bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High Hepsin expression predicts poor prognosis in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Zhang Mingming , Zhao Junjie , Tang Wenyi , Wang Yanru , Peng Peike , Li Lili , Song Shushu , Wu Hao , Li Can , Yang Caiting , Wang Xuefei , Zhang Chunyi , Gu Jianxin
Published: November 2016

Hepsin, a membrane-associated serine protease, is frequently upregulated in epithelial cancers and involved in cancer progression. Our study aims to describe the expression pattern and evaluate the clinical implication of hepsin in gastric cancer patients. The mRNA expression of hepsin was analyzed in 50 gastric cancer and matched non-tumor tissues, which was downregulated in 78% (39/50) of gastric cancer. By searching and analyzing four independent datasets from Oncomine, we obtained the similar results. Furthermore, we evaluated the hepsin expression by IHC in tissue microarray (TMA) containing 220 Gastric Cancer specimens. More importantly, Kaplan-Meier survival and Cox regression analyses were taken to access the prognosis of gastric cancer and predicted that hepsin protein expression was one of the significant and independent prognostic factors for overall survival of Gastric Cancer.
Chip-scale cavity optomechanics in lithium niobate
Authors: Jiang Wei C. , Lin Qiang
Published: November 2016

We develop a chip-scale cavity optomechanical system in single-crystal lithium niobate that exhibits high optical quality factors and a large frequency-quality product as high as 3.6 × 1012 Hz at room temperature and atmosphere. The excellent optical and mechanical properties together with the strong optomechanical coupling allow us to efficiently excite the coherent regenerative optomechanical oscillation operating at 375 MHz with a threshold power of 174 μW in the air. The demonstrated lithium niobate optomechanical device enables great potential for achieving electro-optic-mechanical hybrid systems for broad applications in sensing, metrology, and quantum physics.
PD-L1 expression on immune cells, but not on tumor cells, is a favorable prognostic factor for head and neck cancer patients
Authors: Kim Hye Ryun , Ha Sang-Jun , Hong Min Hee , Heo Su Jin , Koh Yoon Woo , Choi Eun Chang , Kim Eun Kyung , Pyo Kyoung Ho , Jung Inkyung , Seo Daekwan , Choi Jaewoo , Cho Byoung Chul , Yoon Sun Och
Published: November 2016

To investigate the expression of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) and immune checkpoints and their prognostic value for resected head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC). PD-L1 expression on tumor cells (TC) and tumor-infiltrating immune cells (IC), abundance of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), and expression of the immune checkpoints were investigated in 402 HNSCC patients. PD-L1 expression on TC and IC was categorized into four groups according to the percentage of PD-L1-positive cells. PD-L1 positivity was defined as ≥5% of cells based on immunohistochemistry. High PD-L1 expression on IC, but not TC, was an independent favorable prognostic factor for RFS and OS adjusted for age, gender, smoking, stage, and HPV. High frequencies of CD3+ or CD8+ TILs, Foxp3+ Tregs, and PD-1+ TILs were strongly associated with favorable prognosis. PD-L1 was exclusively expressed on either TC or IC. Transcriptome analysis demonstrated that IC3 expressed higher levels of the effector T cell markers than TC3, suggesting that PD-L1 expression is regulated via an adaptive IFNγ-mediated mechanism. High PD-L1 expression on IC, but not TC, and high abundance of PD-1+ T cells and Foxp3+ Tregs are favorable prognostic factors for resected HNSCC. This study highlights the importance of comprehensive assessment of both TC and IC.
Two-Dimensional Gel Electrophoresis-Based Proteomic Analysis Reveals N-terminal Truncation of the Hsc70 Protein in Cotton Fibers In Vivo
Authors: Tao Chengcheng , Jin Xiang , Zhu Liping , Li Hongbin
Published: November 2016

On two-dimensional electrophoresis gels, six protein spots from cotton ovules and fibers were identified as heat shock cognate 70 kD protein (Hsc70). Three spots corresponded to an experimental molecular weight (MW) of 70 kD (spots 1, 2 and 3), and the remaining three spots corresponded to an experimental MW slightly greater than 45 kD (spots 4, 5 and 6). Protein spots 1, 2 and 3 were abundant on gels of 0-day (the day of anthesis) wild-type (WT) ovules, 0-day fuzzless-lintless mutant ovules and 10-day WT ovules but absent from gels of 10-day WT fibers. Three individual transcripts encoding these six protein spots were obtained by using rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE). Edman degradation and western blotting confirmed that the three 45 kD Hsc70 protein spots had the same N-terminal, which started from the T271 amino acid in the intact Hsc70 protein. Furthermore, quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry analysis identified a methylation modification on the arginine at position 475 for protein spots 4 and 5. Our data demonstrate that site-specific in vivo N-terminal truncation of the Hsc70 protein was particularly prevalent in cotton fibers, indicating that post-translational regulation might play an important role in cotton fiber development.
The molecular bases of floral scent evolution under artificial selection: insights from a transcriptome analysis in Brassica rapa
Authors: Cai Jing , Zu Pengjuan , Schiestl Florian P.
Published: November 2016

In an artificial selection experiment using fast-cycling Brassica rapa plants it was recently shown that floral VOCs respond rapidly to selection for increased amounts. Here we carried out transcriptome analysis in these plants to explore the molecular bases of the augmentation in the artificially selected scent compound, phenylacetaldehyde (PAA), as well as other compounds that increased through pleiotropy. In the transcriptome data, we found up-regulation of genes likely underlying PAA synthesis, but also several genes of the shikimate pathway and the related phenylalanine metabolism. As phenylalanine is the precursor of many aromatic volatiles that showed increased emission, this result could explain some of the pleiotropic evolutionary responses. In addition, we found that ribosomal protein genes were up-regulated in “high” (high PAA amount) selection line plants, a mechanism that might further augment the effect of elevated gene expression at the proteomic level. Our study shows that selection on an individual trait can impose changes in the expression of several different genes, which could explain pleiotropic responses in the biosynthetic network of floral volatiles.
Activation of Protein Kinase G (PKG) Reduces Neointimal Hyperplasia, Inhibits Platelet Aggregation, and Facilitates Re-endothelialization
Authors: Kim Ju-Young , Yang Han-Mo , Lee Joo-Eun , Kim Baek-Kyung , Jin Sooryeonhwa , Lee Jaewon , Park Kyung-Woo , Cho Hyun-Jai , Kwon Yoo-Wook , Lee Hae-Young , Kang Hyun-Jae , Oh Byung-Hee , Park Young-Bae , Kim Hyo-Soo
Published: November 2016

In spite of its great success in reducing restenosis, drug-eluting stent (DES) has unfavorable aspects such as stent thrombosis and delayed re-endothelialization. We examined the effects of PKG activation by Exisulind on neointimal formation, platelet aggregation, and re-endothelialization. Exisulind significantly reduced VSMCs viability, cell cycle progression, migration, and neointimal hyperplasia after vascular injury in rat carotid arteries. Interestingly, in contrast to the effect on VSMC viability, Exisulind did not reduce the viability of endothelial cells. Increased PKG activity by Exisulind inhibited PDGF-stimulated phenotype change of VSMCs from a contractile to a synthetic form. Conversely, the use of PKG inhibitor or gene transfer of dominant-negative PKG reversed the effects of Exisulind, resulting in the increased viability of VSMCs and neointimal formation. In addition, Exisulind facilitated the differentiation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells to endothelial lineage via PKG pathway, while inhibiting to VSMCs lineage, which was correlated with the enhanced re-endothelialization in vivo. Finally, Exisulind reduced platelet aggregation, which was mediated via PKG activation. This study demonstrated that Exisulind inhibits neointimal formation and platelet aggregation while increasing re-endothelialization via PKG pathway. These findings suggest that Exisulind could be a promising candidate drug of DES for the prevention of restenosis without other complications.
Effects of Periplocoside P from Periploca sepium on the Midgut Transmembrane Potential of Mythimna separata Larvae
Authors: Wang YingYing , Qi Zhijun , Qi Meng , Hu Zhaonong , Wu Wenjun
Published: November 2016

Periplocoside P (PSP) isolated from the root bark of Periploca sepium contains a pregnane glycoside skeleton and possesses high insecticidal properties. Preliminary studies indicated that PSP disrupts epithelial functions in the midgut of lepidopteran larvae. In the present study, we examined the effects of PSP on the apical and basolateral membrane voltages, Va and Vbl, respectively, of cells from (1) midguts isolated from the larvae of the oriental armyworm Mythimna separata that were in vitro incubated with toxins and (2) midguts isolated from M. separata larvae force-fed with PSP. We compared the effects of PSP with the effects of the Bacillus thuringiensis toxin Cry1Ab and inactive periplocoside E (PSE) on the midgut epithelial cells. The results showed that Va rapidly decreased in the presence of PSP in a time- and dose-dependent manner, similar to the effects of Cry1Ab. By contrast, PSE did not affect the Va and Vbl. Additionally, PSP did not influence the Vbl. Given these results, we speculate that PSP may modulate transport mechanisms at the apical membrane of the midgut epithelial cells by inhibiting the V-type H+ ATPase.
Improved Diagnostics by Assessing the Micromorphology of Breast Calcifications via X-Ray Dark-Field Radiography
Authors: Scherer Kai , Braig Eva , Ehn Sebastian , Schock Jonathan , Wolf Johannes , Birnbacher Lorenz , Chabior Michael , Herzen Julia , Mayr Doris , Grandl Susanne , Sztrókay-Gaul Anikó , Hellerhoff Karin , Pfeiffer Franz
Published: November 2016

Breast microcalcifications play an essential role in the detection and evaluation of early breast cancer in clinical diagnostics. However, in digital mammography, microcalcifications are merely graded with respect to their global appearance within the mammogram, while their interior microstructure remains spatially unresolved and therefore not considered in cancer risk stratification. In this article, we exploit the sub-pixel resolution sensitivity of X-ray dark-field contrast for clinical microcalcification assessment. We demonstrate that the micromorphology, rather than chemical composition of microcalcification clusters (as hypothesised by recent literature), determines their absorption and small-angle scattering characteristics. We show that a quantitative classification of the inherent microstructure as ultra-fine, fine, pleomorphic and coarse textured is possible. Insights underlying the micromorphological nature of breast calcifications are verified by comprehensive high-resolution micro-CT measurements. We test the determined microtexture of microcalcifications as an indicator for malignancy and demonstrate its potential to improve breast cancer diagnosis, by providing a non-invasive tool for sub-resolution microcalcification assessment. Our results indicate that dark-field imaging of microcalcifications may enhance the diagnostic validity of current microcalcification analysis and reduce the number of invasive procedures.
Reinforcement of nylon 6,6/nylon 6,6 grafted nanodiamond composites by in situ reactive extrusion
Authors: Choi Eun-Yeob , Kim Kiho , Kim Chang-Keun , Kang Eunah
Published: November 2016

Nanodiamond (ND), an emerging new carbon material, was exploited to reinforce nylon 6,6 (PA66) polymer composites. Surface modified nanodiamonds with acyl chloride end groups were employed to chemically graft into PA66, enhancing the interfacial adhesion and thus the mechanical properties. The ND grafted PA66 (PA66-g-ND) reinforced PA66 composite prepared by in situ reactive extrusion exhibited increased tensile strength and modulus. The tensile strength and modulus of PA66/3 wt.% PA66-g-ND composites were enhanced by 11.6 and 20.8%, respectively when compared to those of the bare PA66 matrix. Even the PA66/pristine ND composites exhibited enhanced mechanical properties. The PA66-g-ND and the homogeneously dispersed PA66-g-ND in PA66 matrix were examined using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy techniques. The mechanical properties and thermal conductivities of the nanodiamond incorporated PA66 composites were also explored. The enhanced mechanical properties and thermal conductivities of the PA66-g-ND/PA66 composites make them potential materials for new applications as functional engineered thermoplastics.
Single GDP-dissociation Inhibitor Protein regulates endocytic and secretory pathways in Leishmania
Authors: Shanmugam Senthil kumar , Kumar Kamal , Singh Pawan Kishor , Rastogi Ruchir , Mukhopadhyay Amitabha
Published: November 2016

The role of GDP dissociation inhibitor (GDI) protein in regulation of Rab cycle in Leishmania is not known. Here, we have cloned and characterized the functions of GDI homologue in vivo in Leishmania. Our results have shown that LdGDI:WT along with GDP removes the Rab5 from purified endosomes and inhibits the homotypic fusion between early endosomes. Whereas, LdGDI:R239A, a dominant negative mutant of GDI, under the same condition neither removes the Rab5 from endosome nor inhibits fusion. To determine the role of Ld-GDI in vivo, transgenic parasites overexpressing GFP-LdGDI:WT or GFP-LdGDI:R239A, are co-expressed with RFP-LdRab5:WT, RFP-LdRab7:WT or RFP-LdRab1:WT. Our results have shown that overexpression of GFP-LdGDI:WT extracts the RFP-LdRab5, RFP-LdRab7 or RFP-LdRab1 from their discrete endomembrane predominantly into cytosol. No change in the distribution of indicated Rabs is detected with overexpression of GFP-LdGDI:R239A. To determine the functional significance, we have used hemoglobin as an endocytic marker and gp63 as a marker for secretory pathway. We have found that overexpression of GFP-LdGDI:WT enhances the lysosomal targeting of internalized hemoglobin and the secretion of gp63 in the parasites possibly by triggering Rab cycle. This is the first demonstration of a single GDI ubiquitously regulating both endocytic and secretory pathways in Leishmania.
Tetramethylpyrazine nitrone, a multifunctional neuroprotective agent for ischemic stroke therapy
Authors: Zhang Zaijun , Zhang Gaoxiao , Sun Yewei , Szeto Samuel S. W. , Law Henry C. H. , Quan Quan , Li Guohui , Yu Pei , Sho Eiketsu , Siu Michael K. W. , Lee Simon M. Y. , Chu Ivan K. , Wang Yuqiang
Published: November 2016

TBN, a novel tetramethylpyrazine derivative armed with a powerful free radical-scavenging nitrone moiety, has been reported to reduce cerebral infarction in rats through multi-functional mechanisms of action. Here we study the therapeutic effects of TBN on non-human primate model of stroke. Thirty male Cynomolgus macaques were subjected to stroke with 4 hours ischemia and then reperfusion. TBN were injected intravenously at 3 or 6 hours after the onset of ischemia. Cerebral infarction was examined by magnetic resonance imaging at 1 and 4 weeks post ischemia. Neurological severity scores were evaluated during 4 weeks observation. At the end of experiment, protein markers associated with the stroke injury and TBN treatment were screened by quantitative proteomics. We found that TBN readily penetrated the blood brain barrier and reached effective therapeutic concentration after intravenous administration. It significantly reduced brain infarction and modestly preserved the neurological function of stroke-affected arm. TBN suppressed over-expression of neuroinflammatory marker vimentin and decreased the numbers of GFAP-positive cells, while reversed down-regulation of myelination-associated protein 2′, 3′-cyclic-nucleotide 3′-phosphodiesterase and increased the numbers of NeuN-positive cells in the ipsilateral peri-infarct area. TBN may serve as a promising new clinical candidate for the treatment of ischemic stroke.
Nanofluidics for Biomolecular Detection
Authors: He Yuhui , Tsutsui Makusu , Taniguchi Masateru
Published: November 2016

Nanofluidics, defined as the fluid flow with at least one dimension below 100 nm, has resulted in a wide range of novel transport phenomena. Compared to macrofluidics or microfluidics, the substantially enhanced surface-to-volume ratio of nanofluidic structures has provided a unique possibility to manipulate fluid flow via the geometrical boundaries. For example, the electrical double layers (EDLs) that are induced by the channel wall surface charges now get overlapped due to the nanoscale constriction. In this way, the fluid becomes charged over the whole volume, which is in sharp contrast to the macroscale counterpart where the nanometre-thick EDLs are completely negligible in comparison to the net volume. By further imposing an electrical field, the charged nanofluidics would obtain an additional term of driving force and so the associated movement. In this manner, an electrokinetic tuning of nanofluidics is readily achieved by controlling electrical properties of the nanofluidic system. The above capability of manipulating nanoscale fluidics opens avenues to diverse fields in nanoscience and nanotechnology. One interdisciplinary topic is the regulation of biomolecule motion in the nanofluidic environment, which may address one critical challenge in 3rd generation genome sequencing technology. In this chapter, we are going to demonstrate several strategies and principles of controlling biomolecule motion through the manipulation of nanofluidics.
A minimalist Chinese liquor identification system based on a colorimetric sensor array with multiple applications
Authors: Jia-wei Li , Chang-jun Hou , Dan-qun Huo , Mei Yang , Su-yi Zhang , Yi Ma , Yang Lin
Published: November 2016

The components of Chinese liquor are influenced by geographical origins and raw materials.
Synthesis, properties and biomedical applications of hydrolytically degradable materials based on aliphatic polyesters and polycarbonates
Authors: Brannigan Ruairí P. , Dove Andrew P.
Published: November 2016

In this review the synthetic routes, degradation modes and application of polyester and polycarbonate-based materials are discussed.
Synthesis of axially chiral heterobiaryl alkynes via dynamic kinetic asymmetric alkynylation
Authors: Hornillos Valentín , Ros Abel , Ramírez-López Pedro , Iglesias-Sigüenza Javier , Fernández Rosario , Lassaletta José M.
Published: November 2016

The dynamic kinetic Pd0-catalyzed alkynylation of racemic heterobiaryl sulfonates was used for the asymmetric synthesis of axially chiral heterobiaryl alkynes with a broad scope.
Effect of solvent, temperature and pressure on the stability of chiral and perovskite metal formate frameworks of [NH2NH3][M(HCOO)3] (M = Mn, Fe, Zn)
Authors: Mączka Mirosław , Pasińska Katarzyna , Ptak Maciej , Paraguassu Waldeci , da Silva Tercio Almeida , Sieradzki Adam , Pikul Adam
Published: November 2016

Chiral [NH2NH3][Mn(HCOO)3] transforms into a polar P21 structure at 293 K and shows magnetic order below Tm = 9 K.
A heptanuclear light-harvesting metal-based antenna dendrimer with six Ru(ii)-based chromophores directly powering a single Os(ii)-based energy trap
Authors: La Mazza Emanuele , Puntoriero Fausto , Nastasi Francesco , Laramée-Milette Baptiste , Hanan Garry S. , Campagna Sebastiano
Published: November 2016

Quantitative Dexter energy transfer occurs in a novel metal dendrimer 1, from the peripheral Ru(ii) centres to the Os(ii) core, at a rate constant of 9.1 × 1010 s−1.
One dimensional metal dithiolene (M = Ni, Fe, Zn) coordination polymers for the hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Downes Courtney A. , Marinescu Smaranda C.
Published: November 2016

Immobilization via coordination polymers is a viable method to achieve efficient electrocatalytic H2 evolution from water.
Na2.32Co1.84(SO4)3 as a new member of the alluaudite family of high-voltage sodium battery cathodes
Authors: Dwibedi Debasmita , Gond Ritambhara , Dayamani Allumolu , Araujo Rafael B. , Chakraborty Sudip , Ahuja Rajeev , Barpanda Prabeer
Published: November 2016

A novel alluaudite, Na2+2xCo2−x(SO4)3, has been unveiled as a potential high-voltage (ca. 4.8–5.8 V) sodium battery cathode demonstrating antiferromagnetic ordering.
Highly efficient, transparent and stable semitransparent colloidal quantum dot solar cells: a combined numerical modeling and experimental approach
Authors: Zhang Xiaoliang , Hägglund Carl , Johansson Erik M. J.
Published: November 2016

A semitransparent colloidal quantum dot solar cell with high efficiency, transparency and stability is reported by coupling numerical modeling and experimental approaches.
Ternary solar cells with a mixed face-on and edge-on orientation enable an unprecedented efficiency of 12.1%
Authors: Kumari Tanya , Lee Sang Myeon , Kang So-Huei , Chen Shanshan , Yang Changduk
Published: November 2016

A record breaking PCE of 12.1% is achieved by incorporating 25 wt% of DR3TSBDT into a PTB7-Th:PC71BM host matrix.
An in vitro digestion method adapted for carotenoids and carotenoid esters: moving forward towards standardization
Authors: Rodrigues Daniele Bobrowski , Mariutti Lilian Regina Barros , Mercadante Adriana Zerlotti
Published: November 2016

The consensus INFOGESTin vitrodigestion method was adapted for carotenoids. The systematic identification of carotenoid esters before and afterin vitrodigestion is presented for the first time.
Copper-catalyzed aerobic oxygenative cross dehydrogenative coupling of methyl ketones with para-C–H of primary anilines
Authors: Ji Xiaochen , Li Dongdong , Zhou Xuan , Huang Huawen , Deng Guo-Jun
Published: November 2016

Oxygenative cross dehydrogenative coupling of methyl ketones with para-C–H of primary anilines under a copper/oxygen catalytic system.
Identifying differential networks based on multi-platform gene expression data
Authors: Ou-Yang Le , Yan Hong , Zhang Xiao-Fei
Published: November 2016

Exploring how the structure of a gene regulatory network differs between two different disease states is fundamental for understanding the biological mechanisms behind disease development and progression.
T- and B-cell immunosuppressive activity of novel α-santonin analogs with humoral and cellular immune response in Balb/c mice
Authors: Dangroo Nisar A. , Singh Jasvinder , Gupta Nidhi , Singh Shashank , Kaul Anapurna , Khuroo Mohmmed A. , Sangwan Payare L.
Published: November 2016

Herein we report the synthesis of α-santonin analogs, and identification of potent immunosuppressant molecules. In vivo investigation on BALB/c mice revealed that compound 4e suppresses both humoral and cellular immunity.
Characterisation, degradation and regeneration of luminescent Ag29 clusters in solution
Authors: van der Linden Marte , Barendregt Arjan , van Bunningen Arnoldus J. , Chin Patrick T. K. , Thies-Weesie Dominique , de Groot Frank M. F. , Meijerink Andries
Published: November 2016

Bleaching of luminescent Ag29 clusters results in non-luminescent polydisperse species. Upon reduction of bleached clusters, optical properties of the cluster are recovered.
Flexible synthesis of cationic peptide–porphyrin derivatives for light-triggered drug delivery and photodynamic therapy
Authors: Dondi R. , Yaghini E. , Tewari K. M. , Wang L. , Giuntini F. , Loizidou M. , MacRobert A. J. , Eggleston I. M.
Published: November 2016

Amphiphilic cell-penetrating peptide–porphyrin conjugates have been developed for application in light-based therapeutic techniques.
Bright, red emitting fluorescent sensor for intracellular imaging of Mg2+
Authors: Lin Qitian , Gruskos Jessica J. , Buccella Daniela
Published: November 2016

A new fluorescent sensor with excellent turn-on ratio, low energy excitation and emission over 600 nm enables Mg2+detection in live cells.
Increased hydrophobic block length of PTDMs promotes protein internalization
Authors: Backlund Coralie M. , Sgolastra Federica , Otter Ronja , Minter Lisa M. , Takeuchi Toshihide , Futaki Shiroh , Tew Gregory N.
Published: November 2016

A series of block co-polymers were synthesized with varying cationic and hydrophobic content to investigate the role of structure on protein delivery.
Synthesis and crosslinking study of isomeric poly(thioether ether imide)s containing pendant nitrile and terminal phthalonitrile groups
Authors: Mushtaq Nafeesa , Chen Guofei , Sidra Lala Rukh , Liu Yang , Fang Xingzhong
Published: November 2016

Upon crosslinking, phthalonitrile-terminated polyimide PN-PI (a–d) films exhibited better solvent resistance, and greater thermal and mechanical properties than PI (a–d) films.
A conjugated polymer with high planarity and extended π-electron delocalization via a quinoid structure prepared by short synthetic steps
Authors: Hwang Hansu , Kim Yunseul , Kang Minji , Lee Min-Hye , Heo Youn-Jung , Kim Dong-Yu
Published: November 2016

A quinoidal polymer,PQuBTV, with high planarity and extended π-electron delocalization was synthesized by short synthetic steps. The polymerPQuBTVshowed balanced ambipolar and high charge carrier mobilities.
Porous CY carbon: a new semiconducting phase with an sp1–sp2–sp3 bonding network
Authors: Zhu Xi , Wang Min
Published: November 2016

A new porous semiconducting carbon allotrope.
Wood identification by a portable low-cost polymer-based electronic nose
Authors: Cordeiro Juliana R. , Li Rosamaria W. C. , Takahashi Érica S. , Rehder Gustavo P. , Ceccantini Gregório , Gruber Jonas
Published: November 2016

The rapid and reliable identification of woods is a difficult task, yet extremely necessary for the control of illegal logging or trade of protected species.
Activated carbon derived from hydrothermal treatment of sucrose and its air filtration application
Authors: Hao Shih-Wei , Hsu Chia-Hao , Liu Yang-Guang , Chang Bor Kae
Published: November 2016

Design of an all biodegradable filter paper was achieved with activated carbon derived from sucrose. Full characterization of sucrose hydrochar and activated carbon are described.
Eosin Y dye-based porous organic polymers for highly efficient heterogeneous photocatalytic dehydrogenative coupling reaction
Authors: Wang Chang-An , Li Yan-Wei , Cheng Xue-Li , Zhang Jian-Ping , Han Yin-Feng
Published: November 2016

Eosin Y dye has been successfully embedded into a nanoporous networkEY-POPsthrough a bottom-up strategy. The polymers could be used as highly effective and reusable heterogeneous organo-photocatalyst for the dehydrogenative coupling reaction.
Correction: Coordination-driven multilayer of phosvitin-polyphenol functional nanofibrous membranes: antioxidant and biomineralization applications for tissue engineering
Authors: Liang Hongshan , Zhou Bin , Li Jing , Pei Yaqiong , Li Bin
Published: November 2016

Correction for ‘Coordination-driven multilayer of phosvitin-polyphenol functional nanofibrous membranes: antioxidant and biomineralization applications for tissue engineering’ by Hongshan Liang et al., RSC Adv., 2016, 6, 98935–98944.
Highly electrocatalytic counter electrodes based on carbon black for cobalt(iii)/(ii)-mediated dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Liu I-Ping , Hou Yi-Chen , Li Chiao-Wei , Lee Yuh-Lang
Published: November 2016

Commercial carbon black can replace expensive catalysts as a low cost highly electrocatalytic counter electrode material for Co(iii)/(ii)-mediated DSSC applications.
Micro- and nanoscale hierarchical structure of core–shell protein microgels
Authors: Volpatti Lisa R. , Shimanovich Ulyana , Ruggeri Francesco Simone , Bolisetty Sreenath , Müller Thomas , Mason Thomas O. , Michaels Thomas C. T. , Mezzenga Raffaele , Dietler Giovanni , Knowles Tuomas P. J.
Published: November 2016

In this work, we fabricate core–shell protein microgels stabilized by protein fibrillation with hierarchical structuring on scales ranging from a few nanometers to tens of microns.
Does extracellular cardiac troponin I play a pathogenic role independently of autoantibodies?
Authors: Redwood Charles S.
Published: November 2016

Cardiac troponin I (cTnI) is a key component of the Ca2+-regulatory mechanism of cardiac contractility. It is released into the circulation upon ischaemia and has become established as one of the principal diagnostic biomarkers of myocardial damage. The release of cTnI results in the generation of autoantibodies, and these have been suggested to play a pathogenic role. However, in this Edition of Clinical Science, Han, Y. et al. suggests that cTnI can act independently of immunological involvement, with the protein being found to increase infarct size caused by ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) prior to the development of cTnI antibody. In vitro work shows that cTnI can induce increases in vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) expression and cell adhesion, with toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and nuclear factor kappa beta (NF-κB) involved in the downstream signalling.
PKA and Apicomplexan Parasite Diseases
Authors: Haidar M. , Ramdani G. , Kennedy E. J. , Langsley G.
Published: November 2016

The cAMP-dependent protein kinase PKA is a well-characterized member of the
serine-threonine protein AGC kinase family and is the effector kinase of cAMP
signaling. As such, PKA is involved in the control of a wide variety of cellular
processes including metabolism, cell growth, gene expression and apoptosis.
cAMP-dependent PKA signaling pathways play important roles during infection and
virulence of various pathogens. Since fluxes in cAMP are involved in multiple
intracellular functions, a variety of different pathological infectious
processes can be affected by PKA signaling pathways. Here, we highlight some
features of cAMP-PKA signaling that are relevant to Plasmodium
falciparum-infection of erythrocytes and present an update on AKAP targeting
of PKA in PGE2 signaling via EP4 in Theileria annulata-infection of
leukocytes and discuss cAMP-PKA signling in Toxoplasma.
Hydrogen induced mobility enhancement in RF sputtered Cu2O thin films
Authors: Hering K. P. , Kandzia C. , Benz J. , Kramm B. G. , Eickhoff M. , Klar P. J.
Published: November 2016

Polycrystalline Cu2O thin films were prepared on c-sapphire substrates by reactive radio-frequency sputtering at various temperatures between 500 and 925 K employing a metallic target and utilizing an argon/hydrogen/oxygen gas mixture. It is demonstrated that the use of hydrogen in the sputter deposition process beneficially affects the transport properties of the Cu2O films obtained. Correlating the amount of hydrogen incorporated into the thin films, the film morphology and the transport and luminescence properties demonstrate that in this approach hydrogen is predominantly accumulated at the grain boundaries of the polycrystalline films, leading to a lower film resistivity due to the reduction of grain boundary scattering. It is demonstrated that a suitable employment of hydrogen in the growth process of Cu2O material for solar cell applications improves the material properties significantly.
Low magnetic Johnson noise electric field plates for precision measurement
Authors: Rabey I. M. , Devlin J. A. , Hinds E. A. , Sauer B. E.
Published: November 2016

We describe a parallel pair of high voltage electric field plates designed and constructed to minimise magnetic Johnson noise. They are formed by laminating glass substrates with a commercially available polyimide (Kapton) tape, covered with a thin gold film. Tested in vacuum, the outgassing rate is less than 5 × 10−5 mbar l/s. The plates have been operated at electric fields up to 8.3 kV/cm, when the leakage current is at most a few hundred pA. The design is discussed in the context of a molecular spin precession experiment to measure the permanent electric dipole moment of the electron.
High-precision measurement of magnetic penetration depth in superconducting films
Authors: He X. , Gozar A. , Sundling R. , Božović I.
Published: November 2016

The magnetic penetration depth (λ) in thin superconducting films is usually measured by the mutual inductance technique. The accuracy of this method has been limited by uncertainties in the geometry of the solenoids and in the film position and thickness, by parasitic coupling between the coils, etc. Here, we present several improvements in the apparatus and the method. To ensure the precise thickness of the superconducting layer, we engineer the films at atomic level using atomic-layer-by-layer molecular beam epitaxy. In this way, we also eliminate secondary-phase precipitates, grain boundaries, and pinholes that are common with other deposition methods and that artificially increase the field transmission and thus the apparent λ. For better reproducibility, the thermal stability of our closed-cycle cryocooler used to control the temperature of the mutual inductance measurement has been significantly improved by inserting a custom-built thermal conductivity damper. Next, to minimize the uncertainties in the geometry, we fused a pair of small yet precisely wound coils into a single sapphire block machined to a high precision. The sample is spring-loaded to exactly the same position with respect to the solenoids. Altogether, we can measure the absolute value of λ with the accuracy better than ±1%.
A scanning Hall probe microscope for high resolution, large area, variable height magnetic field imaging
Authors: Shaw Gorky , Kramer R. B. G. , Dempsey N. M. , Hasselbach K.
Published: November 2016

We present a scanning Hall probe microscope operating in ambient conditions. One of the unique features of this microscope is the use of the same stepper motors for both sample positioning as well as scanning, which makes it possible to have a large scan range (few mm) in the x and y directions, with a scan resolution of 0.1 μm. Protocols have been implemented to enable scanning at different heights from the sample surface. The z range is 35 mm. Microstructured Hall probes of size 1-5 μm have been developed. A minimum probe-sample distance <2 μm has been obtained by the combination of new Hall probes and probe-sample distance regulation using a tuning fork based force detection technique. The system is also capable of recording local B(z) profiles. We discuss the application of the microscope for the study of micro-magnet arrays being developed for applications in micro-systems.
Photodesorption of NO from Au(100) using 3D surface-velocity map imaging
Authors: Abujarada Saada , AlSalem Huda , Chohan Urslaan K. , Draper Gemma L. , Koehler Sven P. K.
Published: November 2016

We measured the fully resolved 3-dimensional velocity distributions of nitric oxide photodesorbed from a gold single crystal. These experiments combine time-of-flight measurements and the velocity map imaging technique to yield velocity distributions resolved in three dimensions for a prototypical surface-adsorbate system. Nitric oxide adsorbed on Au(100) was photodesorbed using a 355 nm laser beam. The desorbed NO molecules were ionised in the gas-phase by resonance-enhanced multi-photon ionisation within a set of velocity map imaging optics. The NO molecules preferentially leave the surface along the surface normal with a very narrow angular distribution, indicating a non-thermal desorption process.
A new approach for the development of diabatic potential energy surfaces: Hybrid block-diagonalization and diabatization by ansatz
Authors: Wittenbrink Nils , Venghaus Florian , Williams David , Eisfeld Wolfgang
Published: November 2016

A new diabatization method is presented, which is suitable for the development of accurate high-dimensional coupled potential energy surfaces for use in quantum dynamics studies. The method is based on the simultaneous use of adiabatic wave function and energy data, respectively, and combines block-diagonalization and diabatization by ansatz approaches. It thus is called hybrid diabatization. The adiabatic wave functions of suitable ab initio calculations are projected onto a diabatic state space and the resulting vectors are orthonormalized like in standard block-diagonalization. A parametrized diabatic model Hamiltonian is set up as an ansatz for which the block-diagonalization data can be utilized to find the optimal model. Finally, the parameters are optimized with respect to the ab initio reference data such that the deviations between adiabatic energies and eigenvalues of the model as well as projected state vectors and eigenvectors of the model are minimized. This approach is particularly advantageous for problems with a complicated electronic structure where the diabatic state space must be of higher dimension than the number of calculated adiabatic states. This is an efficient way to handle problems with intruder states, which are very common for reactive systems. The use of wave function information also increases the information content for each data point without additional cost, which is beneficial in handling the undersampling problem for high-dimensional systems. The new method and its performance are demonstrated by application to three prototypical systems, ozone (O3), methyl iodide (CH3I), and propargyl (H2CCCH).
Laser pumped 4He magnetometer with light shift suppression
Authors: Lin Zaisheng , Wang He , Peng Xiang , Wu Teng , Guo Hong
Published: November 2016

We report a laser-pumped 4He atomic magnetometer with light shift suppression through the atomic sensor itself. A linearly polarized light is used to optically align the 4He metastable atoms and we monitor the magneto-optical double resonance (MODR) signals produced by the left- and right-circularly orthogonal components. It is shown that light shift leads to the atomic alignment to orientation conversion effect, and thus, the difference between the two MODR signals. One of these two MODR signals is locked at the Larmor frequency and is used to measure the ambient magnetic field, while the differential signal is, simultaneously, fed back to suppress the light shift. The scheme could be of the advantage to the design of compact magnetometers by reducing the systematic errors due to light shift.
Gate dielectric ion implantation to modulate the threshold voltage of In2O3 nanowire field effect transistors
Authors: Yu Yang , Li Wenqing , Wu Pengcheng , Jiang Changzhong , Xiao Xiangheng
Published: November 2016

In semiconductor technology, In2O3 nanowire field effect transistor (FET) can serve as an important building block due to its admirable electrical switching properties. However, the relatively too large threshold voltages and threshold voltage fluctuations of the devices may hinder their extensive applications. In this report, N+ ion implantation of gate dielectric was conducted to modulate the threshold voltage of In2O3 nanowire FET. Electrical measurements reveal that the threshold voltage can be reduced to as low as −2.0 V from the initial −23.2 V after ion implantation. This can be attributed to the effects of implantation induced electron traps. Moreover, it is found that the stability of threshold voltage can be improved by ion implantation. This simple and convenient method indicates that gate dielectric ion implantation may be a potential way to realize the low voltage operation and uniform In2O3 nanowire FETs.
A novel method for fabricating engineered structures with branched micro-channel using hollow hydrogel fibers
Authors: Li Shuai , Liu Yuanyuan , Li Yu , Liu Change , Sun Yuanshao , Hu Qingxi
Published: November 2016

Vascularization plays a crucial role in the regeneration of different damaged or diseased tissues and organs. Vascularized networks bring sufficient nutrients and oxygen to implants and receptors. However, the fabrication of engineered structures with branched micro-channels (ESBM) is still the main technological barrier. To address this problem, this paper introduced a novel method for fabricating ESBM; the manufacturability and feasibility of this method was investigated. A triaxial nozzle with automatic cleaning function was mounted on a homemade 3D bioprinter to coaxially extrude sodium alginate (NaAlg) and calcium chloride (CaCl2) to form the hollow hydrogel fibers. With the incompleteness of cross-linking and proper trimming, ESBM could be produced rapidly. Different concentrations of NaAlg and CaCl2 were used to produce ESBM, and mechanical property tests were conducted to confirm the optimal material concentration for making the branched structures. Cell media could be injected into the branched channel, which showed a good perfusion. Fibroblasts were able to maintain high viability after being cultured for a few days, which verified the non-cytotoxicity of the gelation and fabrication process. Thus, hollow hydrogel fibers were proved to be a potential method for fabricating micro-channels for vascularization.
Development and characterization of an interferometer for calorimeter-based absorbed dose to water measurements in a medical linear accelerator
Authors: Flores-Martinez Everardo , Malin Martha J. , DeWerd Larry A.
Published: November 2016

The quantity of relevance for external beam radiotherapy is absorbed dose to water (ADW). An interferometer was built, characterized, and tested to measure ADW within the dose range of interest for external beam radiotherapy using the temperature dependence of the refractive index of water. The interferometer was used to measure radiation-induced phase shifts of a laser beam passing through a (10 × 10 × 10) cm3 water-filled glass phantom, irradiated with a 6 MV photon beam from a medical linear accelerator. The field size was (7 × 7) cm2 and the dose was measured at a depth of 5 cm in the water phantom. The intensity of the interference pattern was measured with a photodiode and was used to calculate the time-dependent phase shift curve. The system was thermally insulated to achieve temperature drifts of less than 1.5 mK/min. Data were acquired 60 s before and after the irradiation. The radiation-induced phase shifts were calculated by taking the difference in the pre- and post-irradiation drifts extrapolated to the midpoint of the irradiation. For 200, 300, and 400 monitor units, the measured doses were 1.6 ± 0.3, 2.6 ± 0.3, and 3.1 ± 0.3 Gy, respectively. Measurements agreed within the uncertainty with dose calculations performed with a treatment planning system. The estimated type-A, k = 1 uncertainty in the measured doses was 0.3 Gy which is an order of magnitude lower than previously published interferometer-based ADW measurements.
Effects of the physicochemical properties of biochar and soil on moisture sorption
Authors: Lin Guiying , Yang Haiping , Hu Junhao , Luo Yuanfu , Shao Jingai , Wang Xianhua , Chen Hanping
Published: November 2016

To investigate the correlation between the physicochemical and hygroscopic properties of biochar and soil, the moisture sorption properties of typical biochars and soils were observed inside a thermostatically controlled incubator at a temperature of 30 °C and humidity of 70%. Results showed that the equilibrium moisture content (EMC) of tobacco stem biochar, rice husk biochar, Hubei paddy soil, and Jiangxi red soil were 7.66%, 6.40%, 3.34%, and 2.92%, respectively. There was a synergistic interaction between biochar and soil, resulting in a higher EMC of biochar-soil mixtures with increases ranging from 0.16% to 2.52%. The porosity of tobacco stem biochar, rice husk biochar, Hubei paddy soil, and Jiangxi red soil were 82.58%, 65.05%, 59.02%, and 56.71%, respectively. Additionally, according to our findings, the biochar had higher carbon content, C/N ratio, and carbonyl groups, and lower bulk density, oxygen content, O/C ratio, and carboxyl groups than the soil. The linear correlation analysis indicated that there was a positive correlation between EMC and the physicochemical properties of biochar and soil, including porosity, carbon content, nitrogen content, and carboxyl groups. Consideration of the physicochemical properties of biochar and soil will significantly improve the overall properties of biochar used for soil amendment.
Genetic parameters for fatty acids in intramuscular fat from feedlot-finished Nelore carcasses
Authors: Aboujaoude Carolyn , Pereira Angélica Simone Cravo , Feitosa Fabieli Louise Braga , Antunes de Lemos Marcos Vinicius , Chiaia Hermenegildo Lucas Justino , Piatto Berton Mariana , Peripolli Elisa , Silva Rafael Medeiros de Oliveira , Ferrinho Adrielle Mathias , Mueller Lenise Freitas , Olivieri Bianca Ferreira , Galvão de Albuquerque Lucia , Nunes de Oliveira Henrique , Tonhati Humberto , Espigolan Rafael , Tonussi Rafael , Gordo Daniel Mansan , Magalhaes Ana Fabricia Braga , Baldi Fernando
Published: November 2016

The aim of the present study was to estimate covariance components and genetic parameters for beef fatty acid (FA) composition of intramuscular fat in the longissimus thoracis muscle in Nelore bulls finished in feedlot. Twenty-two FAs were selected. The heritability estimates for individual FAs ranged from 0.01 to 0.35. The heritability estimates for myristic (0.25 ± 0.09), palmitic (0.18 ± 0.07), oleic (0.28 ± 0.09), linoleic (0.16 ± 0.06) and α-linolenic (0.35 ± 0.10) FAs were moderate. Stearic, elaidic, palmitoleic, vaccenic, conjugated linoleic acid, docosahexanoic, eicosatrienoic and arachidonic FAs had heritability estimates below 0.15. The genetic-correlation estimates between the individual saturated FAs (SFAs) were low and negative between myristic and stearic FAs (–0.22 ± 0.84), moderate between palmitic and myristic FAs (0.58 ± 0.56) and negative between palmitic and stearic FAs (–0.69 ± 0.45). The genetic correlations between the individual long-chain polyunsaturated FAs (PUFAs) were positive and moderate (>0.30). However, the genetic-correlation estimates between long-chain PUFAs and α-linolenic acid were low (<0.30), except for the correlation between arachidonic and α-linolenic acids. The genetic correlation estimates of the sums of SFAs with monounsaturated fatty acids and omega 6 FAs were low (0.25 ± 0.59 and –0.02 ± 0.51 respectively), high with PUFAs and omega 9 FAs (–0.85 ± 0.15 and 0.86 ± 0.17 respectively) and moderate with omega 3FAs (–0.67 ± 0.26). The present study demonstrated the existence of genetic variation and, hence, the possibility to increase the proportion of healthy and favourable beef FAs through selection. The results obtained in the study have provided knowledge to elucidate the additive genetic influence on FA composition of intramuscular fat. In addition, genetic-relationship estimates of intramuscular FA profile help seek strategies for genetic selection or genetic-based diet management to enhance the FA profile in Zebu cattle.
“The flaming ramparts of the world”
Authors: Hacke Melanie
Published: November 2016

The present article analyses Walter Pater’s novelMarius the Epicurean(1885), focusing particularly on the nexus between the story’s setting in Ancient Rome and its treatment of religion. Even though the abrupt ending of Marius’sBildungsuggests that Pater had not yet succeeded in reconciling his aesthetic philosophy with a religious life in community, the novel encourages its readers to adopt an eclectic religious consciousness. By examining Pater’s references to Lucretius’sDe Rerum Natura, the article investigates how Pater used the Roman poet to reinforce this message, and to react against the materialism of post-Darwinian Britain. Moreover, it shows howMarius the Epicureanincorporates and subverts some of the motifs that can be found in popular Victorian novels set in Rome.