bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolutionary robotics simulations help explain why reciprocity is rare in nature
Authors: André Jean-Baptiste , Nolfi Stefano
Published: September 2016

The relative rarity of reciprocity in nature, contrary to theoretical predictions that it should be widespread, is currently one of the major puzzles in social evolution theory. Here we use evolutionary robotics to solve this puzzle. We show that models based on game theory are misleading because they neglect the mechanics of behavior. In a series of experiments with simulated robots controlled by artificial neural networks, we find that reciprocity does not evolve, and show that this results from a general constraint that likely also prevents it from evolving in the wild. Reciprocity can evolve if it requires very few mutations, as is usually assumed in evolutionary game theoretic models, but not if, more realistically, it requires the accumulation of many adaptive mutations.
Hippopotamus (H. amphibius) diet change indicates herbaceous plant encroachment following megaherbivore population collapse
Authors: Chritz Kendra L. , Blumenthal Scott A. , Cerling Thure E. , Klingel Hans
Published: September 2016

Megaherbivores (>1000 kg) are critical for ecosystem health and function, but face population collapse and extinction globally. The future of these megaherbivore-impoverished ecosystems is difficult to predict, though many studies have demonstrated increasing representation of C3 woody plants. These studies rely on direct observational data, however, and tools for assessing decadal-scale changes in African ecology without observation are lacking. We use isotopic records of historical common hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) canines to quantify herbaceous vegetation change in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda following a period of civil unrest and poaching. This poaching event led to population collapse of two threatened African megaherbivore species: hippopotamus and African elephants (Loxodonta africana). Serial carbon isotope ratios (δ13C) in canine enamel from individuals that lived between 1960–2000 indicated substantial increases in C3 herbaceous plants in their diet (<20% C3 in the 1960s to 30–45% C3 in the 80s and 90s), supported by other observational and ecological data. These data indicate megaherbivore loss results in succession of both woody and herbaceous C3 vegetation and further reaching effects, such as decreased grazing capacity and herbivore biodiversity in the area. Given multiple lines of evidence, these individuals appear to accurately capture herbaceous vegetation change in Mweya.
A novel method for the injection and manipulation of magnetic charge states in nanostructures
Authors: Gartside J. C. , Burn D. M. , Cohen L. F. , Branford W. R.
Published: September 2016

Realising the promise of next-generation magnetic nanotechnologies is contingent on the development of novel methods for controlling magnetic states at the nanoscale. There is currently demand for simple and flexible techniques to access exotic magnetisation states without convoluted fabrication and application processes. 360° domain walls (metastable twists in magnetisation separating two domains with parallel magnetisation) are one such state, which is currently of great interest in data storage and magnonics. Here, we demonstrate a straightforward and powerful process whereby a moving magnetic charge, provided experimentally by a magnetic force microscope tip, can write and manipulate magnetic charge states in ferromagnetic nanowires. The method is applicable to a wide range of nanowire architectures with considerable benefits over existing techniques. We confirm the method’s efficacy via the injection and spatial manipulation of 360° domain walls in Py and Co nanowires. Experimental results are supported by micromagnetic simulations of the tip-nanowire interaction.
Salvage Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) for Locally Recurrent Nasopharyngeal Cancer after Definitive IMRT: A Novel Scenario of the Modern Era
Authors: Kong Lin , Wang Lei , Shen Chunying , Hu Chaosu , Wang Lei , Lu Jiade J.
Published: September 2016

Locally recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma (rNPC) after definitive IMRT occurs in 10% of all cases and represents a distinct clinical entity that has been selectively enriched by radio-resistant cancer cells. Therefore, we report of the outcomes of 77 patients who had repeat salvage-IMRT for rNPC after only a definitive course of IMRT. Various clinical outcomes were measured. Log-rank tests were used to detect differences in the survival outcomes between factor-defined subgroups. Multivariable analysis was performed using the Cox proportional hazard model. The median follow-up time was 25.7 months (range 3.0–75.7 months), measured from the time of recurrence. The median OS time and PFS time of the entire cohort was 37.0 and 20.5 months, respectively. Thirty-four patients (44.2%) died. Approximately 35% of these patients died from disease progression, but 53% were from treatment-induced severe adverse effects (SAEs) without evidence of disease progression. Higher T-classification of the recurrent tumor and the development of SAEs were found to be the only independent and significant adverse prognostic factors on multivariable analysis. These outcomes underscore the particularly virulent characteristics of rNPC after definitive IMRT. Concerning is the impact of re-irradiation toxicity on patient mortality.
Scalable Differentiation of Human iPSCs in a Multicellular Spheroid-based 3D Culture into Hepatocyte-like Cells through Direct Wnt/β-catenin Pathway Inhibition
Authors: Pettinato Giuseppe , Ramanathan Rajesh , Fisher Robert A , Mangino Martin J. , Zhang Ning , Wen Xuejun
Published: September 2016

Treatment of acute liver failure by cell transplantation is hindered by a shortage of human hepatocytes. Current protocols for hepatic differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) result in low yields, cellular heterogeneity, and limited scalability. In the present study, we have developed a novel multicellular spheroid-based hepatic differentiation protocol starting from embryoid bodies of hiPSCs (hiPSC-EBs) for robust mass production of human hepatocyte-like cells (HLCs) using two novel inhibitors of the Wnt pathway. The resultant hiPSC-EB-HLCs expressed liver-specific genes, secreted hepatic proteins such as Albumin, Alpha Fetoprotein, and Fibrinogen, metabolized ammonia, and displayed cytochrome P450 activities and functional activities typical of mature primary hepatocytes, such as LDL storage and uptake, ICG uptake and release, and glycogen storage. Cell transplantation of hiPSC-EB-HLC in a rat model of acute liver failure significantly prolonged the mean survival time and resolved the liver injury when compared to the no-transplantation control animals. The transplanted hiPSC-EB-HLCs secreted human albumin into the host plasma throughout the examination period (2 weeks). Transplantation successfully bridged the animals through the critical period for survival after acute liver failure, providing promising clues of integration and full in vivo functionality of these cells after treatment with WIF-1 and DKK-1.
Diameter Dependence of Planar Defects in InP Nanowires
Authors: Wang Fengyun , Wang Chao , Wang Yiqian , Zhang Minghuan , Han Zhenlian , Yip SenPo , Shen Lifan , Han Ning , Pun Edwin Y. B. , Ho Johnny C.
Published: September 2016

In this work, extensive characterization and complementary theoretical analysis have been carried out on Au-catalyzed InP nanowires in order to understand the planar defect formation as a function of nanowire diameter. From the detailed transmission electron microscopic measurements, the density of stacking faults and twin defects are found to monotonically decrease as the nanowire diameter is decreased to 10 nm, and the chemical analysis clearly indicates the drastic impact of In catalytic supersaturation in Au nanoparticles on the minimized planar defect formation in miniaturized nanowires. Specifically, during the chemical vapor deposition of InP nanowires, a significant amount of planar defects is created when the catalyst seed sizes are increased with the lower degree of In supersaturation as dictated by the Gibbs-Thomson effect, and an insufficient In diffusion (or Au-rich enhancement) would lead to a reduced and non-uniform In precipitation at the NW growing interface. The results presented here provide an insight into the fabrication of “bottom-up” InP NWs with minimized defect concentration which are suitable for various device applications.
Physical soil architectural traits are functionally linked to carbon decomposition and bacterial diversity
Authors: Rabbi S. M. F. , Daniel H. , Lockwood P. V. , Macdonald C. , Pereg L. , Tighe M. , Wilson B. R. , Young I. M.
Published: September 2016

Aggregates play a key role in protecting soil organic carbon (SOC) from microbial decomposition. The objectives of this study were to investigate the influence of pore geometry on the organic carbon decomposition rate and bacterial diversity in both macro- (250–2000 μm) and micro-aggregates (53–250 μm) using field samples. Four sites of contrasting land use on Alfisols (i.e. native pasture, crop/pasture rotation, woodland) were investigated. 3D Pore geometry of the micro-aggregates and macro-aggregates were examined by X-ray computed tomography (μCT). The occluded particulate organic carbon (oPOC) of aggregates was measured by size and density fractionation methods. Micro-aggregates had 54% less μCT observed porosity but 64% more oPOC compared with macro-aggregates. In addition, the pore connectivity in micro-aggregates was lower than macro-aggregates. Despite both lower μCT observed porosity and pore connectivity in micro-aggregates, the organic carbon decomposition rate constant (Ksoc) was similar in both aggregate size ranges. Structural equation modelling showed a strong positive relationship of the concentration of oPOC with bacterial diversity in aggregates. We use these findings to propose a conceptual model that illustrates the dynamic links between substrate, bacterial diversity, and pore geometry that suggests a structural explanation for differences in bacterial diversity across aggregate sizes.
Ultrahigh Purcell factor in low-threshold nanolaser based on asymmetric hybrid plasmonic cavity
Authors: Wei Wei , Yan Xin , Zhang Xia
Published: September 2016

A low-threshold nanolaser with all three dimensions at the subwavelength scale is proposed and investigated. The nanolaser is constructed based on an asymmetric hybrid plasmonic F-P cavity with Ag-coated end facets. Lasing characteristics are calculated using finite element method at the wavelength of 1550 nm. The results show that owing to the low modal loss, large modal confinement factor of the asymmetric plasmonic cavity structure, in conjunction with the high reflectivity of the Ag reflectors, a minimum threshold gain of 240 cm−1 is predicted. Furthermore, the Purcell factor as large as 2518 is obtained with optimized structure parameters to enhance rates of spontaneous and stimulated emission.
PMMA-Etching-Free Transfer of Wafer-scale Chemical Vapor Deposition Two-dimensional Atomic Crystal by a Water Soluble Polyvinyl Alcohol Polymer Method
Authors: Van Ngoc Huynh , Qian Yongteng , Han Suk Kil , Kang Dae Joon
Published: September 2016

We have explored a facile technique to transfer large area 2-Dimensional (2D) materials grown by chemical vapor deposition method onto various substrates by adding a water-soluble Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) layer between the polymethyl-methacrylate (PMMA) and the 2D material film. This technique not only allows the effective transfer to an arbitrary target substrate with a high degree of freedom, but also avoids PMMA etching thereby maintaining the high quality of the transferred 2D materials with minimum contamination. We applied this method to transfer various 2D materials grown on different rigid substrates of general interest, such as graphene on copper foil, h-BN on platinum and MoS2 on SiO2/Si. This facile transfer technique has great potential for future research towards the application of 2D materials in high performance optical, mechanical and electronic devices.
An Atomistic View of Amyloidogenic Self-assembly: Structure and Dynamics of Heterogeneous Conformational States in the Pre-nucleation Phase
Authors: Matthes Dirk , Gapsys Vytautas , Brennecke Julian T. , de Groot Bert L.
Published: September 2016

The formation of well-defined filamentous amyloid structures involves a polydisperse collection of oligomeric states for which relatively little is known in terms of structural organization. Here we use extensive, unbiased explicit solvent molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to investigate the structural and dynamical features of oligomeric aggregates formed by a number of highly amyloidogenic peptides at atomistic resolution on the μs time scale. A consensus approach has been adopted to analyse the simulations in multiple force fields, yielding an in-depth characterization of pre-fibrillar oligomers and their global and local structure properties. A collision cross section analysis revealed structurally heterogeneous aggregate ensembles for the individual oligomeric states that lack a single defined quaternary structure during the pre-nucleation phase. To gain insight into the conformational space sampled in early aggregates, we probed their substructure and found emerging β-sheet subunit layers and a multitude of ordered intermolecular β-structure motifs with growing aggregate size. Among those, anti-parallel out-of-register β-strands compatible with toxic β-barrel oligomers were particularly prevalent already in smaller aggregates and formed prior to ordered fibrillar structure elements. Notably, also distinct fibril-like conformations emerged in the oligomeric state and underscore the notion that pre-nucleated oligomers serve as a critical intermediate step on-pathway to fibrils.
Pressurized brines in continental Antarctica as a possible analogue of Mars
Authors: Forte Emanuele , Dalle Fratte Michele , Azzaro Maurizio , Guglielmin Mauro
Published: September 2016

Interest in brines in extreme and cold environments has recently increased after they have been found on Mars. Those brines can be potential new subsurface habitats for peculiar ecosystems. In the McMurdo Dry Valleys of the Antarctic, the best analogue for Mars conditions, only a few cases of brines have been identified in some perennially frozen lakes and in one case in an underground aquifer. Here, we present the occurrence of pressurized brines in a shallow perennially ice-covered lake south of 70°S in an ice-free area of Victoria Land, Antarctica. For the first time, we also imaged, by means of ground penetrating radar data, the existence of a pingo-like-feature (PLF) formed by the extrusion of brines, which has also been confirmed by borehole evidence. Those brines are fed by an underground talik external to the lake basin, enhancing the possibility of unexploited ecosystems that could find an analogue in Martian environments.
The Role of Climate Covariability on Crop Yields in the Conterminous United States
Authors: Leng Guoyong , Zhang Xuesong , Huang Maoyi , Asrar Ghassem R. , Leung L. Ruby
Published: September 2016

The covariability of temperature (T), precipitation (P) and radiation (R) is an important aspect in understanding the climate influence on crop yields. Here, we analyze county-level corn and soybean yields and observed climate for the period 1983–2012 to understand how growing-season (June, July and August) mean T, P and R influence crop yields jointly and in isolation across the CONterminous United States (CONUS). Results show that nationally averaged corn and soybean yields exhibit large interannual variability of 21% and 22%, of which 35% and 32% can be significantly explained by T and P, respectively. By including R, an additional of 5% in variability can be explained for both crops. Using partial regression analyses, we find that studies that ignore the covariability among T, P, and R can substantially overestimate the sensitivity of crop yields to a single climate factor at the county scale. Further analyses indicate large spatial variation in the relative contributions of different climate variables to the variability of historical corn and soybean yields. The structure of the dominant climate factors did not change substantially over 1983–2012, confirming the robustness of the findings, which have important implications for crop yield prediction and crop model validations.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis exploits the formation of new blood vessels for its dissemination
Authors: Polena Helena , Boudou Frédéric , Tilleul Sylvain , Dubois-Colas Nicolas , Lecointe Cécile , Rakotosamimanana Niaina , Pelizzola Mattia , Andriamandimby Soa Fy , Raharimanga Vaomalala , Charles Patricia , Herrmann Jean-Louis , Ricciardi-Castagnoli Paola , Rasolofo Voahangy , Gicquel Brigitte , Tailleux Ludovic
Published: September 2016

The mechanisms by which the airborne pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis spreads within the lung and leaves its primary niche to colonize other organs, thus inducing extrapulmonary forms of tuberculosis (TB) in humans, remains poorly understood. Herein, we used a transcriptomic approach to investigate the host cell gene expression profile in M. tuberculosis–infected human macrophages (ΜΦ). We identified 33 genes, encoding proteins involved in angiogenesis, for which the expression was significantly modified during infection, and we show that the potent angiogenic factor VEGF is secreted by M. tuberculosis-infected ΜΦ, in an RD1-dependent manner. In vivo these factors promote the formation of blood vessels in murine models of the disease. Inhibiting angiogenesis, via VEGF inactivation, abolished mycobacterial spread from the infection site. In accordance with our in vitro and in vivo results, we show that the level of VEGF in TB patients is elevated and that endothelial progenitor cells are mobilized from the bone marrow. These results strongly strengthen the most recent data suggesting that mycobacteria take advantage of the formation of new blood vessels to disseminate.
The Mechanism of Hsp90 ATPase Stimulation by Aha1
Authors: Wolmarans Annemarie , Lee Brian , Spyracopoulos Leo , LaPointe Paul
Published: September 2016

Hsp90 is a dimeric molecular chaperone responsible for the folding, maturation, and activation of hundreds of substrate proteins called ‘clients’. Numerous co-chaperone proteins regulate progression through the ATP-dependent client activation cycle. The most potent stimulator of the Hsp90 ATPase activity is the co-chaperone Aha1p. Only one molecule of Aha1p is required to fully stimulate the Hsp90 dimer despite the existence of two, presumably identical, binding sites for this regulator. Using ATPase assays with Hsp90 heterodimers, we find that Aha1p stimulates ATPase activity by a three-step mechanism via the catalytic loop in the middle domain of Hsp90. Binding of the Aha1p N domain to the Hsp90 middle domain exerts a small stimulatory effect but also drives a separate conformational rearrangement in the Hsp90 N domains. This second event drives a rearrangement in the N domain of the opposite subunit and is required for the stimulatory action of the Aha1p C domain. Furthermore, the second event can be blocked by a mutation in one subunit of the Hsp90 dimer but not the other. This work provides a foundation for understanding how post-translational modifications regulate co-chaperone engagement with the Hsp90 dimer.
Freestanding bacterial cellulose-graphene oxide composite membranes with high mechanical strength for selective ion permeation
Authors: Fang Qile , Zhou Xufeng , Deng Wei , Zheng Zhi , Liu Zhaoping
Published: September 2016

Graphene oxide (GO) based membranes have been widely applied in molecular separation based on the size exclusion effect of the nanochannels formed by stacked GO sheets. However, it’s still a challenge to prepare a freestanding GO-based membrane with high mechanical strength and structural stability which is prerequisite for separation application in aqueous solution. Here, a freestanding composite membrane based on bacterial cellulose (BC) and GO is designed and prepared. BC network provides a porous skeleton to spread GO sheets and uniformly incorporates into the GO layers, which endows the BC + GO composite membrane with well water-stability, excellent tensile strength, as well as improved toughness, guaranteeing its separation applicability in water environment. The resulting BC + GO membrane exhibits obviously discrepant permeation properties for different inorganic/organic ions with different size, and in particular, it can quickly separate ions in nano-scale from angstrom-scale. Therefore, this novel composite membrane is considered to be a promising candidate in the applications of water purification, food industry, biomedicine, and pharmaceutical and fuel separation.
Deep Sequencing of Random Mutant Libraries Reveals the Active Site of the Narrow Specificity CphA Metallo-β-Lactamase is Fragile to Mutations
Authors: Sun Zhizeng , Mehta Shrenik C. , Adamski Carolyn J. , Gibbs Richard A. , Palzkill Timothy
Published: September 2016

CphA is a Zn2+-dependent metallo-β-lactamase that efficiently hydrolyzes only carbapenem antibiotics. To understand the sequence requirements for CphA function, single codon random mutant libraries were constructed for residues in and near the active site and mutants were selected for E. coli growth on increasing concentrations of imipenem, a carbapenem antibiotic. At high concentrations of imipenem that select for phenotypically wild-type mutants, the active-site residues exhibit stringent sequence requirements in that nearly all residues in positions that contact zinc, the substrate, or the catalytic water do not tolerate amino acid substitutions. In addition, at high imipenem concentrations a number of residues that do not directly contact zinc or substrate are also essential and do not tolerate substitutions. Biochemical analysis confirmed that amino acid substitutions at essential positions decreased the stability or catalytic activity of the CphA enzyme. Therefore, the CphA active - site is fragile to substitutions, suggesting active-site residues are optimized for imipenem hydrolysis. These results also suggest that resistance to inhibitors targeted to the CphA active site would be slow to develop because of the strong sequence constraints on function.
Effects of allergic diseases and age on the composition of serum IgG glycome in children
Authors: Pezer Marija , Stambuk Jerko , Perica Marija , Razdorov Genadij , Banic Ivana , Vuckovic Frano , Gospic Adrijana Miletic , Ugrina Ivo , Vecenaj Ana , Bakovic Maja Pucic , Lokas Sandra Bulat , Zivkovic Jelena , Plavec Davor , Devereux Graham , Turkalj Mirjana , Lauc Gordan
Published: September 2016

It is speculated that immunoglobulin G (IgG) plays a regulatory role in allergic reactions. The glycans on the Fc region are known to affect IgG effector functions, thereby possibly having a role in IgG modulation of allergic response. This is the first study investigating patients’ IgG glycosylation profile in allergic diseases. Subclass specific IgG glycosylation profile was analyzed in two cohorts of allergen sensitized and non-sensitized 3- to 11-year-old children (conducted at University of Aberdeen, UK and Children’s Hospital Srebrnjak, Zagreb, Croatia) with 893 subjects in total. IgG was isolated from serum/plasma by affinity chromatography on Protein G. IgG tryptic glycopeptides were analyzed by liquid chromatography electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. In the Zagreb cohort IgG glycome composition changed with age across all IgG subclasses. In both cohorts, IgG glycome composition did not differ in allergen sensitized subjects, nor children sensitized to individual allergens, single allergen mean wheal diameter or positive wheal sum values. In the Zagreb study the results were also replicated for high total serum IgE and in children with self-reported manifest allergic disease. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate no association between serum IgG glycome composition and allergic diseases in children.
Grain Boundary Induced Bias Instability in Soluble Acene-Based Thin-Film Transistors
Authors: Nguyen Ky V. , Payne Marcia M. , Anthony John E. , Lee Jung Hun , Song Eunjoo , Kang Boseok , Cho Kilwon , Lee Wi Hyoung
Published: September 2016

Since the grain boundaries (GBs) within the semiconductor layer of organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) have a strong influence on device performance, a substantial number of studies have been devoted to controlling the crystallization characteristics of organic semiconductors. We studied the intrinsic effects of GBs within 5,11-bis(triethylsilylethynyl) anthradithiophene (TES-ADT) thin films on the electrical properties of OFETs. The GB density was easily changed by controlling nulceation event in TES-ADT thin films. When the mixing time was increased, the number of aggregates in as-spun TES-ADT thin films were increased and subsequent exposure of the films to 1,2-dichloroethane vapor led to a significant increase in the number of nuleation sites, thereby increasing the GB density of TES-ADT spherulites. The density of GBs strongly influences the angular spread and crystallographic orientation of TES-ADT spherulites. Accordingly, the FETs with higher GB densities showed much poorer electrical characteristics than devices with lower GB density. Especially, GBs provide charge trapping sites which are responsible for bias-stress driven electrical instability. Dielectric surface treatment with a polystyrene brush layer clarified the GB-induced charge trapping by reducing charge trapping at the semiconductor-dielectric interface. Our study provides an understanding on GB induced bias instability for the development of high performance OFETs.
miR-224-3p inhibits autophagy in cervical cancer cells by targeting FIP200
Authors: Fang Wang , Shu Shan , Yongmei Li , Endong Zhu , Lirong Yin , Bei Sun
Published: September 2016

Cervical cancer (CC) is a malignant solid tumor, which is one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in women. Persistent High-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) infection is closely related to cervical cancer and autophagy has been suggested to inhibit viral infections. miRNAs have been reported to regulate autophagy in many solid tumors with many studies implicating miR-224-3p in the regulation of autophagy. In this study, we performed a miRNA microarray analysis on CC tissues and found that a large number of miRNAs with differential expressions in hrHPV-infected tissues. We identified miR-224-3p as a candidate miRNA selectively up regulated in HPV-infected tissues and cell lines. Further analysis revealed that miR-224-3p regulates autophagy in cervical cancer tissues and cell lines. While the overexpression of miR-224-3p inhibits autophagy in HPV-infected cells, knocking down endogenous miR-224-3p increases autophagy activity in the same cells. In addition, we found that miR-224-3p directly inhibits the expression of autophagy related gene, FAK family-interacting protein of 200 kDa (FIP200). In summary, we found that miR-224-3p regulates autophagy in hrHPV-induced cervical cancer cells through targeting FIP200 expression.
Regulation of cell-cell fusion by nanotopography
Authors: Padmanabhan Jagannath , Augelli Michael J. , Cheung Bettina , Kinser Emily R. , Cleary Barnett , Kumar Priyanka , Wang Renhao , Sawyer Andrew J. , Li Rui , Schwarz Udo D. , Schroers Jan , Kyriakides Themis R.
Published: September 2016

Cell-cell fusion is fundamental to a multitude of biological processes ranging from cell differentiation and embryogenesis to cancer metastasis and biomaterial-tissue interactions. Fusogenic cells are exposed to biochemical and biophysical factors, which could potentially alter cell behavior. While biochemical inducers of fusion such as cytokines and kinases have been identified, little is known about the biophysical regulation of cell-cell fusion. Here, we designed experiments to examine cell-cell fusion using bulk metallic glass (BMG) nanorod arrays with varying biophysical cues, i.e. nanotopography and stiffness. Through independent variation of stiffness and topography, we found that nanotopography constitutes the primary biophysical cue that can override biochemical signals to attenuate fusion. Specifically, nanotopography restricts cytoskeletal remodeling-associated signaling, which leads to reduced fusion. This finding expands our fundamental understanding of the nanoscale biophysical regulation of cell fusion and can be exploited in biomaterials design to induce desirable biomaterial-tissue interactions.
Design methodology for a confocal imaging system using an objective microlens array with an increased working distance
Authors: Choi Woojae , Shin Ryung , Lim Jiseok , Kang Shinill
Published: September 2016

In this study, a design methodology for a multi-optical probe confocal imaging system was developed. To develop an imaging system that has the required resolving power and imaging area, this study focused on a design methodology to create a scalable and easy-to-implement confocal imaging system. This system overcomes the limitations of the optical complexities of conventional multi-optical probe confocal imaging systems and the short working distance using a micro-objective lens module composed of two microlens arrays and a telecentric relay optical system. The micro-objective lens module was fabricated on a glass substrate using backside alignment photolithography and thermal reflow processes. To test the feasibility of the developed methodology, an optical system with a resolution of 1 μm/pixel using multi-optical probes with an array size of 10 × 10 was designed and constructed. The developed system provides a 1 mm × 1 mm field of view and a sample scanning range of 100 μm. The optical resolution was evaluated by conducting sample tests using a knife-edge detecting method. The measured lateral resolution of the system was 0.98 μm.
Spin excitations in hole-overdoped iron-based superconductors
Authors: Horigane K. , Kihou K. , Fujita K. , Kajimoto R. , Ikeuchi K. , Ji S. , Akimitsu J. , Lee C. H.
Published: September 2016

Understanding the overall features of magnetic excitation is essential for clarifying the mechanism of Cooper pair formation in iron-based superconductors. In particular, clarifying the relationship between magnetism and superconductivity is a central challenge because magnetism may play a key role in their exotic superconductivity. BaFe2As2 is one of ideal systems for such investigation because its superconductivity can be induced in several ways, allowing a comparative examination. Here we report a study on the spin fluctuations of the hole-overdoped iron-based superconductors Ba1-xKxFe2As2 (x = 0.5 and 1.0; Tc = 36 K and 3.4 K, respectively) over the entire Brillouin zone using inelastic neutron scattering. We find that their spin spectra consist of spin wave and chimney-like dispersions. The chimney-like dispersion can be attributed to the itinerant character of magnetism. The band width of the spin wave-like dispersion is almost constant from the non-doped to optimum-doped region, which is followed by a large reduction in the overdoped region. This suggests that the superconductivity is suppressed by the reduction of magnetic exchange couplings, indicating a strong relationship between magnetism and superconductivity in iron-based superconductors.
Orbital Angular Momentum-based Space Division Multiplexing for High-capacity Underwater Optical Communications
Authors: Ren Yongxiong , Li Long , Wang Zhe , Kamali Seyedeh Mahsa , Arbabi Ehsan , Arbabi Amir , Zhao Zhe , Xie Guodong , Cao Yinwen , Ahmed Nisar , Yan Yan , Liu Cong , Willner Asher J. , Ashrafi Solyman , Tur Moshe , Faraon Andrei , Willner Alan E.
Published: September 2016

To increase system capacity of underwater optical communications, we employ the spatial domain to simultaneously transmit multiple orthogonal spatial beams, each carrying an independent data channel. In this paper, we show up to a 40-Gbit/s link by multiplexing and transmitting four green orbital angular momentum (OAM) beams through a single aperture. Moreover, we investigate the degrading effects of scattering/turbidity, water current, and thermal gradient-induced turbulence, and we find that thermal gradients cause the most distortions and turbidity causes the most loss. We show systems results using two different data generation techniques, one at 1064 nm for 10-Gbit/s/beam and one at 520 nm for 1-Gbit/s/beam; we use both techniques since present data-modulation technologies are faster for infrared (IR) than for green. For the 40-Gbit/s link, data is modulated in the IR, and OAM imprinting is performed in the green using a specially-designed metasurface phase mask. For the 4-Gbit/s link, a green laser diode is directly modulated. Finally, we show that inter-channel crosstalk induced by thermal gradients can be mitigated using multi-channel equalisation processing.
A Hiatus of the Greenhouse Effect
Authors: Song Jinjie , Wang Yuan , Tang Jianping
Published: September 2016

The rate at which the global average surface temperature is increasing has slowed down since the end of the last century. This study investigates whether this warming hiatus results from a change in the well-known greenhouse effect. Using long-term, reliable, and consistent observational data from the Earth’s surface and the top of the atmosphere (TOA), two monthly gridded atmospheric and surface greenhouse effect parameters (Ga and Gs) are estimated to represent the radiative warming effects of the atmosphere and the surface in the infrared range from 1979 to 2014. The atmospheric and surface greenhouse effect over the tropical monsoon-prone regions is found to contribute substantially to the global total. Furthermore, the downward tendency of cloud activity leads to a greenhouse effect hiatus after the early 1990 s, prior to the warming pause. Additionally, this pause in the greenhouse effect is mostly caused by the high number of La Niña events between 1991 and 2014. A strong La Niña indicates suppressed convection in the tropical central Pacific that reduces atmospheric water vapor content and cloud volume. This significantly weakened regional greenhouse effect offsets the enhanced warming influence in other places and decelerates the rising global greenhouse effect. This work suggests that the greenhouse effect hiatus can be served as an additional factor to cause the recent global warming slowdown.
Mussel-inspired approach to constructing robust cobalt-embedded N-doped carbon nanosheet toward enhanced sulphate radical-based oxidation
Authors: Zeng Tao , Zhang Haiyan , He Zhiqiao , Chen Jianmeng , Song Shuang
Published: September 2016

Heterogeneous sulphate radical based advanced oxidation processes (SR-AOPs) have lately been raised as a promising candidate for water treatment. Despite the progress made, either the stability or the performance of the current catalysts is still far from satisfactory for practical applications. Herein, using polydopamine-cobalt ion complex that inspired by mussel proteins as medium, we facilely fabricate a robust SR-AOPs catalyst with cobalt nanoparticles (NPs) embedded in nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide matrix (NRGO@Co). The NRGO scaffold with high porosity and surface area not only stabilizes the NPs but also greatly facilitates the accessibility and adsorption of substrates to the active sites. With the synergistic effect arising from the NRGO and Co NPs, the NRGO@Co hybrid catalyst exhibits enhanced catalytic activity for activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) to degrade organic pollutants in water. Furthermore, taking advantage of the favorable magnetic properties, the catalyst can be easily recycled and reused for at least 4 runs with negligible loss of activity. Coupled with systematic investigation in terms of influential factors, mineralization, and radicals identification, make the catalyst hold significant potential for application in remediation of organic pollutants in water.
Theoretical prediction of coordination environments and stability constants of lanthanum lactate complexes in solution
Authors: Roy Lindsay E. , Martin Leigh R.
Published: September 2016

Using Density Functional Theory calculations in combination with explicit solvent and a continuum solvent model, this work sets out to understand the coordination environment and relevant thermodynamics of La(iii)-lactate complexes.
Improved osteogenesis and angiogenesis of magnesium-doped calcium phosphate cement via macrophage immunomodulation
Authors: Wang Meng , Yu Yuanman , Dai Kai , Ma Zhengyu , Liu Yang , Wang Jing , Liu Changsheng
Published: September 2016

Magnesium-doped calcium phosphate cement is able to down-regulate pro-inflammatory responses and the immunomodulation further assists in both osteogenesis of BMSCs and angiogenesis of HUVECs in vitro.
A six-step total synthesis of α-thujone and d6-α-thujone, enabling facile access to isotopically labelled metabolites
Authors: Thamm Irene , Richers Johannes , Rychlik Michael , Tiefenbacher Konrad
Published: September 2016

The development of a short synthetic approach to α-thujone enabled the first syntheses of its main metabolites in an isotopically labelled form.
Theoretical study of the binding profile of an allosteric modulator NS-1738 with a chimera structure of the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor
Authors: Kuang Guanglin , Wang Xu , Halldin Christer , Nordberg Agneta , Långström Bengt , Ågren Hans , Tu Yaoquan
Published: September 2016

The binding modes and binding free energies of the allosteric modulator NS-1738 with a chimera structure of the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor have been studied by molecular simulation methods.
Local, solvation pressures and conformational changes in ethylenediamine aqueous solutions probed using Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Cáceres Mercedes , Lobato Alvaro , Mendoza Nubia J. , Bonales Laura J. , Baonza Valentín G.
Published: September 2016

Raman spectra of 1,2-ethylenediamine (EDA) in aqueous solutions are used to demonstrate that EDA molecules experience an anti–gauche conformational change resulting from the interactions with water.
Unusual linear dependency of viscosity with temperature in ionic liquid/water mixtures
Authors: Nanda R.
Published: September 2016

The unusual linear scaling of the self-diffusion coefficient and viscosity leads to the violation of the SE and FSE equations and shows dynamic heterogeneity.
Assessing Hubbard-corrected AM05+U and PBEsol+U density functionals for strongly correlated oxides CeO2 and Ce2O3
Authors: Weck Philippe F. , Kim Eunja
Published: September 2016

The structure–property relationships of bulk CeO2 and Ce2O3 have been investigated within the DFT+U framework. AM05+U and PBEsol+U reproduce experimental crystalline parameters and properties with superior accuracy compared to conventional Hubbard-corrected exchange–correlation functionals.
Low energy electron catalyst: the electronic origin of catalytic strategies
Authors: Davis Daly , Sajeev Y.
Published: September 2016

Using a low energy electron (LEE) as a catalyst, the electronic origin of the catalytic strategies corresponding to substrate selectivity, reaction specificity and reaction rate enhancement is investigated for a reversible unimolecular elementary reaction.
Coalescence behavior of liquid immiscible metal drops in two-wall confinement
Authors: Li Tao , Wu Weikang , Li Hui
Published: September 2016

The height of confining walls and wall surfaces can affect the coalescence behavior.
Plasma engineering of silicon quantum dots and their properties through energy deposition and chemistry
Authors: Sahu Bibhuti Bhusan , Yin Yongyi , Gauter Sven , Han Jeon Geon , Kersten Holger
Published: September 2016

The authors growth and microstructure of a silicon quantum dot film by tailoring the plasma chemistry and deposition energy are studied.
The computational prediction of Raman and ROA spectra of charged histidine tautomers in aqueous solution
Authors: Cardamone Salvatore , Caine Beth A. , Blanch Ewan , Lizio Maria G. , Popelier Paul L. A.
Published: September 2016

Histidine is a key component of a number of enzymatic mechanisms, and undertakes many functionalities in biochemical systems.
Effect of carbon supports on RhRe bifunctional catalysts for selective hydrogenolysis of tetrahydropyran-2-methanol
Authors: Karanjkar Pranav U. , Burt Samuel P. , Chen Xiaoli , Barnett Kevin J. , Ball Madelyn R. , Kumbhalkar Mrunmayi D. , Wang Xiaohong , Miller James B. , Hermans Ive , Dumesic James A. , Huber George W.
Published: September 2016

Orders-of-magnitude differences in hydrogenolysis activity were observed between RhRe/C catalysts with different carbon supports, which is due to the types of bimetallic particles that are formed on the different carbon supports.
Design of Li1+2xZn1−xPS4, a new lithium ion conductor
Authors: Richards William D. , Wang Yan , Miara Lincoln J. , Kim Jae Chul , Ceder Gerbrand
Published: September 2016

Structural screening and in silico optimization yields a new Li-ion conductor with a bcc anion framework and high conductivity.
Proteomic response of inflammatory stimulated intestinal epithelial cells to in vitro digested plums and cabbages rich in carotenoids and polyphenols
Authors: Kaulmann Anouk , Planchon Sébastien , Renaut Jenny , Schneider Yves-Jacques , Hoffmann Lucien , Bohn Torsten
Published: September 2016

Proteomic response of intestinal cells as a model of inflammatory bowel diseases to digested plum and cabbage rich in polyphenols and carotenoids.
Composition and structure of tuber cell walls affect in vitro digestibility of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)
Authors: Frost Jovyn K. T. , Flanagan Bernadine M. , Brummell David A. , O'Donoghue Erin M. , Mishra Suman , Gidley Michael J. , Monro John A.
Published: September 2016

Higher amount of 4 M KOH-soluble cell wall pectic galactan is associated with lowerin vitrodigestibility in three New Zealand potato lines.
An integrated quartz tube atom trap coupled with solid sampling electrothermal vapourization and its application to detect trace lead in food samples by atomic fluorescence spectrometry
Authors: Feng Li , Liu Jixin , Mao Xuefei , Lu Dong , Zhu Xiaofang , Qian Yongzhong
Published: September 2016

A two-stage diameter-varied quartz tube (QT) consisting of a QT electrothermal vapourizer, a quartz tube atom trap (QTAT) and two separate Ni–Cr electrical heating coils was interfaced with atomic fluorescence spectrometry (AFS).
A study of anion binding behaviour of 1,3-alternate thiacalix[4]arene-based receptors bearing urea moieties
Authors: Rahman Shofiur , Tomiyasu Hirotsugu , Kawazoe Hiroto , Zhao Jiang-Lin , Cong Hang , Ni Xin-Long , Zeng Xi , Elsegood Mark R. J. , Warwick Thomas G. , Teat Simon J. , Redshaw Carl , Georghiou Paris E. , Yamato Takehiko
Published: September 2016

Thiacalix[4]arene receptors with two urea moieties exhibited a high affinity towards all of the selected anions.
Copper complexes bearing an NHC–calixarene unit: synthesis and application in click chemistry
Authors: Ourri Benjamin , Tillement Olivier , Tu Tao , Jeanneau Erwann , Darbost Ulrich , Bonnamour Isabelle
Published: September 2016

Novel N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) copper complexes supported by calix[4]arene were synthesized and showed good catalytic activity when applied in click chemistry.
Replacing bisphenol-A with bisguaiacol-F to synthesize polybenzoxazines for a pollution-free environment
Authors: Periyasamy Thirukumaran , Asrafali Shakila Parveen , Muthusamy Sarojadevi , Kim Seong-Cheol
Published: September 2016

Bio-based polybenzoxazines from BGF were prepared by a solventless method as an alternative to poly(BA-a) showing enhanced thermal, mechanical and dielectric properties.
Valence and oxide impurities in MoS2 and WS2 dramatically change their electrocatalytic activity towards proton reduction
Authors: Mohamad Latiff Naziah , Wang Lu , Mayorga-Martinez Carmen C. , Sofer Zdeněk , Fisher Adrian C. , Pumera Martin
Published: September 2016

Here, we show that presence of valence sulfide impurities (i.e. MoS3 and WS3), and oxide counterparts (i.e. MoO2, MoO3 and WO2, WO3) of MoS2 and WS2 can contribute to the catalytic activity towards hydrogen production.
Proton-coupled electron transfer in the reduction of carbonyls using SmI2–H2O: implications for the reductive coupling of acyl-type ketyl radicals with SmI2–H2O
Authors: Shi Shicheng , Szostak Roman , Szostak Michal
Published: September 2016

The feasibility of concerted PCET in the reduction of carbonyl groups using SmI2–H2O is quantitatively assessed.
An expeditious synthesis of the ascomycete metabolite rigidiusculamide B
Authors: Wunder Anja , Schobert Rainer
Published: September 2016

l-Tyrosine is converted diastereoselectively to (−)-rigidiusculamide B via a Li2Te-triggered cyclisation followed by a desilylation–oxidation of the resulting tetramate.
Tuning the properties of pH responsive nanoparticles to control cellular interactions in vitro and ex vivo
Authors: Mann S. K. , Dufour A. , Glass J. J. , De Rose R. , Kent S. J. , Such G. K. , Johnston A. P. R.
Published: September 2016

Engineering the properties of nanoparticles to limit non-specific cellular interactions is critical for developing effective drug delivery systems. Differences between interactions with cultured cells and human blood highlights the need for appropriate assays.
Dicyanopyrazine capped with tetraphenylethylene: polymorphs with high contrast luminescence as organic volatile sensors
Authors: Ge Chao , Liu Yang , Ye Xin , Zheng Xiaoxin , Han Quanxiang , Liu Jie , Tao Xutang
Published: September 2016

TPE-caped dicyanopyrazines with morphology dependent and reversible luminescence can be utilized as VOC sensors.
Highly selective synthesis of 6-substituted benzothiophenes by Sc(OTf)3-catalyzed intermolecular cyclization and sulfur migration
Authors: Wang Xiaoming , Gensch Tobias , Glorius Frank
Published: September 2016

A series of 6-substituted benzo[b]thiophenes was synthesized using a Sc(OTf)3-catalyzed intermolecular cyclization between para-substituted N-(arylthio)succinimides and alkynes taking advantage of a unique and selective 1,2-sulfur migration occuring via an electrophilic ipso cyclization to a key spirocyclic thiete intermediate.
Cucurbit[7]uril-stabilized gold nanoparticles as catalysts of the nitro compound reduction reaction
Authors: Blanco E. , Esteve-Adell I. , Atienzar P. , Casas J. A. , Hernández P. , Quintana C.
Published: September 2016

Catalytic performance of cucurbit[7]uril-stabilized gold nanoparticles on the reduction reaction of 4-nitrophenol and nitrofurantoin.
Electronic transport properties of silicon carbide molecular junctions: first-principles study
Authors: Mu Yi , Zeng Zhao-Yi , Cheng Yan , Chen Xiang-Rong
Published: September 2016

The contact geometry and electronic transport properties of a silicon carbide (SiC) molecule coupled with Au (1 0 0) electrodes are investigated by performing density functional theory plus the non-equilibrium Green's function method.
Recyclability of organically modified clays for oil absorption and recovery
Authors: Liao C. Y. , Lin J. J.
Published: September 2016

The ODA modified organoclay could be used as a crude oil absorbent with high recyclability and stable reusability.
Multiple roles of lactic acid bacteria microflora in the formation of marker flavour compounds in traditional chinese paocai
Authors: Zhao Nan , Zhang Chuchu , Yang Qin , Yang Bo , Lu Wenwei , Li Dongyao , Liu Xiaoming , Tian Fengwei , Zhang Hao , Chen Wei
Published: September 2016

Traditional paocai brine (PB), which is continuously propagated by back-slopping and contains multiple species of lactic acid bacteria (LAB), is critical for the flavour of paocai.
Enhanced molecular adsorption of ethylene on reduced anatase TiO2 (001): role of surface O-vacancies
Authors: Shukri Ganes , Diño Wilson Agerico , Dipojono Hermawan K. , Agusta Mohammad Kemal , Kasai Hideaki
Published: September 2016

A density functional theory (DFT)-based study of ethylene (C2H4) adsorption on a reduced anatase titanium dioxide (TiO2) (001) surface, i.e., with a surface oxygen vacancy (Ovac), is presented.
Atomic layer deposition of ZnO/TiO2 multilayers: towards the understanding of Ti-doping in ZnO thin films
Authors: Torrisi G. , Di Mauro A. , Scuderi M. , Nicotra G. , Impellizzeri G.
Published: September 2016

Undoped and Ti-doped ZnO (TZO) films were deposited by atomic layer deposition (ALD).