bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Siting wind turbines near cliffs—the effect of wind direction
Authors: Rowcroft J. , Burton D. , Blackburn H.M. , Sheridan J.
Published: September 2015

The optimal siting of wind turbines in the vicinity of cliffs is investigated with respect to inflow yaw angle, using wind tunnel experiments. Wind statistics are measured above a generic forward facing step, namely, the speed‐up, turbulence intensity, changes in wind direction and the persistence and frequency of vortices shed from the crest of the cliff. The experiments demonstrate that at half a cliff height above the cliff, and that same distance downstream of the crest, there exists an optimal region with increases in wind speed, combined with lower levels of turbulence intensity across the range of inflow angles that were investigated. In contrast, the far wake experiences a velocity deficit and an increase in turbulence intensity, when compared with the inflow. Furthermore, vortices are shed from the downstream reattachment region and persist beyond 10 cliff heights downstream. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
"Charlotte Brontë The Novels
Authors: Edwards Mike
Published: September 2015

A practical approach to Charlotte Brontë's best- known novels, which shows how coherent criticism can be evolved from close reading. The intention is to help students develop skills in practical criticism and encourage them to follow through their ideas. The major part of the book contains worked examples, with detailed guidance and suggestions for further work which will be useful for both teachers and students. There is additional material on Brontë's background, and on critical views of her work. The novels covered are Jane Eyre, Shirley and Vilette.
Can widespread generalist predators affect keystone prey? A case study with red foxes and European rabbits in their native range
Authors: Fernandez‐de‐Simon Javier , Díaz‐Ruiz Francisco , Rodríguez‐de la Cruz Manuel , Delibes‐Mateos Miguel , Villafuerte Rafael , Ferreras Pablo
Published: September 2015

Widespread generalist predators may affect declining keystone prey populations. However, this phenomenon is not well understood. In this paper, we assessed whether the abundance and population growth of European rabbits Oryctolagus cuniculus, a keystone prey species in Mediterranean Iberia, was related to the abundance and diet of red foxes, Vulpes vulpes, a widespread generalist predator. In a locality in central Spain, where rabbit population abundance declined, we estimated rabbit abundance during almost 3 years and determined fox abundance and diet during two concurrent years. We calculated a fox predation index (percentage of consumed rabbit biomass × fox abundance) to assess the importance of rabbits to foxes. We employed a multi–model approach to explain rabbit abundance and population growth. Foxes consumed between 60 and 99 % rabbit biomass in their diets, and this was independent of rabbit abundance. Periods of higher fox predation index coincided with lower rabbit density and vice versa. Two models best explained rabbit abundance and four rabbit population growth. They included the fox predation index and its interaction with rabbit abundance during the previous month. Altogether, fox predation, intraspecific density dependence, and their interaction partly explained rabbit population dynamics. We conclude that in order to propel the recovery of the rabbit in Iberia, it is essential to better understand the role of these factors in driving the abundance of the species.
O‐fucosylation of CCN1 is required for its secretion
Authors: Niwa Yuki , Suzuki Takehiro , Dohmae Naoshi , Simizu Siro
Published: September 2015

The matricellular protein CCN1, also known as Cyr61, is a secreted ligand and has numerous functions. Human CCN1 contains one predictedO‐fucosylation site in the thrombospondin type‐1 repeat (TSR1) domain at Thr242. In this report, we demonstrated that CCN1 isO‐fucosylated at Thr242 using mass spectrometry. Deficiency ofO‐fucosylation resulted in the decrement of the cell surface localization and the secretion of CCN1. Furthermore, knockdown of proteinO‐fucosyltransferase 2, which modifies a specific Ser/Thr residue in the TSR1 domain, decreased secreted levels of CCN1. These results demonstrated thatO‐fucosylation of CCN1 at Thr242 regulates its secretion.
Retinal development impairment and degenerative alterations in adult rats subjected to post‐natal malnutrition
Authors: Bevilaqua Mário Cesar do Nascimento , Andrade‐da‐Costa Belmira Lara , Fleming Renata Lopez , Dias Gisele Pereira , da Silveirada Luz Anna Claudia Domingos , Nardi Antonio Egidio , de Mello Fernando Garcia , Gardino Patricia Franca , Calaza Karin C.
Published: September 2015

Background

The early stages of central nervous system (CNS) development are extremely important. Key events such as neurogenesis, gliogenesis, synaptogenesis, and ontogenesis occur. Malnutrition promotes alterations in CNS development, including the retinal development. During retinal development, malnutrition can induce a delay in some important events, such as neurotransmitter expression and neurogenesis.

Methodology/Principal findings

Postpartum Wistar rats were fed either a commercial diet or a multideficient diet. Pups were breastfed by these rats, and from PND21 were kept with the same diet until PND45. We investigated the effects of malnutrition on adult retinal tissue with regard to (1) endogenous gamma‐amino butyric acid (GABA) release induced by excitatory amino acids (EAAs) and (2) the expression of cellular markers related to degenerative events, such as reactive gliosis, microglial activation, cell proliferation and cell death. Endogenous GABA release induced by EAAs was higher in the retina of malnourished rats. The Müller cell population was reduced and displayed alterations in their phenotype profile compatible with reactive gliosis. The expression of glutamine synthetase and markers of cellular proliferation were higher in the retina of malnourished rats. Additionally, retinal dysplasia‐like structures were present, indicating disturbance in the cell cycle machinery.

Conclusion/Significance

The current study provides evidence that the adult retina shows degenerative processes induced by long‐term malnutrition during the postnatal development. These findings have high clinical significance with regard to the identification of possible targets for interventions in malnourished patients.
Task shifting: A key strategy in the multipronged approach to reduce maternal mortality in India
Authors: Bhushan Himanshu , Bhardwaj Ajey
Published: September 2015

Task shifting from specialist to nonspecialist doctors (NSDs) is an important strategy that has been implemented in India to overcome the critical shortage of healthcare workers by using the human resources available to serve the vast population, particularly in rural areas. A competency‐based training program in comprehensive emergency obstetric care was implemented to train and certify NSDs. Trained NSDs were able to provide key services in maternal health, which contribute toward reductions in maternal morbidity and mortality. The present article provides an overview of the maternal health challenges, shares important steps in program implementation, and shows how challenges can be overcome. The lessons learned from this experience contribute to understanding how task shifting can be used to address large‐scale public health issues in low‐resource countries and in particular solutions to address maternal health issues.
Rules, Prudence and Public Value: Public Servants and Social Media in Comparative Perspective
Authors: Grube Dennis C.
Published: September 2015

The reach of social media is prodigious. Its ubiquitous nature has reshaped the ways in which government agencies can communicate with citizens. But amidst the rush to embrace the opportunities of Twitter, Facebook and other platforms, governments have had to lay down rules to govern how and when public service departments should use social media. This article undertakes a comparative analysis of the formal rules and guidelines in place across four Westminster jurisdictions – Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the UK – to identify the types of behaviours and activities that are seen as desirable when public servants are reaching out to the wider public through social media. The article argues that the horizontal communication patterns associated with social media are fundamentally at odds with the hierarchical structures of the Westminster system of government.
The impact of high-performance work systems on firm performance: The moderating effects of the human resource function’s influence
Authors: Jeong Dae Yong , Choi Myungweon
Published: September 2015

With data collected from 632 manufacturing firms in South Korea, we investigated (1) the relationship between high-performance work systems (HPWSs) and firm performance, and (2) the moderating effect of the human resource (HR) function’s influence on the relationship between HPWSs and firm performance. Our findings showed the existence of both the main effect of HPWSs, supporting the universalistic perspective, and the moderating effect of the HR function’s influence, supporting the contingency perspective. Based on the findings, we concluded that HPWSs can be regarded as universal or best practices; at the same time, the presence of an influential HR function may intensify the effect of HPWSs on firm performance. This study contributes to the debate over the respective merits of the universalistic and contingency perspectives by showing that the two perspectives are not necessarily incompatible; rather, they can be complementary.
Citizens or Clients? Evidence on Opportunistic Voting from a Natural Experiment in Greece
Authors: Matakos Konstantinos , Xefteris Dimitrios
Published: September 2015

We exploit the act of the conservative Greek government (2004–2009) to fiddle the books as a natural experiment in order to document a causal link between government spending and electoral fragmentation and identify the mechanism via which it operates. The retrospective revision of Greece’s deficit figures just before the 2010 regional elections constituted an information shock, which generated expectations for reduced pork-barrel spending. We decompose the resulting effect and uncover the main mechanism taking place: rent-seeking voting and patronage (client-voters abandoning the dominant parties due to less expected rents). We find that expected spending cuts caused a steep decline (increase) in the electoral support for dominant parties (fragmentation). This effect is significantly more pronounced in patronage-intense regions. Using the size of public sector as a proxy for patronage (Hicken 2011), we find that support for dominant parties declined differentially by 5 percentage points more on those regions. That is, at least one in six voters that abandoned the big parties did so out of purely opportunistic motivations. Overall, our work highlights the importance of institutional constraints in affecting electoral and political power-sharing.
Effect of co-ingestion of amino acids with rice on glycaemic and insulinaemic response
Authors: Soong Yean Yean , Lim Joseph , Sun Lijuan , Henry Christiani Jeyakumar
Published: September 2015

Consumption of high glycaemic index (GI) and glycaemic response (GR) food such as white rice has been implicated in the development of type 2 diabetes. Previous studies have reported the ability of individual amino acids to reduce GR of carbohydrate-rich foods. Because of the bitter flavour of amino acids, they have rarely been used to reduce GR. We now report the use of a palatable, preformed amino acid mixture in the form of essence of chicken. In all, sixteen healthy male Chinese were served 68 or 136 ml amino acid mixture together with rice, or 15 or 30 min before consumption of white rice. Postprandial blood glucose and plasma insulin concentrations were measured at fasting and every 15 min after consumption of the meal until 60 min after the consumption of the white rice. Subsequent blood samples were taken at 30-min intervals until 210 min. The co-ingestion of 68 ml of amino acid mixture with white rice produced the best results in reducing the peak blood glucose and GR of white rice without increasing the insulinaemic response. It is postulated that amino acid mixtures prime β-cell insulin secretion and peripheral tissue uptake of glucose. The use of ready-to-drink amino acid mixtures may be a useful strategy for lowering the high-GI rice diets consumed in Asia.
Acute effects of calcium supplements on blood pressure and blood coagulation: secondary analysis of a randomised controlled trial in post-menopausal women
Authors: Bristow Sarah M. , Gamble Greg D. , Stewart Angela , Horne Anne M. , Reid Ian R.
Published: September 2015

Recent evidence suggests that Ca supplements increase the risk of cardiovascular events, but the mechanism(s) by which this occurs is uncertain. In a study primarily assessing the effects of various Ca supplements on blood Ca levels, we also investigated the effects of Ca supplements on blood pressure and their acute effects on blood coagulation. We randomised 100 post-menopausal women to 1 g/d of Ca or a placebo containing no Ca. Blood pressure was measured at baseline and every 2 h up to 8 h after their first dose and after 3 months of supplementation. Blood coagulation was measured by thromboelastography (TEG) in a subgroup of participants (n 40) up to 8 h only. Blood pressure declined over 8 h in both the groups, consistent with its normal diurnal rhythm. The reduction in systolic blood pressure was smaller in the Ca group compared with the control group by >5 mmHg between 2 and 6 h (P≤0·02), and the reduction in diastolic blood pressure was smaller at 2 h (between-groups difference 4·5 mmHg, P=0·004). Blood coagulability, assessed by TEG, increased from baseline over 8 h in the calcium citrate and control groups. At 4 h, the increase in the coagulation index was greater in the calcium citrate group compared with the control group (P=0·03), which appeared to be due to a greater reduction in the time to clot initiation. These data suggest that Ca supplements may acutely influence blood pressure and blood coagulation. Further investigation of this possibility is required.
SAMPLING THE SPATIAL HETEROGENEITY OF THE HONEYCOMB MODEL IN MAIZE AND WHEAT BREEDING TRIAS: ANALYSIS OF SECONDARY DATA COMPARED TO POPULAR CLASSICAL DESIGNS
Authors: TOKATLIDIS IOANNIS S.
Published: September 2015

The systematic rather than random entry arrangement of honeycomb designs (HDs) has been deployed to sample the spatial heterogeneity. This hypothesis was studied in fairly homogeneous populations, assuming that their phenotypic variability stemmed absolutely from spatial rather than genetic heterogeneity. It was based on single plant performance in two separate trials of a maize hybrid and a wheat cultivar reflecting different level of spatial heterogeneity. In general, the HDs counteracted spatial heterogeneity well, particularly when the number of evaluated entries was limited. There was a suggestion that they do well even in a high number of entries with many replicates per entry. Distribution and layout of spatial heterogeneity across the experimental area did not affect the precision of the HDs. Standardized configuration, which ensures implementation of essential principles met in other experimental models such as blocking, replication and nearest-neighbour (NN) adjustment on the same baseline, renders the honeycomb experimental pattern advantageous over the classical experimental designs like the randomized complete block (RCB), the NN method and the lattice model.
IMPROVING PHOSPHORUS AVAILABILITY, NUTRIENT UPTAKE AND DRY MATTER PRODUCTION OF ZEA MAYS L. ON A TROPICAL ACID SOIL USING POULTRY MANURE BIOCHAR AND PINEAPPLE LEAVES COMPOST
Authors: CH'NG HUCK YWIH , AHMED OSUMANU HARUNA , MAJID NIK MUHAMAD AB.
Published: September 2015

Phosphorus deficiency in tropical acid soils is a problem because soluble inorganic phosphorus is fixed by aluminium and iron. Organic amendments could be used to overcome phosphorus fixation in acid soils. Thus, the objectives of this study were to (i) improve soil phosphorus availability using biochar and compost produced from poultry manure and pineapple leaves respectively, and (ii) determine whether the use of biochar and compost could improve phosphorus, nitrogen, potassium, calcium and magnesium uptake and dry matter production of Zea mays L. cultivation on a tropical acid soil. Organic amendments significantly increased soil pH compared with non-organic amendments. Organic amendments also significantly reduced exchangeable acidity and exchangeable forms of aluminium and iron, and effectively fixed aluminium and iron instead of phosphorus. As a result, phosphorus availability in soil increased. Besides increasing the availability of nitrogen, potassium, calcium and magnesium in soil, organic amendments improved nutrients uptake and dry matter production of Zea mays L. Biochar and compost can be used to improve the productivity of Zea mays L. on acid soils by reducing phosphorus fixation.
Lp and Weak–Lp estimates for the number of integer points in translated domains
Authors: BRANDOLINI LUCA , COLZANI LEONARDO , GIGANTE GIACOMO , TRAVAGLINI GIANCARLO
Published: September 2015

Revisiting and extending a recent result of M. Huxley, we estimate the Lp($\mathbb{T}$d) and Weak–Lp($\mathbb{T}$d) norms of the discrepancy between the volume and the number of integer points in translated domains.
Maternal nutritional status (as measured by height, weight and BMI) in Bangladesh: trends and socio-economic association over the period 1996 to 2007
Authors: Mohsena Masuda , Goto Rie , Mascie-Taylor CG Nicholas
Published: September 2015

Objective

To analyse trends in maternal nutritional status in Bangladesh over a 12-year period and to examine the associations between nutritional status and socio-economic variables.

Design

Maternal nutritional status indicators were height, weight and BMI. Socio-economic variables used were region, residency, education and occupation of the mothers and their husbands, house type, and possession score in the household.

Setting

Bangladesh Demographic and Health Surveys (1996, 2000, 2004 and 2007) were the source of data.

Subjects

A total of 16 278 mothers were included.

Results

All of the socio-economic variables showed significant associations with maternal nutritional status indicators. Regional variation was found to be present; all three indicators were found to be lowest in the Sylhet division. Upward trends in maternal height, weight and BMI were evident from no possessions to four possessions in households, and for no education to higher education of women and their husbands. Bangladeshi mothers measured in 2007 were found to be on average 0·34 cm taller and 3·36 kg heavier than mothers measured in 1996. Between 1996 and 2007 maternal underweight fell from nearly 50 % to just over 30 % while overweight and obesity increased from about 3 % to over 9 % (WHO cut-offs) or from 7 % to nearly 18 % (Asian cut-offs).

Conclusions

The study reveals that over the 12-year period in Bangladesh there has been a substantial reduction in maternal underweight accompanied by a considerable increase in obesity. It is also evident that malnutrition in Bangladesh is a multidimensional problem that warrants a proper policy mix and programme intervention.
Defensive modernization in Germany and in the Habsburg Empire – a historical study of capitalist transformation
Authors: WEGNER GERHARD
Published: September 2015

With the beginning of the Napoleonic war at the turn of the 19th century, capitalist transformation in the German states and in the Habsburg Empire took different routes. The article analyses the political economy of both types of ‘defensive modernization’ from the viewpoint of institutional economics. We argue that initial reforms in German states gave way to a transformation process which drove a wedge between the interest of the monarchs and the landed nobility. Liberal reformers established a political bargain with the nobility which made capitalist institutions acceptable for the power holders. Later on, reformers established a ‘market preserving federalism’ which gave capitalism a further boost. By contrast, the dependence of the Austrian Emperor on the multiethnic nobility weakened the power of the central state. The transformation process in the Habsburg Empire remained dependent on the personal interests of the dominant coalition, which either delayed capitalism or sought to combine capitalism with protectionism on its own behalf. As a result, capitalist dynamics took up speed in Germany but were delayed in Austria.
Jiang Receives 2015 Basu Early Career Award in Sun-Earth Systems Science
Authors:   AGU
Published: September 2015

Chaowei Jiang will receive the Sunanda and Santimay Basu Early Career Award in Sun-Earth Systems Science. He will present a talk and will be formally presented with the award at the 2015 American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting, to be held 14–18 December in San Francisco, Calif.
A pain-inducing centipede toxin targets the heat activation machinery of nociceptor TRPV1
Authors: Yang Shilong , Yang Fan , Wei Ningning , Hong Jing , Li Bowen , Luo Lei , Rong Mingqiang , Yarov-Yarovoy Vladimir , Zheng Jie , Wang KeWei , Lai Ren
Published: September 2015

The capsaicin receptor TRPV1 ion channel is a polymodal nociceptor that responds to heat with exquisite sensitivity through an unknown mechanism. Here we report the identification of a novel toxin, RhTx, from the venom of the Chinese red-headed centipede that potently activates TRPV1 to produce excruciating pain. RhTx is a 27-amino-acid small peptide that forms a compact polarized molecule with very rapid binding kinetics and high affinity for TRPV1. We show that RhTx targets the channel’s heat activation machinery to cause powerful heat activation at body temperature. The RhTx–TRPV1 interaction is mediated by the toxin’s highly charged C terminus, which associates tightly to the charge-rich outer pore region of the channel where it can directly interact with the pore helix and turret. These findings demonstrate that RhTx binding to the outer pore can induce TRPV1 heat activation, therefore providing crucial new structural information on the heat activation machinery.
The DNA structure and sequence preferences of WRN underlie its function in telomeric recombination events
Authors: Edwards Deanna N. , Machwe Amrita , Chen Li , Bohr Vilhelm A. , Orren David K.
Published: September 2015

Telomeric abnormalities caused by loss of function of the RecQ helicase WRN are linked to the multiple premature ageing phenotypes that characterize Werner syndrome. Here we examine WRN’s role in telomeric maintenance, by comparing its action on a variety of DNA structures without or with telomeric sequences. Our results show that WRN clearly prefers to act on strand invasion intermediates in a manner that favours strand invasion and exchange. Moreover, WRN unwinding of these recombination structures is further enhanced when the invading strand contains at least three G-rich single-stranded telomeric repeats. These selectivities are most pronounced at NaCl concentrations within the reported intranuclear monovalent cation concentration range, and are partly conferred by WRN’s C-terminal region. Importantly, WRN’s specificity for the G-rich telomeric sequence within this precise structural context is particularly relevant to telomere metabolism and strongly suggests a physiological role in telomeric recombination processes, including T-loop dynamics.
Limited dissemination of the wastewater treatment plant core resistome
Authors: Munck Christian , Albertsen Mads , Telke Amar , Ellabaan Mostafa , Nielsen Per Halkjær , Sommer Morten O. A.
Published: September 2015

Horizontal gene transfer is a major contributor to the evolution of bacterial genomes and can facilitate the dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes between environmental reservoirs and potential pathogens. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are believed to play a central role in the dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes. However, the contribution of the dominant members of the WWTP resistome to resistance in human pathogens remains poorly understood. Here we use a combination of metagenomic functional selections and comprehensive metagenomic sequencing to uncover the dominant genes of the WWTP resistome. We find that this core resistome is unique to the WWTP environment, with <10% of the resistance genes found outside the WWTP environment. Our data highlight that, despite an abundance of functional resistance genes within WWTPs, only few genes are found in other environments, suggesting that the overall dissemination of the WWTP resistome is comparable to that of the soil resistome.
What factors control superficial lava dome explosivity?
Authors: Boudon Georges , Balcone-Boissard Hélène , Villemant Benoît , Morgan Daniel J.
Published: September 2015

Dome-forming eruption is a frequent eruptive style and a major hazard on numerous volcanoes worldwide. Lava domes are built by slow extrusion of degassed, viscous magma and may be destroyed by gravitational collapse or explosion. The triggering of lava dome explosions is poorly understood: here we propose a new model of superficial lava-dome explosivity based upon a textural and geochemical study (vesicularity, microcrystallinity, cristobalite distribution, residual water contents, crystal transit times) of clasts produced by key eruptions. Superficial explosion of a growing lava dome may be promoted through porosity reduction caused by both vesicle flattening due to gas escape and syn-eruptive cristobalite precipitation. Both processes generate an impermeable and rigid carapace allowing overpressurisation of the inner parts of the lava dome by the rapid input of vesiculated magma batches. The relative thickness of the cristobalite-rich carapace is an inverse function of the external lava dome surface area. Explosive activity is thus more likely to occur at the onset of lava dome extrusion, in agreement with observations, as the likelihood of superficial lava dome explosions depends inversely on lava dome volume. This new result is of interest for the whole volcanological community and for risk management.
Simultaneous MR imaging for tissue engineering in a rat model of stroke
Authors: Nicholls Francesca J. , Ling Wen , Ferrauto Giuseppe , Aime Silvio , Modo Michel
Published: September 2015

In situ tissue engineering within a stroke cavity is gradually emerging as a novel therapeutic paradigm. Considering the varied lesion topology within each subject, the placement and distribution of cells within the lesion cavity is challenging. The use of multiple cell types to reconstruct damaged tissue illustrates the complexity of the process, but also highlights the challenges to provide a non-invasive assessment. The distribution of implanted cells within the lesion cavity and crucially the contribution of neural stem cells and endothelial cells to morphogenesis could be visualized simultaneously using two paramagnetic chemical exchange saturation transfer (paraCEST) agents. The development of sophisticated imaging methods is essential to guide delivery of the building blocks for in situ tissue engineering, but will also be essential to understand the dynamics of cellular interactions leading to the formation of de novo tissue.
Hypothalamic overexpression of mutant huntingtin causes dysregulation of brown adipose tissue
Authors: Soylu-Kucharz Rana , Adlesic Natalie , Baldo Barbara , Kirik Deniz , Petersén Åsa
Published: September 2015

Expression of mutant huntingtin (htt) protein has been shown to cause metabolic imbalance in animal models of Huntington disease (HD). The pathways involved are not fully understood but dysfunction of both the hypothalamus and brown adipose tissue (BAT) has been implicated. Here we show that targeted expression of mutant HTT in the hypothalamus leads to loss of the A13 dopaminergic cell group located in the zona incerta and reduced mRNA expression of neuropeptide Y1 receptor in the hypothalamus. Furthermore, this is accompanied by downregulation of uncoupling protein 1 expression and PPARγ coactivator-1 alpha in BAT and a rapid body weight gain. Taken together, our data might provide a mechanistic link between expression of mutant HTT, reduced activity of a hypothalamic dopaminergic pathway and dysfunction of BAT and in part explain the development of an obese phenotype in HD mouse models.
Precise colloids with tunable interactions for confocal microscopy
Authors: Kodger Thomas E. , Guerra Rodrigo E. , Sprakel Joris
Published: September 2015

Model colloidal systems studied with confocal microscopy have led to numerous insights into the physics of condensed matter. Though confocal microscopy is an extremely powerful tool, it requires a careful choice and preparation of the colloid. Uncontrolled or unknown variations in the size, density and composition of the individual particles and interactions between particles, often influenced by the synthetic route taken to form them, lead to difficulties in interpreting the behavior of the dispersion. Here we describe the straightforward synthesis of copolymer particles which can be refractive index- and density-matched simultaneously to a non-plasticizing mixture of high dielectric solvents. The interactions between particles are accurately tuned by surface grafting of polymer brushes using Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization (ATRP), from hard-sphere-like to long-ranged electrostatic repulsion or mixed charge attraction. We also modify the buoyant density of the particles by altering the copolymer ratio while maintaining their refractive index match to the suspending solution resulting in well controlled sedimentation. The tunability of the inter-particle interactions, the low volatility of the solvents and the capacity to simultaneously match both the refractive index and density of the particles to the fluid opens up new possibilities for exploring the physics of colloidal systems.
Electric control of topological phase transitions in Dirac semimetal thin films
Authors: Pan Hui , Wu Meimei , Liu Ying , Yang Shengyuan A.
Published: September 2015

Dirac semimetals host three-dimensional (3D) Dirac fermion states in the bulk of crystalline solids, which can be viewed as 3D analogs of graphene. Owing to their relativistic spectrum and unique topological character, these materials hold great promise for fundamental-physics exploration and practical applications. Particularly, they are expected to be ideal parent compounds for engineering various other topological states of matter. In this report, we investigate the possibility to induce and control the topological quantum spin Hall phase in a Dirac semimetal thin film by using a vertical electric field. We show that through the interplay between the quantum confinement effect and the field-induced coupling between sub-bands, the sub-band gap can be tuned and inverted. During this process, the system undergoes a topological phase transition between a trivial band insulator and a quantum spin Hall insulator. Consequently, one can switch the topological edge channels on and off by purely electrical means, making the system a promising platform for constructing topological field effect transistors.
Evidence of a dissociation pattern in default mode subnetwork functional connectivity in schizophrenia
Authors: Wang Huaning , Zeng Ling-Li , Chen Yunchun , Yin Hong , Tan Qingrong , Hu Dewen
Published: September 2015

The default mode network (DMN) is suggested to play a pivotal role in schizophrenia; however, the dissociation pattern of functional connectivity of DMN subsystems remains uncharacterized in this disease. In this study, resting-state fMRI data were acquired from 55 schizophrenic patients and 53 matched healthy controls. DMN connectivity was estimated from time courses of independent components. The lateral DMN exhibited decreased connectivity with the unimodal sensorimotor cortex but increased connectivity with the heteromodal association areas in schizophrenics. The increased connectivity between the lateral DMN and right control network was significantly correlated with negative and anergia factor scores in the schizophrenic patients. The anterior and posterior DMNs exhibited increased and decreased connectivity with the right control and lateral visual networks, respectively, in schizophrenics. The altered DMN connectivity may underlie the hallucinations, delusions, thought disturbances and negative symptoms involved in schizophrenia. Furthermore, DMN connectivity patterns could be used to differentiate patients from controls with 76.9% accuracy. These findings may shed new light on the distinct role of DMN subsystems in schizophrenia, thereby furthering our understanding of the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Elucidating key disease-related DMN subsystems is critical for identifying treatment targets and aiding in the clinical diagnosis and development of treatment strategies.
Pathogen infection drives patterns of nutrient resorption in citrus plants
Authors: Cao Jirong , Cheng Chunzhen , Yang Junjie , Wang Qibing
Published: September 2015

Nutrient resorption processes in the plants infected by pathogen remain poorly understood. Huanglongbing (HLB) is a destructive disease of citrus. HLB-pathogen ‘CandidatusLiberibacter asiaticus’ grows specifically in the phloem of hosts and may cause problems in the plant vascular system after infection. Therefore, it brings a great concern about the phloem nutrient transport and nutrient intra-cycling in HLB-affected plants. We investigated the effects of ‘Ca.L. asiaticus’ infection on nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) concentrations and resorption in different citrus species (i.e.Citrus reticulata,Citrus limonandCitrus maxima). HLB-pathogen infection had distinctive impacts on nutrient resorption in different species. P resorption efficiency substantially decreased in infectedC. reticulataplants relative to the healthy plants in summer, which may account for the marked decrease in the average fruit yield. P resorption was more efficient in infectedC. limonplants than in the healthy plants. However, forC. maximaplants, HLB had no significant effects on N:P ratio in live leaves and resorption efficiency as well as on fruit yield. Keeping efficient internal nutrient cycling can be a strategy of citrus species being tolerant to HLB.
A diphtheria toxin resistance marker for in vitro and in vivo selection of stably transduced human cells
Authors: Picco Gabriele , Petti Consalvo , Trusolino Livio , Bertotti Andrea , Medico Enzo
Published: September 2015

We developed a selectable marker rendering human cells resistant to Diphtheria Toxin (DT). The marker (DTR) consists of a primary microRNA sequence engineered to downregulate the ubiquitous DPH2 gene, a key enzyme for the biosynthesis of the DT target diphthamide. DTR expression in human cells invariably rendered them resistant to DT in vitro, without altering basal cell growth. DTR-based selection efficiency and stability were comparable to those of established drug-resistance markers. As mice are insensitive to DT, DTR-based selection can be also applied in vivo. Direct injection of a GFP-DTR lentiviral vector into human cancer cell-line xenografts and patient-derived tumorgrafts implanted in mice, followed by systemic DT administration, yielded tumors entirely composed of permanently transduced cells and detectable by imaging systems. This approach enabled high-efficiency in vivo selection of xenografted human tumor tissues expressing ectopic transgenes, a hitherto unmet need for functional and morphological studies in laboratory animals.
Anthelmintic activity of trans-cinnamaldehyde and A- and B-type proanthocyanidins derived from cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum)
Authors: Williams Andrew R. , Ramsay Aina , Hansen Tina V. A. , Ropiak Honorata M. , Mejer Helena , Nejsum Peter , Mueller-Harvey Irene , Thamsborg Stig M.
Published: September 2015

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, but effects on parasitic worms of the intestine have not been investigated. Here, extracts of cinnamon bark were shown to have potent in vitro anthelmintic properties against the swine nematode Ascaris suum. Analysis of the extract revealed high concentrations of proanthocyanidins (PAC) and trans-cinnamaldehyde (CA). The PAC were subjected to thiolysis and HPLC-MS analysis which demonstrated that they were exclusively procyanidins, had a mean degree of polymerization of 5.2 and 21% of their inter-flavan-3-ol links were A-type linkages. Purification of the PAC revealed that whilst they had activity against A. suum, most of the potency of the extract derived from CA. Trichuris suis and Oesophagostomum dentatum larvae were similarly susceptible to CA. To test whether CA could reduce A. suum infection in pigs in vivo, CA was administered daily in the diet or as a targeted, encapsulated dose. However, infection was not significantly reduced. It is proposed that the rapid absorption or metabolism of CA in vivo may prevent it from being present in sufficient concentrations in situ to exert efficacy. Therefore, further work should focus on whether formulation of CA can enhance its activity against internal parasites.
A hemin binding G-quadruplex/Pb2+ complex to construct a visible light activated photoelectrochemical sensor on a ZnO/BiOI heterostructure
Authors: Wang Kewei , Sun Na , Li Xinpan , Zhang Ruihua , Zu Guangyue , Wang Jine , Pei Renjun
Published: September 2015

The n-type ZnO nanorods and p-type BiOI nanoflakes were combined to form a p–n heterostructure for the development of rapid and sensitive visible light activated PEC sensors.
Slow water transport in MgSO4 aerosol droplets at gel-forming relative humidities
Authors: Cai Chen , Tan Seehua , Chen Hongnan , Ma Jiabi , Wang Yang , Reid Jonathan P. , Zhang Yunhong
Published: September 2015

The effect of gel formation on water transport in MgSO4 aerosol droplets is investigated by deriving apparent diffusion coefficients of water.
How a novel tyrosine–heme cross-link fine-tunes the structure and functions of heme proteins: a direct comparitive study of L29H/F43Y myoglobin
Authors: Yan Dao-Jing , Yuan Hong , Li Wei , Xiang Yu , He Bo , Nie Chang-Ming , Wen Ge-Bo , Lin Ying-Wu , Tan Xiangshi
Published: September 2015

Two heme proteins differing only in a novel Tyr–heme cross-link were obtained by the same protein scaffold of L29H/F43Y myoglobin.
Attractive aerobic access to the α,β-unsaturated acyl azolium intermediate: oxidative NHC catalysis via multistep electron transfer
Authors: Ta L. , Axelsson A. , Sundén H.
Published: September 2015

Employing a system of electron transfer mediators (ETMs) enables the use of oxygen as the terminal oxidant for oxidative NHC-catalyzed reactions.
A structure–activity relationship study of the positive allosteric modulator LY2033298 at the M4 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor
Authors: Szabo Monika , Huynh Tracey , Valant Celine , Lane J. Robert , Sexton Patrick M. , Christopoulos Arthur , Capuano Ben
Published: September 2015

Positive allosteric modulators targeting the M4 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor offer greater sub-type selectivity and unique potential as CNS agents through their novel mode of action to traditional orthosteric ligands.
Phase-pure fabrication and shape evolution studies of SnS nanosheets
Authors: Khan Malik Dilshad , Akhtar Javeed , Malik Mohammad Azad , Akhtar Masood , Revaprasadu Neerish
Published: September 2015

SnS nanosheets were synthesized by the injection of n-bis(piperidinedithiocarbamato)tin(iv) into oleylamine at 230 °C.
Solution-processed morphology-controllable nanosphere structured highly efficient and stable nickel sulfide counter electrodes for dye- and quantum dot-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Venkata-Haritha M. , Gopi Chandu V. V. M. , Kim Soo-Kyoung , Lee Jae-cheol , Kim Hee-Je
Published: September 2015

The DSSC and QDSSC based on as-prepared NiS CE at 0.8 M urea produce a PCE of 5.75% and 3.37%.
Flexible thin-film battery based on graphene-oxide embedded in solid polymer electrolyte
Authors: Kammoun M. , Berg S. , Ardebili H.
Published: September 2015

A novel flexible thin-film lithium ion battery containing polyethylene oxide (PEO) with 1% graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets is fabricated that offers enhanced safety, flexibility, stability and high capacity.
Flexible and fragmentable tandem photosensitive nanocrystal skins
Authors: Akhavan S. , Uran C. , Bozok B. , Gungor K. , Kelestemur Y. , Lesnyak V. , Gaponik N. , Eychmüller A. , Demir H. V.
Published: September 2015

We proposed and demonstrated the first account of large-area, semi-transparent, tandem photosensitive nanocrystal skins (PNSs) constructed on flexible substrates operating on the principle of photogenerated potential buildup, which avoid the need for applying an external bias and circumvent the current-matching limitation between junctions.
Chlorhexidine-loaded functionalized mesoporous MCM-41 poly(methylmethacrylate) based composites with Candida antibiofilm activity
Authors: Ambrogi Valeria , Pietrella Donatella , Marmottini Fabio , Riva Francesco , Tiralti M. Cristina , Ricci Maurizio
Published: September 2015

The complete or partial dentures made of acrylic resins or composites constitute the support for Candida biofilm with consequent onset of stomatitis and candidiasis.
Hole-transporting side-chain polystyrenes based on TCTA with tuned glass transition and optimized electronic properties
Authors: Limberg Felix R. P. , Miasojedovas Arunas , Pingel Patrick , Reisbeck Felix , Janietz Silvia , Monkman Andrew P. , Krüger Hartmut
Published: September 2015

The development of crosslinkable materials for solution processable OLEDs presents challenges, especially regarding the adjustment of the glass transition, which has a significant influence on crosslinking kinetics and device life-time.
Synergistic effects of BHDB-IPC with AlPi/MCA on flame retarding TPEE
Authors: Zhang Luchong , Wu Wei , Zhong Yuhua , Zhu Songwei , Wang Zheng , Zou Zhiqiang
Published: September 2015

The deoxybenzoin-based copolyarylate BHDB-IPC with perfect charring ability was synthesized.
Microwave-assisted preparation of sepiolite-supported magnetite nanoparticles and their ability to remove low concentrations of Cr(vi)
Authors: Yu Sheng-Hui , Li Han , Yao Qi-Zhi , Fu Sheng-Quan , Zhou Gen-Tao
Published: September 2015

A sepiolite–nanomagnetite composite obtained by a facile microwave-assisted route can not only remove low concentrations of Cr(vi), but also effectively immobilize the secondary Fe3+in the final solution.
Water-compatible molecularly imprinted polymers prepared using metal–organic gel as porogen
Authors: Ma Li , Tang Lei , Li Rong-Shan , Huang Yan-Ping , Liu Zhao-Sheng
Published: September 2015

A novel water-compatible approach suitable for molecular imprinting was described by using metal–organic gel (MOG) as the porogenic solvent.
Two-dimensional asynchronous spectrum with auxiliary cross peaks in probing intermolecular interactions
Authors: Li Xiaopei , He Anqi , Huang Kun , Liu Huizhou , Zhao Ying , Wei Yongju , Xu Yizhuang , Noda Isao , Wu Jinguang
Published: September 2015

A new approach called “asynchronous spectrum with auxiliary peaks (ASAP)” is proposed for generating a 2D asynchronous spectrum to investigate the intermolecular interaction between two solutes (P and Q) dissolved in the same solution.
Sulfur impregnated in a mesoporous covalent organic framework for high performance lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Yang Xiaofei , Dong Bin , Zhang Hongzhang , Ge Rile , Gao Yanan , Zhang Huamin
Published: September 2015

A novel mesoporous covalent organic framework with a regular pore distribution has been designed for lithium–sulfur batteries.
From fish scales to highly porous N-doped carbon: a low cost material solution for CO2 capture
Authors: Huang Bicheng , Shao Hongyuan , Liu Naiqiang , Xu Zhichuan J. , Huang Yaqin
Published: September 2015

The highly porous structure of carbon and the effective preservation of quaternary nitrogen lead to high CO2 capacity.
Self-assembly of amine-functionalized gold nanoparticles on phosphonate-functionalized graphene nanosheets: a highly active catalyst for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol
Authors: Gao Xueqing , Xu Guangrui , Zhao Yan , Li Shuni , Shi Feng , Chen Yu
Published: September 2015

Au-NP@NH2 can effectively self-assemble on the surface of GNS-PO3H2 and show excellent catalytic activity in the reduction of 4-nitrophenol.
Highly selective and efficient adsorption dyes self-assembled by 3D hierarchical architecture of molybdenum oxide
Authors: Wang Min , Song Xiao-xiao , Cheng Xiao-Li , Zhou Xin , Zhang Xian-fa , Cai Zhuang , Xu Ying-Ming , Gao Shan , Zhao Hui , Huo Li-Hua
Published: September 2015

A novel hierarchical architecture of MoO3 exhibits a fast and selective adsorption to the organic pollutants.
Flexible photochromic Ag:TiO2 thin films fabricated by ink-jet and flexography printing processes
Authors: Tricot F. , Vocanson F. , Chaussy D. , Beneventi D. , Party M. , Destouches N.
Published: September 2015

Printing techniques compatible with industrial production are successfully used to fabricate photochromic Ag:TiO2 thin films on a plastic substrate.
A flexible approach to Pd-catalyzed carbonylations via aroyl dimethylaminopyridinium salts
Authors: Quesnel Jeffrey S. , Fabrikant Alexander , Arndtsen Bruce A.
Published: September 2015

The palladium catalyzed carbonylation of aryl halides in the presence of DMAP can allow the generation of highly electrophilic aroylating agents: aroyl–DMAP salts.
Towards sustainable power sources: chitin-bound carbon electrodes for electrochemical capacitors
Authors: Kolodziej Adam , Fic Krzysztof , Frackowiak Elzbieta
Published: September 2015

Chitin – a naturally occurring biopolymer – was employed for the first time as a binder for carbon electrodes and studied in electrochemical capacitors.
Increasing efficiency of hierarchical nanostructured heterojunction solar cells to 16.3% via controlling interface recombination
Authors: Wang Fengyou , Jiang Yuanjian , Li Tiantian , Zhao Ying , Zhang Xiaodan
Published: September 2015

With a system of interface engineering treatment, heterojunction solar cells fabricated with hierarchical nanostructures exhibit an efficiency of 16.3% using cost-effective as-cut Czochralski n-type silicon substrates.
Correction: Multifunctionalized polyurethane–polyurea nanoparticles: hydrophobically driven self-stratification at the o/w interface modulates encapsulation stability
Authors: Rocas Pau , Fernández Yolanda , Schwartz Simó , Abasolo Ibane , Rocas Josep , Albericio Fernando
Published: September 2015

Correction for ‘Multifunctionalized polyurethane–polyurea nanoparticles: hydrophobically driven self-stratification at the o/w interface modulates encapsulation stability’ by Pau Rocas et al., J. Mater. Chem. B, 2015, DOI: 10.1039/c5tb01345c.
Novel dialkoxy-substituted benzodithienothiophenes for high-performance organic field-effect transistors
Authors: Zhang Ji , Zhang Kai , Zhang Weifeng , Mao Zupan , Wong Man Shing , Yu Gui
Published: September 2015

Angular-shaped benzodithieno[3,2-b]thiophene (BDTT) derivatives with two alkoxy side-chains were synthesized, and an OFET device based on BDTT-4 exhibited a high carrier mobility of up to 2.6 cm2V−1s−1.