bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Nonconventional Approach to Patterned Nanoarrays of DNA Strands for Template‐Assisted Assembly of Polyfluorene Nanowires
Authors: Bae Dong Geun , Jeong Ji‐Eun , Kang Seok Hee , Byun Myunghwan , Han Dong‐Wook , Lin Zhiqun , Woo Han Young , Hong Suck Won
Published: June 2016

DNA molecules have been widely recognized as promising building blocks for constructing functional nanostructures with two main features, that is, self‐assembly and rich chemical functionality. The intrinsic feature size of DNA makes it attractive for creating versatile nanostructures. Moreover, the ease of access to tune the surface of DNA by chemical functionalization offers numerous opportunities for many applications. Herein, a simple yet robust strategy is developed to yield the self‐assembly of DNA by exploiting controlled evaporative assembly of DNA solution in a unique confined geometry. Intriguingly, depending on the concentration of DNA solution, highly aligned nanostructured fibrillar‐like arrays and well‐positioned concentric ring‐like superstructures composed of DNAs are formed. Subsequently, the ring‐like negatively charged DNA superstructures are employed as template to produce conductive organic nanowires on a silicon substrate by complexing with a positively charged conjugated polyelectrolyte poly[9,9‐bis(6′‐N,N,N‐trimethylammoniumhexyl)fluorene dibromide] (PF2) through the strong electrostatic interaction. Finally, a monolithic integration of aligned arrays of DNA‐templated PF2 nanowires to yield two DNA/PF2‐based devices is demonstrated. It is envisioned that this strategy can be readily extended to pattern other biomolecules and may render a broad range of potential applications from the nucleotide sequence and hybridization as recognition events to transducing elements in chemical sensors.
Optimized design procedure for coupling panels in steel plate shear walls
Authors: Sadeghi Eshkevari Soheil , Dolatshahi Kiarash M. , Mofid Massood
Published: June 2016

Coupling beams have had a widespread application as performance enhancing devices within concrete structures and more recently also in steel structures. However, the conventional coupling beams are not so efficient in coupling distant walls. In this paper, a novel form of coupling members, namely, coupling panels is proposed and, then, the application for a nine‐story building is investigated. Coupling panels are steel plates which are exerted in the intermediate spans between adjacent shear walls and act as a mega‐coupling beam. First, a verified finite element model is constructed to demonstrate coupling panel behavior along with its global structural mechanism. Subsequently, a nine story building is designed and retrofitted as a new and existing building, using coupling panels. Moreover, an innovative optimization algorithm is proposed in order to achieve the best plate configuration to improve the structural performance using Nonlinear Static Analysis, Modal Pushover Analysis and Time History Analysis and the corresponding results are compared. In summary, it is shown that coupling panels can considerably control structural deformation demands toward a uniform pattern and reduce demands of main shear walls. The optimized design method also leads to a more economical design in comparison with force‐based design approaches. In addition, the proposed coupling panels are shown to be significantly effective, regarding to energy dissipation during earthquakes, and can enhance the structural resiliency. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Relationship between the Activities of Daily Living Questionnaire and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment
Authors: Durant January , Leger Gabriel C. , Banks Sarah J. , Miller Justin B.
Published: June 2016

Introduction

The Activities of Daily Living Questionnaire (ADL‐Q) is an informant report questionnaire assessing functional impairment in daily living skills. Previous research has demonstrated correlations between ADL‐Q and cognitive screening measures among patients with dementia. This study examined the relationship between ADL‐Q and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), a brief cognitive screening.

Methods

Records of 448 individuals from an outpatient neurology clinic were reviewed. Pearson correlations were calculated between ADL‐Q scores and MoCA scores. Linear regression models were fit using demographic information to predict ADL‐Q scores. MoCA scores were then added to the models to determine the increase in predictive value of the MoCA.

Results

Lower MoCA scores were associated with higher levels of functional impairment. For each model, adding the MoCA significantly improved model fit.

Discussion

Low scores on the MoCA, among patient's presenting for memory complaints, should raise concerns about functional decline and prompt for further assessment of functional ability.
Apathy associated with neurocognitive disorders: Recent progress and future directions
Authors: Lanctôt Krista L. , Agüera‐Ortiz Luis , Brodaty Henry , Francis Paul T. , Geda Yonas E. , Ismail Zahinoor , Marshall Gad A. , Mortby Moyra E. , Onyike Chiadi U. , Padala Prasad R. , Politis Antonios M. , Rosenberg Paul B. , Siegel Emma , Sultzer David L. , Abraham Eleenor H.
Published: June 2016

Introduction

Apathy is common in neurocognitive disorders (NCDs) such as Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment. Although the definition of apathy is inconsistent in the literature, apathy is primarily defined as a loss of motivation and decreased interest in daily activities.

Methods

The Alzheimer's Association International Society to Advance Alzheimer's Research and Treatment (ISTAART) Neuropsychiatric Syndromes Professional Interest Area (NPS‐PIA) Apathy workgroup reviewed the latest research regarding apathy in NCDs.

Results

Progress has recently been made in three areas relevant to apathy: (1) phenomenology, including the use of diagnostic criteria and novel instruments for measurement, (2) neurobiology, including neuroimaging, neuropathological and biomarker correlates, and (3) interventions, including pharmacologic, nonpharmacologic, and noninvasive neuromodulatory approaches.

Discussion

Recent progress confirms that apathy has a significant impact on those with major NCD and those with mild NCDs. As such, it is an important target for research and intervention.
Stone stelae and religious space at Kültepe-Kaneš
Authors: Heffron Yağmur
Published: June 2016

Prior to the emergence of the fully officialised temples of the Hittite state, formal religious space in Anatolia is recognisable in a handful of small shrines or sanctuaries. Presumably at the service of local communities, but neither monumental nor formulaic, such shrines attest to a modest if eclectic range of religious activities in the early second millennium. Also to be included in this range are rituals which took place within the domestic sphere, pointing to private family-based concerns, rather than a communal agenda, guiding ritual activity. Such spaces are conspicuous in the Lower Town settlement of the well-known site of Kültepe-Kaneš, where a small number of private houses were furnished with a cultic installation in the form of a stone stele. Associated with a range of other symbolically charged elements (such as ritual vessels, foundation or votive deposits), these stelae are a stark testimony to the practice of delineating permanent, formalised ritual space within quotidian domestic space. This article offers a detailed examination of stone stelae at Kültepe-Kaneš in order to identify meaningful frameworks of contextual analysis, cross-cultural comparanda and correlation of the archaeological data with visual and textual accounts of cult activity in a society in which local Anatolian and northern Mesopotamian elements intermixed over several generations from the beginning of the 20th to that of the 17th century BC.
Well-posedness of a Cahn–Hilliard system modelling tumour growth with chemotaxis and active transport
Authors: GARCKE HARALD , LAM KEI FONG
Published: June 2016

We consider a diffuse interface model for tumour growth consisting of a Cahn–Hilliard equation with source terms coupled to a reaction–diffusion equation. The coupled system of partial differential equations models a tumour growing in the presence of a nutrient species and surrounded by healthy tissue. The model also takes into account transport mechanisms such as chemotaxis and active transport. We establish well-posedness results for the tumour model and a variant with a quasi-static nutrient. It will turn out that the presence of the source terms in the Cahn–Hilliard equation leads to new difficulties when one aims to derivea prioriestimates. However, we are able to prove continuous dependence on initial and boundary data for the chemical potential and for the order parameter in strong norms.
A Case for the One-offs: Improvisation and Innovation Within a Copper Age Potting Community
Authors: Kohring Sheila
Published: June 2016

Unique objects are often poorly integrated into discussions about the social organization of production or technological processes. Often they are frustratingly interpreted as ritual or prestige objects, or they are simply consigned to footnotes in archaeological reports. This does not do them justice and their contextualization may provide greater insight into the social factors involved in production activities. This paper attempts to demonstrate what unique, or one-off, objects can tell us about technological systems and how improvisational technical choices can lead to innovation within society. It focuses on a particular example of pottery production and usage at the Copper Age site of San Blas (Spain) and how two particular vessels on the surface appear to be unique one-off products. This paper shows that one-off objects may in fact be opening the door to innovation through acts of improvisation within existing socially sanctioned production aesthetics and object ideals.
Quantifying over events in probability logic: an introduction
Authors: SPERANSKI STANISLAV O.
Published: June 2016

In this article we describe a bunch ofprobability logics with quantifiers over events, and develop primary techniques for proving computational complexity results (in terms ofm-degrees) about these logics, mainly over discrete probability spaces. Also the article contains a comparison with some other probability logics and a discussion of interesting analogies with research in the metamathematics of Boolean algebras, demonstrating a number of attractive features and intuitive advantages of the present proposal.
The genetic regulatory signature of type 2 diabetes in human skeletal muscle
Authors: Scott Laura J. , Erdos Michael R. , Huyghe Jeroen R. , Welch Ryan P. , Beck Andrew T. , Wolford Brooke N. , Chines Peter S. , Didion John P. , Narisu Narisu , Stringham Heather M. , Taylor D. Leland , Jackson Anne U. , Vadlamudi Swarooparani , Bonnycastle Lori L. , Kinnunen Leena , Saramies Jouko , Sundvall Jouko , Albanus Ricardo D'Oliveira , Kiseleva Anna , Hensley John , Crawford Gregory E. , Jiang Hui , Wen Xiaoquan , Watanabe Richard M. , Lakka Timo A. , Mohlke Karen L. , Laakso Markku , Tuomilehto Jaakko , Koistinen Heikki A. , Boehnke Michael , Collins Francis S. , Parker Stephen C. J.
Published: June 2016

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) results from the combined effects of genetic and environmental factors on multiple tissues over time. Of the >100 variants associated with T2D and related traits in genome-wide association studies (GWAS), >90% occur in non-coding regions, suggesting a strong regulatory component to T2D risk. Here to understand how T2D status, metabolic traits and genetic variation influence gene expression, we analyse skeletal muscle biopsies from 271 well-phenotyped Finnish participants with glucose tolerance ranging from normal to newly diagnosed T2D. We perform high-depth strand-specific mRNA-sequencing and dense genotyping. Computational integration of these data with epigenome data, including ATAC-seq on skeletal muscle, and transcriptome data across diverse tissues reveals that the tissue-specific genetic regulatory architecture of skeletal muscle is highly enriched in muscle stretch/super enhancers, including some that overlap T2D GWAS variants. In one such example, T2D risk alleles residing in a muscle stretch/super enhancer are linked to increased expression and alternative splicing of muscle-specific isoforms of ANK1.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: SARI inhibits angiogenesis and tumour growth of human colon cancer through directly targeting ceruloplasmin
Authors: Dai Lei , Cui Xueliang , Zhang Xin , Cheng Lin , Liu Yi , Yang Yang , Fan Ping , Wang Qingnan , Lin Yi , Zhang Junfeng , Li Chunlei , Mao Ying , Wang Qin , Su Xiaolan , Zhang Shuang , Peng Yong , Yang Hanshuo , Hu Xun , Yang Jinliang , Huang Meijuan , Xiang Rong , Yu Dechao , Zhou Zongguang , Wei Yuquan , Deng Hongxin
Published: June 2016

SARI, also called as BATF2, belongs to the BATF family and has been implicated in cancer cell growth inhibition. However, the role and mechanism of SARI in tumour angiogenesis are elusive. Here we demonstrate that SARI deficiency facilitates AOM/DSS-induced colonic tumorigenesis in mice. We show that SARI is a novel inhibitor of colon tumour growth and angiogenesis in mice. Antibody array and HUVEC-related assays indicate that VEGF has an essential role in SARI-controlled inhibition of angiogenesis. Furthermore, Co-IP/PAGE/mass spectrometry indicates that SARI directly targets ceruloplasmin (Cp), and induces protease degradation of Cp, thereby inhibiting the activity of the HIF-1α/VEGF axis. Tissue microarray results indicate that SARI expression inversely correlates with poor clinical outcomes in colon cancer patients. Collectively, our results indicate that SARI is a potential target for therapy by inhibiting angiogenesis through the reduction of VEGF expression and is a prognostic indicator for patients with colon cancer.
Marine reserves lag behind wilderness in the conservation of key functional roles
Authors: D’agata Stéphanie , Mouillot David , Wantiez Laurent , Friedlander Alan M. , Kulbicki Michel , Vigliola Laurent
Published: June 2016

Although marine reserves represent one of the most effective management responses to human impacts, their capacity to sustain the same diversity of species, functional roles and biomass of reef fishes as wilderness areas remains questionable, in particular in regions with deep and long-lasting human footprints. Here we show that fish functional diversity and biomass of top predators are significantly higher on coral reefs located at more than 20 h travel time from the main market compared with even the oldest (38 years old), largest (17,500 ha) and most restrictive (no entry) marine reserve in New Caledonia (South-Western Pacific). We further demonstrate that wilderness areas support unique ecological values with no equivalency as one gets closer to humans, even in large and well-managed marine reserves. Wilderness areas may therefore serve as benchmarks for management effectiveness and act as the last refuges for the most vulnerable functional roles.
Superconcentrated electrolytes for a high-voltage lithium-ion battery
Authors: Wang Jianhui , Yamada Yuki , Sodeyama Keitaro , Chiang Ching Hua , Tateyama Yoshitaka , Yamada Atsuo
Published: June 2016

Finding a viable electrolyte for next-generation 5 V-class lithium-ion batteries is of primary importance. A long-standing obstacle has been metal-ion dissolution at high voltages. The LiPF6 salt in conventional electrolytes is chemically unstable, which accelerates transition metal dissolution of the electrode material, yet beneficially suppresses oxidative dissolution of the aluminium current collector; replacing LiPF6 with more stable lithium salts may diminish transition metal dissolution but unfortunately encounters severe aluminium oxidation. Here we report an electrolyte design that can solve this dilemma. By mixing a stable lithium salt LiN(SO2F)2 with dimethyl carbonate solvent at extremely high concentrations, we obtain an unusual liquid showing a three-dimensional network of anions and solvent molecules that coordinate strongly to Li+ ions. This simple formulation of superconcentrated LiN(SO2F)2/dimethyl carbonate electrolyte inhibits the dissolution of both aluminium and transition metal at around 5 V, and realizes a high-voltage LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4/graphite battery that exhibits excellent cycling durability, high rate capability and enhanced safety.
Subsurface Super-resolution Imaging of Unstained Polymer Nanostructures
Authors: Urban Ben E. , Dong Biqin , Nguyen The-Quyen , Backman Vadim , Sun Cheng , Zhang Hao F.
Published: June 2016

Optical imaging has offered unique advantages in material researches, such as spectroscopy and lifetime measurements of deeply embedded materials, which cannot be matched using electron or scanning-probe microscopy. Unfortunately, conventional optical imaging cannot provide the spatial resolutions necessary for many nanoscopic studies. Despite recent rapid progress, super-resolution optical imaging has yet to be widely applied to non-biological materials. Herein we describe a method for nanoscopic optical imaging of buried polymer nanostructures without the need for extrinsic staining. We observed intrinsic stochastic fluorescence emission or blinking from unstained polymers and performed spatial-temporal spectral analysis to investigate its origin. We further applied photon localization super-resolution imaging reconstruction to the detected stochastic blinking and achieved a spatial resolution of at least 100 nm, which corresponds to a six-fold increase over the optical diffraction limit. This work demonstrates the potential for studying the static heterogeneities of intrinsic polymer molecular-specific properties at sub-diffraction-limited optical resolutions.
The infectious BAC genomic DNA expression library: a high capacity vector system for functional genomics
Authors: Lufino Michele M. P. , Edser Pauline A. H. , Quail Michael A. , Rice Stephen , Adams David J. , Wade-Martins Richard
Published: June 2016

Gene dosage plays a critical role in a range of cellular phenotypes, yet most cellular expression systems use heterologous cDNA-based vectors which express proteins well above physiological levels. In contrast, genomic DNA expression vectors generate physiologically-relevant levels of gene expression by carrying the whole genomic DNA locus of a gene including its regulatory elements. Here we describe the first genomic DNA expression library generated using the high-capacity herpes simplex virus-1 amplicon technology to deliver bacterial artificial chromosomes (BACs) into cells by viral transduction. The infectious BAC (iBAC) library contains 184,320 clones with an average insert size of 134.5 kb. We show in a Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) disease model cell line and mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells that this library can be used for genetic rescue studies in a range of contexts including the physiological restoration of Ldlr deficiency and viral receptor expression. The iBAC library represents an important new genetic analysis tool openly available to the research community.
NMR Characterization of Information Flow and Allosteric Communities in the MAP Kinase p38γ
Authors: Aoto Phillip C. , Martin Bryan T. , Wright Peter E.
Published: June 2016

The intramolecular network structure of a protein provides valuable insights into allosteric sites and communication pathways. However, a straightforward method to comprehensively map and characterize these pathways is not currently available. Here we present an approach to characterize intramolecular network structure using NMR chemical shift perturbations. We apply the method to the mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) p38γ. p38γ contains allosteric sites that are conserved among eukaryotic kinases as well as unique to the MAPK family. How these regulatory sites communicate with catalytic residues is not well understood. Using our method, we observe and characterize for the first time information flux between regulatory sites through a conserved kinase infrastructure. This network is accessed, reinforced and broken in various states of p38γ, reflecting the functional state of the protein. We demonstrate that the approach detects critical junctions in the network corresponding to biologically significant allosteric sites and pathways.
Predator foraging altitudes reveal the structure of aerial insect communities
Authors: Helms Jackson A. , Godfrey Aaron P. , Ames Tayna , Bridge Eli S.
Published: June 2016

The atmosphere is populated by a diverse array of dispersing insects and their predators. We studied aerial insect communities by tracking the foraging altitudes of an avian insectivore, the Purple Martin (Progne subis). By attaching altitude loggers to nesting Purple Martins and collecting prey delivered to their nestlings, we determined the flight altitudes of ants and other insects. We then tested hypotheses relating ant body size and reproductive ecology to flight altitude. Purple Martins flew up to 1,889 meters above ground and nestling provisioning trips ranged up to 922 meters. Insect communities were structured by body size such that species of all sizes flew near the ground but only light insects flew to the highest altitudes. Ant maximum flight altitudes decreased by 60% from the lightest to the heaviest species. Winged sexuals of social insects (ants, honey bees and termites) dominated the Purple Martin diet, making up 88% of prey individuals and 45% of prey biomass. By transferring energy from terrestrial to aerial food webs, mating swarms of social insects play a substantial role in aerial ecosystems. Although we focus on Purple Martins and ants, our combined logger and diet method could be applied to a range of aerial organisms.
The effect of silencing 20E biosynthesis relative genes by feeding bacterially expressed dsRNA on the larval development of Chilo suppressalis
Authors: Zhu Jian , Dong Yong-Cheng , Li Ping , Niu Chang-Ying
Published: June 2016

RNA interference (RNAi) is a robust tool to study gene functions as well as potential for insect pest control. Finding suitable target genes is the key step in the development of an efficient RNAi-mediated pest control technique. Based on the transcriptome of Chilo suppressalis, 24 unigenes which putatively associated with insect hormone biosynthesis were identified. Amongst these, four genes involved in ecdysteroidogenesis i.e., ptth, torso, spook and nm-g were evaluated as candidate targets for function study. The partial cDNA of these four genes were cloned and their bacterially expressed dsRNA were fed to the insects. Results revealed a significant reduction in mRNA abundance of target genes after 3 days. Furthermore, knocked down of these four genes resulted in abnormal phenotypes and high larval mortality. After 15 days, the survival rates of insects in dsspook, dsptth, dstorso and dsnm-g groups were significantly reduced by 32%, 38%, 56% and 67% respectively, compared with control. Moreover, about 80% of surviving larvae showed retarded development in dsRNA-treated groups. These results suggest that oral ingestion of bacterially expressed dsRNA in C. suppressalis could silence ptth, torso, spook and nm-g. Oral delivery of bacterially expressed dsRNA provides a simple and potential management scheme against C. suppressalis.
CXCL16 Deficiency Attenuates Renal Injury and Fibrosis in Salt-Sensitive Hypertension
Authors: Liang Hua , Ma Zhiheng , Peng Hui , He Liqun , Hu Zhaoyong , Wang Yanlin
Published: June 2016

Inflammation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of hypertensive kidney disease. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the induction of inflammation are not completely understood. We have found that CXCL16 is induced in the kidney in deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt hypertension. Here we examined whether CXCL16 is involved in DOCA-salt-induced renal inflammation and fibrosis. Wild-type and CXCL16 knockout mice were subjected to uninephrectomy and DOCA-salt treatment for 3 weeks. There was no difference in blood pressure at baseline between wild-type and CXCL16 knockout mice. DOCA-salt treatment resulted in significant elevation in blood pressure that was comparable between wild-type and CXCL16 knockout mice. CXCL16 knockout mice exhibited less severe renal dysfunction, proteinuria and fibrosis after DOCA-salt treatment compared with wild-type mice. CXCL16 deficiency attenuated extracellular matrix protein production and suppressed bone marrow–derived fibroblast accumulation and myofibroblast formation in the kidneys following DOCA-salt treatment. Furthermore, CXCL16 deficiency reduced macrophage and T cell infiltration into the kidneys in response to DOCA-salt hypertension. Taken together, our results indicate that CXCL16 plays a key role in the pathogenesis of renal injury and fibrosis in salt-sensitive hypertension through regulation of bone marrow–derived fibroblast accumulation and macrophage and T cell infiltration.
Common molecular mechanism of amyloid pore formation by Alzheimer’s β-amyloid peptide and α-synuclein
Authors: Di Scala Coralie , Yahi Nouara , Boutemeur Sonia , Flores Alessandra , Rodriguez Léa , Chahinian Henri , Fantini Jacques
Published: June 2016

Calcium-permeable pores formed by small oligomers of amyloid proteins are the primary pathologic species in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the assembly of these toxic oligomers in the plasma membrane of brain cells remain unclear. Here we have analyzed and compared the pore-forming capability of a large panel of amyloid proteins including wild-type, variant and truncated forms, as well as synthetic peptides derived from specific domains of Aβ1-42 and α-synuclein. We show that amyloid pore formation involves two membrane lipids, ganglioside and cholesterol, that physically interact with amyloid proteins through specific structural motifs. Mutation or deletion of these motifs abolished pore formation. Moreover, α-synuclein (Parkinson) and Aβ peptide (Alzheimer) did no longer form Ca2+-permeable pores in presence of drugs that target either cholesterol or ganglioside or both membrane lipids. These results indicate that gangliosides and cholesterol cooperate to favor the formation of amyloid pores through a common molecular mechanism that can be jammed at two different steps, suggesting the possibility of a universal therapeutic approach for neurodegenerative diseases. Finally we present the first successful evaluation of such a new therapeutic approach (coined “membrane therapy”) targeting amyloid pores formed by Aβ1-42 and α-synuclein.
Metal-Free C–H Alkyliminylation and Acylation of Alkenes with Secondary Amides
Authors: Huang Pei-Qiang , Huang Ying-Hong , Geng Hui , Ye Jian-Liang
Published: June 2016

Carbon–carbon bond formation by metal-free cross-coupling of two reactants with low reactivity represents a challenge in organic synthesis. Secondary amides and alkenes are two classes of bench-stable compounds. The low electrophilicity of the former and low nucleophilicity of the latter make the direct coupling of these two partners challenging yet highly desirable. We report herein an unprecedented intermolecular reaction of secondary amides with alkenes to affordα,β-unsaturated ketimines or enones, which are versatile intermediates for organic synthesis and are prevalent in bioactive compounds and functional materials. Our strategy relies on the chemoselective activation of the secondary amide with trifluoromethanesulfonic anhydride (Tf2O)/2-fluoropyridine to generate a highly reactive nitrilium intermediate, which reacts efficiently with alkenes. This metal-free synthesis is characterized by its mild reaction conditions, excellent functional group tolerance and chemoselectivity, allowing the preparation of multi-functionalized compounds without using protecting groups.
Nitrogen and phosphorus uptake rates of different species from a coral reef community after a nutrient pulse
Authors: den Haan Joost , Huisman Jef , Brocke Hannah J. , Goehlich Henry , Latijnhouwers Kelly R. W. , van Heeringen Seth , Honcoop Saskia A. S. , Bleyenberg Tanja E. , Schouten Stefan , Cerli Chiara , Hoitinga Leo , Vermeij Mark J. A. , Visser Petra M.
Published: June 2016

Terrestrial runoff after heavy rainfall can increase nutrient concentrations in waters overlying coral reefs that otherwise experience low nutrient levels. Field measurements during a runoff event showed a sharp increase in nitrate (75-fold), phosphate (31-fold) and ammonium concentrations (3-fold) in waters overlying a fringing reef at the island of Curaçao (Southern Caribbean). To understand how benthic reef organisms make use of such nutrient pulses, we determined ammonium, nitrate and phosphate uptake rates for one abundant coral species, turf algae, six macroalgal and two benthic cyanobacterial species in a series of laboratory experiments. Nutrient uptake rates differed among benthic functional groups. The filamentous macroalga Cladophora spp., turf algae and the benthic cyanobacterium Lyngbya majuscula had the highest uptake rates per unit biomass, whereas the coral Madracis mirabilis had the lowest. Combining nutrient uptake rates with the standing biomass of each functional group on the reef, we estimated that the ammonium and phosphate delivered during runoff events is mostly taken up by turf algae and the two macroalgae Lobophora variegata and Dictyota pulchella. Our results support the often proposed, but rarely tested, assumption that turf algae and opportunistic macroalgae primarily benefit from episodic inputs of nutrients to coral reefs.
Low Cost Inkjet Printed Smart Bandage for Wireless Monitoring of Chronic Wounds
Authors: Farooqui Muhammad Fahad , Shamim Atif
Published: June 2016

Chronic wounds affect millions of patients around the world and their treatment is challenging as the early signs indicating their development are subtle. In addition, a type of chronic wound, known as pressure ulcer, develops in patients with limited mobility. Infection and frequent bleeding are indicators of chronic wound development. In this article, we present an unprecedented low cost continuous wireless monitoring system, realized through inkjet printing on a standard bandage, which can send early warnings for the parameters like irregular bleeding, variations in pH levels and external pressure at wound site. In addition to the early warnings, this smart bandage concept can provide long term wound progression data to the health care providers. The smart bandage comprises a disposable part which has the inkjet printed sensors and a reusable part constituting the wireless electronics. This work is an important step towards futuristic wearable sensors for remote health care applications.
DNA signals at isoform promoters
Authors: Dai Zhiming , Xiong Yuanyan , Dai Xianhua
Published: June 2016

Transcriptional heterogeneity is extensive in the genome and most genes express variable transcript isoforms. However, whether variable transcript isoforms of one gene are regulated by common promoter elements remain to be elucidated. Here, we investigated whether isoform promoters of one gene have separated DNA signals for transcription and translation initiation. We found that TATA box and nucleosome-disfavored DNA sequences are prevalent in distinct transcript isoform promoters of one gene. These DNA signals are conserved among species. Transcript isoform has a RNA-determined unstructured region around its start site. We found that these DNA/RNA features facilitate isoform transcription and translation. These results suggest a DNA-encoded mechanism by which transcript isoform is generated.
Lactobacillus crispatus inhibits the infectivity of Chlamydia trachomatis elementary bodies, in vitro study
Authors: Nardini Paola , Ñahui Palomino Rogers Alberto , Parolin Carola , Laghi Luca , Foschi Claudio , Cevenini Roberto , Vitali Beatrice , Marangoni Antonella
Published: June 2016

Lactobacillus species dominate the vaginal microbiota of healthy reproductive-age women and protect the genitourinary tract from the attack of several infectious agents. Chlamydia trachomatis, a leading cause of sexually transmitted disease worldwide, can induce severe sequelae, i.e. pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility and ectopic pregnancy. In the present study we investigated the interference of Lactobacillus crispatus, L. gasseri and L. vaginalis, known to be dominant species in the vaginal microbiome, with the infection process of C. trachomatis. Lactobacilli exerted a strong inhibitory effect on Chlamydia infectivity mainly through the action of secreted metabolites in a concentration/pH dependent mode. Short contact times were the most effective in the inhibition, suggesting a protective role of lactobacilli in the early steps of Chlamydia infection. The best anti-Chlamydia profile was shown by L. crispatus species. In order to delineate metabolic profiles related to anti-Chlamydia activity, Lactobacillus supernatants were analysed by 1H-NMR. Production of lactate and acidification of the vaginal environment seemed to be crucial for the activity, in addition to the consumption of the carbonate source represented by glucose. The main conclusion of this study is that high concentrations of L. crispatus inhibit infectivity of C. trachomatis in vitro.
Soot Combustion over Nanostructured Ceria with Different Morphologies
Authors: Zhang Wen , Niu Xiaoyu , Chen Liqiang , Yuan Fulong , Zhu Yujun
Published: June 2016

In this study, nano-structure ceria with three different morphologies (nanorod, nanoparticle and flake) have been prepared by hydrothermal and solvothermal methods. The ceria samples were deeply characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, H2-TPR, XPS and in-situ DRIFTS, and tested for soot combustion in absence/presence NO atmospheres under loose and tight contact conditions. The prepared ceria samples exhibit excellent catalytic activities, especially, the CeO2 with nanorod (Ce-R) shows the best catalytic activity, for which the peak temperature of soot combustion (Tm) is about 500 and 368 °C in loose and tight contact conditions, respectively. The catalytic activity for Ce-R is higher than that of the reported CeO2 catalysts and reaches a level that of precious metals. The characterization results reveal that the maximal amounts of adsorbed oxygen species on the surface of the nanostructure Ce-R catalyst should be the crucial role to decide the catalytic soot performance. High BET surface area may also be a positive effect on soot oxidation activity under loose contact conditions.
Super-oscillatory focusing of circularly polarized light by ultra-long focal length planar lens based on binary amplitude-phase modulation
Authors: Chen Gang , Li Yuyan , Yu Anping , Wen Zhongquan , Dai Luru , Chen Li , Zhang Zhihai , Jiang Senlin , Zhang Kun , Wang Xianyou , Lin Feng
Published: June 2016

In traditional optics, the focal spot size of a conventional lens is restricted to the diffraction limit 0.5λ/NA, where λ is the wavelength in vacuum and NA is the numerical aperture of the lens. Recently, various sub-diffraction focusing optical devices have been demonstrated, but they usually have short focal length and high numerical aperture. Moreover, they always suffer the problem of huge sidelobes near the focal spot and small field of view, especially when the focal spot size is less than the super-oscillation criteria 0.38λ/NA. To address the problem, here, we reported a far-field sub-diffraction point-focusing lens based on binary phase and amplitude modulation with ultra-long focal length 252.8 μm (399.5λ) and small numerical aperture 0.78 and experimentally demonstrated a super-oscillatory focusing of circularly polarized light with spot size 287 nm (0.454λ), smaller than the diffraction limit 0.64λ and the super-oscillation criterion 0.487λ. What’s more, on the focal plane, in the measured area within the radius of 142λ, the largest sidelobe intensity is less than 26% of the central lobe intensity. Such ultra-long distance super-oscillatory focusing with small sidelobes and large field of view has great potential applications in far-field super-resolution microscopy, ultra-high-density optical storage and nano-fabrication.
Multifunction Sr, Co and F co-doped microporous coating on titanium of antibacterial, angiogenic and osteogenic activities
Authors: Zhou Jianhong , Zhao Lingzhou
Published: June 2016

Advanced multifunction titanium (Ti) based bone implant with antibacterial, angiogenic and osteogenic activities is stringently needed in clinic, which may be accomplished via incorporation of proper inorganic bioactive elements. In this work, microporous TiO2/calcium-phosphate coating on Ti doped with strontium, cobalt and fluorine (SCF-TiCP) was developed, which had a hierarchical micro/nano-structure with a microporous structure evenly covered with nano-grains. SCF-TiCP greatly inhibited the colonization and growth of both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. No cytotoxicity appeared for SCF-TiCP. Furthermore, SCF-TiCP stimulated the expression of key angiogenic factors in rat bone marrow stem cells (MSCs) and dramatically enhanced MSC osteogenic differentiation. The in vivo animal test displayed that SCF-TiCP induced more new bone and tighter implant/bone bonding. In conclusion, multifunction SCF-TiCP of antibacterial, angiogenic and osteogenic activities is a promising orthopedic and dental Ti implant coating for improved clinical performance.
A hand-portable digital linear ion trap mass spectrometer
Authors: Xue Bing , Sun Lulu , Huang Zhengxu , Gao Wei , Fan Rongrong , Cheng Ping , Ding Li , Ma Li , Zhou Zhen
Published: June 2016

A hand-portable digital linear ion trap mass spectrometer (DLIT-MS) has been developed for VOC analysis.
Development of a sample preparation method for acrylamide determination in cocoa via silylation
Authors: Surma Magdalena , Sadowska-Rociek Anna , Cieślik Ewa
Published: June 2016

This paper reports the development of a rapid and simple sample preparation method for acrylamide (AA) determination in cocoa powder through conversion to N,O-bis(trimethylsilyl)acrylamide.
Direct chemical inspection of eye shadow and lipstick solid samples using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and chemometrics: proposition of classification models
Authors: Augusto Amanda dos Santos , Batista Érica Ferreira , Pereira-Filho Edenir Rodrigues
Published: June 2016

This study proposes classification models focusing on the identification of contaminated (high concentration of Cd, Co, Cr and Ni) and non-contaminated eye shadow and lipstick samples.
An internal electron reservoir enhances catalytic CO2 reduction by a semisynthetic enzyme
Authors: Schneider Camille R. , Shafaat Hannah S.
Published: June 2016

An artificial metalloenzyme construct has been developed that performs light-driven and electrocatalytic CO2 reduction.
Synthesis of thiolate-protected Au nanoparticles revisited: U-shape trend between the size of nanoparticles and thiol-to-Au ratio
Authors: Chen Tiankai , Luo Zhentao , Yao Qiaofeng , Yeo Andrea Xin Hui , Xie Jianping
Published: June 2016

The formation and state of a protecting layer (Au(i)–thiolate complexes/motifs) determine the size of thiolated Au nanoparticles and nanoclusters, depending on the feeding thiol-to-Au ratio.
Host–guest chemistry that directly targets lysine methylation: synthetic host molecules as alternatives to bio-reagents
Authors: Hof Fraser
Published: June 2016

Post-translational methylation regulates the function of hundreds of proteins in profound ways, and is the target of many efforts to use host–guest chemistry to solve biochemical and biological problems.
Chain length, temperature and solvent effects on the structural properties of α-aminoisobutyric acid homooligopeptides
Authors: Grubišić Sonja , Chandramouli Balasubramanian , Barone Vincenzo , Brancato Giuseppe
Published: June 2016

Main factors modulating the conformational equilibrium in Aib homopeptides.
Interaction between ionic liquid cation and water: infrared predissociation study of [bmim]+·(H2O)n clusters
Authors: Voss Jonathan M. , Marsh Brett M. , Zhou Jia , Garand Etienne
Published: June 2016

The infrared predissociation spectra of [bmim]+·(H2O)n, n = 1–8, in the 2800–3800 cm−1 region are presented and analyzed with the help of electronic structure calculations.
Study of switching in spin transition compounds within the mechanoelastic model with realistic parameters
Authors: Enachescu Cristian , Hauser Andreas
Published: June 2016

Thermal hysteresis loop calculated using the Monte Carlo Metropolis method and snapshots of the system just before percolation, showing clusters of the same spin state molecules near corners. Variation of the compression of the connecting spring while a molecule i flips from the LS to the HS state.
Unusual distance dependences of electron transfer rates
Authors: Kuss-Petermann Martin , Wenger Oliver S.
Published: June 2016

There are regimes in which electron transfer rates increase with increasing donor–acceptor distance, leading to rate maxima at large donor–acceptor separations.
Facile modulation of optical properties of octagold clusters through the control of ligand-mediated interactions
Authors: Iwasaki Mitsuhiro , Kobayashi Naoki , Shichibu Yukatsu , Konishi Katsuaki
Published: June 2016

Organic ligand environments substantially affect the optical properties of gold clusters through electronic and steric interactions, offering versatile tools to tune cluster properties.
Polarization-driven catalysis via ferroelectric oxide surfaces
Authors: Kakekhani Arvin , Ismail-Beigi Sohrab
Published: June 2016

Ferroelectric polarization can tune the surface chemistry: enhancing technologically important catalytic reactions such as NOx direct decomposition and SO2 oxidation.
Electronic properties of epitaxial cerium oxide films during controlled reduction and oxidation studied by resonant inelastic X-ray scattering
Authors: Gasperi Gabriele , Amidani Lucia , Benedetti Francesco , Boscherini Federico , Glatzel Pieter , Valeri Sergio , Luches Paola
Published: June 2016

We investigated the evolution of the electronic structure of cerium oxide ultrathin epitaxial films during reduction and oxidation processes using resonant inelastic X-ray scattering at the Ce L3 absorption edge.
Structure and efficient luminescence upconversion of Ln(iii) aromatic N-oxide coordination polymers
Authors: Chong Bowie S. K. , Moore Evan G.
Published: June 2016

A series of lanthanide-based coordination polymers {[Yb1−xErx(4,4′-bpdo)3(H2O)2](CF3SO3)3}∞ were synthesised where 4,4′-bpdo = 4,4′-bipyridine-N,N′-dioxide with x = 0, 0.05, 0.2, 0.5 or 1. Upconversion measurements reveal visible emission in the red, green, and blue regions corresponding to emission from the Er(iii) cation upon two and three-photon excitation.
Sensitized luminescence from water-soluble LaF3:Eu nanocrystals via partially-capped 1,10-phenanthroline: time-gated emission and multiple lifetimes
Authors: Irfanullah Mir , Bhardwaj Navneet , Chowdhury Arindam
Published: June 2016

Novel LaF3:Eu(5%) nanocrystals containing partially-capped 1,10-phenanthroline ligands have been obtained, which display intense phen-sensitized europium emission in water and multiple lifetimes from Eu3+-dopant sites.
Hydroxyapatite nanocrystals as a smart, pH sensitive, delivery system for kiteplatin
Authors: Lelli Marco , Roveri Norberto , Marzano Cristina , Hoeschele James D. , Curci Alessandra , Margiotta Nicola , Gandin Valentina , Natile Giovanni
Published: June 2016

Synthetic hydroxyapatite nanocrystals are proposed as a pH-sensitive carrier capable to release an antitumor platinum-drug selectively at the tumor site.
On the non-innocence of “Nacnacs”: ligand-based reactivity in β-diketiminate supported coordination compounds
Authors: Camp Clément , Arnold John
Published: June 2016

While β-diketiminate (BDI or ‘nacnac’) ligands have been widely adopted to stabilize a wide range of metal ions in multiple oxidation states and coordination numbers, in several occurrences these ligands do not behave as spectators and participate in reactivity.
On the design of safer chemicals: a path forward
Authors: DeVito Stephen C.
Published: June 2016

A collaborative effort must be made by government agencies, industry and academia to develop safer commercial chemicals.
Acquisition of fast transient signals in ICP-MS with enhanced time resolution
Authors: Managh Amy J. , Douglas David N. , Makella Cowen K. , Reid Helen J. , Sharp Barry L.
Published: June 2016

Improving time resolution in sector-field ICP-MS through use of a plug-in data acquisition board.
Arsenic containing medium and long chain fatty acids in marine fish oil identified as degradation products using reversed-phase HPLC-ICP-MS/ESI-MS
Authors: Pereira Éderson R. , Kopp Johannes F. , Raab Andrea , Krupp Eva M. , Menoyo Javier del Campo , Carasek Eduardo , Welz Bernhard , Feldmann Jörg
Published: June 2016

This study describes the identification and quantification of five new arsenolipids present in raw marine fish oil extracted mainly from Peruvian anchoveta (Engraulis ringens).
Synthesis and antitumor evaluation of 5-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)-4-(tert-butyl)-N-arylthiazol-2-amines
Authors: Wu Z. L. , Fang Y. L. , Tang Y. T. , Xiao M. W. , Ye J. , Li G. X. , Hu A. X.
Published: June 2016

The strategy for designing target compounds as antitumor agents.
Molecular localization and characterization of multiple binding sites of organic anion transporting polypeptide 2B1 (OATP2B1) as the mechanism for substrate and modulator dependent drug–drug interaction
Authors: Hoshino Yusuke , Fujita Daichi , Nakanishi Takeo , Tamai Ikumi
Published: June 2016

Schematic model of the relationship and locations of putative binding sites of substrates and modulators in OATP2B1. Drug–drug interaction and drug–food interaction on OATP2B1 can be predicted by clarification of multiple binding sites.
Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of rhein derivatives as anticancer agents
Authors: Huang Junkai , Zhang Zhuo , Huang Peng , He Liqin , Ling Yong
Published: June 2016

A series of novel derivatives of rhein were synthesized and evaluated for their in vitro antiproliferative activity against six kinds of tumor cell lines. All derivatives displayed more potent anti-tumor activity than rhein, and most of them were even stronger than 5-FU. Compound 4v was the most promising candidate among the investigated compounds.
Synthesis, structure and optical properties of tetraphenylethene derivatives with through-space conjugation between benzene and various planar chromophores
Authors: He Bairong , Nie Han , Luo Wenwen , Hu Rongrong , Qin Anjun , Zhao Zujin , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: June 2016

A series of tetraphenylethene derivatives with through-space conjugation and aggregation-enhanced emission properties are synthesized and studied.
A 3D culture model study monitoring differentiation of dental epithelial cells into ameloblast-like cells
Authors: Tadaki Mayu , Anada Takahisa , Shiwaku Yukari , Nakamura Takashi , Nakamura Masanori , Kojima Masaru , Arai Tatsuo , Fukumoto Satoshi , Suzuki Osamu
Published: June 2016

The present study was designed to investigate whether a three dimensional (3D) culture of the rat incisor-derived dental epithelial cell line SF2 enhances its differentiation into ameloblast-like cells.
Amino versus imino-transition metallic complexes in functionalized mesoporous silica: a lone pair degenerated into a singlet electron system
Authors: Chandrasekaran Naveen , Muthusamy Saravanakumar , Saranya Vincy , Jagannathan R.
Published: June 2016

Imine terminated mesoporous silica nanoparticles (IMSNP) appear to be an effective mesoporous media with potential for multifarious applications such as catalytic support, effluent treatment, and sensors.
Structural evolution from CuS nanoflowers to Cu9S5 nanosheets and their applications in environmental pollution removal and photothermal conversion
Authors: Tao Fujun , Zhang Yuliang , Zhang Fuhua , An Yan , Dong Lihua , Yin Yansheng
Published: June 2016

The influence of crystal phase and morphologies from 3D CuS nanoflowers to Cu9S5 nanosheets with hexagonal holes on their photothermal conversion and photocatalytic activity were systemically investigated.
UV-cured TiO2 electron transport layers for printable solar cells
Authors: Heinrichova Patricie , Dzik Petr , Tkacz Jakub , Vala Martin , Weiter Martin
Published: June 2016

This article is focused on the development of new formulations of inks for low-temperature deposition of printed electron transport layers based on titanium oxide.