bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The European School Fruit Scheme: impact on children’s fruit and vegetable consumption in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
Authors: Methner Sarah , Maschkowski Gesa , Hartmann Monika
Published: October 2016

Objective

To assess the impact of the European School Fruit Scheme (SFS) in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, on children’s fruit and vegetable (F&V) consumption, in particular frequency.

Design

The study consisted of a pre-test/post-test design with an intervention (eight primary schools) and a control group (two primary schools). Children’s F&V consumption frequency was measured prior to the introduction of the SFS in 2010 and after one year’s delivery of F&V (2011).

Setting

Ten primary schools in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.

Subjects

In total, 499 primary-school children aged 6–11 years, 390 in the intervention and 109 in the control schools.

Results

Children highly appreciated the SFS. More than 90 % evaluated the programme positively. Children in the intervention group showed a significant increase in F&V intake frequency from baseline to follow-up, from on average 1·26 (sd1·37) to 2·02 (sd1·33) times/d (P=0·000). The intervention variable had a highly significant impact on children’s F&V consumption frequency, even after controlling for gender, age and stay at school for lunch (β=0·773; 95 % CI 0·59, 0·96). The SFS did not induce a reduction of F&V consumption at home. In the control group a non-significant decline in F&V consumption frequency from 1·31 (sd1·26) to 1·18 (sd1·34) times/d (P=0·325) was observed.

Conclusion

One year after the programme’s implementation, the SFS led to a significant short-term increase in children’s F&V consumption.
Work-to-Family Enrichment and Conflict Profiles: Job Characteristics and Employees’ Well-Being
Authors: Carvalho Vânia Sofia , Chambel Maria José
Published: October 2016

This article aims to analyze work-to-family conflict (WFC) and enrichment (WFE) profiles related to job characteristics and well-being at work and general well-being. A cross-sectional survey data of 1885 employees was analyzed. The Latent Profile Analysis revealed that the five-profile solution exhibited strong statistical significance (p> .001). ANCOVAs were performed to analyze the relationship of the identified profiles with job characteristics and well-being. Employees in the Beneficial profile had the best perception of job characteristics (lowest demands and the highest control and support) and the highest well-being, and those in the Harmful profile had the lowest job characteristics perceptions and the lowest well-being. Through a comparison of the Moderate Active profile and the Moderate Harmful profile, WFE was found to buffer the effects of the WFC on well-being at work (burnout; engagement) and on general well-being (i.e., health perceptions). The promotion of WFE through higher job autonomy, job support, and fewer demands is a crucial aspect to consider. This study helps to consolidate the work-family balance typology and its effects on employees’ well-being, and broadens this framework to consider job characteristics.
Climate Change, Groundwater Management, and California's Future
Authors: White Ellie , McClenny Elizabeth , Pinheiro Marielle
Published: October 2016

Conference on Climate Change and the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act; University of California, Davis, California, 4–5 April 2016
Sensing surface mechanical deformation using active probes driven by motor proteins
Authors: Inoue Daisuke , Nitta Takahiro , Kabir Arif Md. Rashedul , Sada Kazuki , Gong Jian Ping , Konagaya Akihiko , Kakugo Akira
Published: October 2016

Studying mechanical deformation at the surface of soft materials has been challenging due to the difficulty in separating surface deformation from the bulk elasticity of the materials. Here, we introduce a new approach for studying the surface mechanical deformation of a soft material by utilizing a large number of self-propelled microprobes driven by motor proteins on the surface of the material. Information about the surface mechanical deformation of the soft material is obtained through changes in mobility of the microprobes wandering across the surface of the soft material. The active microprobes respond to mechanical deformation of the surface and readily change their velocity and direction depending on the extent and mode of surface deformation. This highly parallel and reliable method of sensing mechanical deformation at the surface of soft materials is expected to find applications that explore surface mechanics of soft materials and consequently would greatly benefit the surface science.
Excess of mutational jackpot events in expanding populations revealed by spatial Luria–Delbrück experiments
Authors: Fusco Diana , Gralka Matti , Kayser Jona , Anderson Alex , Hallatschek Oskar
Published: October 2016

The genetic diversity of growing cellular populations, such as biofilms, solid tumours or developing embryos, is thought to be dominated by rare, exceptionally large mutant clones. Yet, the emergence of these mutational jackpot events is only understood in well-mixed populations, where they stem from mutations that arise during the first few cell divisions. To study jackpot events in spatially structured populations, we track mutant clones in microbial populations using fluorescence microscopy and population sequencing. High-frequency mutations are found to be massively enriched in microbial colonies compared with well-shaken liquid cultures, as a result of late-occurring mutations surfing at the edge of range expansions. Thus, jackpot events can be generated not only when mutations arise early but also when they occur at favourable locations, which exacerbates their role in adaptation and disease. In particular, because spatial competition with the wild type keeps most mutant clones in a quiescent state, strong selection pressures that kill the wild type promote drug resistance.
The optical frequency comb fibre spectrometer
Authors: Coluccelli Nicola , Cassinerio Marco , Redding Brandon , Cao Hui , Laporta Paolo , Galzerano Gianluca
Published: October 2016

Optical frequency comb sources provide thousands of precise and accurate optical lines in a single device enabling the broadband and high-speed detection required in many applications. A main challenge is to parallelize the detection over the widest possible band while bringing the resolution to the single comb-line level. Here we propose a solution based on the combination of a frequency comb source and a fibre spectrometer, exploiting all-fibre technology. Our system allows for simultaneous measurement of 500 isolated comb lines over a span of 0.12 THz in a single acquisition; arbitrarily larger span are demonstrated (3,500 comb lines over 0.85 THz) by doing sequential acquisitions. The potential for precision measurements is proved by spectroscopy of acetylene at 1.53 μm. Being based on all-fibre technology, our system is inherently low-cost, lightweight and may lead to the development of a new class of broadband high-resolution spectrometers.
Transfer of optical orbital angular momentum to a bound electron
Authors: Schmiegelow Christian T. , Schulz Jonas , Kaufmann Henning , Ruster Thomas , Poschinger Ulrich G. , Schmidt-Kaler Ferdinand
Published: October 2016

Photons can carry angular momentum, not only due to their spin, but also due to their spatial structure. This extra twist has been used, for example, to drive circular motion of microscopic particles in optical tweezers as well as to create vortices in quantum gases. Here we excite an atomic transition with a vortex laser beam and demonstrate the transfer of optical orbital angular momentum to the valence electron of a single trapped ion. We observe strongly modified selection rules showing that an atom can absorb two quanta of angular momentum from a single photon: one from the spin and another from the spatial structure of the beam. Furthermore, we show that parasitic ac-Stark shifts from off-resonant transitions are suppressed in the dark centre of vortex beams. These results show how light’s spatial structure can determine the characteristics of light–matter interaction and pave the way for its application and observation in other systems.
Earth’s magnetosphere and outer radiation belt under sub-Alfvénic solar wind
Authors: Lugaz Noé , Farrugia Charles J. , Huang Chia-Lin , Winslow Reka M. , Spence Harlan E. , Schwadron Nathan A.
Published: October 2016

The interaction between Earth’s magnetic field and the solar wind results in the formation of a collisionless bow shock 60,000–100,000 km upstream of our planet, as long as the solar wind fast magnetosonic Mach (hereafter Mach) number exceeds unity. Here, we present one of those extremely rare instances, when the solar wind Mach number reached steady values <1 for several hours on 17 January 2013. Simultaneous measurements by more than ten spacecraft in the near-Earth environment reveal the evanescence of the bow shock, the sunward motion of the magnetopause and the extremely rapid and intense loss of electrons in the outer radiation belt. This study allows us to directly observe the state of the inner magnetosphere, including the radiation belts during a type of solar wind-magnetosphere coupling which is unusual for planets in our solar system but may be common for close-in extrasolar planets.
Ageing increases reliance on sensorimotor prediction through structural and functional differences in frontostriatal circuits
Authors: Wolpe Noham , Ingram James N. , Tsvetanov Kamen A. , Geerligs Linda , Kievit Rogier A. , Henson Richard N. , Wolpert Daniel M. ,   Cam-CAN, Tyler Lorraine K. , Brayne Carol , Bullmore Edward , Calder Andrew , Cusack Rhodri , Dalgleish Tim , Duncan John , Matthews Fiona E. , Marslen-Wilson William , Shafto Meredith A. , Campbell Karen , Cheung Teresa , Davis Simon , McCarrey Anna , Mustafa Abdur , Price Darren , Samu David , Taylor Jason R. , Treder Matthias , van Belle Janna , Williams Nitin , Bates Lauren , Emery Tina , Erzinçlioglu Sharon , Gadie Andrew , Gerbase Sofia , Georgieva Stanimira , Hanley Claire , Parkin Beth , Troy David , Auer Tibor , Correia Marta , Gao Lu , Green Emma , Henriques Rafael , Allen Jodie , Amery Gillian , Amunts Liana , Barcroft Anne , Castle Amanda , Dias Cheryl , Dowrick Jonathan , Fair Melissa , Fisher Hayley , Goulding Anna , Grewal Adarsh , Hale Geoff , Hilton Andrew , Johnson Frances , Johnston Patricia , Kavanagh-Williamson Thea , Kwasniewska Magdalena , McMinn Alison , Norman Kim , Penrose Jessica , Roby Fiona , Rowland Diane , Sargeant John , Squire Maggie , Stevens Beth , Stoddart Aldabra , Stone Cheryl , Thompson Tracy , Yazlik Ozlem , Barnes Dan , Dixon Marie , Hillman Jaya , Mitchell Joanne , Villis Laura , Rowe James B.
Published: October 2016

The control of voluntary movement changes markedly with age. A critical component of motor control is the integration of sensory information with predictions of the consequences of action, arising from internal models of movement. This leads to sensorimotor attenuation—a reduction in the perceived intensity of sensations from self-generated compared with external actions. Here we show that sensorimotor attenuation occurs in 98% of adults in a population-based cohort (n=325; 18–88 years; the Cambridge Centre for Ageing and Neuroscience). Importantly, attenuation increases with age, in proportion to reduced sensory sensitivity. This effect is associated with differences in the structure and functional connectivity of the pre-supplementary motor area (pre-SMA), assessed with magnetic resonance imaging. The results suggest that ageing alters the balance between the sensorium and predictive models, mediated by the pre-SMA and its connectivity in frontostriatal circuits. This shift may contribute to the motor and cognitive changes observed with age.
Integration and exchange of split dCas9 domains for transcriptional controls in mammalian cells
Authors: Ma Dacheng , Peng Shuguang , Xie Zhen
Published: October 2016

Programmable and precise regulation of dCas9 functions in response to multiple molecular signals by using synthetic gene circuits will expand the application of the CRISPR-Cas technology. However, the application of CRISPR-Cas therapeutic circuits is still challenging due to the restrictive cargo size of existing viral delivery vehicles. Here, we construct logic AND circuits by integrating multiple split dCas9 domains, which is useful to reduce the size of synthetic circuits. In addition, we engineer sensory switches by exchanging split dCas9 domains, allowing differential regulations on one gene, or activating two different genes in response to cell-type specific microRNAs. Therefore, we provide a valuable split-dCas9 toolkit to engineer complex transcription controls, which may inspire new biomedical applications.
Lysine-specific demethylase KDM3A regulates ovarian cancer stemness and chemoresistance
Authors: Ramadoss S , Sen S , Ramachandran I , Roy S , Chaudhuri G , Farias-Eisner R
Published: October 2016

Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death among all gynecological malignancies due to the development of acquired chemoresistance and disease relapse. Although the role of cancer stem cells (CSCs), a subset of tumor cells with the self-renewal and differentiation capabilities, in therapeutic resistance is beginning to be better understood, the significance of epigenetic regulatory mechanisms responsible for integrating the stemness with drug resistance remain poorly understood. Here we identified that lysine demethylase KDM3A as a critical regulator of ovarian cancer stemness and cisplatin resistance by inducing the expressions of pluripotent molecules Sox2 and Nanog and anti-apoptotic B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), respectively. In addition, KDM3A induces ovarian cancer growth while antagonizing cellular senescence by repressing the expression of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor, p21Waf1/Cip1. The underlying mechanism of the noted biological processes include KDM3A-mediated stimulation of Sox2 expression, and demethylating p53 protein and consequently, modulating its target genes such as Bcl-2 and p21Waf1/Cip1 expression. Consistently, KDM3A depletion inhibited the growth of subcutaneously implanted cisplatin-resistant human ovarian cancer cells in athymic nude mice. Moreover, KDM3A is abundantly expressed and positively correlated with Sox2 expression in human ovarian cancer tissues. In brief, our findings reveal a novel mechanism by which KDM3A promotes ovarian CSCs, proliferation and chemoresistance and thus, highlights the significance of KDM3A as a novel therapeutic target for resistant ovarian cancer.
Functional redundancy between Apc and Apc2 regulates tissue homeostasis and prevents tumorigenesis in murine mammary epithelium
Authors: Daly C S , Shaw P , Ordonez L D , Williams G T , Quist J , Grigoriadis A , Van Es J H , Clevers H , Clarke A R , Reed K R
Published: October 2016

Aberrant Wnt signaling within breast cancer is associated with poor prognosis, but regulation of this pathway in breast tissue remains poorly understood and the consequences of immediate or long-term dysregulation remain elusive. The exact contribution of the Wnt-regulating proteins adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) and APC2 in the pathogenesis of human breast cancer are ill-defined, but our analysis of publically available array data sets indicates that tumors with concomitant low expression of both proteins occurs more frequently in the ‘triple negative’ phenotype, which is a subtype of breast cancer with particularly poor prognosis. We have used mouse transgenics to delete Apc and/or Apc2 from mouse mammary epithelium to elucidate the significance of these proteins in mammary homeostasis and delineate their influences on Wnt signaling and tumorigenesis. Loss of either protein alone failed to affect Wnt signaling levels or tissue homeostasis. Strikingly, concomitant loss led to local disruption of β-catenin status, disruption in epithelial integrity, cohesion and polarity, increased cell division and a distinctive form of ductal hyperplasia with ‘squamoid’ ghost cell nodules in young animals. Upon aging, the development of Wnt activated mammary carcinomas with squamous differentiation was accompanied by a significantly reduced survival. This novel Wnt-driven mammary tumor model highlights the importance of functional redundancies existing between the Apc proteins both in normal homeostasis and in tumorigenesis.
Prognostic Significance of Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio in Oncologic Outcomes of Cholangiocarcinoma: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Tan De-Wen , Fu Yan , Su Qi , Guan Ming-Jun , Kong Po , Wang Sheng-Qiang , Wang He-Ling
Published: October 2016

Increasing evidence indicates that the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a useful biomarker of long-term outcomes in patients with cholangiocarcinoma. However, the prognostic role of NLR in patients with cholangiocarcinoma remains unclear. Thus, the current meta-analysis was undertaken to clarify the correlation between NLR and overall survival (OS) in cholangiocarcinoma and a comprehensive literature research was conducted to understand the association of NLR and prognosis of cholangiocarcinoma. The hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to assess OS. The synthesized HR of 1.449 (95% CI: 1.296–1.619, P < 0.001) indicated that a high NLR had an unfavourable effect on OS. Overall, this meta-analysis suggested that elevated preoperative NLR is associated with poorer rates of survival in cholangiocarcinoma patients.
The origin of hyperferroelectricity in LiBO3 (B = V, Nb, Ta, Os)
Authors: Li Pengfei , Ren Xinguo , Guo Guang-Can , He Lixin
Published: October 2016

The electronic and structural properties of LiBO3 (B = V, Nb, Ta, Os) are investigated via first-principles methods. We show that LiBO3 belong to the recently proposed hyperferroelectrics (hyperFEs), i.e., they all have unstable longitudinal optic phonon modes. Especially, the ferroelectric-like instability in the metal LiOsO3, whose optical dielectric constant goes to infinity, is a limiting case of hyperFEs. Via an effective Hamiltonian, we further show that, in contrast to normal proper ferroelectricity, in which the ferroelectric instability usually comes from long-range coulomb interactions, the hyperFE instability is due to the structure instability driven by short-range interactions. This could happen in systems with large ion size mismatches, which therefore provides a useful guidance in searching for novel hyperFEs.
Prediction of postoperative liver regeneration from clinical information using a data-led mathematical model
Authors: Yamamoto Kimiyo N. , Ishii Masatsugu , Inoue Yoshihiro , Hirokawa Fumitoshi , MacArthur Ben D. , Nakamura Akira , Haeno Hiroshi , Uchiyama Kazuhisa
Published: October 2016

Although the capacity of the liver to recover its size after resection has enabled extensive liver resection, post-hepatectomy liver failure remains one of the most lethal complications of liver resection. Therefore, it is clinically important to discover reliable predictive factors after resection. In this study, we established a novel mathematical framework which described post-hepatectomy liver regeneration in each patient by incorporating quantitative clinical data. Using the model fitting to the liver volumes in series of computed tomography of 123 patients, we estimated liver regeneration rates. From the estimation, we found patients were divided into two groups: i) patients restored the liver to its original size (Group 1, n = 99); and ii) patients experienced a significant reduction in size (Group 2, n = 24). From discriminant analysis in 103 patients with full clinical variables, the prognosis of patients in terms of liver recovery was successfully predicted in 85–90% of patients. We further validated the accuracy of our model prediction using a validation cohort (prediction = 84–87%, n = 39). Our interdisciplinary approach provides qualitative and quantitative insights into the dynamics of liver regeneration. A key strength is to provide better prediction in patients who had been judged as acceptable for resection by current pragmatic criteria.
Extracellular IL-33 cytokine, but not endogenous nuclear IL-33, regulates protein expression in endothelial cells
Authors: Gautier Violette , Cayrol Corinne , Farache Dorian , Roga Stéphane , Monsarrat Bernard , Burlet-Schiltz Odile , Gonzalez de Peredo Anne , Girard Jean-Philippe
Published: October 2016

IL-33 is a nuclear cytokine from the IL-1 family that plays important roles in health and disease. Extracellular IL-33 activates a growing number of target cells, including group 2 innate lymphoid cells, mast cells and regulatory T cells, but it remains unclear whether intracellular nuclear IL-33 has additional functions in the nucleus. Here, we used a global proteomic approach based on high-resolution mass spectrometry to compare the extracellular and intracellular roles of IL-33 in primary human endothelial cells, a major source of IL-33 protein in human tissues. We found that exogenous extracellular IL-33 cytokine induced expression of a distinct set of proteins associated with inflammatory responses in endothelial cells. In contrast, knockdown of endogenous nuclear IL-33 expression using two independent RNA silencing strategies had no reproducible effect on the endothelial cell proteome. These results suggest that IL-33 acts as a cytokine but not as a nuclear factor regulating gene expression in endothelial cells.
Hydrodynamic role of longitudinal dorsal ridges in a leatherback turtle swimming
Authors: Bang Kyeongtae , Kim Jooha , Lee Sang-Im , Choi Haecheon
Published: October 2016

Leatherback sea turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) are known to have a superior diving ability and be highly adapted to pelagic swimming. They have five longitudinal ridges on their carapace. Although it was conjectured that these ridges might be an adaptation for flow control, no rigorous study has been performed to understand their hydrodynamic roles. Here we show that these ridges are slightly misaligned to the streamlines around the body to generate streamwise vortices, and suppress or delay flow separation on the carapace, resulting in enhanced hydrodynamic performances during different modes of swimming. Our results suggest that shapes of some morphological features of living creatures, like the longitudinal ridges of the leatherback turtles, need not be streamlined for excellent hydro- or aerodynamic performances, contrary to our common physical intuition.
Changes in litter quality induced by nutrient addition alter litter decomposition in an alpine meadow on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau
Authors: Zhu Wenyan , Wang Jinzhou , Zhang Zhenhua , Ren Fei , Chen Litong , He Jin-Sheng
Published: October 2016

The effects of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) addition on litter decomposition are poorly understood in Tibetan alpine meadows. Leaf litter was collected from plots within a factorial N × P addition experiment and allowed to decompose over 708 days in an unfertilized plot to determine the effects of N and/or P addition on litter decomposition. Results showed that nutrient addition significantly affected initial P and P-related biochemical properties of litter from all four species. However, the responses of litter N and N-related biochemical properties to nutrient addition were quite species-specific. Litter C decomposition and N release were species-specific. However, N and P addition significantly affected litter P release. Ratios of Hemicellulose + Cellulose to N and P were significantly related to litter C decomposition; C:N ratio was a determinant of litter N release; and C:P and (Hemicellulose + Cellulose):P controlled litter P release. Overall, litter C decomposition was controlled by litter quality of different plant species, and strongly affected by P addition. Increasing N availability is likely to affect litter C decomposition more indirectly by shifting plant species composition than directly by improving litter quality, and may accelerate N and P cycles, but shift the ecosystem to P limitation.
Mapping light-driven conformational changes within the photosensory module of plant phytochrome B
Authors: von Horsten Silke , Straß Simon , Hellwig Nils , Gruth Verena , Klasen Ramona , Mielcarek Andreas , Linne Uwe , Morgner Nina , Essen Lars-Oliver
Published: October 2016

Organisms developed different photoreceptors to be able to adapt to changing environmental light conditions. Phytochromes are red/far-red (r/fr) photochromic photoreceptors that belong to the classical photoreceptors along with cryptochromes and phototropins. They convert absorbed light into a biological signal by switching between two states in a light-dependent manner therefore enabling the light control downstream signalling. Their Pfr conformation is the biological active form in plants, but until now only a structure of the ground state (Pr) was solved. Here, the authors provide information about structural changes occurring during photoconversion within phytochrome B and identify possible interaction sites for its N-terminal extension (NTE) utilising hydrogen/deuterium exchange rate analyses of its amide backbone. Especially, the newly identified light-dependency of two regions in the NTE are of particular interest for understanding the involvement of the phytochrome’s NTE in the regulation of its downstream signalling.
Reduced lipolysis response to adipose afferent reflex involved in impaired activation of adrenoceptor-cAMP-PKA-hormone sensitive lipase pathway in obesity
Authors: Ding Lei , Zhang Feng , Zhao Ming-Xia , Ren Xing-Sheng , Chen Qi , Li Yue-Hua , Kang Yu-Ming , Zhu Guo-Qing
Published: October 2016

Chemical stimulation of white adipose tissue (WAT) causes adipose afferent reflex (AAR) and sympathetic activation. This study is to investigate the effects of AAR on lipolysis and the mechanisms of attenuated lipolysis response to enhanced AAR in obesity. Obesity was caused by high-fat diet for 12 weeks in rats. AAR was induced by injection of capsaicin into inguinal WAT or electrical stimulation of epididymal WAT afferent nerve. AAR caused sympathetic activation, which was enhanced in obesity rats. AAR increased cAMP levels and PKA activity, promoted hormone sensitive lipase (HSL) and perilipin phosphorylation and increased lipolysis in WAT, which were attenuated in obesity rats. PKA activity, cAMP, perilipin and β-adrenoceptor levels were reduced, while HSL was upregulated in adipocytes from obesity rats. In primary adipocytes, isoproterenol increased cAMP levels and PKA activity, promoted HSL and perilipin phosphorylation and increased lipolysis, which were attenuated in obesity rats. The attenuated effects of isoproterenol in adipocytes from obesity rats were prevented by a cAMP analogue dbcAMP. The results indicate thatreduced lipolysis response to enhanced AAR in obesity is attributed to the impaired activation of β-adrenoceptor-cAMP-PKA-HSL pathway. Increased cAMP level in adipocytes rectifies the attenuated lipolysis in obesity.
Statistical Analysis of Main and Interaction Effects on Cu(II) and Cr(VI) Decontamination by Nitrogen–Doped Magnetic Graphene Oxide
Authors: Hu Xinjiang , Wang Hui , Liu Yunguo
Published: October 2016

A nitrogen–doped magnetic graphene oxide (NMGO) was synthesized and applied as an adsorbent to remove Cu(II) and Cr(VI) ions from aqueous solutions. The individual and combined effects of various factors (A: pH, B: temperature, C: initial concentration of metal ions, D: CaCl2, and E: humic acid [HA]) on the adsorption were analyzed by a 25−1 fractional factorial design (FFD). The results from this study indicated that the NMGO had higher adsorption capacities for Cu(II) ions than for Cr(VI) ions under most conditions, and the five selected variables affected the two adsorption processes to different extents. A, AC, and C were the very important factors and interactions for Cu(II) adsorption. For Cr(VI) adsorption, A, B, C, AB, and BC were found to be very important influencing variables. The solution pH (A) was the most important influencing factor for removal of both the ions. The main effects of A–E on the removal of Cu(II) were positive. For Cr(VI) adsorption, the main effects of A and D were negative, while B, C, and E were observed to have positive effects. The maximum adsorption capacities for Cu(II) and Cr(VI) ions over NMGO were 146.365 and 72.978 mg/g, respectively, under optimal process conditions.
Adsorptive Removal of Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products from Water with Functionalized Metal-organic Frameworks: Remarkable Adsorbents with Hydrogen-bonding Abilities
Authors: Seo Pill Won , Bhadra Biswa Nath , Ahmed Imteaz , Khan Nazmul Abedin , Jhung Sung Hwa
Published: October 2016

Adsorption of typical pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) (such as naproxen, ibuprofen and oxybenzone) from aqueous solutions was studied by using the highly porous metal-organic framework (MOF) MIL-101 with and without functionalization. Adsorption results showed that MIL-101s with H-donor functional groups such as –OH and –NH2 were very effective for naproxen adsorption, despite a decrease in porosity, probably because of H-bonding between O atoms on naproxen and H atoms on the adsorbent. For this reason, MIL-101 with two functional groups capable of H-bonding (MIL-101-(OH)2) exhibited remarkable adsorption capacity based on adsorbent surface area. The favorable contributions of –OH and –(OH)2 on MIL-101 in the increased adsorption of ibuprofen and oxybenzone (especially based on porosity) confirmed again the importance of H-bonding mechanism. The adsorbent with the highest adsorption capacity, MIL-101-OH, was very competitive when compared with carbonaceous materials, mesoporous materials, and pristine MIL-101. Moreover, the MIL-101-OH could be recycled several times by simply washing with ethanol, suggesting potential application in the adsorptive removal of PPCPs from water.
Organism-like formation of Schistosoma hemozoin and its function suggest a mechanism for anti-malarial action of artemisinin
Authors: Sun Jun , Li Chen , Wang Suwen
Published: October 2016

The current theories of antimalarial mechanism of artemisinin are inadequate to fully explain the observed effects. In our study, “organism-like” formation of Schistosoma hemozoin granules by attaching to and utilizing erythrocytes to form new ones was observed. This indicates that heme iron is transferred from erythrocytes to hemozoin granules during their formation. However, as a disposal product of heme detoxification, these granules are not completely expelled from the Schistosoma gut, but decomposed again between microvilli in the posterior portion of the gut to transfer iron to eggs. Based on the function of iron transport supported by our observation of the unique process of Schistosoma hemozoin formation, here we propose a new viewpoint of antimalarial mechanism of artemisinin, which emphasizes the final outcome, i.e., interference of iron utilization in parasites by artemisinin, instead of focusing on the mode of interaction between artemisinin and heme or hemozoin. This suggests that artemisinin and its endoperoxides derivatives likely hit the Achilles’ heel of hemozoin-producing and iron-dependent organisms.
Effective pinning energy landscape perturbations for propagating magnetic domain walls
Authors: Burn D. M. , Atkinson D.
Published: October 2016

The interaction between a magnetic domain wall and a pinning site is explored in a planar nanowire using micromagnetics to reveal perturbations of the pinning energetics for propagating domain walls. Numerical simulations in the high damping ’quasi-static’ and low damping ’dynamic’ regimes are compared and show clear differences in de-pinning fields, indicating that dynamical micromagnetic models, which incorporate precessionally limited magnetization processes, are needed to understand domain wall pinning. Differences in the micromagnetic domain wall structure strongly influence the pinning and show periodic behaviour with increasing applied field associated with Walker breakdown. In the propagating regime pinning is complicated.
Monosodium urate crystal-induced pro-interleukin-1β production is post-transcriptionally regulated via the p38 signaling pathway in human monocytes
Authors: Chung Yeon-Ho , Kim Dong-Hyun , Lee Won-Woo
Published: October 2016

IL-1β is a key mediator of sterile inflammation in response to endogenous particulates, a type of damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMPs) molecule derived from damaged cells. Despite the well-known role of sterile particulates such as monosodium urate (MSU) crystals as inflammasome inducers in monocytes/macrophages, little is known regarding how pro-IL-1β synthesis is induced under sterile inflammatory conditions. We provide evidence that MSU crystals post-transcriptionally induce the rapid production of pro-IL-1β in human primary monocytes. Metabolic labeling and pull-down assays for newly-synthesized proteins clearly showed that MSU crystals rapidly, within 30 min, induce the synthesis of pro-IL-1β as well as global proteins. Notably, MSU crystal-induced pro-IL-1β synthesis is selectively dependent on the p38 MAPK pathway, whereas global protein synthesis is mediated via the mTOR, ERK1/2, and p38 pathways. Furthermore, inhibition of Mnk1, a substrate of p38, blocked MSU crystal-induced pro-IL-1β synthesis downstream of eIF4E phosphorylation. In addition, the p38 MAPK pathway leading to phosphorylation of MK2 was also critical for stabilization of pro-IL-1β mRNA following MSU stimulation. Our findings demonstrate that post-transcriptional regulation via p38 MAPK plays a central role in the rapid synthesis of pro-IL-1β in response to MSU crystals, which is an essential step for IL-1β production in human monocytes.
Novel optical gyroscope: proof of principle demonstration and future scope
Authors: Srivastava Shailesh , Rao D. S. Shreesha , Nandakumar Hari
Published: October 2016

We report the first proof-of-principle demonstration of the resonant optical gyroscope with reflector that we have recently proposed. The device is very different from traditional optical gyroscopes since it uses the inherent coupling between the clockwise and counterclockwise propagating waves to sense the rotation. Our demonstration confirms our theoretical analysis and simulations. We also demonstrate a novel method of biasing the gyroscope using orthogonal polarization states. The simplicity of the structure and the readout method, the theoretically predicted high sensitivities (better than 0.001 deg/hr), and the possibility of further performance enhancement using a related laser based active device, all have immense potential for attracting fresh research and technological initiatives.
The trafficking of bacterial type rhodopsins into the Chlamydomonas eyespot and flagella is IFT mediated
Authors: Awasthi Mayanka , Ranjan Peeyush , Sharma Komal , Veetil Sindhu Kandoth , Kateriya Suneel
Published: October 2016

The bacterial type rhodopsins are present in all the three domains of life. In contrast to the animal type rhodopsin that performs mainly sensory functions in higher eukaryotes, the bacterial type rhodopsin could function as ion channel, pumps and as sensory proteins. The functioning of rhodopsin in higher eukaryotes requires the transport of rhodopsin from its site of synthesis to the ciliated outer segment of the photoreceptive cells. However, the trafficking of bacterial type rhodopsin from its site of synthesis to the position of action is not characterized. Here we present the first report for the existence of an IFT-interactome mediated trafficking of the bacterial type rhodopsins into eyespot and flagella of the Chlamydomonas. We show that there is a light-dependent, dynamic localization of rhodopsins between flagella and eyespot of Chlamydomonas. The involvement of IFT components in the rhodopsin trafficking was elucidated by the use of conditional IFT mutants. We found that rhodopsin can be co-immunoprecipitated with the components of IFT machinery and with other protein components required for the IFT-cargo complex formation. These findings show that light-regulated localization of rhodopsin is not restricted to animals thereby suggesting that rhodopsin trafficking is an IFT dependent ancient process.
Chemical chaperone TUDCA prevents apoptosis and improves survival during polymicrobial sepsis in mice
Authors: Doerflinger Marcel , Glab Jason , Nedeva Christina , Jose Irvin , Lin Ann , O’Reilly Lorraine , Allison Cody , Pellegrini Marc , Hotchkiss Richard S. , Puthalakath Hamsa
Published: October 2016

Sepsis-induced lymphopenia is a major cause of morbidities in intensive care units and in populations with chronic conditions such as renal failure, diabetes, HIV and alcohol abuse. Currently, other than supportive care and antibiotics, there are no treatments for this condition. We developed an in vitro assay to understand the role of the ER-stress-mediated apoptosis process in lymphocyte death during polymicrobial sepsis, which was reproducible in in vivo mouse models. Modulating ER stress using chemical chaperones significantly reduced the induction of the pro-apoptotic protein Bim both in vitro and in mice. Furthermore, in a ‘two-hit’ pneumonia model in mice, we have been able to demonstrate that administration of the chemical chaperone TUDCA helped to maintain lymphocyte homeostasis by significantly reducing lymphocyte apoptosis and this correlated with four-fold improvement in survival. Our results demonstrate a novel therapeutic opportunity for treating sepsis-induced lymphopenia in humans.
Quantifying ingested debris in marine megafauna: a review and recommendations for standardization
Authors: Provencher Jennifer F. , Bond Alexander L. , Avery-Gomm Stephanie , Borrelle Stephanie B. , Bravo Rebolledo Elisa L. , Hammer Sjúrður , Kühn Susanne , Lavers Jennifer L. , Mallory Mark L. , Trevail Alice , van Franeker Jan A.
Published: October 2016

Plastic pollution has become one of the largest environmental challenges we currently face, but standardized reporting is required to meet critical research needs.
Proton conduction through oxygen functionalized few-layer graphene
Authors: Singh Chanderpratap , S. Nikhil , Jana Anwesha , Mishra Ashish Kumar , Paul Amit
Published: October 2016

The first demonstration of solid state proton conduction (8.7 × 10−3 S cm−1 at 80 °C, 95% relative humidity) of oxygen functionalized few-layer graphene.
Two-electron/24-center (2e/24c) bonding in novel diradical π-dimers
Authors: Gao Feng-Wei , Zhong Rong-Lin , Sun Shi-Ling , Xu Hong-Liang , Su Zhong-Min
Published: October 2016

A whole new pancake-shaped 2e/24c π–π bonding is presented in diradical π-dimers 2 due to combination of twelve p–π interactions. Among these new radical π-dimers 2, the 2180 shows the smallest layer distance and the largest interaction between two layers of radicals.
Emerging investigators series: using an analytical solution approach to permit high volume groundwater withdrawals
Authors: Jayawan Ivan S. , Demond Avery H. , Ellis Brian R.
Published: October 2016

Sustainable water management is paramount to ensuring continued access to fresh water resources.
Allosteric effects of ATP binding on the nucleotide-binding domain of a heterodimeric ATP-binding cassette transporter
Authors: Pan Xianchao , Zhang Qiaoxia , Qu Sujun , Huang Shuheng , Wang Huicong , Mei Hu
Published: October 2016

The dimerization of asymmetric NBDs was exclusively triggered by ATP bound at the consensus ATPase site.
Graft modification of cellulose nanocrystals via nitroxide-mediated polymerisation
Authors: Roeder Ryan D. , Garcia-Valdez Omar , Whitney Ralph A. , Champagne Pascale , Cunningham Michael F.
Published: October 2016

Cellulose nanocrystals were graft modfied with PMA and PMMA via nitroxide mediated polymerisation.
Copolymerization of alkyl diazoacetates with α,β-unsaturated aldehydes: synthesis and application
Authors: Li Yan , Chen Cheng , Wu Jinlong , Jia Xiangxiang , Lu Yufan , Chen Fangjuan , Liu Lijian
Published: October 2016

Copolymerization of alkyl diazoacetates with α,β-unsaturated aldehydes and the product's fluorescence property.
MRM-based strategy for the homolog-focused detection of minor ginsenosides from notoginseng total saponins by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with hybrid triple quadrupole-linear ion trap mass spectrometry
Authors: Chen Jinfeng , Guo Xiaoyu , Song Yuelin , Zhao Mingbo , Tu Pengfei , Jiang Yong
Published: October 2016

A validated MRM-based strategy was established for targeted detection of minor ginsenosides from NGTS by using a LC-Q-Trap/MS.
One-pot synthesis of 2,4,6-triarylpyridines from β-nitrostyrenes, substituted salicylic aldehydes and ammonium acetate
Authors: Qing Xushun , Wang Ting , Zhang Feixiang , Wang Cunde
Published: October 2016

The diversity-oriented synthesis of 2,4,6-trisubstituted pyridinesviaK2CO3-promoted multicomponent reactions of the β-nitrostyrenes, available substituted salicylic aldehydes and ammonium acetate have been developed.
Limonoids with diverse frameworks from the stem bark of Entandrophragma angolense and their bioactivities
Authors: Zhang Wen-Yan , An Fa-Liang , Zhou Miao-Miao , Chen Meng-Han , Jian Kai-Li , Quasie Olga , Yang Ming-Hua , Luo Jun , Kong Ling-Yi
Published: October 2016

Entangolensins A–P (1–16), sixteen new limonoids with diverse frameworks, were obtained from the stem bark of Entandrophragma angolense.
Models for the binding channel of wild type and mutant transthyretin with glabridin
Authors: Zou Liyun , Zhu Jingxuan , Dong Yang , Han Weiwei , Guo Yingjie , Zhou Hui
Published: October 2016

Our results indicate that additional high-occupancy hydrogen bonds were observed at the binding interface between the two dimers in V30A TTR, while stabilisation hydrophobic interactions between residues in the mutant AB loop decreased.
Mechanism study on the photocatalytic efficiency enhancement of MoS2 modified Zn–AgIn5S8 quantum dots
Authors: Gong Guan , Liu Yanhong , Mao Baodong , Wang Bo , Tan Lili , Li Di , Liu Yu , Shi Weidong
Published: October 2016

Heterostructure photocatalysts based on MoS2 modified environment friendly Zn–AgIn5S8 quantum dots were developed exhibiting high photocatalytic activity, where enhanced charge transfer to MoS2 was observed not only from the quantum dots but also from the dyes.
Fabrication of h-BN nano-sheet composite and evaluation of microcosmic physical interfaces effect on thermal diffusion
Authors: Yang Liuqing , Feng Yang , Li Shengtao , Xu Chunmeng , Chen George
Published: October 2016

Microcosmic physical interfaces are experimentally proven to be playing the decisive role in thermal diffusion of polymeric composite.
Ligand-free and size-controlled synthesis of oxygen vacancy-rich WO3−x quantum dots for efficient room-temperature formaldehyde gas sensing
Authors: Li Yahui , Zhang Qiqi , Li Xinshi , Bai Hua , Li Wentao , Zeng Tingting , Xi Guangcheng
Published: October 2016

The present work provides an effective synthetic route for oxygen vacancy-rich WO3−x QDs. More importantly, the WO3−x QDs displayed high formaldehyde sensitivity with a detection limit of 1.5 ppm at room temperature.
Variations in the 5D0 → 7F0–4 transitions of Eu3+ and white light emissions in Ag–Eu exchanged zeolite-Y
Authors: Yi Xiong , Sun Jiayi , Jiang Xiao-Fang , Li Ye , Xu Qing-Hua , Zhang Qinyuan , Ye Shi
Published: October 2016

The variations of 5D0 → 7F0–4 transitions of Eu3+ in Ag–Eu exchanged zeolite-Y are detected and discussed upon excitation of different light sources.
Green microfluidic synthesis of monodisperse silver nanoparticles via genetic algorithm optimization
Authors: Fernandes Daniel L. A. , Paun Cristina , Pavliuk Mariia V. , Fernandes Arthur B. , Bastos Erick L. , Sá Jacinto
Published: October 2016

A scalable and green procedure for the microfluidic flow synthesis of monodisperse silver nanoparticles is reported.
Synthesis and opto-electrochemical properties of tribenzo[a,c,i]phenazine derivatives for hole transport materials
Authors: Shaikh Azam M. , Sharma Bharat K. , Chacko Sajeev , Kamble Rajesh M.
Published: October 2016

In this work, five novel 3,6-disubstituted-tribenzo[a,c,i]phenazine (2–6) derivatives were synthesized in good yield by employing a palladium catalyzed C–N bond forming amination reaction and fully characterized.
Nanostructure array assisted aggregation-based growth of a Co-MOF-74 membrane on a Ni-foam substrate for gas separation
Authors: Qin Xi , Sun Yuxiu , Wang Naixin , Wei Qi , Xie Linhua , Xie Yabo , Li Jian-Rong
Published: October 2016

A facile nanostructure assisted aggregation-based method was developed to fabricate a continuous Co-MOF-74 membrane on a Ni-foam substrate. The obtained Co-MOF-74 membrane presents good H2/CO2 selectivity.
Rational design of a novel mitochondrial-targeted near-infrared fluorescent pH probe for imaging in living cells and in vivo
Authors: Wang Peng , Huang Jinxin , Gu Yueqing
Published: October 2016

A novel mitochondrial-targeted fluorescent pH probe NIR-F1 could sensitively and selectively monitor pH changes in living cells and living mice.
Band structure engineering in highly degenerate tetrahedrites through isovalent doping
Authors: Lu Xu , Yao Wei , Wang Guiwen , Zhou Xiaoyuan , Morelli Donald , Zhang Yongsheng , Chi Hang , Hui Si , Uher Ctirad
Published: October 2016

It can be difficult to reduce the electrical resistivity of highly degenerate semiconductors due to their high carrier concentration, impeding the further increase in their thermoelectric power factor.
A new peptide-based fluorescent probe selective for zinc(ii) and copper(ii)
Authors: Donadio Giuliana , Di Martino Rita , Oliva Rosario , Petraccone Luigi , Del Vecchio Pompea , Di Luccia Blanda , Ricca Ezio , Isticato Rachele , Di Donato Alberto , Notomista Eugenio
Published: October 2016

The designed peptide dH3w (dansyl-HPHGHW-NH2) showed a selective fluorescence turn-on response to Zn2+ and a turn-off response to Cu2+.
Correction: Guanidinylated cationic nanoparticles as robust protein antigen delivery systems and adjuvants for promoting antigen-specific immune responses in vivo
Authors: Li Pan , Shi Gaona , Zhang Xiuyuan , Song Huijuan , Zhang Chuangnian , Wang Weiwei , Li Chen , Song Bing , Wang Chun , Kong Deling
Published: October 2016

Correction for ‘Guanidinylated cationic nanoparticles as robust protein antigen delivery systems and adjuvants for promoting antigen-specific immune responses in vivo’ by Pan Li et al., J. Mater. Chem. B, 2016, 4, 5608–5620.
Effects of metal film thickness and gain on the coupling of organic semiconductor exciton emission to surface plasmon polaritons
Authors: Dalsania Ankur K. , Kohl Jesse , Kumah Cindy E. , Shen Zeqing , Petoukhoff Christopher E. , Carter Catrice M. , O'Carroll Deirdre M.
Published: October 2016

This work presents an experimental investigation of enhancing surface plasmon polariton coupling to semiconductor emission by tailoring metal film thickness.
Structure and luminescence of a novel orange-yellow-emitting Ca1.62Eu0.38Si5O3N6phosphor for warm white LEDs, discovered by a single-particle-diagnosis approach
Authors: Wang Xiao-Jun , Funahashi Shiro , Takeda Takashi , Suehiro Takayuki , Hirosaki Naoto , Xie Rong-Jun
Published: October 2016

A novel orange-yellow-emitting Ca1.62Eu0.38Si5O3N6phosphor was discovered by a single-particle-diagnosis approach for UV, or blue LED driven white-LEDs.
Synthesis of amphiphilic carbon quantum dots with phosphorescence properties and their multifunctional applications
Authors: Tan Jing , Zhang Jie , Li Wang , Zhang Liqun , Yue Dongmei
Published: October 2016

Amphiphilic quantum dots with phosphorescence properties have been synthesized and applied for ion detection and two-photon cell imaging.
Handy ratiometric detection of gaseous nerve agents with AIE-fluorophore-based solid test strips
Authors: Huang Shuailing , Wu Yinglong , Zeng Fang , Sun Lihe , Wu Shuizhu
Published: October 2016

The first AIE-probe based paper-strip sensor for rapid and point-of-use fluorescence detection of a gaseous nerve agent mimic has been developed.