bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Values Topple Nationality in the European Parliament
Authors: Frantescu Doru Petrisor
Published: June 2015

This article shows that the internal unity of EU political groups, the legislative arm of the EU-level parties, is surprisingly high, despite the increasing cultural and geographical diversity among member states as a result of successive EU enlargements. Members of the European Parliament come from 28 countries with very different economic situations, cultural contexts and religious traditions. Some are members of governing parties, while others are in opposition. And yet this article shows that, generally speaking, the socialising effect of being part of a group with shared values contributes significantly to shaping a common vision of what the future of the EU should be and how our societies should function. However, this process is not yet visible enough to the public. This lack of visibility could pose a significant challenge to creating a truly European public space and a genuinely democratic Union. Both are prerequisites to ensuring the EU's key role in the world and the prosperity of its citizens.
Regulation of Torpor in the Gray Mouse Lemur: Transcriptional and Translational Controls and Role of AMPK Signaling
Authors: Zhang Jing , Tessier Shannon N. , Biggar Kyle K. , Wu Cheng-Wei , Pifferi Fabien , Perret Martine , Storey Kenneth B.
Published: June 2015

The gray mouse lemur (Microcebus murinus) is one of few primate species that is able to enter daily torpor or prolonged hibernation in response to environmental stresses. With an emerging significance to human health research, lemurs present an optimal model for exploring molecular adaptations that regulate primate hypometabolism. A fundamental challenge is how to effectively regulate energy expensive cellular processes (e.g., transcription and translation) during transitions to/from torpor without disrupting cellular homeostasis. One such regulatory mechanism is reversible posttranslational modification of selected protein targets that offers fine cellular control without the energetic burden. This study investigates the role of phosphorylation and/or acetylation in regulating key factors involved in energy homeostasis (AMP-activated protein kinase, or AMPK, signaling pathway), mRNA translation (eukaryotic initiation factor 2α or eIF2α, eukaryotic initiation factor 4E or eIF4E, and initiation factor 4E binding protein or 4EBP), and gene transcription (histone H3) in six tissues of torpid and aroused gray mouse lemurs. Our results indicated selective tissue-specific changes of these regulatory proteins. The relative level of Thr172-phosphorylated AMPKα was significantly elevated in the heart but reduced in brown adipose tissue during daily torpor, as compared to the aroused lemurs, implicating the regulation of AMPK activity during daily torpor in these tissues. Interestingly, the levels of the phosphorylated eIFs were largely unaltered between aroused and torpid animals. Phosphorylation and acetylation of histone H3 were examined as a marker for transcriptional regulation. Compared to the aroused lemurs, level of Ser10-phosphorylated histone H3 decreased significantly in white adipose tissue during torpor, suggesting global suppression of gene transcription. However, a significant increase in acetyl-histone H3 in the heart of torpid lemurs indicated a possible stimulation of transcriptional activity of this tissue. Overall, our study demonstrates that AMPK signaling and posttranslational regulation of selected proteins may play crucial roles in the control of transcription/translation during daily torpor in mouse lemurs.
Regulation of the PI3K/AKT Pathway and Fuel Utilization During Primate Torpor in the Gray Mouse Lemur, Microcebus Murinus
Authors: Tessier Shannon N. , Zhang Jing , Biggar Kyle K. , Wu Cheng-Wei , Pifferi Fabien , Perret Martine , Storey Kenneth B.
Published: June 2015

Gray mouse lemurs (Microcebus murinus) from Madagascar present an excellent model for studies of torpor regulation in a primate species. In the present study, we analyzed the response of the insulin signaling pathway as well as controls on carbohydrate sparing in six different tissues of torpid versus aroused gray mouse lemurs. We found that the relative level of phospho-insulin receptor substrate (IRS-1) was significantly increased in muscle, whereas the level of phospho-insulin receptor (IR) was decreased in white adipose tissue (WAT) of torpid animals, both suggesting an inhibition of insulin/insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) signaling during torpor in these tissues. By contrast, the level of phospho-IR was increased in the liver. Interestingly, muscle, WAT, and liver occupy central roles in whole body homeostasis and each displays regulatory controls operating at the plasma membrane. Changes in other tissues included an increase in phospho-glycogen synthase kinase 3α (GSK3α) and decrease in phospho-ribosomal protein S6 (RPS6) in the heart, and a decrease in phospho-mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) in the kidney. Pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) that gates carbohydrate entry into mitochondria is inhibited via phosphorylation by pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase (e.g., PDK4). In the skeletal muscle, the protein expression of PDK4 and phosphorylated PDH at Ser 300 was increased, suggesting inhibition during torpor. In contrast, there were no changes in levels of PDH expression and phosphorylation in other tissues comparing torpid and aroused animals. Information gained from these studies highlight the molecular controls that help to regulate metabolic rate depression and balance energetics during primate torpor.
Kids, cartoons, and cookies: Stereotype priming effects on children's food consumption
Authors: Campbell Margaret C. , Manning Kenneth C. , Leonard Bridget , Manning Hannah M.
Published: June 2015

In studies with adult participants, exposure to a prime that activates a stereotype can lead to stereotype‐consistent behavior. Given significant differences in cognitive development, stereotype formation, and use of stereotypes from early childhood to adulthood, the emergence of such behavioral priming effects in childhood is uncertain. To begin addressing whether children exhibit behavioral priming effects from stereotype exposure, we conduct three experiments in which children are exposed to either a normal weight or overweight cartoon character prime, and subsequently (as an unrelated activity) have access to high energy, low‐nutrient food. Our results with children from 6 to 14 years old indicate that overweight cartoon character primes can activate the overweight stereotype, leading to relatively high levels of food intake. This effect persisted when participants were simultaneously exposed to a normal weight and an overweight character together (study 2), and was successfully moderated by the activation of health knowledge (study 3).
Impact of the care coordination program “Partners in Dementia Care” on veterans' hospital admissions and emergency department visits
Authors: Bass David M. , Judge Katherine S. , Maslow Katie , Wilson Nancy L. , Morgan Robert O. , McCarthy Catherine A. , Looman Wendy J. , Snow A. Lynn , Kunik Mark E.
Published: June 2015

Introduction

“Partners in Dementia Care” (PDC) tested a care‐coordination program based on partnerships between Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers and Alzheimer's Association chapters. The hypothesis posited PDC would reduce the likelihood and number of veterans' hospital admissions and emergency department (ED) visits, particularly for those with more cognitive impairment or behavioral symptoms.

Methods

The sample included 328 veterans with dementia and their primary family or friend caregivers from five matched sites (two randomly selected treatment sites). Data came from VA records; supplemented by caregiver research interviews. Regression analyses using the likelihood and number of hospital and ED visits as outcomes tested for overall treatment‐comparison group differences and statistical interactions with cognitive impairment and behavioral symptoms.

Results

Consistent with the hypothesis, three significant interactions showed treatment‐group veterans, with more cognitive impairment and behavioral symptoms, had fewer hospital admissions and ED visits than comparison‐group veterans. There were no differences in the likelihood of hospital or ED use.

Discussion

PDC, a low‐cost program for veterans and caregivers, was effective in reducing the number, but not the likelihood, of hospital admissions and ED visits. Reductions in service use were greater when caregivers reported more difficulties with veterans' symptoms, which in the absence of PDC would place veterans at risk of being high‐volume, high‐cost service users.

Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00291161.
Two randomized controlled trials of SB742457 in mild‐to‐moderate Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Maher‐Edwards Gareth , Watson Carolyn , Ascher John , Barnett Carly , Boswell Diane , Davies John , Fernandez Manuel , Kurz Alexander , Zanetti Orazio , Safirstein Beth , Schronen Juan Paul , Zvartau‐Hind Marina , Gold Michael
Published: June 2015

Background

Two previous studies of SB742457, a 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT6) receptor antagonist, suggested the efficacy of improvements in cognition and global outcome in Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Methods

Two randomized, placebo‐controlled trials investigated SB742457 15 and 35 mg daily in subjects with mild‐to‐moderate AD (Mini‐Mental Health State Examination [MMSE] 10–26). Study 1 (n = 576) investigated SB742457 and donepezil (5–10 mg daily) as monotherapy for 6 months. Study 2 (n = 684) investigated SB742457 in subjects who were maintained on donepezil. Coprimary endpoints at 24 weeks assessed cognition (AD Assessment Scale‐Cognitive Subscale [ADAS‐Cog]) and global outcome (Study 1: Clinician Interview‐Based Impression of Change Plus Caregiver Input [CIBIC+]; Study 2: Clinical Dementia Rating‐Sum of Boxes [CDR‐SB]). Safety was assessed throughout.

Results

Both studies failed to achieve formal statistical significance for their primary objectives. Study 1: SB742457 monotherapy was not statistically significantly different from placebo on any endpoint. Donepezil improved CIBIC+ but not ADAS‐Cog. Study 2: SB742457 35 mg showed statistically significant differences relative to placebo for ADAS‐cog (weeks 12, 24, and 48, but not week 36), ADCS‐ADL (weeks 12–36, but not week 48), and CDR‐SB (week 12 only).

Conclusion

Neither study met the overall criteria for success, but as an adjunct to donepezil, SB742457 was associated with sustained improvements for up to 48 weeks in cognition and ADL, compared with donepezil alone.

Clinical Trial Registration: Clinicaltrials.gov: Study 1 NCT00708552; Study 2 NCT00710684.
Government-Opposition or Left-Right? The Institutional Determinants of Voting in Legislatures
Authors: Hix Simon , Noury Abdul
Published: June 2015

This study uses roll-call voting data from 16 legislatures to investigate how the institutional context of politics—such as whether a country is a parliamentary or presidential regime, or has a single-party, coalition or minority government—shapes coalition formation and voting behavior in parliaments. It uses a geometric scaling metric to estimate the “revealed space” in each of these legislatures and a vote-by-vote statistical analysis to identify how much of this space can be explained by government-opposition dynamics as opposed to parties’ (left-right) policy positions. Government-opposition interests, rather than parties’ policy positions, are found to be the main drivers of voting behavior in most institutional contexts. In contrast, issue-by-issue coalition building along a single policy dimension is only found under certain restrictive institutional constraints: presidential regimes with coalition governments or parliamentary systems with minority governments. Put another way, voting in most legislatures is more like Westminster than Washington.
Protective effects of l-carnitine on astheno- and normozoospermic human semen samples during cryopreservation
Authors: Zhang Wei , Li Feng , Cao Haifeng , Li Chuyan , Du Congqi , Yao Lingnv , Mao Huan , Lin Wenqin
Published: June 2015

This study was conducted to determine the effects of l-carnitine (LC), as an antioxidant, in preventing spermatozoa damage during the freezing–thawing process in both astheno- and normozoospermic human semen samples. Seventy semen samples (37 asthenozoospermic and 33 normozoospermic) were involved in this study. Cryopreservation medium supplemented with 1.0 g/l LC was mixed with semen at a ratio of 1:1 (v/v). Controls were cryopreserved with freezing medium only. Assessment of motility, viability (VIA), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and DNA fragmentation index (DFI) were performed on aliquots of fresh semen, frozen–thawed control and frozen–thawed LC treated samples. Supplementation of the cryopreservation medium with LC induced a significant improvement in post-thaw sperm parameters in both the asthenozoospermic and normozoospermic semen samples, compared with those of the control, regarding sperm fast forward motility, forward motility, total motility and VIA. LC showed better protective effects towards asthenozoospermia for DFI (F = 115.85, P < 0.01) and VIA (F = 67.14, P < 0.01) than did normozoospermic semen samples. We conclude that supplementation with LC prior to the cryopreservation process reduced spermatozoa cryodamage in both asthenozoospermic and normozoospermic semen samples. LC had better protective effects for asthenozoospermic human semen samples. Future research should focus on the molecular mechanism for and the different protective effects of LC between asthenozoospermic and normozoospermic semen samples during cryopreservation.
Premature ventricular contraction-induced cardiomyopathy in children
Authors: Spector Zebulon Z. , Seslar Stephen P.
Published: June 2015

Background

Adults with high premature ventricular contraction burden can develop left ventricular dilation, dysfunction, and strain, consistent with a cardiomyopathy, which is reversible with radiofrequency ablation of the premature ventricular contractions. Evidence in children with similar ectopy burden is limited. We performed a single-centre retrospective review to examine the prevalence of premature ventricular contraction-induced cardiomyopathy, natural history of ventricular ectopy, and progression to ventricular tachycardia in children with frequent premature ventricular contractions.

Methods

Children aged between 6 months and 18 years, with premature ventricular contractions comprising at least 20% of rhythm on 24-hour Holter monitor, were included in our study. Those with significant structural heart disease, ventricular tachycardia greater than 1% of rhythm at the time of premature ventricular contraction diagnosis, or family history of cardiomyopathy – except tachycardia-induced – were excluded. Cardiomyopathy was defined by echocardiographic assessment.

Results

A total of 36 children met the study criteria; seven patients (19.4%, 95% CI 6.2–32.6%) met the criteria for cardiomyopathy, mostly at initial presentation. Ectopy decreased to <10% of beats without intervention in 16.7% (95% CI 4.3–29.1%) of the patients. No patient progressed to having ventricular tachycardia as more than 1% of beats on follow-up Holter. Radiofrequency ablation was performed in three patients without cardiomyopathy.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates a higher prevalence of cardiomyopathy among children with high premature ventricular contraction burden than that previously shown. Ectopy tended to persist throughout follow-up. These trends suggest the need for a multi-centre study on frequent premature ventricular contractions in children. In the interim, regular follow-up with imaging to evaluate for cardiomyopathy is warranted.
The Organ Music of William Russell
Authors: Kitchen John
Published: June 2015

William Russell (1777–1813) came from a London family of organists and organ builders. He published two sets of voluntaries: in 1804 and 1812. As well as his liturgical duties at St Anne's Limehouse, and in the Foundling Hospital Chapel, Russell worked as pianist and composer at the Sadler's Wells Theatre; the influence of opera and theatrical music can be strongly felt in some of the voluntaries. He was also particularly interested in the development of the organ itself, and had ‘progressive’ ideas regarding early nineteenth-century organ design.

Russell's music fascinatingly blends, or sometimes simply juxtaposes, several disparate musical influences. He therefore sits at an interesting point in English organ music. This article investigates Russell's own music – its forms, styles and genres – and his use of the instruments available to him. In addition, I will consider the extent to which his style was of the nineteenth century, and looked forward to future developments, of which his pioneering use of the pedals is one significant aspect.
Genome-Wide Meta-Analysis of Longitudinal Alcohol Consumption Across Youth and Early Adulthood
Authors: Adkins Daniel E. , Clark Shaunna L. , Copeland William E. , Kennedy Martin , Conway Kevin , Angold Adrian , Maes Hermine , Liu Youfang , Kumar Gaurav , Erkanli Alaattin , Patkar Ashwin A. , Silberg Judy , Brown Tyson H. , Fergusson David M. , Horwood L. John , Eaves Lindon , van den Oord Edwin J. C. G. , Sullivan Patrick F. , Costello E. J.
Published: June 2015

The public health burden of alcohol is unevenly distributed across the life course, with levels of use, abuse, and dependence increasing across adolescence and peaking in early adulthood. Here, we leverage this temporal patterning to search for common genetic variants predicting developmental trajectories of alcohol consumption. Comparable psychiatric evaluations measuring alcohol consumption were collected in three longitudinal community samples (N = 2,126, obs = 12,166). Consumption-repeated measurements spanning adolescence and early adulthood were analyzed using linear mixed models, estimating individual consumption trajectories, which were then tested for association with Illumina 660W-Quad genotype data (866,099 SNPs after imputation and QC). Association results were combined across samples using standard meta-analysis methods. Four meta-analysis associations satisfied our pre-determined genome-wide significance criterion (FDR < 0.1) and six others met our ‘suggestive’ criterion (FDR <0.2). Genome-wide significant associations were highly biological plausible, including associations within GABA transporter 1, SLC6A1 (solute carrier family 6, member 1), and exonic hits in LOC100129340 (mitofusin-1-like). Pathway analyses elaborated single marker results, indicating significant enriched associations to intuitive biological mechanisms, including neurotransmission, xenobiotic pharmacodynamics, and nuclear hormone receptors (NHR). These findings underscore the value of combining longitudinal behavioral data and genome-wide genotype information in order to study developmental patterns and improve statistical power in genomic studies.
Philae Scientists Make Plans for Revived Mission
Authors: Wendel JoAnna
Published: June 2015

With their robotic explorer awake again, Philae's handlers get ready to give Comet 67P-Churyumov-Gerasimenko renewed scrutiny and to get a better bead on where the lander clings to the spinning orb of rock and ice.
Hippocampal Structure, Metabolism, and Inflammatory Response after a 6-Week Intense Aerobic Exercise in Healthy Young Adults: A Controlled Trial
Authors: Wagner Gerd , Herbsleb Marco , Cruz Feliberto de la , Schumann Andy , Brünner Franziska , Schachtzabel Claudia , Gussew Alexander , Puta Christian , Smesny Stefan , Gabriel Holger W , Reichenbach Jürgen R , Bär Karl-Jürgen
Published: June 2015

Interventional studies suggest that changes in physical fitness affect brain function and structure. We studied the influence of high intensity physical exercise on hippocampal volume and metabolism in 17 young healthy male adults during a 6-week exercise program compared with matched controls. We further aimed to relate these changes to hypothesized changes in exercised-induced brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). We show profound improvement of physical fitness in most subjects and a positive correlation between the degree of fitness improvement and increased BDNF levels. We unexpectedly observed an average volume decrease of about 2%, which was restricted to right hippocampal subfields CA2/3, subiculum, and dentate gyrus and which correlated with fitness improvement and increased BDNF levels negatively. This result indicates that mainly those subjects who did not benefit from the exercise program show decreased hippocampal volume, reduced BDNF levels, and increased TNF-α concentrations. While spectroscopy results do not indicate any neuronal loss (unchanged N-acetylaspartate levels) decreased glutamate-glutamine levels were observed in the right anterior hippocampus in the exercise group only. Responder characteristics need to be studied in more detail. Our results point to an important role of the inflammatory response after exercise on changes in hippocampal structure.
A 11C-Labeled 1,4-Dihydroquinoline Derivative as a Potential PET Tracer for Imaging of Redox Status in Mouse Brain
Authors: Okamura Toshimitsu , Okada Maki , Kikuchi Tatsuya , Wakizaka Hidekatsu , Zhang Ming-Rong
Published: June 2015

A disturbance in redox balance has been implicated in the pathogenesis of a number of diseases. This study sought to examine the feasibility of imaging brain redox status using a 11C-labeled dihydroquinoline derivative ([11C]DHQ1) for positron emission tomography (PET). The lipophilic PET tracer [11C]DHQ1 was rapidly oxidized to its hydrophilic form in mouse brain homogenate. The redox modulators diphenyleneiodonium and apocynin significantly reduced the initial velocity of [11C]DHQ1 oxidation, and apocynin also caused concentration-dependent inhibition of the initial velocity. Moreover, [11C]DHQ1 readily entered the brain by diffusion after administration and underwent oxidation into the hydrophilic cationic form, which then slowly decreased. By contrast, apocynin treatment inhibited the in vivo oxidation of [11C]DHQ1 to the hydrophilic cationic form, leading to a rapid decrease of radioactivity in the brain. Thus, the difference in the [11C]DHQ1 kinetics reflects the alteration in redox status caused by apocynin. In conclusion, [11C]DHQ1 is a potential PET tracer for imaging of redox status in the living brain.
A Question of Cytokine Signaling in the Fetus
Authors: Wood Charles E
Published: June 2015

The study by Sadowska and colleagues, featured in this edition of Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow and Metabolism, provides compelling insight into a critical mechanism of signaling that links somatic and brain inflammatory pathways. Brain inflammation is often treated as an isolated event, but the work by Sadowska et al clearly demonstrate that interleukin 1β crosses the fetal blood brain barrier, and that the rate of transfer increases after cerebral ischemia. It is, perhaps, time to link blood-borne cytokine signaling with alterations in the course of fetal brain development, especially after transient fetal hypoxia.
Selective Neuronal Vulnerability of Human Hippocampal CA1 Neurons: Lesion Evolution, Temporal Course, and Pattern of Hippocampal Damage in Diffusion-Weighted MR Imaging
Authors: Bartsch Thorsten , Döhring Juliane , Reuter Sigrid , Finke Carsten , Rohr Axel , Brauer Henriette , Deuschl Günther , Jansen Olav
Published: June 2015

The CA1 (cornu ammonis) region of hippocampus is selectively vulnerable to a variety of metabolic and cytotoxic insults, which is mirrored in a delayed neuronal death of CA1 neurons. The basis and mechanisms of this regional susceptibility of CA1 neurons are poorly understood, and the correlates in human diseases affecting the hippocampus are not clear. Adopting a translational approach, the lesion evolution, temporal course, pattern of diffusion changes, and damage in hippocampal CA1 in acute neurologic disorders were studied using high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging. In patients with hippocampal ischemia ( n = 50), limbic encephalitis ( n = 30), after status epilepticus ( n = 17), and transient global amnesia ( n = 53), the CA1 region was selectively affected compared with other CA regions of the hippocampus. CA1 neurons exhibited a maximum decrease of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) 48 to 72 hours after the insult, irrespective of the nature of the insult. Hypoxic-ischemic insults led to a significant lower ADC suggesting that the ischemic insult results in a stronger impairment of cellular metabolism. The evolution of diffusion changes show that CA1 diffusion lesions mirror the delayed time course of the pathophysiologic cascade typically observed in animal models. Studying the imaging correlates of hippocampal damage in humans provides valuable insight into the pathophysiology and neurobiology of the hippocampus.
Optogenetic Stimulation of GABA Neurons can Decrease Local Neuronal Activity While Increasing Cortical Blood Flow
Authors: Anenberg Eitan , Chan Allen W , Xie Yicheng , LeDue Jeffrey M , Murphy Timothy H
Published: June 2015

We investigated the link between direct activation of inhibitory neurons, local neuronal activity, and hemodynamics. Direct optogenetic cortical stimulation in the sensorimotor cortex of transgenic mice expressing Channelrhodopsin-2 in GABAergic neurons (VGAT-ChR2) greatly attenuated spontaneous cortical spikes, but was sufficient to increase blood flow as measured with laser speckle contrast imaging. To determine whether the observed optogenetically evoked gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA)-neuron hemodynamic responses were dependent on ionotropic glutamatergic or GABAergic synaptic mechanisms, we paired optogenetic stimulation with application of antagonists to the cortex. Incubation of glutamatergic antagonists directly on the cortex (NBQX and MK-801) blocked cortical sensory evoked responses (as measured with electroencephalography and intrinsic optical signal imaging), but did not significantly attenuate optogenetically evoked hemodynamic responses. Significant light-evoked hemodynamic responses were still present after the addition of picrotoxin (GABA-A receptor antagonist) in the presence of the glutamatergic synaptic blockade. This activation of cortical inhibitory interneurons can mediate large changes in blood flow in a manner that is by and large not dependent on ionotropic glutamatergic or GABAergic synaptic transmission. This supports the hypothesis that activation of inhibitory neurons can increase local cerebral blood flow in a manner that is not entirely dependent on levels of net ongoing neuronal activity.
Alk1 and Alk5 inhibition by Nrp1 controls vascular sprouting downstream of Notch
Authors: Aspalter Irene Maria , Gordon Emma , Dubrac Alexandre , Ragab Anan , Narloch Jarek , Vizán Pedro , Geudens Ilse , Collins Russell Thomas , Franco Claudio Areias , Abrahams Cristina Luna , Thurston Gavin , Fruttiger Marcus , Rosewell Ian , Eichmann Anne , Gerhardt Holger
Published: June 2015

Sprouting angiogenesis drives blood vessel growth in healthy and diseased tissues. Vegf and Dll4/Notch signalling cooperate in a negative feedback loop that specifies endothelial tip and stalk cells to ensure adequate vessel branching and function. Current concepts posit that endothelial cells default to the tip-cell phenotype when Notch is inactive. Here we identify instead that the stalk-cell phenotype needs to be actively repressed to allow tip-cell formation. We show this is a key endothelial function of neuropilin-1 (Nrp1), which suppresses the stalk-cell phenotype by limiting Smad2/3 activation through Alk1 and Alk5. Notch downregulates Nrp1, thus relieving the inhibition of Alk1 and Alk5, thereby driving stalk-cell behaviour. Conceptually, our work shows that the heterogeneity between neighbouring endothelial cells established by the lateral feedback loop of Dll4/Notch utilizes Nrp1 levels as the pivot, which in turn establishes differential responsiveness to TGF-β/BMP signalling.
Conjugated polyelectrolyte hole transport layer for inverted-type perovskite solar cells
Authors: Choi Hyosung , Mai Cheng-Kang , Kim Hak-Beom , Jeong Jaeki , Song Seyeong , Bazan Guillermo C. , Kim Jin Young , Heeger Alan J.
Published: June 2015

Organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite materials offer the potential for realization of low-cost and flexible next-generation solar cells fabricated by low-temperature solution processing. Although efficiencies of perovskite solar cells have dramatically improved up to 19% within the past 5 years, there is still considerable room for further improvement in device efficiency and stability through development of novel materials and device architectures. Here we demonstrate that inverted-type perovskite solar cells with pH-neutral and low-temperature solution-processable conjugated polyelectrolyte as the hole transport layer (instead of acidic PEDOT:PSS) exhibit a device efficiency of over 12% and improved device stability in air. As an alternative to PEDOT:PSS, this work is the first report on the use of an organic hole transport material that enables the formation of uniform perovskite films with complete surface coverage and the demonstration of efficient, stable perovskite/fullerene planar heterojunction solar cells.
Photonic sensing of organic solvents through geometric study of dynamic reflection spectrum
Authors: Zhang Yuqi , Fu Qianqian , Ge Jianping
Published: June 2015

Traditional photonic sensing based on the change of balanced reflection of photonic structures can hardly distinguish chemical species with similar refractive indices. Here a sensing method based on the dynamic reflection spectra (DRS) of photonic crystal gel has been developed to distinguish even homologues, isomers and solvents with similar structures and physical properties. There are inherent relationships between solvent properties, diffusion behaviour and evolution of reflection signals, so that the geometric characteristics of DRS pattern including ascending/descending, colour changes, splitting/merging and curvature of reflection band can be utilized to recognize different organic solvents. With adequate solvents being tested, a database of DRS patterns can be established, which provide a standard to identify an unknown solvent.
Default and Executive Network Coupling Supports Creative Idea Production
Authors: Beaty Roger E. , Benedek Mathias , Barry Kaufman Scott , Silvia Paul J.
Published: June 2015

The role of attention in creative cognition remains controversial. Neuroimaging studies have reported activation of brain regions linked to both cognitive control and spontaneous imaginative processes, raising questions about how these regions interact to support creative thought. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), we explored this question by examining dynamic interactions between brain regions during a divergent thinking task. Multivariate pattern analysis revealed a distributed network associated with divergent thinking, including several core hubs of the default (posterior cingulate) and executive (dorsolateral prefrontal cortex) networks. The resting-state network affiliation of these regions was confirmed using data from an independent sample of participants. Graph theory analysis assessed global efficiency of the divergent thinking network and network efficiency was found to increase as a function of individual differences in divergent thinking ability. Moreover, temporal connectivity analysis revealed increased coupling between default and salience network regions (bilateral insula) at the beginning of the task, followed by increased coupling between default and executive network regions at later stages. Such dynamic coupling suggests that divergent thinking involves cooperation between brain networks linked to cognitive control and spontaneous thought, which may reflect focused internal attention and the top-down control of spontaneous cognition during creative idea production.
Dimeric Organization of Blood Coagulation Factor VIII bound to Lipid Nanotubes
Authors: Dalm Daniela , Galaz-Montoya Jesus G. , Miller Jaimy L. , Grushin Kirill , Villalobos Alex , Koyfman Alexey Y. , Schmid Michael F. , Stoilova-McPhie Svetla
Published: June 2015

Membrane-bound Factor VIII (FVIII) has a critical function in blood coagulation as the pro-cofactor to the serine-protease Factor IXa (FIXa) in the FVIIIa-FIXa complex assembled on the activated platelet membrane. Defects or deficiency of FVIII cause Hemophilia A, a mild to severe bleeding disorder. Despite existing crystal structures for FVIII, its membrane-bound organization has not been resolved. Here we present the dimeric FVIII membrane-bound structure when bound to lipid nanotubes, as determined by cryo-electron microscopy. By combining the structural information obtained from helical reconstruction and single particle subtomogram averaging at intermediate resolution (15-20 Å), we show unambiguously that FVIII forms dimers on lipid nanotubes. We also demonstrate that the organization of the FVIII membrane-bound domains is consistently different from the crystal structure in solution. The presented results are a critical step towards understanding the mechanism of the FVIIIa-FIXa complex assembly on the activated platelet surface in the propagation phase of blood coagulation.
High Performance Graphene Nano-ribbon Thermoelectric Devices by Incorporation and Dimensional Tuning of Nanopores
Authors: Sharafat Hossain Md , Al-Dirini Feras , Hossain Faruque M. , Skafidas Efstratios
Published: June 2015

Thermoelectric properties of Graphene nano-ribbons (GNRs) with nanopores (NPs) are explored for a range of pore dimensions in order to achieve a high performance two-dimensional nano-scale thermoelectric device. We reduce thermal conductivity of GNRs by introducing pores in them in order to enhance their thermoelectric performance. The electrical properties (Seebeck coefficient and conductivity) of the device usually degrade with pore inclusion; however, we tune the pore to its optimal dimension in order to minimize this degradation, enhancing the overall thermoelectric performance (high ZT value) of our device. We observe that the side channel width plays an important role to achieve optimal performance while the effect of pore length is less pronounced. This result is consistent with the fact that electronic conduction in GNRs is dominated along its edges. Ballistic transport regime is assumed and a semi-empirical method using Huckel basis set is used to obtain the electrical properties, while the phononic system is characterized by Tersoff empirical potential model. The proposed device structure has potential applications as a nanoscale local cooler and as a thermoelectric power generator.
Gas hydrate inhibition by perturbation of liquid water structure
Authors: Sa Jeong-Hoon , Kwak Gye-Hoon , Han Kunwoo , Ahn Docheon , Lee Kun-Hong
Published: June 2015

Natural gas hydrates are icy crystalline materials that contain hydrocarbons, which are the primary energy source for this civilization. The abundance of naturally occurring gas hydrates leads to a growing interest in exploitation. Despite their potential as energy resources and in industrial applications, there is insufficient understanding of hydrate kinetics, which hinders the utilization of these invaluable resources. Perturbation of liquid water structure by solutes has been proposed to be a key process in hydrate inhibition, but this hypothesis remains unproven. Here, we report the direct observation of the perturbation of the liquid water structure induced by amino acids using polarized Raman spectroscopy and its influence on gas hydrate nucleation and growth kinetics. Amino acids with hydrophilic and/or electrically charged side chains disrupted the water structure and thus provided effective hydrate inhibition. The strong correlation between the extent of perturbation by amino acids and their inhibition performance constitutes convincing evidence for the perturbation inhibition mechanism. The present findings bring the practical applications of gas hydrates significantly closer and provide a new perspective on the freezing and melting phenomena of naturally occurring gas hydrates.
Fragment-Based Lead Discovery Applied to Protein–Protein Interactions
Authors: Hubbard Roderick E.
Published: June 2015

Many disease processes are modulated by the interaction between two proteins. However, the identification of small-molecule inhibitors with appropriate properties for therapeutic inhibition of such interactions remains extremely challenging. The interacting protein surfaces are usually extensive, quite hydrophobic and with relatively few pockets in which inhibitors can bind. Fragment-based methods have recently demonstrated that hit compounds can be identified where conventional methods such as high-throughput screening have failed. It remains a considerable challenge to optimise these hits, but the fragments give a starting point. This chapter summarises recent experience and published work in this area.
Impact of hydrocarbons from a diesel fuel on the germination and early growth of subantarctic plants
Authors: Macoustra Gabriella K. , King Catherine K. , Wasley Jane , Robinson Sharon A. , Jolley Dianne F.
Published: June 2015

Development of early life stages (root and shoot growth for up to 28 days) were generally a more sensitive indicator of exposure effects than germination.
Unique binding behaviour of water-soluble polycationic oxacalix[4]arene tweezers towards the paraquat dication
Authors: Manganaro Nadia , Lando Gabriele , Gargiulli Claudia , Pisagatti Ilenia , Notti Anna , Pappalardo Sebastiano , Parisi Melchiorre F. , Gattuso Giuseppe
Published: June 2015

Water-soluble polycationic oxacalix[4]arene molecular tweezers recognize the paraquat dication under pH control, balancing repulsive electrostatic and attractive π-stacking interactions.
Modulating the interaction between gold and TiO2nanowires for enhanced solar driven photoelectrocatalytic hydrogen generation
Authors: Sudhagar P. , Song Taeseup , Devadoss Anitha , Lee Jung Woo , Haro Marta , Terashima Chiaki , Lysak Volodymyr V. , Bisquert Juan , Fujishima Akira , Gimenez Sixto , Paik Ungyu
Published: June 2015

The interaction strength of Au nanoparticles with pristine and nitrogen doped TiO2nanowire surfaces was analysed using density functional theory and their significance in enhancing the solar driven photoelectrocatalytic properties was elucidated.
Concepts in bio-molecular spectroscopy: vibrational case studies on metalloenzymes
Authors: Horch M. , Hildebrandt P. , Zebger I.
Published: June 2015

Challenges and chances in bio-molecular spectroscopy are exemplified by vibrational case studies on metalloenzymes.
Selectivity of pyoverdine recognition by the FpvA receptor of Pseudomonas aeruginosa from molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Bouvier Benjamin , Cézard Christine , Sonnet Pascal
Published: June 2015

Understanding the patterns of pyoverdine recognition by the bacterial FpvA receptor paves the way for the design of novel antibiotics.
Bis(σ-B–H) complexes of copper(i): precursors to a heterogeneous amine–borane dehydrogenation catalyst
Authors: Nako Adi E. , White Andrew J. P. , Crimmin Mark R.
Published: June 2015

A series of bis(σ-B–H) complexes of copper(i) have been prepared by displacement of arene solvent from a β-diketiminate copper(i) complex by four-coordinate boranes, H3B–L (L = NMe3, lutidine).
Highly chemo- and regioselective allylic substitution with tautomerizable heteroarenes
Authors: Kumar Dinesh , Vemula Sandeep R. , Cook Gregory R.
Published: June 2015

Investigation and exploration of chemo- and regioselective allylic substitution with tautomerizable heteroarenes under variable conditions with mechanistic insight and substrate scope.
Extraction and mechanistic investigation of trace dibutyl phthalate using an ionic liquid aqueous two-phase system
Authors: Li Yuliang , Lu Xiaojia , Luo Qinxin , Xu Zhongyu , Wu Jingfeng
Published: June 2015

An ionic liquid aqueous two-phase system was applied to extract trace dibutyl phthalate from water samples together with the HPLC-UV method.
Vinyl sulfone building blocks in covalently reversible reactions with thiols
Authors: Schneider Thomas H. , Rieger Max , Ansorg Kay , Sobolev Alexandre N. , Schirmeister Tanja , Engels Bernd , Grabowsky Simon
Published: June 2015

A combination of quantum-chemical calculations, Hirshfeld surface analyses and reactivity studies predicts how to turn vinyl sulfones into electrophiles that react covalently but reversibly with thiols.
Surface-initiated controlled radical polymerizations from silica nanoparticles, gold nanocrystals, and bionanoparticles
Authors: Wu Lei , Glebe Ulrich , Böker Alexander
Published: June 2015

This review summarizes recent progress in surface-initiated controlled radical polymerizations from silica nanoparticles, gold nanocrystals, and bionanoparticles.
Environmentally benign synthesis of saturated and unsaturated aliphatic polyesters via enzymatic polymerization of biobased monomers derived from renewable resources
Authors: Jiang Yi , Woortman Albert J. J. , Alberda van Ekenstein Gert O. R. , Loos Katja
Published: June 2015

Biobased saturated aliphatic polyesters and photo-curable unsaturated aliphatic polyesters are enzymatically polymerized, and their structure–property relationships are systematically studied.
New photocatalyst for allylic aliphatic C–H bond activation and degradation of organic pollutants: Schiff base Ti(iv) complexes
Authors: Pola Someshwar , Subburu Mahesh , Guja Ravinder , Muga Vithal , Tao Yu-Tai
Published: June 2015

Ti(iv) Schiff base complex oxide photocatalysts with high stability for oxidative-cyclization and photodegradation of methylene blue dye under visible light irradiation.
Layer-by-layer reduced graphene oxide (rGO)/gold nanosheets (AuNSs) hybrid films: significantly enhanced photothermal transition effect compared with rGO or AuNSs films
Authors: Nie Kun , An Qi , Tao Shengyang , Zhang Zepeng , Luan Xinglong , Zhang Qian , Zhang Yihe
Published: June 2015

The photothermal effects of layer-by-layer AuNS (gold nanosheets)/rGO hybrid films outperformed that of rGO or AuNSs films under NIR irradiation.
Electroforming free high resistance resistive switching of graphene oxide modified polar-PVDF
Authors: Thakre Atul , Borkar Hitesh , Singh B. P. , Kumar Ashok
Published: June 2015

A new model is proposed for high resistance resistive switching in polar beta-polyvinylidene fluoride and graphene oxide composites. The device achieved high resistance resistive switching in the range of 10–100 μA current without electroforming.
Reducing coke formation in the catalytic fast pyrolysis of bio-derived furan with surface modified HZSM-5 catalysts
Authors: Zhang Bo , Zhong Zhaoping , Xie Qinglong , Chen Paul , Ruan Roger
Published: June 2015

External surface modification of HZSM-5 can promote the formation of aromatics and olefins and reduce coke yield.
In situ synthesis of Bi2S3/Bi2SiO5 heterojunction photocatalysts with enhanced visible light photocatalytic activity
Authors: Liu Xiaolei , Wang Wenjun , Liu Yuanyuan , Huang Baibiao , Dai Ying , Qin Xiaoyan , Zhang Xiaoyang
Published: June 2015

The morphology of Bi2S3/Bi2SiO5 heterojunctions and the figure of photocatalytic mechanism based on the calculated band positions.
Molecular dynamics simulation of the diffusion behavior of water in poly(vinylidene fluoride)/silica hybrid membranes
Authors: Bai Ruibing , Wang Huixia , Zhang Pan , Xiao Bo , Jiang Bo , Zhou Ge
Published: June 2015

The effects of inorganic SiO2 particles on the diffusion properties of small penetrant molecules in PVDF/SiO2 hybrid membranes are investigated using MD simulations.
Chemical and electrochemical hydrogenation of CO2 to hydrocarbons on Cu single crystal surfaces: insights into the mechanism and selectivity from DFT calculations
Authors: Ou Lihui
Published: June 2015

The research results have great significance for the in depth understanding of the selectivity of the CO2 electrochemical reduction process and the sensitivity of the Cu surface structure.
Structural, electrical, ferroelectric and mechanical properties with Hirshfeld surface analysis of novel NLO semiorganic sodium p-nitrophenolate dihydrate piezoelectric single crystal
Authors: Dalal Jyoti , Sinha Nidhi , Yadav Harsh , Kumar Binay
Published: June 2015

Structural and Hirshfeld surface analysis of sodiump-nitrophenolate dihydrate single crystal with excellent ferroelectric, mechanical, photoluminescence and NLO properties for optoelectronic device applications.
A push–pull unsymmetrical subphthalocyanine dimer
Authors: Zango Germán , Zirzlmeier Johannes , Claessens Christian G. , Clark Timothy , Martínez-Díaz M. Victoria , Guldi Dirk M. , Torres Tomás
Published: June 2015

Unsymmetrical subphthalocyanine fused dimers have been prepared, resulting in unprecedented push–pull π-extended curved aromatic macrocycles.
Analysis of linear viscoelastic behaviour of alginate gels: effects of inner relaxation, water diffusion, and syneresis
Authors: Siviello Ciro , Greco Francesco , Larobina Domenico
Published: June 2015

We investigated the presence of different contributions to force relaxation in ionically cross-linked alginate gels and attempted to assess their timing.
Chitosan as a functional additive for high-performance lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Chen Yilei , Liu Naiqiang , Shao Hongyuan , Wang Weikun , Gao Mengyao , Li Chengming , Zhang Hao , Wang Anbang , Huang Yaqin
Published: June 2015

Chitosan with abundant hydroxyl and amine groups as an additive for cathodes and separators has been proven to be an effective polysulfide trapping agent in lithium–sulfur batteries.
Solvent-free mechanochemical synthesis of graphene oxide and Fe3O4–reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites for sensitive detection of nitrite
Authors: Bharath G. , Madhu Rajesh , Chen Shen-Ming , Veeramani Vediyappan , Mangalaraj D. , Ponpandian N.
Published: June 2015

Large-scale defect-free high quality graphene was synthesized by a mechanochemical process. The surface chemistry and functional properties of the Fe3O4nanoparticles anchored on graphene were studied for the sensitive detection of nitrite from various water sources.
BSA-coated magnetic nanoparticles for improved therapeutic properties
Authors: Aires Antonio , Ocampo Sandra M. , Cabrera David , Cueva Leonor de la , Salas Gorka , Teran Francisco J. , Cortajarena Aitziber L.
Published: June 2015

Albumin coating improves the stability of magnetic nanoparticles under physiological conditions, favoring their magnetic properties, cellular uptake, and chemotherapeutic effects.
Trifluoromethyl-substituted cyclometalated iridiumIII emitters with high photostability for continuous oxygen sensing
Authors: Liu Chun , Lv Xin , Xing Yang , Qiu Jieshan
Published: June 2015

New trifluoromethyl-substituted cyclometalated Ir(iii) complexes exhibit high photoluminescence quantum yields, increased oxidation potentials and enhanced photostability. The oxygen sensing films immobilized with Ir(iii) complexes demonstrate quick response and high sensitivity upon changes of oxygen concentrations.
Compact 4 × 4 UWB‐MIMO antenna with WLAN band rejected operation
Authors: Khan M.S. , Capobianco A.D. , Asif S. , Iftikhar A. , Ijaz B. , Braaten B.D.
Published: June 2015

A compact planar UWB‐MIMO antenna array with WLAN band rejection is presented. The array consists of four monopole radiators and a common ground plane. These monopoles are placed in such a way that the polarisation diversity of nearly placed radiators is exploited, resulting in high isolation. The proposed MIMO antenna array is electrically small (50 × 39.8 mm2), printed on a low loss 1.524 mm thick Rogers TMM4 laminate with a dielectric constant of 4.5 and a loss tangent of 0.002. A band‐stop design was inserted on the ground plane to behave similar to a LC band‐stop filter and reject the WLAN band. Simulation and measurement results satisfy the return loss requirement of better than 10 dB and isolation better than 17 dB over the entire 2.7–5.1 and 5.9–12 GHz bandwidths.