zustand der totalen Erschöpfung») hospitalisiert waren. Die Charakterisierung der Studienteilnehmenden erfolgte anhand von Alter, Geschlecht, sozioökonomischem Status, sowie semiquantitativ mit testpsychologischen Fragebogen zu Beginn und am Ende der sechswöchigen stationären Behandlung. Eine Katamnese konnte bei 232 Studienteilnehmenden im Mittel 15 Monate nach Entlassung erfolgen. Die Resultate verdeutlichen den Erfolg einer stationären multimodalen psychiatrisch-psychotherapeutischen Behandlung mit einer signifikanten Reduktion der allgemeinen und für Burnout spezifischen (d.h. emotionale Erschöpfung, Depersonalisation, reduzierte Leistungsfähigkeit) Symptombelastung. Die Mehrheit der Patienten (>90 %) erlebte die Therapie als erfolgreich. Eine berufliche Reintegration erfolgte bei 71 %.
Estimating Evaporation
Authors: Wheeling Kate
Published: March 2016

A new framework provides scientists with a more precise understanding of potential evaporation from drying land surfaces.
How Will Sea Ice Loss Affect the Greenland Ice Sheet?
Authors: Pausata Francesco S. R. , LeGrande Allegra , Roberts William
Published: March 2016

On the Puzzling Features of Greenland Ice-Core Isotopic Composition; Copenhagen, Denmark, 26–28 October 2015
Buried iceberg scours reveal reduced North Atlantic Current during the stage 12 deglacial
Authors: Newton Andrew M. W. , Huuse Mads , Brocklehurst Simon H.
Published: March 2016

Reconstructing past ocean-climate environments and heat transport requires proxies from which these conditions can be quantified. This is particularly important for the evaluation of numerical palaeoclimate models. Here we present new evidence for a reduced North Atlantic Current (NAC) at the termination of the third last glacial, for which palaeocurrent information was previously unavailable. This is based on an exquisitely preserved set of buried iceberg scours seen in three-dimensional seismic reflection images from the mid-Norwegian slope. The scours were formed ∼430 ka during the transition from glacial to interglacial conditions. The spiral geometry of the scours suggests that they were carved by grounded icebergs influenced by tidal and geostrophic ocean currents. Using the ratio between the estimated tidal and geostrophic current velocities and comparing them with velocities from the Last Glacial Maximum and the present, we show that the stage 12 NAC velocities may have been ∼50% slower than the present.
Photoacoustics of single laser-trapped nanodroplets for the direct observation of nanofocusing in aerosol photokinetics
Authors: Cremer Johannes W. , Thaler Klemens M. , Haisch Christoph , Signorell Ruth
Published: March 2016

Photochemistry taking place in atmospheric aerosol droplets has a significant impact on the Earth’s climate. Nanofocusing of electromagnetic radiation inside aerosols plays a crucial role in their absorption behaviour, since the radiation flux inside the droplet strongly affects the activation rate of photochemically active species. However, size-dependent nanofocusing effects in the photokinetics of small aerosols have escaped direct observation due to the inability to measure absorption signatures from single droplets. Here we show that photoacoustic measurements on optically trapped single nanodroplets provide a direct, broadly applicable method to measure absorption with attolitre sensitivity. We demonstrate for a model aerosol that the photolysis is accelerated by an order of magnitude in the sub-micron to micron size range, compared with larger droplets. The versatility of our technique promises broad applicability to absorption studies of aerosol particles, such as atmospheric aerosols where quantitative photokinetic data are critical for climate predictions.
In situ Transmission Electron Microscopy observation of Ag nanocrystal evolution by surfactant free electron-driven synthesis
Authors: Longo Elson , Avansi Waldir , Bettini Jefferson , Andrés Juan , Gracia Lourdes
Published: March 2016

The study of the interaction of electron irradiation with matter and the response of the material to the passage of electrons is a very challenging problem. However, the growth mechanism observed during nanostructural evolution appears to be a broad and promising scientific field in nanotechnology. We report thein situTEM study of nanostructural evolution of electron-driven silver (Ag) nanocrystals through an additive-free synthetic procedure. Observations revealed the direct effect of the electron beam on the morphological evolution of Ag nanocrystals through different mechanisms, such as mass transport, site-selective coalescence and an appropriate structural configuration after coalescence leading to a more stable configuration. A fundamental understanding of the growth and formation mechanisms of Ag nanocrystals, which interact with the electron beam, is essential to improve the nanocrystal shape-control mechanisms as well as the future design and study of nanomaterials.
In vivo acoustic and photoacoustic focusing of circulating cells
Authors: Galanzha Ekaterina I. , Viegas Mark G. , Malinsky Taras I. , Melerzanov Alexander V. , Juratli Mazen A. , Sarimollaoglu Mustafa , Nedosekin Dmitry A. , Zharov Vladimir P.
Published: March 2016

In vivo flow cytometry using vessels as natural tubes with native cell flows has revolutionized the study of rare circulating tumor cells in a complex blood background. However, the presence of many blood cells in the detection volume makes it difficult to count each cell in this volume. We introduce method for manipulation of circulating cells in vivo with the use of gradient acoustic forces induced by ultrasound and photoacoustic waves. In a murine model, we demonstrated cell trapping, redirecting and focusing in blood and lymph flow into a tight stream, noninvasive wall-free transportation of blood and the potential for photoacoustic detection of sickle cells without labeling and of leukocytes targeted by functionalized nanoparticles. Integration of cell focusing with intravital imaging methods may provide a versatile biological tool for single-cell analysis in circulation, with a focus on in vivo needleless blood tests and preclinical studies of human diseases in animal models.
Principles of dynamical modularity in biological regulatory networks
Authors: Deritei Dávid , Aird William C. , Ercsey-Ravasz Mária , Regan Erzsébet Ravasz
Published: March 2016

Intractable diseases such as cancer are associated with breakdown in multiple individual functions, which conspire to create unhealthy phenotype-combinations. An important challenge is to decipher how these functions are coordinated in health and disease. We approach this by drawing on dynamical systems theory. We posit that distinct phenotype-combinations are generated by interactions among robust regulatory switches, each in control of a discrete set of phenotypic outcomes. First, we demonstrate the advantage of characterizing multi-switch regulatory systems in terms of their constituent switches by building a multiswitch cell cycle model which points to novel, testable interactions critical for early G2/M commitment to division. Second, we define quantitative measures of dynamical modularity, namely that global cell states are discrete combinations of switch-level phenotypes. Finally, we formulate three general principles that govern the way coupled switches coordinate their function.
Effects of acute intra-abdominal hypertension on multiple intestinal barrier functions in rats
Authors: Leng Yuxin , Yi Min , Fan Jie , Bai Yu , Ge Qinggang , Yao Gaiqi
Published: March 2016

Intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) is a common and serious complication in critically ill patients for which there is no well-defined treatment strategy. Here, we explored the effect of IAH on multiple intestinal barriers and discussed whether the alteration in microflora provides clues to guide the rational therapeutic treatment of intestinal barriers during IAH. Using a rat model, we analysed the expression of tight junction proteins (TJs), mucins, chemotactic factors, and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) by immunohistochemistry. We also analysed the microflora populations using 16S rRNA sequencing. We found that, in addition to enhanced permeability, acute IAH (20 mmHg for 90 min) resulted in significant disturbances to mucosal barriers. Dysbiosis of the intestinal microbiota was also induced, as represented by decreased Firmicutes (relative abundance), increased Proteobacteria and migration of Bacteroidetes from the colon to the jejunum. At the genus level, Lactobacillus species and Peptostreptococcaceae incertae sedis were decreased, whereas levels of lactococci remained unchanged. Our findings outline the characteristics of IAH-induced barrier changes, indicating that intestinal barriers might be treated to alleviate IAH, and the microflora may be an especially relevant target.
Delayed signatures of underground nuclear explosions
Authors: Carrigan Charles R. , Sun Yunwei , Hunter Steven L. , Ruddle David G. , Wagoner Jeffrey L. , Myers Katherine B. L. , Emer Dudley F. , Drellack Sigmund L. , Chipman Veraun D.
Published: March 2016

Radionuclide signals from underground nuclear explosions (UNEs) are strongly influenced by the surrounding hydrogeologic regime. One effect of containment is delay of detonation-produced radioxenon reaching the surface as well as lengthening of its period of detectability compared to uncontained explosions. Using a field-scale tracer experiment, we evaluate important transport properties of a former UNE site. We observe the character of signals at the surface due to the migration of gases from the post-detonation chimney under realistic transport conditions. Background radon signals are found to be highly responsive to cavity pressurization suggesting that large local radon anomalies may be an indicator of a clandestine UNE. Computer simulations, using transport properties obtained from the experiment, track radioxenon isotopes in the chimney and their migration to the surface. They show that the chimney surrounded by a fractured containment regime behaves as a leaky chemical reactor regarding its effect on isotopic evolution introducing a dependence on nuclear yield not previously considered. This evolutionary model for radioxenon isotopes is validated by atmospheric observations of radioxenon from a 2013 UNE in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). Our model produces results similar to isotopic observations with nuclear yields being comparable to seismic estimates.
Insights into mutualism mechanism and versatile metabolism of Ketogulonicigenium vulgare Hbe602 based on comparative genomics and metabolomics studies
Authors: Jia Nan , Ding Ming-Zhu , Du Jin , Pan Cai-Hui , Tian Geng , Lang Ji-Dong , Fang Jian-Huo , Gao Feng , Yuan Ying-Jin
Published: March 2016

Ketogulonicigenium vulgare has been widely used in vitamin C two steps fermentation and requires companion strain for optimal growth. However, the understanding of K. vulgare as well as its companion strain is still preliminary. Here, the complete genome of K. vulgare Hbe602 was deciphered to provide insight into the symbiosis mechanism and the versatile metabolism. K. vulgare contains the LuxR family proteins, chemokine proteins, flagellar structure proteins, peptides and transporters for symbiosis consortium. Besides, the growth state and metabolite variation of K. vulgare were observed when five carbohydrates (D-sorbitol, L-sorbose, D-glucose, D-fructose and D-mannitol) were used as carbon source. The growth increased by 40.72% and 62.97% respectively when K. vulgare was cultured on D-mannitol/D-sorbitol than on L-sorbose. The insufficient metabolism of carbohydrates, amino acids and vitamins is the main reason for the slow growth of K. vulgare. The combined analysis of genomics and metabolomics indicated that TCA cycle, amino acid and nucleotide metabolism were significantly up-regulated when K. vulgare was cultured on the D-mannitol/D-sorbitol, which facilitated the better growth. The present study would be helpful to further understand its metabolic structure and guide the engineering transformation.
Identification and characterisation of Dof transcription factors in the cucumber genome
Authors: Wen Chang-long , Cheng Qing , Zhao Liqun , Mao Aijun , Yang Jingjing , Yu Shuancang , Weng Yiqun , Xu Yong
Published: March 2016

Cucumber is vulnerable to many foliage diseases. Recent studies reported cloning of candidate genes for several diseases in cucumber; however, the exact defence mechanisms remain unclear. Dof genes have been shown to play significant roles in plant growth, development and responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. Dof genes coding for plant-specific transcription factors can promote large-scale expression of defence-related genes at whole genome level. The genes in the family have been identified and characterized in several plant species, but not in cucumber. In the present study, we identified 36 CsDof members from the cucumber draft genomes which could be classified into eight groups. The proportions of the CsDof family genes, duplication events, chromosomal locations, cis-elements and miRNA target sites were comprehensively investigated. Consequently, we analysed the expression patterns of CsDof genes in specific tissues and their response to two biotic stresses (watermelon mosaic virus and downy mildew). These results indicated that CsDof may be involved in resistance to biotic stresses in cucumber.
An Ethylene-responsive Factor BpERF11 Negatively Modulates Salt and Osmotic Tolerance in Betula platyphylla
Authors: Zhang Wenhui , Yang Guiyan , Mu Dan , Li Hongyan , Zang Dandan , Xu Hongyun , Zou Xuezhong , Wang Yucheng
Published: March 2016

Ethylene responsive factors (ERFs) play important roles in the abiotic stress; however, only a few ERF genes from woody plants have been functionally characterized. In the present study, an ERF gene fromBetula platyphylla(birch),BpERF11, was functionally characterized in response to abiotic stress. BpERF11 is a nuclear protein, which could specifically bind to GCC boxes and DRE motifs.BpERF11-overexpressing andBpERF11RNA interference (RNAi) knockdown plants were generated for gain- and loss-of-function analysis.BpERF11negatively regulates resistance to salt and severe osmotic stress, and the transgenic birch plants overexpressingBpERF11shows increased electrolyte leakage and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents.BpERF11inhibits the expression of anAtMYB61homologous gene, resulting in increased stomatal aperture, which elevated the transpiration rate. Furthermore,BpERF11downregulates the expression ofP5CS,SODandPODgenes, but upregulates the expression ofPRODHandP5CDH, which results in reduced proline levels and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation.BpERF11also significantly inhibits the expression ofLEAand dehydrin genes that involve in abiotic stress tolerance. Therefore,BpERF11serves as a transcription factor that negatively regulates salt and severe osmotic tolerance by modulating various physiological processes.
Controllable Hysteresis and Threshold Voltage of Single-Walled Carbon Nano-tube Transistors with Ferroelectric Polymer Top-Gate Insulators
Authors: Sun Yi-Lin , Xie Dan , Xu Jian-Long , Zhang Cheng , Dai Rui-Xuan , Li Xian , Meng Xiang-Jian , Zhu Hong-Wei
Published: March 2016

Double-gated field effect transistors have been fabricated using the SWCNT networks as channel layer and the organic ferroelectric P(VDF-TrFE) film spin-coated as top gate insulators. Standard photolithography process has been adopted to achieve the patterning of organic P(VDF-TrFE) films and top-gate electrodes, which is compatible with conventional CMOS process technology. An effective way for modulating the threshold voltage in the channel of P(VDF-TrFE) top-gate transistors under polarization has been reported. The introduction of functional P(VDF-TrFE) gate dielectric also provides us an alternative method to suppress the initial hysteresis of SWCNT networks and obtain a controllable ferroelectric hysteresis behavior. Applied bottom gate voltage has been found to be another effective way to highly control the threshold voltage of the networked SWCNTs based FETs by electrostatic doping effect.
Identification of early myeloid progenitors as immunosuppressive cells
Authors: Pu Shiming , Qin Baoxiong , He Huan , Zhan Jinxi , Wu Qiong , Zhang Xinming , Yang Liu , Qu Chunfeng , Zhou Zuping
Published: March 2016

Growing evidence suggests that hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs), precursors of mature immune cells, may play a direct role in immunosurveillance. Early myeloid progenitors are the major components of HSPCs and they often undergo extensive expansion in stress as a result of myeloid-biased hematopoiesis. Yet, the precise function of early myeloid progenitors remains unclear. Here we show that during tumor progression, mouse granulocyte/macrophage progenitors (GMPs) but not common myeloid progenitors (CMPs) are markedly expanded within the bone marrow and blood of mice. Interestingly, both GMPs and CMPs freshly isolated from either tumor-bearing or naïve animals are capable of inhibiting polyclonal stimuli- and alloantigen-induced T cell proliferation, with tumor host-derived cells having elevated activities. Strikingly, these early myeloid progenitor cells even display much stronger suppressive capacity than the classical myeloid-derived suppressive cells. Analysis of GMPs indicates that they express iNOS and can secrete high levels of NO. Further studies unusing iNOS specific inhibitors reveal that the immunosuppression of GMPs is, to a large extent, NO-dependent. GMPs can also efficiently induce regulatory T cell development. These studies demonstrate that early myeloid progenitors can act as immunosuppressive cells. This finding provides novel insights into the functional diversity and plasticity of early myeloid progenitor cells.
Exosomal miR-10a derived from amniotic fluid stem cells preserves ovarian follicles after chemotherapy
Authors: Xiao Guan-Yu , Cheng Chun-Chun , Chiang Yih-Shien , Cheng Winston Teng-Kuei , Liu I-Hsuan , Wu Shinn-Chih
Published: March 2016

Chemotherapy (CTx)-induced premature ovarian failure (POF) in woman remains clinically irreversible. Amniotic fluid stem cells (AFSCs) have shown the potential to treat CTx-induced POF; however, the underlying mechanism is unclear. Here we demonstrate that AFSC-derived exosomes recapitulate the anti-apoptotic effect of AFSCs on CTx-damaged granulosa cells (GCs), which are vital for the growth of ovarian follicles. AFSC-derived exosomes prevent ovarian follicular atresia in CTx-treated mice via the delivery of microRNAs in which both miR-146a and miR-10a are highly enriched and their potential target genes are critical to apoptosis. The down-regulation of these two miRNAs in AFSC-derived exosomes attenuates the anti-apoptotic effect on CTx-damaged GCs in vitro. Further, the administration of these miRNAs recapitulates the effects both in vitro and in vivo, in which miR-10a contributes a dominant influence. Our findings illustrate that miR-10a has potential as a novel therapeutic agent for the treatment of POF.
Load partitioning between the bcc-iron matrix and NiAl-type precipitates in a ferritic alloy on multiple length scales
Authors: Sun Zhiqian , Song Gian , Sisneros Thomas A. , Clausen Bjørn , Pu Chao , Li Lin , Gao Yanfei , Liaw Peter K.
Published: March 2016

An understanding of load sharing among constituent phases aids in designing mechanical properties of multiphase materials. Here we investigate load partitioning between the body-centered-cubic iron matrix and NiAl-type precipitates in a ferritic alloy during uniaxial tensile tests at 364 and 506 °C on multiple length scales by in situ neutron diffraction and crystal plasticity finite element modeling. Our findings show that the macroscopic load-transfer efficiency is not as high as that predicted by the Eshelby model; moreover, it depends on the matrix strain-hardening behavior. We explain the grain-level anisotropic load-partitioning behavior by considering the plastic anisotropy of the matrix and elastic anisotropy of precipitates. We further demonstrate that the partitioned load on NiAl-type precipitates relaxes at 506 °C, most likely through thermally-activated dislocation rearrangement on the microscopic scale. The study contributes to further understanding of load-partitioning characteristics in multiphase materials.
miR-33-5p, a novel mechano-sensitive microRNA promotes osteoblast differentiation by targeting Hmga2
Authors: Wang Han , Sun Zhongyang , Wang Yixuan , Hu Zebing , Zhou Hua , Zhang Lianchang , Hong Bo , Zhang Shu , Cao Xinsheng
Published: March 2016

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) interfere with the translation of specific target mRNAs and are thought to thereby regulate many cellular processes. However, the role of miRNAs in osteoblast mechanotransduction remains to be defined. In this study, we investigated the ability of a miRNA to respond to different mechanical environments and regulate mechano-induced osteoblast differentiation. First, we demonstrated that miR-33-5p expressed by osteoblasts is sensitive to multiple mechanical environments, microgravity and fluid shear stress. We then confirmed the ability of miR-33-5p to promote osteoblast differentiation. Microgravity or fluid shear stress influences osteoblast differentiation partially via miR-33-5p. Through bioinformatics analysis and a luciferase assay, we subsequently confirmed that Hmga2 is a target gene of miR-33-5p that negatively regulates osteoblast differentiation. Moreover, miR-33-5p regulates osteoblast differentiation partially via Hmga2. In summary, our findings demonstrate that miR-33-5p is a novel mechano-sensitive miRNA that can promote osteoblast differentiation and participate in the regulation of differentiation induced by changes in the mechanical environment, suggesting this miRNA as a potential target for the treatment of pathological bone loss.
Aqueous sodium borohydride induced thermally stable porous zirconium oxide for quick removal of lead ions
Authors: Nayak Nadiya B. , Nayak Bibhuti B.
Published: March 2016

Aqueous sodium borohydride (NaBH4) is well known for its reducing property and well-established for the development of metal nanoparticles through reduction method. In contrary, this research paper discloses the importance of aqueous NaBH4 as a precipitating agent towards development of porous zirconium oxide. The boron species present in aqueous NaBH4 play an active role during gelation as well as phase separated out in the form of boron complex during precipitation, which helps to form boron free zirconium hydroxide [Zr(OH)4] in the as-synthesized condition. Evolved in-situ hydrogen (H2) gas-bubbles also play an important role to develop as-synthesized loose zirconium hydroxide and the presence of intra-particle voids in the loose zirconium hydroxide help to develop porous zirconium oxide during calcination process. Without any surface modification, this porous zirconium oxide quickly adsorbs almost hundred percentages of toxic lead ions from water solution within 15 minutes at normal pH condition. Adsorption kinetic models suggest that the adsorption process was surface reaction controlled chemisorption. Quick adsorption was governed by surface diffusion process and the adsorption kinetic was limited by pore diffusion. Five cycles of adsorption-desorption result suggests that the porous zirconium oxide can be reused efficiently for removal of Pb (II) ions from aqueous solution.
Dynamic Balance of Excitation and Inhibition in Human and Monkey Neocortex
Authors: Dehghani Nima , Peyrache Adrien , Telenczuk Bartosz , Le Van Quyen Michel , Halgren Eric , Cash Sydney S. , Hatsopoulos Nicholas G. , Destexhe Alain
Published: March 2016

Balance of excitation and inhibition is a fundamental feature of in vivo network activity and is important for its computations. However, its presence in the neocortex of higher mammals is not well established. We investigated the dynamics of excitation and inhibition using dense multielectrode recordings in humans and monkeys. We found that in all states of the wake-sleep cycle, excitatory and inhibitory ensembles are well balanced and co-fluctuate with slight instantaneous deviations from perfect balance, mostly in slow-wave sleep. Remarkably, these correlated fluctuations are seen for many different temporal scales. The similarity of these computational features with a network model of self-generated balanced states suggests that such balanced activity is essentially generated by recurrent activity in the local network and is not due to external inputs. Finally, we find that this balance breaks down during seizures, where the temporal correlation of excitatory and inhibitory populations is disrupted. These results show that balanced activity is a feature of normal brain activity and break down of the balance could be an important factor to define pathological states.
Photoconductive terahertz generation from textured semiconductor materials
Authors: Collier Christopher M. , Stirling Trevor J. , Hristovski Ilija R. , Krupa Jeffrey D. A. , Holzman Jonathan F.
Published: March 2016

Photoconductive (PC) terahertz (THz) emitters are often limited by ohmic loss and Joule heating—as these effects can lead to thermal runaway and premature device breakdown. To address this, the proposed work introduces PC THz emitters based on textured InP materials. The enhanced surface recombination and decreased charge-carrier lifetimes of the textured InP materials reduce residual photocurrents, following the picosecond THz waveform generation and this diminishes Joule heating in the emitters. A non-textured InP material is used as a baseline for studies of fine- and coarse-textured InP materials. Ultrafast pump-probe and THz setups are used to measure the charge-carrier lifetimes and THz response/photocurrent consumption of the respective materials and emitters. It is found that similar temporal and spectral characteristics can be achieved with the THz emitters, but the level of photocurrent consumption (yielding Joule heating) is greatly reduced in the textured materials.
TiO2-catalyzed synthesis of sugars from formaldehyde in extraterrestrial impacts on the early Earth
Authors: Civiš Svatopluk , Szabla Rafał , Szyja Bartłomiej M. , Smykowski Daniel , Ivanek Ondřej , Knížek Antonín , Kubelík Petr , Šponer Jiří , Ferus Martin , Šponer Judit E.
Published: March 2016

Recent synthetic efforts aimed at reconstructing the beginning of life on our planet point at the plausibility of scenarios fueled by extraterrestrial energy sources. In the current work we show that beyond nucleobases the sugar components of the first informational polymers can be synthesized in this way. We demonstrate that a laser-induced high-energy chemistry combined with TiO2 catalysis readily produces a mixture of pentoses, among them ribose, arabinose and xylose. This chemistry might be highly relevant to the Late Heavy Bombardment period of Earth’s history about 4–3.85 billion years ago. In addition, we present an in-depth theoretical analysis of the most challenging step of the reaction pathway, i.e., the TiO2-catalyzed dimerization of formaldehyde leading to glycolaldehyde.
Optimizing matching and analysis combinations for estimating causal effects
Authors: Colson K. Ellicott , Rudolph Kara E. , Zimmerman Scott C. , Goin Dana E. , Stuart Elizabeth A. , Laan Mark van der , Ahern Jennifer
Published: March 2016

Matching methods are common in studies across many disciplines. However, there is limited evidence on how to optimally combine matching with subsequent analysis approaches to minimize bias and maximize efficiency for the quantity of interest. We conducted simulations to compare the performance of a wide variety of matching methods and analysis approaches in terms of bias, variance, and mean squared error (MSE). We then compared these approaches in an applied example of an employment training program. The results indicate that combining full matching with double robust analysis performed best in both the simulations and the applied example, particularly when combined with machine learning estimation methods. To reduce bias, current guidelines advise researchers to select the technique with the best post-matching covariate balance, but this work finds that such an approach does not always minimize mean squared error (MSE). These findings have important implications for future research utilizing matching. To minimize MSE, investigators should consider additional diagnostics, and use of simulations tailored to the study of interest to identify the optimal matching and analysis combination.
Altered RNA editing in 3′ UTR perturbs microRNA-mediated regulation of oncogenes and tumor-suppressors
Authors: Zhang Liye , Yang Chih-Sheng , Varelas Xaralabos , Monti Stefano
Published: March 2016

RNA editing is a molecular event that alters specific nucleotides in RNA post-transcriptionally. RNA editing has the potential to impact a variety of cellular processes and is implicated in diseases such as cancer. Yet, the precise mechanisms by which RNA editing controls cellular processes are poorly understood. Here, we characterize sequences altered by RNA editing in patient samples from lymphoma, neuroblastoma and head and neck cancers. We show that A-to-I RNA editing sites are highly conserved across samples of the same tissue type and that most editing sites identified in tumors are also detectable in normal tissues. Next, we identify the significant changes in editing levels of known sites between tumor and paired “normal” tissues across 14 cancer types (627 pairs) from The Cancer Genome Atlas project and show that the complexity of RNA editing regulation cannot be captured by the activity of ADAR family genes alone. Our pan-cancer analysis confirms previous results on individual tumor types and suggests that changes of RNA editing levels in coding and 3′UTR regions could be a general mechanism to promote tumor growth. We also propose a model explaining how altered RNA editing levels affect microRNA-mediated post-transcriptional regulation of oncogenes and tumor-suppressors.
Superconductivity in Ca-doped graphene laminates
Authors: Chapman J. , Su Y. , Howard C. A. , Kundys D. , Grigorenko A. N. , Guinea F. , Geim A. K. , Grigorieva I. V. , Nair R. R.
Published: March 2016

Despite graphene’s long list of exceptional electronic properties and many theoretical predictions regarding the possibility of superconductivity in graphene, its direct and unambiguous experimental observation has not been achieved. We searched for superconductivity in weakly interacting, metal decorated graphene crystals assembled into so-called graphene laminates, consisting of well separated and electronically decoupled graphene crystallites. We report robust superconductivity in all Ca-doped graphene laminates. They become superconducting at temperatures (Tc) between ≈4 and ≈6 K, with Tc’s strongly dependent on the confinement of the Ca layer and the induced charge carrier concentration in graphene. We find that Ca is the only dopant that induces superconductivity in graphene laminates above 1.8 K among several dopants used in our experiments, such as potassium, caesium and lithium. By revealing the tunability of the superconducting response through doping and confinement of the metal layer, our work shows that achieving superconductivity in free-standing, metal decorated monolayer graphene is conditional on an optimum confinement of the metal layer and sufficient doping, thereby bringing its experimental realization within grasp.
The DmtA methyltransferase contributes to Aspergillus flavus conidiation, sclerotial production, aflatoxin biosynthesis and virulence
Authors: Yang Kunlong , Liang Linlin , Ran Fanlei , Liu Yinghang , Li Zhenguo , Lan Huahui , Gao Peili , Zhuang Zhenhong , Zhang Feng , Nie Xinyi , Kalayu Yirga Shimuye , Wang Shihua
Published: March 2016

DNA methylation is essential for epigenetic regulation of gene transcription and development in many animals, plants and fungi. We investigated whether DNA methylation plays a role in the development and secondary metabolism of Aspergillus flavus, identified the DmtA methyltransferase from A. flavus and produced a dmtA knock-out mutant by replacing the dmtA coding sequence with the pyrG selectable marker. The A. flavus dmtA null mutant lines produced white fluffy mycelium in liquid medium and displayed a slightly flavescent conidial pigmentation compared with the normal yellow of the wild-type strain when grown on agar. The ΔdmtA lines exhibited decreased conidiation and aflatoxin (AF) biosynthesis, compared with the wild-type line, suggesting that the DmtA knock-out affected the transcriptional level of genes in the AF cluster. In particular, sclerotia development and host colonization were altered in the dmtA null mutants. Green fluorescent protein tagging at the C-terminus of DmtA showed that DmtA localized to the nucleus and cytoplasm. DNA methylation content measurements in the dmtA mutants revealed no widespread DNA methylation in the mutants or wild-type lines. Thus, our findings suggest that DmtA, apart from being a C-5 cytosine methyltransferase in A. flavus, contributes to asexual development, aflatoxin biosynthesis, sclerotial production and virulence.
Safety and Efficacy of Trastuzumab Emtansine in Advanced Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2–Positive Breast Cancer: a Meta-analysis
Authors: Shen Kai , Ma Xuelei , Zhu Chenjing , Wu Xin , Jia Hongyuan
Published: March 2016

Advanced or metastatic breast cancer is an incurable disease with high mortality rate worldwide and about 20% of breast cancers overexpress and amplify the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). Achievements in targeted therapy have benefited people during the past decades. Trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1), a novel antibody-drug conjugate playing a powerful role in anti-tumor activity, not only blocks the HER2 signaling pathways, but also disturbs the microtubule dynamics. To access the efficacy and safety of T-DM1, we analyzed 9 clinical trials on T-DM1. Results showed that fatigue (0.604, 95% CI 0.551, 0.654), nausea (0.450, 95% CI 0.365, 0.537), increased transaminases (0.425, 95% CI 0.353, 0.500) and thrombocytopenia (0.383, 95% CI 0.322, 0.448) occurred more frequently in participants with single T-DM1. In controlled trials, increased transaminases (OR = 4.040, 95% CI 1.429, 11.427), thrombocytopenia (OR = 8.500, 95% CI 3.964, 18.226) and fatigue (OR = 1.288, 95% CI 1.041, 1.593) were statistically significant. Only thrombocytopenia appeared as severe adverse event (grade ≥ 3) in single-arm and control-arm studies. Meanwhile, T-DM1 stabilized cancer and prolonged life with notable improved progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). In conclusion, it is a safe and effective agent in advanced or metastatic breast cancer, but should be carefully applied on patients with severe hepatic and neurological disease.
Mechanism and inhibition of human UDP-GlcNAc 2-epimerase, the key enzyme in sialic acid biosynthesis
Authors: Chen Sheng-Chia , Huang Chi-Hung , Lai Shu-Jung , Yang Chia Shin , Hsiao Tzu-Hung , Lin Ching-Heng , Fu Pin-Kuei , Ko Tzu-Ping , Chen Yeh
Published: March 2016

The bifunctional enzyme UDP-GlcNAc 2-epimerase/ManNAc kinase (GNE) plays a key role in sialic acid production. It is different from the non-hydrolyzing enzymes for bacterial cell wall biosynthesis and it is feed-back inhibited by the downstream product CMP-Neu5Ac. Here the complex crystal structure of the N-terminal epimerase part of human GNE shows a tetramer in which UDP binds to the active site and CMP-Neu5Ac binds to the dimer-dimer interface. The enzyme is locked in a tightly closed conformation. By comparing the UDP-binding modes of the non-hydrolyzing and hydrolyzing UDP-GlcNAc epimerases, we propose a possible explanation for the mechanistic difference. While the epimerization reactions of both enzymes are similar, Arg113 and Ser302 of GNE are likely involved in product hydrolysis. On the other hand, the CMP-Neu5Ac binding mode clearly elucidates why mutations in Arg263 and Arg266 can cause sialuria. Moreover, full-length modelling suggests a channel for ManNAc trafficking within the bifunctional enzyme.
Mass spectrometric analysis of accumulated TDP-43 in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis brains
Authors: Kametani Fuyuki , Obi Tomokazu , Shishido Takeo , Akatsu Hiroyasu , Murayama Shigeo , Saito Yuko , Yoshida Mari , Hasegawa Masato
Published: March 2016

TDP-43 is the major disease-associated protein involved in the pathogenesis and progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration with ubiquitin-positive inclusions linked to TDP-43 pathology (FTLD-TDP). Abnormal phosphorylation, truncation and cytoplasmic mis-localization are known to be the characteristics for the aggregated forms of TDP-43 and gain of toxic abnormal TDP-43 or loss of function of physiological TDP-43 have been suggested as the cause of neurodegeneration. However, most of the post-translational modifications or truncation sites in the abnormal TDP-43 in brains of patients remain to be identified by protein chemical analysis. In this study, we carried out a highly sensitive liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of Sarkosyl-insoluble pathological TDP-43 from brains of ALS patients and identified several novel phosphorylation sites, deamidation sites and cleavage sites. Almost all modifications were localized in the Gly-rich C-terminal half. Most of the cleavage sites identified in this study are novel and are located in N-terminal half, suggesting that these sites may be more accessible to proteolytic enzymes. The data obtained in this study provide a foundation for the molecular mechanisms of TDP-43 aggregation and ALS pathogenesis.
Negative-index gratings formed by femtosecond laser overexposure and thermal regeneration
Authors: He Jun , Wang Yiping , Liao Changrui , Wang Chao , Liu Shen , Yang Kaiming , Wang Ying , Yuan Xiaocong , Wang Guo Ping , Zhang Wenjing
Published: March 2016

We demonstrate a method for the preparation of negative-index fibre Bragg gratings (FBGs) using 800 nm femtosecond laser overexposure and thermal regeneration. A positive-index type I-IR FBG was first inscribed in H2-free single-mode fibre using a femtosecond laser directed through a phase mask and then a highly polarization dependant phase-shifted FBG (P-PSFBG) was fabricated from the type I-IR FBG by overexposure to the femtosecond laser. Subsequently, the P-PSFBG was thermally annealed at 800 °C for 12 hours. Grating regeneration was observed during thermal annealing and a negative-index FBG was finally obtained with a high reflectivity of 99.22%, an ultra-low insertion loss of 0.08 dB, a blueshift of 0.83 nm in the Bragg wavelength and an operating temperature of up to 1000 °C for more than 10 hours. Further annealing tests showed that the thermal stability of the negative-index FBG was lower than that of a type II-IR FBG, but much higher than that of a type I-IR FBG. Moreover, the formation of such a negative-index grating may result from thermally regenerated type IIA photosensitivity.
Electropolymerized hydrophobic polyazulene as solid-contacts in potassium-selective electrodes
Authors: He Ning , Gyurcsányi Róbert E. , Lindfors Tom
Published: March 2016

Electropolymerized hydrophobic polyazulene based solid-contact potassium-selective electrodes have been characterized in terms of their suitability for potassium measurements in serum.
Synthesis and catalytic activity of heteroatom doped metal-free single-wall carbon nanohorns
Authors: Wu Xiaohui , Cui Longbin , Tang Pei , Hu Ziqi , Ma Ding , Shi Zujin
Published: March 2016

The B-C3 and P-C3 species in heteroatom doped nanohorns act as the acidic and basic active sites to promote the reaction.
Electron spin relaxation in cryptochrome-based magnetoreception
Authors: Kattnig Daniel R. , Solov'yov Ilia A. , Hore P. J.
Published: March 2016

The magnetic compass sense of migratory birds is thought to rely on magnetically sensitive radical pairs formed photochemically in cryptochrome proteins in the retina. Here we assess the impact of protein dynamics on the sensitivity of the compass.
Isodesmic reaction for accurate theoretical pKa calculations of amino acids and peptides
Authors: Sastre S. , Casasnovas R. , Muñoz F. , Frau J.
Published: March 2016

Theoretical and quantitative prediction of pKa values at low computational cost is a current challenge in computational chemistry.
Adsorption of PTCDA and C60 on KBr(001): electrostatic interaction versus electronic hybridization
Authors: Jia Qian , Hu Zhi-Xin , Ji Wei , Burke Sarah A. , Gao Hong-Jun , Grütter Peter , Guo Hong
Published: March 2016

A plot of differential charge density shows opposite electron density variation in two slabs near PTCDA and KBr(001), revealing electrostatic attraction as the primary interaction between aromatic molecules and insulator substrates.
Force field development and simulations of senior dialkyl sulfoxides
Authors: Chaban Vitaly V.
Published: March 2016

Thermodynamics, structure, and dynamics of diethyl sulfoxide (DESO) and ethyl methyl sulfoxide (EMSO) were investigated using ab initio calculations and non-polarizable potential based molecular dynamics (MD) simulations.
Cesium-containing triple cation perovskite solar cells: improved stability, reproducibility and high efficiency
Authors: Saliba Michael , Matsui Taisuke , Seo Ji-Youn , Domanski Konrad , Correa-Baena Juan-Pablo , Nazeeruddin Mohammad Khaja , Zakeeruddin Shaik M. , Tress Wolfgang , Abate Antonio , Hagfeldt Anders , Grätzel Michael
Published: March 2016

Today's best perovskite solar cells use a mixture of formamidinium and methylammonium as the monovalent cations. Adding cesium improves the compositions greatly.
Experimental and computational analysis of supramolecular motifs involving Csp2(aromatic)–F and CF3groups in organic solids
Authors: Panini Piyush , Gonnade Rajesh G. , Chopra Deepak
Published: March 2016

Structural motif by Csp2–F and CF3group have been identified and investigated by the PIXEL method and QTAIM approach.
Fabrication and characterisation of GaAs nanopillars using nanosphere lithography and metal assisted chemical etching
Authors: Cowley A. , Steele J. A. , Byrne D. , Vijayaraghavan R. K. , McNally P. J.
Published: March 2016

We present a low-cost fabrication procedure for the production of nanoscale periodic GaAs nanopillar arrays, using the nanosphere lithography technique as a templating mechanism and the electrochemical metal assisted etch process (MacEtch).
Flame-retardant, electrically conductive and antimicrobial multifunctional coating on cotton fabric via layer-by-layer assembly technique
Authors: Chen Xiaoxuan , Fang Fei , Zhang Xian , Ding Xin , Wang Yanyan , Chen Lin , Tian Xingyou
Published: March 2016

A multifunctional coating composed of polyhexamethylene guanidine phosphate and potassium alginate-CNTs was constructed via layer-by-layer assembly technique and endows cotton fabric with electrical, antimicrobial and flame retardant property.
Preheating-assisted deposition of solution-processed perovskite layer for an efficiency-improved inverted planar composite heterojunction solar cell
Authors: Li Enzhu , Guo Ying , Liu Tao , Hu Wei , Wang Ning , He Hongcai , Lin Hong
Published: March 2016

A novel preheating method was used in preparing perovskite films ,which results in synchronized improvements in photovoltage (Voc), photocurrent (Jsc) and fill factor (FF) lead to ~25% enhanced power conversion efficiency (PCE).
Iron oxide/oxyhydroxide decorated graphene oxides for oxygen reduction reaction catalysis: a comparison study
Authors: Liu Xiangqian , Hu Weihua
Published: March 2016

Four iron/graphene composites with iron oxides or oxyhydroxides supported on graphene oxide were synthesized and their ORR activities were systematically investigated and compared.
A highly sensitive and simply operated protease sensor toward point-of-care testing
Authors: Park Seonhwa , Shin Yu Mi , Seo Jeongwook , Song Ji-Joon , Yang Haesik
Published: March 2016

The sensor is based on (i) low nonspecific adsorption and (ii) electrochemical–chemical redox cycling.
Halogen bonding between metal centers and halocarbons
Authors: Ivanov Daniil M. , Novikov Alexander S. , Ananyev Ivan V. , Kirina Yulia V. , Kukushkin Vadim Yu.
Published: March 2016

Metal-involving halogen bonding was detected in a series of associates of CHI3withtrans-[PtX2(NCNAlk2)2] (X = Cl, Br).
Synthesis of highly substituted γ-hydroxybutenolides through the annulation of keto acids with alkynes and subsequent hydroxyl transposition
Authors: Mao Wenbin , Zhu Chen
Published: March 2016

A BF3-catalyzed, practical synthesis of highly functionalized γ-hydroxybutenolides with a 100% atom efficiency is described.
Cu-catalyzed C–H amination/Ullmann N-arylation domino reaction: a straightforward synthesis of 9,14-diaryl-9,14-dihydrodibenzo[a,c]phenazine
Authors: Wang Huan , Zhang Zhiyun , Zhou Haitao , Wang Tonghai , Su Jianhua , Tong Xiaofeng , Tian He
Published: March 2016

9,14-Diaryl-9,14-dihydrodibenzo[a,c]phenazine has been synthesizedviaCu-catalyzed C–H amination/UllmannN-arylation domino reaction of phenanthrene-9,10-diamine with aryl iodides.
Copper-catalyzed regio- and enantioselective aminoboration of alkylidenecyclopropanes: the synthesis of cyclopropane-containing β-aminoalkylboranes
Authors: Jiang Han-Chun , Tang Xiang-Ying , Shi Min
Published: March 2016

A Cu-catalyzed aminoboration of alkylidenecyclopropanes with B2pin2and hydroxylamines produced cyclopropane-containing β-aminoalkylboranes in moderate to good yields.
Controllable synthesis of “L”-shaped V2O5and the improved adsorption capacity by fluorine
Authors: Yang Yang , Teng Fei , Kan Yandong , Yang Liming , Gu Wenhao , Xu Juan , Zhao Yunxuan , Du Xi , Ren Ming
Published: March 2016

In this work, V2O5with an interesting “L”-shape is successfully prepared by a simple hydrothermal method without using any surfactant or template.
Atmospheric fates of Criegee intermediates in the ozonolysis of isoprene
Authors: Nguyen Tran B. , Tyndall Geoffrey S. , Crounse John D. , Teng Alexander P. , Bates Kelvin H. , Schwantes Rebecca H. , Coggon Matthew M. , Zhang Li , Feiner Philip , Milller David O. , Skog Kate M. , Rivera-Rios Jean C. , Dorris Matthew , Olson Kevin F. , Koss Abigail , Wild Robert J. , Brown Steven S. , Goldstein Allen H. , de Gouw Joost A. , Brune William H. , Keutsch Frank N. , Seinfeld John H. , Wennberg Paul O.
Published: March 2016

We use a large laboratory, modeling, and field dataset to investigate the isoprene + O3 reaction, with the goal of better understanding the fates of the C1 and C4 Criegee intermediates in the atmosphere.