bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Great hammerhead sharks swim on their side to reduce transport costs
Authors: Payne Nicholas L. , Iosilevskii Gil , Barnett Adam , Fischer Chris , Graham Rachel T. , Gleiss Adrian C. , Watanabe Yuuki Y.
Published: July 2016

Animals exhibit various physiological and behavioural strategies for minimizing travel costs. Fins of aquatic animals play key roles in efficient travel and, for sharks, the functions of dorsal and pectoral fins are considered well divided: the former assists propulsion and generates lateral hydrodynamic forces during turns and the latter generates vertical forces that offset sharks’ negative buoyancy. Here we show that great hammerhead sharks drastically reconfigure the function of these structures, using an exaggerated dorsal fin to generate lift by swimming rolled on their side. Tagged wild sharks spend up to 90% of time swimming at roll angles between 50° and 75°, and hydrodynamic modelling shows that doing so reduces drag—and in turn, the cost of transport—by around 10% compared with traditional upright swimming. Employment of such a strongly selected feature for such a unique purpose raises interesting questions about evolutionary pathways to hydrodynamic adaptations, and our perception of form and function.
Microscopic Chain Motion in Polymer Nanocomposites with Dynamically Asymmetric Interphases
Authors: Senses Erkan , Faraone Antonio , Akcora Pinar
Published: July 2016

Dynamics of the interphase region between matrix and bound polymers on nanoparticles is important to understand the macroscopic rheological properties of nanocomposites. Here, we present neutron scattering investigations on nanocomposites with dynamically asymmetric interphases formed by a high-glass transition temperature polymer, poly(methyl methacrylate), adsorbed on nanoparticles and a low-glass transition temperature miscible matrix, poly(ethylene oxide). By taking advantage of selective isotope labeling of the chains, we studied the role of interfacial polymer on segmental and collective dynamics of the matrix chains from subnanoseconds to 100 nanoseconds. Our results show that the Rouse relaxation remains unchanged in a weakly attractive composite system while the dynamics significantly slows down in a strongly attractive composite. More importantly, the chains disentangle with a remarkable increase of the reptation tube size when the bound polymer is vitreous. The glassy and rubbery states of the bound polymer as temperature changes underpin the macroscopic stiffening of nanocomposites.
Novel synthesis of holey reduced graphene oxide (HRGO) by microwave irradiation method for anode in lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Alsharaeh Edreese , Ahmed Faheem , Aldawsari Yazeed , Khasawneh Majdi , Abuhimd Hatem , Alshahrani Mohammad
Published: July 2016

In this work, holey reduced graphene oxide (HRGO) was synthesized by the deposition of silver (Ag) nanoparticles onto the reduced graphene oxide (RGO) sheets followed by nitric acid treatment to remove Ag nanoparticles by microwave irradiation to form a porous structure. The HRGO were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), ultra violet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and Raman spectroscopy. These novel HRGO exhibited high rate capability with excellent cycling stability as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries. The results have shown an excellent electrochemical response in terms of charge/discharge capacity (423 mAh/g at 100 mA/g). The cyclic performance was also exceptional as a high reversible capacity (400 mAh/g at 100 mA/g) was retained for 100 charge/discharge cycles. This fascinating electrochemical performance can be ascribed to their specific porous structure (2–5 nm pores) and high surface area (457 m2/g), providing numerous active sites for Li+ insertion, high electrical conductivity, low charge-transfer resistance across the electrolyte–electrode interface and improved structural stability against the local volume change during Li+ insertion–extraction. Such electrodes are envisioned to be mass scalable with relatively simple and low-cost fabrication procedures, thereby providing a clear pathway toward commercialization.
Volcano electrical tomography unveils edifice collapse hazard linked to hydrothermal system structure and dynamics
Authors: Rosas-Carbajal Marina , Komorowski Jean-Christophe , Nicollin Florence , Gibert Dominique
Published: July 2016

Catastrophic collapses of the flanks of stratovolcanoes constitute a major hazard threatening numerous lives in many countries. Although many such collapses occurred following the ascent of magma to the surface, many are not associated with magmatic reawakening but are triggered by a combination of forcing agents such as pore-fluid pressurization and/or mechanical weakening of the volcanic edifice often located above a low-strength detachment plane. The volume of altered rock available for collapse, the dynamics of the hydrothermal fluid reservoir and the geometry of incipient collapse failure planes are key parameters for edifice stability analysis and modelling that remain essentially hidden to current volcano monitoring techniques. Here we derive a high-resolution, three-dimensional electrical conductivity model of the La Soufrière de Guadeloupe volcano from extensive electrical tomography data. We identify several highly conductive regions in the lava dome that are associated to fluid saturated host-rock and preferential flow of highly acid hot fluids within the dome. We interpret this model together with the existing wealth of geological and geochemical data on the volcano to demonstrate the influence of the hydrothermal system dynamics on the hazards associated to collapse-prone altered volcanic edifices.
AutoStitcher: An Automated Program for Efficient and Robust Reconstruction of Digitized Whole Histological Sections from Tissue Fragments
Authors: Penzias Gregory , Janowczyk Andrew , Singanamalli Asha , Rusu Mirabela , Shih Natalie , Feldman Michael , Stricker Phillip D. , Delprado Warick , Tiwari Sarita , Böhm Maret , Haynes Anne-Maree , Ponsky Lee , Viswanath Satish , Madabhushi Anant
Published: July 2016

In applications involving large tissue specimens that have been sectioned into smaller tissue fragments, manual reconstruction of a “pseudo whole-mount” histological section (PWMHS) can facilitate (a) pathological disease annotation and (b) image registration and correlation with radiological images. We have previously presented a program called HistoStitcher, which allows for more efficient manual reconstruction than general purpose image editing tools (such as Photoshop). However HistoStitcher is still manual and hence can be laborious and subjective, especially when doing large cohort studies. In this work we present AutoStitcher, a novel automated algorithm for reconstructing PWMHSs from digitized tissue fragments. AutoStitcher reconstructs (“stitches”) a PWMHS from a set of 4 fragments by optimizing a novel cost function that is domain-inspired to ensure (i) alignment of similar tissue regions and (ii) contiguity of the prostate boundary. The algorithm achieves computational efficiency by performing reconstruction in a multi-resolution hierarchy. Automated PWMHS reconstruction results (via AutoStitcher) were quantitatively and qualitatively compared to manual reconstructions obtained via HistoStitcher for 113 prostate pathology sections. Distances between corresponding fiducials placed on each of the automated and manual reconstruction results were between 2.7%–3.2%, reflecting their excellent visual similarity.
Relationship between elevated soluble CD74 and severity of experimental and clinical ALI/ARDS
Authors: Wu Guosheng , Sun Yu , Wang Kang’an , Chen Zhengli , Wang Xingtong , Chang Fei , Li Ting , Feng Ping , Xia Zhaofan
Published: July 2016

CD74 is expressed on the cell surface of pulmonary macrophages and contributes to macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF)-induced inflammatory response in acute lung injury (ALI). A circulating form of CD74 (soluble CD74, sCD74) was recently discovered in autoimmune liver disease. Using two murine ALI models and cells culture, we examined the presence of sCD74 in circulation and alveolar space and preliminarily assessed the biological function of sCD74. The concentrations of sCD74 were increased in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluids (BALF) of murine ALI models. The elevated levels of sCD74 in BALF positively correlated with lung permeability and inflammation. In addition, sCD74 is secreted by macrophages in response to MIF stimulation and itself can stimulate the production of inflammatory cytokines. Our clinical study confirmed some findings of basic research. Moreover, we also found Day 3 serum sCD74 levels were associated with worse clinical outcomes. In conclusion, higher serum sCD74 levels may reflect more severe lung injury and may be used to help physicians determine prognosis of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
A fast electrochromic polymer based on TEMPO substituted polytriphenylamine
Authors: Ji Lvlv , Dai Yuyu , Yan Shuanma , Lv Xiaojing , Su Chang , Xu Lihuan , Lv Yaokang , Ouyang Mi , Chen Zuofeng , Zhang Cheng
Published: July 2016

A novel strategy to obtain rapid electrochromic switching response by introducing 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidinyloxy (TEMPO) moiety into polytriphenylamine backbone has been developed. The electrochromic properties of the integrated polymer film are investigated and a possible mechanism is proposed with TEMPO as a counterion-reservoir group to rapidly balance the charges during electrochromic switching, which leads to significantly improved electrochromism performance.
Graphene-augmented nanofiber scaffolds demonstrate new features in cells behaviour
Authors: Kazantseva Jekaterina , Ivanov Roman , Gasik Michael , Neuman Toomas , Hussainova Irina
Published: July 2016

Three-dimensional (3D) customized scaffolds capable to mimic a native extracellular matrix open new frontiers in cells manipulation and advanced therapy. The major challenge is in a proper substrate for in vitro models on engineered scaffolds, capable to modulate cells differentiation. Here for the first time we demonstrate novel design and functionality of the 3D porous scaffolds of aligned, self-assembled ceramic nanofibers of ultra-high anisotropy ratio (~107), augmented into graphene shells. This unique hybrid nano-network allows an exceptional combination of selective guidance stimuli of stem cells differentiation, immune reactions variations and local immobilization of cancer cells, which was not available before. The scaffolds were shown to be able to direct human mesenchymal stem cells (important for stimulation of neuronal and muscle cells) preferential orientation, to suppress major inflammatory factors and to localize cancer cells; all without additions of specific culture media. The selective downregulation of specific cytokines is anticipated as a new tool for understanding of human immune system and ways of treatment of associated diseases. The effects observed are self-regulated by cells only, without side effects, usually arising from use of external factors. New scaffolds may open new horizons for stem cells fate control such as towards axons and neurites regeneration (Alzheimer’s disease) as well as cancer therapy development.
Insulin signalling mediates the response to male-induced harm in female Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Sepil Irem , Carazo Pau , Perry Jennifer C. , Wigby Stuart
Published: July 2016

Genetic manipulations in nutrient-sensing pathways are known to both extend lifespan and modify responses to environmental stressors (e.g., starvation, oxidative and thermal stresses), suggesting that similar mechanisms regulate lifespan and stress resistance. However, despite being a key factor reducing female lifespan and affecting female fitness, male-induced harm has rarely been considered as a stressor mediated by nutrient sensing pathways. We explored whether a lifespan-extending manipulation also modifies female resistance to male-induced harm. To do so, we used long-lived female Drosophila melanogaster that had their insulin signalling pathway downregulated by genetically ablating the median neurosecretory cells (mNSC). We varied the level of exposure to males for control and ablated females and tested for interacting effects on female lifespan and fitness. As expected, we found that lifespan significantly declined with exposure to males. However, mNSC-ablated females maintained significantly increased lifespan across all male exposure treatments. Furthermore, lifespan extension and relative fitness of mNSC-ablated females were maximized under intermediate exposure to males and minimized under low and high exposure to males. Overall, our results suggest that wild-type levels of insulin signalling reduce female susceptibility to male-induced harm under intense sexual conflict and may also protect females when mating opportunities are sub-optimally low.
Bona-fide method for the determination of short range order and transport properties in a ferro-aluminosilicate slag
Authors: Karalis Konstantinos T. , Dellis Dimitrios , Antipas Georgios S. E. , Xenidis Anthimos
Published: July 2016

The thermodynamics, structural and transport properties (density, melting point, heat capacity, thermal expansion coefficient, viscosity and electrical conductivity) of a ferro-aluminosilicate slag have been studied in the solid and liquid state (1273–2273 K) using molecular dynamics. The simulations were based on a Buckingham-type potential, which was extended here, to account for the presence of Cr and Cu. The potential was optimized by fitting pair distribution function partials to values determined by Reverse Monte Carlo modelling of X-ray and neutron diffraction experiments. The resulting short range order features and ring statistics were in tight agreement with experimental data and created consensus for the accurate prediction of transport properties. Accordingly, calculations yielded rational values both for the average heat capacity, equal to 1668.58 J/(kg·K), and for the viscosity, in the range of 4.09–87.64 cP. The potential was consistent in predicting accurate values for mass density (i.e. 2961.50 kg/m3 vs. an experimental value of 2940 kg/m3) and for electrical conductivity (5.3–233 S/m within a temperature range of 1273.15–2273.15 K).
Emergency medical triage decisions are swayed by computer-manipulated cues of physical dominance in caller’s voice
Authors: Boidron Laurent , Boudenia Karim , Avena Christophe , Boucheix Jean-Michel , Aucouturier Jean-Julien
Published: July 2016

In humans as well as other animals, displays of body strength such as power postures or deep masculine voices are associated with prevalence in conflicts of interest and facilitated access to resources. We conduct here an ecological and highly critical test of this hypothesis in a domain that, on first thought, would appear to be shielded from such influences: access to emergency medical care. Using acoustic manipulations of vocal masculinity, we systematically varied the perceived level of physical dominance of mock patients calling a medical call center simulator. Callers whose voice were perceived as indicative of physical dominance (i.e. those with low fundamental and formant frequency voices) obtained a higher grade of response, a higher evaluation of medical emergency and longer attention from physicians than callers with strictly identical medical needs whose voice signaled lower physical dominance. Strikingly, while the effect was important for physician participants, it was virtually non-existent when calls were processed by non-medically-trained phone operators. This finding demonstrates an unprecedented degree of vulnerability of telephone-based medical decisions to extra-medical factors carried by vocal cues and shows that it may not simply be assumed that more medical training will shield decisions from such influences.
Subwavelength grating enabled on-chip ultra-compact optical true time delay line
Authors: Wang Junjia , Ashrafi Reza , Adams Rhys , Glesk Ivan , Gasulla Ivana , Capmany José , Chen Lawrence R.
Published: July 2016

An optical true time delay line (OTTDL) is a basic photonic building block that enables many microwave photonic and optical processing operations. The conventional design for an integrated OTTDL that is based on spatial diversity uses a length-variable waveguide array to create the optical time delays, which can introduce complexities in the integrated circuit design. Here we report the first ever demonstration of an integrated index-variable OTTDL that exploits spatial diversity in an equal length waveguide array. The approach uses subwavelength grating waveguides in silicon-on-insulator (SOI), which enables the realization of OTTDLs having a simple geometry and that occupy a compact chip area. Moreover, compared to conventional wavelength-variable delay lines with a few THz operation bandwidth, our index-variable OTTDL has an extremely broad operation bandwidth practically exceeding several tens of THz, which supports operation for various input optical signals with broad ranges of central wavelength and bandwidth.
Chemo-Mechanical Characteristics of Mud Formed from Environmental Dust Particles in Humid Ambient Air
Authors: Hassan Ghassan , Yilbas B. S. , Said Syed A. M. , Al-Aqeeli N. , Matin Asif
Published: July 2016

Mud formed from environmental dust particles in humid ambient air significantly influences the performance of solar harvesting devices. This study examines the characterization of environmental dust particles and the chemo-mechanics of dry mud formed from dust particles. Analytical tools, including scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, particle sizing, and X-ray diffraction, are used to characterize dry mud and dust particles. A micro/nano tribometer is used to measure the tangential force and friction coefficient while tensile tests are carried out to assess the binding forces of dry mud pellets. After dry mud is removed, mud residuals on the glass surface are examined and the optical transmittance of the glass is measured. Dust particles include alkaline compounds, which dissolve in water condensate and form a mud solution with high pH (pH = 7.5). The mud solution forms a thin liquid film at the interface of dust particles and surface. Crystals form as the mud solution dries, thus, increasing the adhesion work required to remove dry mud from the surface. Optical transmittance of the glass is reduced after dry mud is removed due to the dry mud residue on the surface.
Coastal evacuations by fish during extreme weather events
Authors: Bailey Helen , Secor David H.
Published: July 2016

An increase in the intensity and frequency of extreme events is predicted to occur as a result of climate change. In coastal ecosystems, hurricanes and flooding can cause dramatic changes in water quality resulting in large mortality events in estuarine fauna. Facultative migration behaviors represent a key adaptation by which animals can evacuate ecological catastrophes, but remain poorly studied in marine systems. Here we identify coastal evacuations by otherwise resident riverine striped bass in the Hudson River Estuary, New York, USA, caused by an intense period of tropical storms in autumn 2011. These storms produced record rainfall and high water discharges into the Hudson River Estuary that increased the water level and reduced the water temperature, salinity and dissolved oxygen levels. Striped bass moved out of the estuary, exhibiting novel migration behaviours, that may have been in response to the strong flow and unsuitable conditions. In the months following the storms, some fish demonstrated exploratory trips back to the estuary, which may have been to assess the conditions before returning for the remainder of the winter. Behavioural adaptions to weather events by striped bass and other coastal fishes will depend on maintenance of key population segments and unimpeded evacuation routes.
Obesity, metabolic health, and mortality in adults: a nationwide population-based study in Korea
Authors: Yang Hae Kyung , Han Kyungdo , Kwon Hyuk-Sang , Park Yong-Moon , Cho Jae-Hyoung , Yoon Kun-Ho , Kang Moo-Il , Cha Bong-Yun , Lee Seung-Hwan
Published: July 2016

BMI, metabolic health status, and their interactions should be considered for estimating mortality risk; however, the data are controversial and unknown in Asians. We aimed to investigate this issue in Korean population. Total 323175 adults were followed-up for 96 (60–120) (median [5–95%]) months in a nationwide population-based cohort study. Participants were classified as “obese” (O) or “non-obese” (NO) using a BMI cut-off of 25 kg/m2. People who developed ≥1 metabolic disease component (hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidaemia) in the index year were considered “metabolically unhealthy” (MU), while those with none were considered “metabolically healthy” (MH). The MUNO group had a significantly higher risk of all-cause (hazard ratio, 1.28 [95% CI, 1.21–1.35]) and cardiovascular (1.88 [1.63–2.16]) mortality, whereas the MHO group had a lower mortality risk (all-cause: 0.81 [0.74–0.88]), cardiovascular: 0.73 [0.57–0.95]), compared to the MHNO group. A similar pattern was noted for cancer and other-cause mortality. Metabolically unhealthy status was associated with higher risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality regardless of BMI levels, and there was a dose-response relationship between the number of incident metabolic diseases and mortality risk. In conclusion, poor metabolic health status contributed more to mortality than high BMI did, in Korean adults.
Co-targeting EGFR and survivin with a bivalent aptamer-dual siRNA chimera effectively suppresses prostate cancer
Authors: Liu Hong Yan , Yu Xiaolin , Liu Haitao , Wu Daqing , She Jin-Xiong
Published: July 2016

Current targeted therapies using small kinase inhibitors and antibodies have limited efficacy in treating prostate cancer (PCa), a leading cause of cancer death in American men. We have developed a novel strategy by engineering an RNA-based aptamer-siRNA chimera, in which a bivalent aptamer specifically binds prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) via an antibody-like structure to promote siRNA internalization in PCa cells and two siRNAs specific to EGFR and survivin are fused between two aptamers. The chimera is able to inhibit EGFR and survivin simultaneously and induce apoptosis effectively in vitro and in vivo. In the C4-2 PCa xenograft model, the treatment with the chimera significantly suppresses tumor growth and angiogenesis. The inhibition of angiogenesis is mediated by an EGFR-HIF1α-VEGF-dependent mechanism. Our results support that the bivalent aptamer-driven delivery of two siRNAs could be a new combination therapeutic strategy to effectively inhibit multiple and conventionally “undruggable” targets.
Changing Polygenic Penetrance on Phenotypes in the 20th Century Among Adults in the US Population
Authors: Conley Dalton , Laidley Thomas M. , Boardman Jason D. , Domingue Benjamin W.
Published: July 2016

This study evaluates changes in genetic penetrance—defined as the association between an additive polygenic score and its associated phenotype—across birth cohorts. Situating our analysis within recent historical trends in the U.S., we show that, while height and BMI show increasing genotypic penetrance over the course of 20th Century, education and heart disease show declining genotypic effects. Meanwhile, we find genotypic penetrance to be historically stable with respect to depression. Our findings help inform our understanding of how the genetic and environmental landscape of American society has changed over the past century, and have implications for research which models gene-environment (GxE) interactions, as well as polygenic score calculations in consortia studies that include multiple birth cohorts.
Quorum sensing systems differentially regulate the production of phenazine-1-carboxylic acid in the rhizobacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA1201
Authors: Sun Shuang , Zhou Lian , Jin Kaiming , Jiang Haixia , He Ya-Wen
Published: July 2016

Pseudomonas aeruginosastrain PA1201 is a newly identified rhizobacterium that produces high levels of the secondary metabolite phenazine-1-carboxylic acid (PCA), the newly registered biopesticide Shenqinmycin. PCA production in liquid batch cultures utilizing a specialized PCA-promoting medium (PPM) typically occurs after the period of most rapid growth and production is regulated in a quorum sensing (QS)-dependent manner. PA1201 contains two PCA biosynthetic gene clustersphz1andphz2; both clusters contribute to PCA production, withphz2making a greater contribution. PA1201 also contains a complete set of genes for four QS systems (LasI/LasR, RhlI/RhlR, PQS/MvfR and IQS). By using several methods including gene deletion, the construction of promoter-lacZfusion reporter strains and RNA-Seq analysis, this study investigated the effects of the four QS systems on bacterial growth, QS signal production, the expression ofphz1andphz2and PCA production. The possible mechanisms for the strain- and condition-dependent expression ofphz1andphz2were discussed and a schematic model was proposed. These findings provide a basis for further genetic engineering of the QS systems to improve PCA production.
Comparative 3D analyses and palaeoecology of giant early amphibians (Temnospondyli: Stereospondyli)
Authors: Fortuny Josep , Marcé-Nogué Jordi , Steyer J.-Sébastien , de Esteban-Trivigno Soledad , Mujal Eudald , Gil Lluís
Published: July 2016

Macroevolutionary, palaeoecological and biomechanical analyses in deep time offer the possibility to decipher the structural constraints, ecomorphological patterns and evolutionary history of extinct groups. Here, 3D comparative biomechanical analyses of the extinct giant early amphibian group of stereospondyls together with living lissamphibians and crocodiles, shows that: i) stereospondyls had peculiar palaeoecological niches with proper bites and stress patterns very different than those of giant salamanders and crocodiles; ii) their extinction may be correlated with the appearance of neosuchians, which display morphofunctional innovations. Stereospondyls weathered the end-Permian mass extinction, re-radiated, acquired gigantic sizes and dominated (semi) aquatic ecosystems during the Triassic. Because these ecosystems are today occupied by crocodilians and stereospondyls are extinct amphibians, their palaeobiology is a matter of an intensive debate: stereospondyls werea prioricompared with putative living analogous such as giant salamanders and/or crocodilians and our new results try to close this debate.
Control of Earth-like magnetic fields on the transformation of ferrihydrite to hematite and goethite
Authors: Jiang Zhaoxia , Liu Qingsong , Dekkers Mark J. , Barrón Vidal , Torrent José , Roberts Andrew P.
Published: July 2016

Hematite and goethite are the two most abundant iron oxides in natural environments. Their formation is controlled by multiple environmental factors; therefore, their relative concentration has been used widely to indicate climatic variations. In this study, we aimed to test whether hematite and goethite growth is influenced by ambient magnetic fields of Earth-like values. Ferrihydrite was aged at 95 °C in magnetic fields ranging from ~0 to ~100 μT. Our results indicate a large influence of the applied magnetic field on hematite and goethite growth from ferrihydrite. The synthesized products are a mixture of hematite and goethite for field intensities <~60 μT. Higher fields favour hematite formation by accelerating ferrimagnetic ferrihydrite aggregation. Additionally, hematite particles growing in a controlled magnetic field of ~100 μT appear to be arranged in chains, which may be reduced to magnetite keeping its original configuration, therefore, the presence of magnetic particles in chains in natural sediments cannot be used as an exclusive indicator of biogenic magnetite. Hematite vs. goethite formation in our experiments is influenced by field intensity values within the range of geomagnetic field variability. Thus, geomagnetic field intensity could be a source of variation when using iron (oxyhydr-)oxide concentrations in environmental magnetism.
Autocrine activity of BDNF induced by the STAT3 signaling pathway causes prolonged TrkB activation and promotes human non-small-cell lung cancer proliferation
Authors: Chen Bo , Liang Yan , He Zheng , An Yunhe , Zhao Weihong , Wu Jianqing
Published: July 2016

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a member of the neurotrophin superfamily, which has been implicated in the pathophysiology of the nervous system. Recently, several studies have suggested that BDNF and/or its receptor, tropomyosin related kinase B (TrkB), are involved in tumor growth and metastasis in several cancers, including prostate cancer, neuroblastoma, pancreatic ductal carcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma and lung cancer. Despite the increasing emphasis on BDNF/TrkB signaling in human tumors, how it participates in primary tumors has not yet been determined. Additionally, little is known about the molecular mechanisms that elicit signaling downstream of TrkB in the progression of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In this study, we report the significant expression of BDNF in NSCLC samples and show that BDNF stimulation increases the synthesis of BDNF itself through activation of STAT3 in lung cancer cells. The release of BDNF can in turn activate TrkB signaling. The activation of both TrkB and STAT3 contribute to downstream signaling and promote human non-small-cell lung cancer proliferation.
Prognostic value of decreased FOXP1 protein expression in various tumors: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Xiao Jian , He Bixiu , Zou Yong , Chen Xi , Lu Xiaoxiao , Xie Mingxuan , Li Wei , He Shuya , You Shaojin , Chen Qiong
Published: July 2016

The prognostic value of forkhead box protein P1 (FOXP1) protein expression in tumors remains controversial. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis, searching the PubMed, Embase and Web of Science databases to identify eligible studies. In total, we analyzed 22 articles that examined 9 tumor types and included 2468 patients. Overall, decreased expression of FOXP1 protein was associated with favorable overall survival (OS) in lymphoma patients (HR = 0.38, 95%CI: 0.30–0.48, p < 0.001). In patients with solid tumors, decreased FOXP1 expression correlated with unfavorable OS (HR = 1.82, 95%CI: 1.18–2.83, p = 0.007). However, when FOXP1 protein expression was nuclear, decreased expression was also associated with favorable OS (HR = 0.53, 95%CI: 0.32–0.86, p = 0.011). Furthermore, decreased FOXP1 expression resulted in the best OS in patients with mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphomas (HR = 0.26, 95%CI: 0.11–0.59, p = 0.001), but the worst OS was observed in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients (HR = 3.11, 95%CI: 1.87–5.17, p < 0.001). In addition, decreased FOXP1 expression was significantly correlated with an unfavorable relapse-free survival (RFS) in breast cancer patients (HR = 1.93, 95%CI: 1.33–2.80, p = 0.001).
Construction of a tunable multi-enzyme-coordinate expression system for biosynthesis of chiral drug intermediates
Authors: Jiang Wei , Fang Baishan
Published: July 2016

Systems that can regulate and coordinate the expression of multiple enzymes for metabolic regulation and synthesis of important drug intermediates are poorly explored. In this work, a strategy for constructing a tunable multi-enzyme-coordinate expression system for biosynthesis of chiral drug intermediates was developed and evaluated by connecting protein-protein expressions, regulating the strength of ribosome binding sites (RBS) and detecting the system capacity for producing chiral amino acid. Results demonstrated that the dual-enzyme system had good enantioselectivity, low cost, high stability, high conversion rate and approximately 100% substrate conversion. This study has paved a new way of exploring metabolic mechanism of functional genes and engineering whole cell-catalysts for synthesis of chiral α-hydroxy acids or chiral amino acids.
Crystal structures of RidA, an important enzyme for the prevention of toxic side products
Authors: Liu Xiwen , Zeng Jianhua , Chen Xiaolei , Xie Wei
Published: July 2016

The YjgF/YER057c/UK114 family proteins are highly conserved across all three domains of life and most of them currently have no clearly defined biological roles. In vitro, these proteins were found to hydrolyze the enamine/imine intermediates generated from serine or threonine and were renamed Reactive Intermediate Deaminase A (RidA). RidA was recently discovered in Arabidopsis thaliana, and by deaminating the toxic enamine/imine intermediates, it prevents the inactivation of many functionally important pyridoxal 5′-phosphate (PLP)-containing enzymes in plants such as branched-chain aminotransferase BCAT (IlvE). In this study, we determined the crystal structure of Arabidopsis thaliana RidA in the apo form, as well as RidA complexed with the ligand pyruvate. RidA forms the trimeric, barrel-like quaternary structure and inter-subunit cavities and resembles most RidA family members. Each pyruvate molecule binds to the interface between two subunits and the recognition of pyruvate is achieved by the interactions with R165 and T167. From sequence alignment and structural superposition, we identified a series of key residues responsible for the trimer assembly, whose importance was confirmed by enzymatic assays. This study provides structural insight into RidA functions in plants.
A gene-by-sex interaction for nicotine reward: evidence from humanized mice and epidemiology
Authors: Bernardi R E , Zohsel K , Hirth N , Treutlein J , Heilig M , Laucht M , Spanagel R , Sommer W H
Published: July 2016

It has been proposed that vulnerability to nicotine addiction is moderated by variation at the μ-opioid receptor locus (OPRM1), but results from human studies vary and prospective studies based on genotype are lacking. We have developed a humanized mouse model of the most common functional OPRM1 polymorphism rs1799971_A>G (A118G). Here we use this model system together with a cohort of German youth to examine the role of the OPRM1 A118G variation on nicotine reward. Nicotine reinforcement was examined in the humanized mouse model using i.v. self-administration. Male (n=17) and female (n=26) mice homozygous either for the major human A allele (AA) or the minor G allele (GG) underwent eight daily 2 h sessions of nicotine self-administration. Furthermore, male (n=104) and female (n=118) subjects homozygous for the A allele or carrying the G allele from the Mannheim Study of Children at Risk were evaluated for pleasurable and unpleasant experiences during their initial smoking experience. A significant sex-by-genotype effect was observed for nicotine self-administration. Male 118GG mice demonstrated higher nicotine intake than male 118AA mice, suggesting increased nicotine reinforcement. In contrast, there was no genotype effect in female mice. Human male G allele carriers reported increased pleasurable effects from their first smoking experience, as compared to male homozygous A, female G and female homozygous A allele carriers. The 118G allele appears to confer greater sensitivity to nicotine reinforcement in males, but not females.
Endohedral dynamics of push–pull rotor-functionalized cages
Authors: Krick Marcel , Holstein Julian , Würtele Christian , Clever Guido H.
Published: July 2016

Push–pull-functionalized ligands carrying molecular rotors assemble to [Pd2L4] coordination cages whose endohedral dynamics are controlled by the substitution pattern, solvent effects and guest encapsulation.
Structural, magnetic and electronic properties of Fe1+xGa2−xO4 nanoparticles synthesized by the combustion method
Authors: Lyubutin I. S. , Starchikov S. S. , Gervits N. E. , Lin Chun-Rong , Tseng Yaw-Teng , Shih Kun-Yauh , Lee Jiann-Shing , Ogarkova Yu. L. , Korotkov N. Yu.
Published: July 2016

Gallium-ferrite Fe1+xGa2−xO4 nanoparticles consisting of a combination of FeGa2O4 and a new spinel phase γ-FeGaO3 have been synthesized by the combustion method.
Observation of intrinsic emission in β-BiNbO4available for excitation of both UV light and high energy irradiation
Authors: Yu Ruijin , Fan Aiping , Yuan Maosen , Li Tianbao , Wang Jinyi
Published: July 2016

β-BiNbO4shows photoluminescence and scintillation emission at room temperature. The excitation is from optical transitions from NbO67−groups and 6s(Bi)–4d(Nb) MMCT states; the intrinsic emission is from3P1→1S0transitions of Bi3+ions under UV light and X-ray excitation.
A perspective on liquid salts for energy and materials
Authors: Irvine J. T. S.
Published: July 2016

Liquid salts comprising molten salts and ionic liquids offer important media to address both energy and materials challenges. Here we review topics presented in this Faraday Discussion volume related to improved electrowinning of metals, optimisation of processes, new electrochemical device concepts, chemistry in ionic liquids, conversion of biomass, carbon chemistry and nuclear applications. The underlying phenomenology is then reviewed and commentary given. Some future applications are then discussed, further exemplifying the high potential rewards achievable from these chemistries.
Fabrication of 50 nm scale Pt nanostructures by block copolymer (BCP) and its characteristics of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)
Authors: Shin Jae Hee , Kim Hyun Gu , Baek Gwang Min , Kim Reehyang , Jeon Suwan , Mun Jeong Ho , Lee Han-Bo-Ram , Jung Yeon Sik , Kim Sang Ouk , Kim Kyoung Nam , Yeom Geun Young
Published: July 2016

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) represents an important phenomenon that can solve the low signal intensity of Raman spectroscopy. In this study, we investigated the effect of various Pt nanostructures on the sensitivity of SERS.
Coumarinyl thioether Schiff base as a turn-on fluorescent Zn(ii) sensor and the complex as chemosensor for the selective recognition of ATP, along with its application in whole cell imaging
Authors: Patra Chiranjit , Bhanja Anup Kumar , Mahapatra Ambikesh , Mishra Snehasis , Saha Krishna Das , Sinha Chittaranjan
Published: July 2016

A Zn2+ sensor, coumarinyl thioether Schiff base shows the LOD 0.068 μM. The fluorogenic complex, [ZnL] recognizes ATP in presence of other anions and the LOD, 6.7 μM, is the lowest in literature. Ligand is used for fluorescence cell imaging process.
Tandem cycloaddition–decarboxylation of α-keto acid and isocyanide under oxidant-free conditions towards monosubstituted oxazoles
Authors: Zhang Ling-Juan , Xu Mei-Chen , Liu Jie , Zhang Xian-Ming
Published: July 2016

An efficient method, tandem [3 + 2] cycloaddition–decarboxylation of α-keto acid and isocyanide promoted by copper salt, has been developed for constructing monosubstituted oxazole. The elegant approach ingeniously avoids consuming excess oxidants.
Competent overall water-splitting electrocatalysts derived from ZIF-67 grown on carbon cloth
Authors: Liu Xin , Dong Jinmei , You Bo , Sun Yujie
Published: July 2016

MOF-derived Co–P/NC directly grown on carbon cloth exhibited competent and robust activity for overall water splitting electrolysis under alkaline condition.
Effect of surface treatments of jute fibers on the microstructural and mechanical responses of poly(lactic acid)/jute fiber biocomposites
Authors: Zafar Mohammad Tahir , Maiti Saurindra Nath , Ghosh Anup Kumar
Published: July 2016

The effect of surface treatment of jute fibers on matrix/fiber interface adhesion in PLA/jute fiber biocomposites was explored in terms of mechanical, morphological, thermal and thermo mechanical properties.
Dual doping strategy enhanced the lithium storage properties of graphene oxide binary composites
Authors: Luo Yang , Yuan Dingding , Balogun Muhammad-Sadeeq , Yang Hao , Qiu Weitao , Liu Jincheng , Liu Peng , Tong Yexiang
Published: July 2016

This work focuses on improving the lithium storage performance of graphene composites through a post dual-doping approach.
One-step synthesis of p-type GaSe nanoribbons and their excellent performance in photodetectors and phototransistors
Authors: Xiong Xing , Zhang Qi , Zhou Xing , Jin Bao , Li Huiqiao , Zhai Tianyou
Published: July 2016

High quality p-type GaSe nanoribbons were synthesized and the nanoribbon-based nanodevices reflect an excellent photodetection ability and quadrupled mobility.
Optimum design of a line‐start permanent‐magnet motor with slotted solid rotor using neural network and imperialist competitive algorithm
Authors: Niaz Azari Milad , Mirsalim Mojtaba , Abedi Pahnehkolaei Seyed Mehdi , Mohammadi Sajjad
Published: July 2016

Slotted solid‐rotor line‐start permanent‐magnet motors have good synchronisation capability for high load torques and moment of inertia. This study presents the impacts of rotor‐slot parameters such as the slot depth and width to obtain better synchronisation capability. Therefore, the starting torque and the torque near synchronisation speed are considered. For high synchronisation capability these torques should have higher values. To obtain optimum parameters, the artificial neural network and the imperialist competitive algorithm are used. The results obtained show that the values of parameters are very close to the outcomes of the sensitivity analysis. Finally, a four‐pole, 1500 rpm, 1050 W, three‐phase line‐start synchronous motor with an optimised slotted solid rotor is prototyped to confirm the validity of the results.
Technical and economic comparison of various electrical collection grid configurations for large photovoltaic power plants
Authors: De Prada‐Gil Mikel , Domínguez‐García Jose Luis , Trilla Lluís , Gomis‐Bellmunt Oriol
Published: July 2016

In this study, a technical and economic comparative analysis for evaluating the performance of various electrical photovoltaic (PV) plant configurations is presented. This methodology assessment is based on a holistic approach that calculates the levelised cost of energy (LCOE) considering the capital and installation cost of the PV components, as well as, the operation and maintenance costs over the lifetime of the project. Also, the potential economic impact of the installation of batteries for providing flat‐output response is investigated. Moreover, a sensitivity analysis is included for considering both economic and technical uncertainty on the LCOE. The presented methodology compares the performance of six different configurations in three hypothetical PV power plants (1, 50 and 200 MW) located in Golden, Colorado, USA. The results obtained demonstrate that although some PV power plant configurations present better efficiency (higher performance ratio), they are not the most cost‐effective solutions because of the requirement of extra equipment or the inclusion of expensive technologies. Finally, the benefit of including batteries into the system is shown for flat output operation. The results show that in spite of their inclusion increases the LCOE, extra revenues can be obtained when providing such services.
Radar system with enhanced angular resolution based on a novel frequency scanning reflector antenna
Authors: Siaka Francis , Akbarniai Tehrani Mona , Laurin Jean Jacques , Savaria Yvon
Published: July 2016

A radar system that uses a novel multi beam reflector antenna based on the frequency scanning principle is presented. The reflector primary source consists of a frequency multiplexer coupled to eight horn antennas radiating at different frequencies. A prototype of the system working in the X band is demonstrated. It is shown that over a frequency variation of only 2.2%, the main beam direction can be scanned over a sector of 50°. Frequency multiplexing allows an eight‐fold increase in scanning speed compared with purely mechanically rotated antennas. An experiment has been conducted to demonstrate the target detection capabilities of the radar. It is shown that by using a time‐multiplexed combined radiation pattern from mechanical and electrical scanning, it is possible to detect multiple targets beyond the antenna angular resolution limited by its beamwidth. Post processing of the received data from this composite scanning leads to the detection of two targets with angular separation equal to half the antenna beamwidth.
Synthesis of 3-Substituted Chromones and Quinolones from Enaminones
Authors: Joussot Jessie , Schoenfelder Angèle , Larquetoux Laurent , Nicolas Marc , Suffert Jean , Blond Gaëlle
Published: July 2016

A facile and efficient synthetic route to 3-substituted chromones and quinolones was developed. Silver triflate was employed to activate the electrophile to react with various readily available enaminones.
IUPAC-NIST Solubility Data Series. 101. Alcohols + Hydrocarbons + Water. Part 2. C1–C3 Alcohols + Aliphatic Hydrocarbons
Authors: Oracz Paweł , Góral Marian , Wiśniewska-Gocłowska Barbara , Shaw David G. , Mączyński Andrzej
Published: July 2016

The mutual solubilities and related liquid–liquid equilibria for 37 ternary systems of C1–C3 alcohols with aliphatic hydrocarbons and water are exhaustively and critically reviewed. Reports of experimental determination of solubility that appeared in the primary literature prior to the end of 2012 are compiled. For 14 systems, sufficient data are available (two or more independent determinations) to allow critical evaluation. All data are expressed as mass percent and mole fraction as well as the originally reported units. In addition to the standard evaluation criteria used throughout the Solubility Data Series, an additional criterion was used for each of the evaluated systems. These systems include one binary miscibility gap in the hydrocarbon + water subsystem and another one can be in the methanol + hydrocarbon subsystem. The binary tie lines were compared with the recommended values published previously.
Full observation of ultrafast cascaded radiationless transitions from S2(ππ∗) state of pyrazine using vacuum ultraviolet photoelectron imaging
Authors: Horio Takuya , Spesyvtsev Roman , Nagashima Kazuki , Ingle Rebecca A. , Suzuki Yoshi-ichi , Suzuki Toshinori
Published: July 2016

A photoexcited molecule undergoes multiple deactivation and reaction processes simultaneously or sequentially, which have been observed by combinations of various experimental methods. However, a single experimental method that enables complete observation of the photo-induced dynamics would be of great assistance for such studies. Here we report a full observation of cascaded electronic dephasing from S2(ππ*) in pyrazine (C4N2H4) by time-resolved photoelectron imaging (TRPEI) using 9.3-eV vacuum ultraviolet pulses with a sub-20 fs time duration. While we previously demonstrated a real-time observation of the ultrafast S2(ππ*) → S1(nπ*) internal conversion in pyrazine using TRPEI with UV pulses, this study presents a complete observation of the dynamics including radiationless transitions from S1 to S0 (internal conversion) and T1(nπ*) (intersystem crossing). Also discussed are the role of 1Au(nπ*) in the internal conversion and the configuration interaction of the S2(ππ*) electronic wave function.
Transmission and fluorescence X-ray absorption spectroscopy cell/flow reactor for powder samples under vacuum or in reactive atmospheres
Authors: Hoffman A. S. , Debefve L. M. , Bendjeriou-Sedjerari A. , Ould-Chikh S. , Bare Simon R. , Basset J.-M. , Gates B. C.
Published: July 2016

X-ray absorption spectroscopy is an element-specific technique for probing the local atomic-scale environment around an absorber atom. It is widely used to investigate the structures of liquids and solids, being especially valuable for characterization of solid-supported catalysts. Reported cell designs are limited in capabilities—to fluorescence or transmission and to static or flowing atmospheres, or to vacuum. Our goal was to design a robust and widely applicable cell for catalyst characterizations under all these conditions—to allow tracking of changes during genesis and during operation, both under vacuum and in reactive atmospheres. Herein, we report the design of such a cell and a demonstration of its operation both with a sample under dynamic vacuum and in the presence of gases flowing at temperatures up to 300 °C, showing data obtained with both fluorescence and transmission detection. The cell allows more flexibility in catalyst characterization than any reported.