bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New Permian fauna from tropical Gondwana
Authors: Cisneros Juan C. , Marsicano Claudia , Angielczyk Kenneth D. , Smith Roger M. H. , Richter Martha , Fröbisch Jörg , Kammerer Christian F. , Sadleir Rudyard W.
Published: November 2015

Terrestrial vertebrates are first known to colonize high-latitude regions during the middle Permian (Guadalupian) about 270 million years ago, following the Pennsylvanian Gondwanan continental glaciation. However, despite over 150 years of study in these areas, the biogeographic origins of these rich communities of land-dwelling vertebrates remain obscure. Here we report on a new early Permian continental tetrapod fauna from South America in tropical Western Gondwana that sheds new light on patterns of tetrapod distribution. Northeastern Brazil hosted an extensive lacustrine system inhabited by a unique community of temnospondyl amphibians and reptiles that considerably expand the known temporal and geographic ranges of key subgroups. Our findings demonstrate that tetrapod groups common in later Permian and Triassic temperate communities were already present in tropical Gondwana by the early Permian (Cisuralian). This new fauna constitutes a new biogeographic province with North American affinities and clearly demonstrates that tetrapod dispersal into Gondwana was already underway at the beginning of the Permian.
Targeting of SUMO substrates to a Cdc48–Ufd1–Npl4 segregase and STUbL pathway in fission yeast
Authors: Køhler Julie Bonne , Tammsalu Triin , Jørgensen Maria Mønster , Steen Nana , Hay Ronald Thomas , Thon Geneviève
Published: November 2015

In eukaryotes, the conjugation of proteins to the small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) regulates numerous cellular functions. A proportion of SUMO conjugates are targeted for degradation by SUMO-targeted ubiquitin ligases (STUbLs) and it has been proposed that the ubiquitin-selective chaperone Cdc48/p97-Ufd1-Npl4 facilitates this process. However, the extent to which the two pathways overlap, and how substrates are selected, remains unknown. Here we address these questions in fission yeast through proteome-wide analyses of SUMO modification sites. We identify over a thousand sumoylated lysines in a total of 468 proteins and quantify changes occurring in the SUMO modification status when the STUbL or Ufd1 pathways are compromised by mutations. The data suggest the coordinated processing of several classes of SUMO conjugates, many dynamically associated with centromeres or telomeres. They provide new insights into subnuclear organization and chromosome biology, and, altogether, constitute an extensive resource for the molecular characterization of SUMO function and dynamics.
Safety and efficacy of tiotropium Respimat versus HandiHaler in patients naive to treatment with inhaled anticholinergics: a post hoc analysis of the TIOSPIR trial
Authors: Wise Robert , Calverley Peter MA , Dahl Ronald , Dusser Daniel , Metzdorf Norbert , Müller Achim , Fowler Andy , Anzueto Antonio
Published: November 2015

Background:

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who were naive to anticholinergics before the TIOtropium Safety and Performance In Respimat (TIOSPIR) trial may reflect patients seen in practice, in particular in primary care. In addition, investigating safety in these patients avoids the potential bias in patients who previously received anticholinergics and may be tolerant of their effects.

Aims:

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether patients naive to anticholinergic therapy who were treated with tiotropium Respimat 2.5 or 5 μg had different safety and efficacy outcomes than patients treated with tiotropium HandiHaler 18 μg.

Methods:

A post hoc analysis of patients who were not receiving anticholinergics before TIOSPIR (N=6,966/17,135) was conducted. Primary end points were risk of death from any cause and risk of COPD exacerbation. Secondary outcomes included severe exacerbation and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Additional analysis of exacerbations was carried out in anticholinergic-naive patients with moderate (GOLD II) disease.

Results:

Anticholinergic-naive patients had less severe disease than the total TIOSPIR population. Discontinuations because of anticholinergic side effects were infrequent (0.9% overall). Similar to the primary study, patients in the tiotropium Respimat groups had no difference in the risk of death or risk of any or severe exacerbation than patients treated with tiotropium HandiHaler. Risk of MACE was similar across the Respimat and HandiHaler groups. Rates of exacerbations in the subgroup of patients with moderate disease were similar across the Respimat and HandiHaler groups.

Conclusions:

Tiotropium Respimat and HandiHaler have similar safety and efficacy profiles in patients who are naive to anticholinergic therapy.
Quantification of dislocation nucleation stress in TiN through high-resolution in situ indentation experiments and first principles calculations
Authors: Li N. , Yadav S.K. , Liu X.-Y. , Wang J. , Hoagland R.G. , Mara N. , Misra A.
Published: November 2015

Through in situ indentation of TiN in a high-resolution transmission electron microscope, the nucleation of full as well as partial dislocations has been observed from {001} and {111} surfaces, respectively. The critical elastic strains associated with the nucleation of the dislocations were analyzed from the recorded atomic displacements and the nucleation stresses corresponding to the measured critical strains were computed using density functional theory. The resolved shear stress was estimated to be 13.8 GPa for the partial dislocation 1/6 <110> {111} and 6.7 GPa for the full dislocation ½ <110> {110}. Such an approach of quantifying nucleation stresses for defects via in situ high-resolution experiment coupled with density functional theory calculation may be applied to other unit processes.
Strain-driven band inversion and topological aspects in Antimonene
Authors: Zhao Mingwen , Zhang Xiaoming , Li Linyang
Published: November 2015

Searching for the two-dimensional (2D) topological insulators (TIs) with large bulk band gaps is the key to achieve room-temperature quantum spin Hall effect (QSHE). Using first-principles calculations, we demonstrated that the recently-proposed antimonene [Zhang et al., Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 54, 3112–3115 (2015)] can be tuned to a 2D TI by reducing the buckling height of the lattice which can be realized under tensile strain. The strain-driven band inversion in the vicinity of the Fermi level is responsible for the quantum phase transition. The buckled configuration of antimonene enables it to endure large tensile strain up to 18% and the resulted bulk band gap can be as large as 270 meV. The tunable bulk band gap makes antimonene a promising candidate material for achieving quantum spin Hall effect (QSH) at high temperatures which meets the requirement of future electronic devices with low power consumption.
MiR-146a-5p suppresses activation and proliferation of hepatic stellate cells in nonalcoholic fibrosing steatohepatitis through directly targeting Wnt1 and Wnt5a
Authors: Du Jinghua , Niu Xuemin , Wang Yang , Kong Lingbo , Wang Rongqi , Zhang Yuguo , Zhao Suxian , Nan Yuemin
Published: November 2015

Nonalcoholic fibrosing steatohepatitis is a uniform process throughout nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been suggested to modulate cellular processes in liver diseases. However, the functional role of miRNAs in nonalcoholic fibrosing steatohepatitis is largely unclear. In this study, we systematically analyzed the hepatic miRNAs by microarray analysis in nonalcoholic fibrosing steatohepatitis in C57BL/6J mice induced by methionine-choline deficient (MCD) diet. We identified 19 up-regulated and 18 down-regulated miRNAs in liver with fibrosis. Among these dysregulated miRNAs, miR-146a-5p was the most significant down-regulated miRNA. Luciferase activity assay confirmed that Wnt1 and Wnt5a were both the target genes of miR-146a-5p. Hepatic miR-146a-5p was down-regulated in fibrosing steatohepatitis, but its target genes Wnt1 and Wnt5a and their consequent effectors α-SMA and Col-1 were significantly up-regulated. In addition, miR-146a-5p was downregulated, whilst Wnt1 and Wnt5a were up-regulated in the activated primary hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) compared to the quiescent primary HSCs. Overexpression of miR-146a-5p in HSCs inhibited HSC activation and proliferation, which concomitant with the decreased expressions of Wnt1, Wnt5a, α-SMA and Col-1. In conclusion, miR-146a-5p suppresses activation and proliferation of HSCs in the progress of nonalcoholic fibrosing steatohepatitis through targeting Wnt1 and Wnt5a and consequent effectors α-SMA and Col-1.
Molecular changes in the medial prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens are associated with blocking the behavioral sensitization to cocaine
Authors: Zhang Yi , Zhu Xiongzhao , Huang Can , Zhang Xiuwu
Published: November 2015

Previous studies have demonstrated that cocaine-induced behavioral sensitization is associated with persistent functional and structural alterations in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and nucleus accumbens (NAc); however, the molecular mechanisms underlying these changes have not been elucidated. In this study, the behavioral sensitization to cocaine was established in Sprague Dawley rats and was measured by locomotion and behavioral rating. The brain tissue homogenization was used for measuring the level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), the expression and activity of integrin-linked kinase (ILK), level of protein kinase B (Akt) phosphorylation at serine 473 and threonine 308 and the expression of p75NTR, TrkA and TrkB protein. The Results showed that cocaine sensitization was associated with increased BDNF, ILK activity, phospho-Akt Ser473, p75NTR and TrkB protein levels in the mPFC and NAc core. The combination of pergolide and ondansetron normalized not only behavioral sensitization, but also the increases in these molecular markers. Dual immunofluoresence staining showed that ILK expression is co-distributed with p75NTR and TrkA expression in both the mPFC and NAc core. Results suggested that the BDNF-TrkA/p75NTR-ILK-Akt signaling pathway may be active in cocaine sensitization and associated neural plasticity in the mPFC and NAc core.
Subclinical decelerations during developing hypotension in preterm fetal sheep after acute on chronic lipopolysaccharide exposure
Authors: Lear Christopher A. , Davidson Joanne O. , Galinsky Robert , Yuill Caroline A. , Wassink Guido , Booth Lindsea C. , Drury Paul P. , Bennet Laura , Gunn Alistair J.
Published: November 2015

Subclinical (shallow) heart rate decelerations occur during neonatal sepsis, but there is limited information on their relationship with hypotension or whether they occur before birth. We examined whether subclinical decelerations, a fall in fetal heart rate (FHR) that remained above 100 bpm, were associated with hypotension in preterm fetal sheep exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Chronically-instrumented fetal sheep at 0.7 gestation received continuous low-dose LPS infusions (n = 15, 100 ng/kg over 24 h, followed by 250 ng/kg/24 h for 96 h) or saline (n = 8). Boluses of 1 μg LPS or saline were given at 48 and 72 h. FHR variability (FHRV) was calculated and sample asymmetry was used to assess the severity and frequency of decelerations. Low-dose LPS infusion did not affect FHR. After the first LPS bolus, 7 fetuses remained normotensive, while 8 developed hypotension (a fall in mean arterial blood pressure of ≥5 mmHg). Developing hypotension was associated with subclinical decelerations, with a corresponding increase in sample asymmetry and FHRV (p < 0.05). The second LPS bolus was associated with similar but attenuated changes in FHR and blood pressure (p < 0.05). In conclusion, subclinical decelerations are not consistently seen during prenatal exposure to LPS, but may be a useful marker of developing inflammation-related hypotension before birth.
Genotype-dependent lifespan effects in peptone deprived Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Stastna Jana J. , Snoek L. Basten , Kammenga Jan E. , Harvey Simon C.
Published: November 2015

Dietary restriction appears to act as a general non-genetic mechanism that can robustly prolong lifespan. There have however been reports in many systems of cases where restricted food intake either shortens, or does not affect, lifespan. Here we analyze lifespan and the effect of food restriction via deprived peptone levels on lifespan in wild isolates and introgression lines (ILs) of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. These analyses identify genetic variation in lifespan, in the effect of this variation in diet on lifespan and also in the likelihood of maternal, matricidal, hatching. Importantly, in the wild isolates and the ILs, we identify genotypes in which peptone deprivation mediated dietary restriction reduces lifespan. We also identify, in recombinant inbred lines, a locus that affects maternal hatching, a phenotype closely linked to dietary restriction in C. elegans. These results indicate that peptone deprivation mediated dietary restriction affects lifespan in C. elegans in a genotype-dependent manner, reducing lifespan in some genotypes. This may operate by a mechanism similar to dietary restriction.
Homogeneous fluorescent specific PCR for the authentication of medicinal snakes using cationic conjugated polymers
Authors: Jiang Chao , Yuan Yuan , Liu Libing , Hou Jingyi , Jin Yan , Huang Luqi
Published: November 2015

A label-free, homogenous and sensitive one-step method for the molecular authentication of medicinal snakes has been developed by combining a rapid PCR technique with water-soluble cationic conjugated polyelectrolytes (CCPs). Three medicinal snake materials (Deinagkistrodon acutus, Zaocys dhumnades and Bungarus multicinctus; a total of 35 specimens) and 48 snake specimens with similar morphologies and textures were clearly distinguished by the naked eye by utilizing a CCP-based assay in a high-throughput manner. The identification of medicinal snakes in patented Chinese drugs was successfully performed using this detection system. In contrast to previous fluorescence-labeled oligonucleotide detection and direct DNA stain hybridization assays, this method does not require designing dye-labeled primers and unfavorable dimer fluorescence is avoided in this homogenous method.
Integrated Genome-wide association and hypothalamus eQTL studies indicate a link between the circadian rhythm-related gene PER1 and coping behavior
Authors: Ponsuksili Siriluck , Zebunke Manuela , Murani Eduard , Trakooljul Nares , Krieter Joachim , Puppe Birger , Schwerin Manfred , Wimmers Klaus
Published: November 2015

Animal personality and coping styles are basic concepts for evaluating animal welfare. Struggling response of piglets in so-called backtests early in life reflects their coping strategy. Behavioral reactions of piglets in backtests have a moderate heritability, but their genetic basis largely remains unknown. Here, latency, duration and frequency of struggling attempts during one-minute backtests were repeatedly recorded of piglets at days 5, 12, 19 and 26. A genome-wide association study for backtest traits revealed 465 significant SNPs (FDR ≤ 0.05) mostly located in QTL (quantitative trait locus) regions on chromosome 3, 5, 12 and 16. In order to capture genes in these regions, 37 transcripts with significant SNPs were selected for expressionQTL analysis in the hypothalamus. Eight genes (ASGR1, CPAMD8, CTC1, FBXO39, IL19, LOC100511790, RAD51B, UBOX5) had cis- and five (RANGRF, PER1, PDZRN3, SH2D4B, LONP2) had trans-expressionQTL. In particular, for PER1, with known physiological implications for maintenance of circadian rhythms, a role in coping behavior was evidenced by confirmed association in an independent population. For CTC1 a cis-expression QTL and the consistent relationship of gene polymorphism, mRNA expression level and backtest traits promoted its link to coping style. GWAS and eQTL analyses uncovered positional and functional gene candidates for coping behavior.
Molecular dynamics investigations of mechanical behaviours in monocrystalline silicon due to nanoindentation at cryogenic temperatures and room temperature
Authors: Du Xiancheng , Zhao Hongwei , Zhang Lin , Yang Yihan , Xu Hailong , Fu Haishuang , Li Lijia
Published: November 2015

Molecular dynamics simulations of nanoindentation tests on monocrystalline silicon (010) surface were conducted to investigate the mechanical properties and deformation mechanism from cryogenic temperature being 10 K to room temperature being 300 K. Furthermore, the load-displacement curves were obtained and the phase transformation was investigated at different temperatures. The results show that the phase transformation occurs both at cryogenic temperatures and at room temperature. By searching for the presence of the unique non-bonded fifth neighbour atom, the metastable phases (Si-III and Si-XII) with fourfold coordination could be distinguished from Si-I phase during the loading stage of nanoindentation process. The Si-II, Si-XIII and amorphous phase were also found in the region beneath the indenter. Moreover, through the degree of alignment of the metastable phases along specific crystal orientation at different temperatures, it was found that the temperature had effect on the anisotropy of the monocrystalline silicon and the simulation results indicate that the anisotropy of monocrystalline silicon is strengthened at low temperatures.
CRISPR/gRNA-directed synergistic activation mediator (SAM) induces specific, persistent and robust reactivation of the HIV-1 latent reservoirs
Authors: Zhang Yonggang , Yin Chaoran , Zhang Ting , Li Fang , Yang Wensheng , Kaminski Rafal , Fagan Philip Regis , Putatunda Raj , Young Won-Bin , Khalili Kamel , Hu Wenhui
Published: November 2015

Current antiretroviral therapy does not eliminate the integrated and transcriptionally silent HIV-1 provirus in latently infected cells. Recently, a “shock and kill” strategy has been extensively explored to eradicate the HIV-1 latent reservoirs for a permanent cure of AIDS. The therapeutic efficacy of currently used agents remains disappointing because of low efficiency, non-specificity and cellular toxicity. Here we present a novel catalytically-deficient Cas9-synergistic activation mediator (dCas9-SAM) technology to selectively, potently and persistently reactivate the HIV-1 latent reservoirs. By screening 16 MS2-mediated single guide RNAs, we identified long terminal repeat (LTR)-L and O that surround the enhancer region (-165/-145 for L and -92/-112 for O) and induce robust reactivation of HIV-1 provirus in HIV-1 latent TZM-bI epithelial, Jurkat T lymphocytic and CHME5 microglial cells. This compulsory reactivation induced cellular suicide via toxic buildup of viral proteins within HIV-1 latent Jurkat T and CHME5 microglial cells. These results suggest that this highly effective and target-specific dCas9-SAM system can serve as a novel HIV-latency-reversing therapeutic tool for the permanent elimination of HIV-1 latent reservoirs.
Comprehensive analysis of transcriptome and metabolome analysis in Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma and Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Murakami Yoshiki , Kubo Shoji , Tamori Akihiro , Itami Saori , Kawamura Etsushi , Iwaisako Keiko , Ikeda Kazuo , Kawada Norifumi , Ochiya Takahiro , Taguchi Y-h
Published: November 2015

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are liver originated malignant tumors. Of the two, ICC has the worse prognosis because it has no reliable diagnostic markers and its carcinogenic mechanism is not fully understood. The aim of this study was to integrate metabolomics and transcriptomics datasets to identify variances if any in the carcinogenic mechanism of ICC and HCC. Ten ICC and 6 HCC who were resected surgically, were enrolled. miRNA and mRNA expression analysis were performed by microarray on ICC and HCC and their corresponding non-tumor tissues (ICC_NT and HCC_NT). Compound analysis was performed using capillary electrophoresis time-of-flight mass spectrometry (CE-TOFMS). Principle component analysis (PCA) revealed that among the four sample groups (ICC, ICC_NT, HCC and HCC_NT) there were 14 compounds, 62 mRNAs and 17 miRNAs with two distinct patterns: tumor and non-tumor and ICC and non-ICC. We accurately (84.38%) distinguished ICC by the distinct pattern of its compounds. Pathway analysis using transcriptome and metabolome showed that several pathways varied between tumor and non-tumor samples. Based on the results of the PCA, we believe that ICC and HCC have different carcinogenic mechanism therefore knowing the specific profile of genes and compounds can be useful in diagnosing ICC.
Connecting mononuclear dysprosium single-molecule magnets to form dinuclear complexes via in situ ligand oxidation
Authors: Yutronkie Nathan J. , Kühne Irina A. , Korobkov Ilia , Brusso Jaclyn L. , Murugesu Muralee
Published: November 2015

A Dy2 complex, exhibiting SMM behaviour, and its Y analogue were prepared via in situ oxidation of Py2TTA, a pincer type ligand, followed by dimerisation.
Preparation of carbon dots by non-focusing pulsed laser irradiation in toluene
Authors: Yu Huiwu , Li Xiangyou , Zeng Xiaoyan , Lu Yongfeng
Published: November 2015

Size-controlled carbon dots (CDs) were prepared by non-focusing pulsed laser irradiation in toluene and the corresponding mechanism was investigated.
The topochemical synthesis of triazole-linked homobasic DNA
Authors: Pathigoolla Atchutarao , Sureshan Kana M.
Published: November 2015

Triazolyl-DNA (TLDNA), DNA wherein phosphodiester units are replaced by triazole units, is of great interest. By adopting Topochemical Azide–Alkyne Cycloaddition (TAAC) reaction, we have synthesized homobasic TLDNA oligomers. 5′-ethynyl-3′-azido-2′,3′,5′-tri-deoxycytosine, which crystallized with proximal placement of azide and alkyne units of adjacent molecules, underwent TAAC reaction to TLDNA oligomers.
Metal(ii)–organic frameworks with 3,3′-diphenyldicarboxylate and 1,3-bis(4-pyridyl)propane: preparation, crystal structures and luminescence
Authors: Fan Ting-Ting , Li Jia-Jia , Qu Xiang-Long , Han Hong-Liang , Li Xia
Published: November 2015

3D frameworks were constructed from Zn(ii)/Cd(ii)/Cu(ii), 3,3′-diphenyldicarboxylate, and 1,3-bis(4-pyridyl)propane. The Zn-framework was used as a fluorescent probe to sense benzaldehyde.
Morphology-dependent interplay of reduction behaviors, oxygen vacancies and hydroxyl reactivity of CeO2nanocrystals
Authors: Gao Yuxian , Li Rongtan , Chen Shilong , Luo Liangfeng , Cao Tian , Huang Weixin
Published: November 2015

Oxygen vacancy structures on CeO2nanocrystals vary with their morphologies and locally control the reactivity of isolated bridging hydroxyl groups.
The tricyanomethanide anion favors low viscosity of the pure ionic liquid and its aqueous mixtures
Authors: Chaban Vitaly V.
Published: November 2015

Low-viscous ionic liquids favor new applications.
Ring-opening polymerization of rac-lactide mediated by tetrametallic lithium and sodium diamino-bis(phenolate) complexes
Authors: Alhashmialameer Dalal , Ikpo Nduka , Collins Julie , Dawe Louise N. , Hattenhauer Karen , Kerton Francesca M.
Published: November 2015

Sodium complex contains interesting intramolecular η6-arene interaction and shows excellent catalytic behaviour for polymerization of lactide.
Development of subnanomolar radiofluorinated (2-pyrrolidin-1-yl)imidazo[1,2-b]pyridazine pan-Trk inhibitors as candidate PET imaging probes
Authors: Bernard-Gauthier Vadim , Bailey Justin J. , Aliaga Arturo , Kostikov Alexey , Rosa-Neto Pedro , Wuest Melinda , Brodeur Garrett M. , Bedell Barry J. , Wuest Frank , Schirrmacher Ralf
Published: November 2015

Dysregulation of tropomyosin receptor kinases (TrkA/B/C) expression and signalling is recognized as a hallmark of numerous neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson's, Huntington's and Alzheimer's disease.
Prospecting for new bacterial metabolites: a glossary of approaches for inducing, activating and upregulating the biosynthesis of bacterial cryptic or silent natural products
Authors: Zarins-Tutt Joseph Scott , Barberi Tania Triscari , Gao Hong , Mearns-Spragg Andrew , Zhang Lixin , Newman David J. , Goss Rebecca Jane Miriam
Published: November 2015

Over the centuries, microbial secondary metabolites have played a central role in the treatment of human diseases and have revolutionised the pharmaceutical industry.
Evaluation of fluoropyruvate as nucleophile in reactions catalysed by N-acetyl neuraminic acid lyase variants: scope, limitations and stereoselectivity
Authors: Stockwell Jennifer , Daniels Adam D. , Windle Claire L. , Harman Thomas A. , Woodhall Thomas , Lebl Tomas , Trinh Chi H. , Mulholland Keith , Pearson Arwen R. , Berry Alan , Nelson Adam
Published: November 2015

The stereochemical course of aldolase-catalysed reaction between fluoropyruvate and aldehydes is described.
Oxidative desulfurization of a model fuel using ozone oxidation generated by dielectric barrier discharge plasma combined with Co3O4/γ-Al2O3 catalysis
Authors: Ma Cunhua , Chen Dong , Liu Fupeng , Sun Xishang , Xiao Furong , Dai Bin
Published: November 2015

The oxidative desulfurization (ODS) method is a highly promising method for deep desulfurization.
Stripe distributions of graphene-coated Cu foils and their effects on the reduction of graphene wrinkles
Authors: Zhang Haoran , Zhang Yanhui , Wang Bin , Chen Zhiying , Zhang Yaqian , Sui Yanping , Yu Guanghui , Jin Zhi , Liu Xinyu
Published: November 2015

The wrinkle distribution of graphene domain was obtained as trenches after hydrogen etching. Parallel stripes on graphene domains are always perpendicular to these trenches, suggesting the suppressed wrinkle formation along the stripes' direction.
Phialomustin A–D, new antimicrobial and cytotoxic metabolites from an endophytic fungus, Phialophora mustea
Authors: Nalli Yedukondalu , Mirza Dania N. , Wani Zahoor A. , Wadhwa Bhumika , Mallik Fayaz A. , Raina Chand , chaubey Asha , Riyaz-Ul-Hassan Syed , Ali Asif
Published: November 2015

Phialomustin A–D (1–4), four new azaphilone derived bioactive metabolites, were isolated from an endophytic fungus Phialophora mustea associated in nature with Crocus sativus.
A new approach to construct bulk and size-dependent continuous binary solution phase diagrams of alloys
Authors: Zhao N. , He Y. Q. , Yang C. C.
Published: November 2015

In this work, we report a new approach to construct both bulk and size-dependent continuous binary solution phase diagrams (e.g. the Au–Ag system) by combining ab initio molecular dynamics simulation and nanothermodynamics modeling.
The role of N-glycans and the C-terminal loop of the subunit rBAT in the biogenesis of the cystinuria-associated transporter
Authors: Rius Mònica , Sala Laura , Chillarón Josep
Published: November 2015

The transport system b0,+ mediates reabsorption of dibasic amino acids and cystine in the kidney. It is made up of two disulfide-linked membrane subunits: the carrier, b0,+AT and the helper, rBAT (related to b0,+ amino acid transporter). rBAT mutations that impair biogenesis of the transporter cause type I cystinuria. It has been shown that upon assembly, b0,+AT prevents degradation and promotes folding of rBAT; then, rBAT traffics b0,+AT from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to the plasma membrane. The role of the N-glycans of rBAT and of its C-terminal loop, which has no homology to any other sequence, in biogenesis of system b0,+ is unknown. In the present study, we studied these points. We first identified the five N-glycans of rBAT. Elimination of the N-glycan Asn575, but not of the others, delayed transporter maturation, as measured by pulse chase experiments and endoglycosidase H assays. Moreover, a transporter with only the N-glycan Asn575 displayed similar maturation compared with wild-type, suggesting that this N-glycan was necessary and sufficient to achieve the maximum rate of transporter maturation. Deletion of the rBAT C-terminal disulfide loop (residues 673–685) prevented maturation and prompted degradation of the transporter. Alanine-scanning mutagenesis uncovered loop residues important for stability and/or maturation of system b0,+. Further, double-mutant cycle analysis showed partial additivity of the effects of the Asn679 loop residue and the N-glycan Asn575 on transporter maturation, indicating that they may interact during system b0,+ biogenesis. These data highlight the important role of the N-glycan Asn575 and the C-terminal disulfide loop of rBAT in biogenesis of the rBAT-b0,+AT heterodimer.
Selecting Vocabulary Words to Teach
Authors: Gray Shelley , Yang Hui-Chun
Published: November 2015

Although speech-language pathologists may understand the importance of vocabulary for oral language, listening, and reading comprehension and the need for vocabulary instruction, they may not have a clear rationale for selecting specific words to teach. The purpose of this article is to review different strategies for selecting vocabulary words for direct instruction and to discuss the pros and cons of each strategy.
Teaching New Words to Children With Specific Language Impairment Using Interactive Book Reading
Authors: Voelmle Krista , Storkel Holly L.
Published: November 2015

This article will review the evidence base for interactive book reading to facilitate new word learning for preschool and school age children. Methods from an ongoing clinical trial of interactive book reading will be described to illustrate how this treatment approach can be delivered at a high intensity to children with specific language impairment (SLI). Preliminary results from this clinical trial indicate that children with SLI need a modified intensity that is three times higher than their same-age peers.
Principles of Solution Focused Therapy and Their Application to Audiology
Authors: Blair James C.
Published: November 2015

The concept of client-centered therapy (Rogers, 1951) has influenced many professions to refocus their treatment of clients from assessment outcomes to the person who uses the information from this assessment. The term adopted for use in the professions of Communication Sciences and Disorders and encouraged by The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) is patient-centered care, with the goal of helping professions, like audiology, focus more centrally on the patient. The purpose of this paper is to examine some of the principles used in a patient-centered therapy approach first described by de Shazer (1985) named Solution-Focused Therapy and how these principles might apply to the practice of audiology. The basic assumption behind this model is that people are the agents of change and the professional is there to help guide and enable clients to make the change the client wants to make. This model then is focused on solutions, not on the problems. It is postulated that by using the assumptions in this model audiologists will be more effective in a shorter time than current practice may allow.
Evaluation of Functional Outcomes after Stapes Surgery in Patients with Clinical Otosclerosis in a Teaching Institution
Authors: Souza José , Bento Ricardo , Pereira Larissa , Ikari Liliane , Souza Stephanie , Della Torre Ana , Fonseca Anna
Published: November 2015

Introduction Otosclerosis is a primary disease of the temporal bone that leads to stapes ankylosis. Hearing loss is the main symptom. Treatment includes surgery, medical treatment, and sound amplification therapy alone or in combination.

Objective To evaluate the functional outcomes of patients with clinical diagnosis of otosclerosis undergoing primary stapes surgery in a teaching institution.

Method Retrospective descriptive study.

Results A total of 210 ears of 163 patients underwent stapes surgery. Of the 163 patients, 116 (71.2%) underwent unilateral surgery and 47 (28.8%) underwent bilateral surgery. Six of the 210 operated ears had obliterative otosclerosis. The average preoperative and postoperative air–bone gap was 32.06 and 4.39 dB, respectively. The mean preoperative and postoperative bone conduction threshold was 23.17 and 19.82 dB, respectively. A total of 184 (87.6%) ears had a residual air–bone gap <10 dB, and 196 (93.3%) had a residual air–bone gap ≤15 dB. Two patients (0.95%) had severe sensorineural hearing loss.

Conclusion Stapes surgery showed excellent functional hearing outcomes in this study. This surgery may be performed in educational institutions with the supervision of experienced surgeons.
Development of Wien filter for small ion gun of surface analysis
Authors: Bahng Jungbae , Hong Jonggi , Choi Myoung Choul , Won Mi-Sook , Lee Byoung-Seob
Published: November 2015

The gas cluster ion beam (GCIB) and liquid metal ion beam have been studied in the context of ion beam usage for analytical equipment in applications such as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS). In particular, small ion sources are used for the secondary ion generation and ion etching. To set the context to this study, the SIMS project has been launched to develop ion-gun based analytical equipment for the Korea Basic Science Institute. The objective of the first stage of the project is the generation of argon beams with a GCIB system [A. Kirkpatrick, Nucl. Instrum. Methods Phys. Res., Sect. B 206, 830–837 (2003)] that consists of a nozzle, skimmer, ionizer, acceleration tube, separation system, transport system, and target. The Wien filter directs the selected cluster beam to the target system by exploiting the velocity difference of the generated particles from GCIB. In this paper, we present the theoretical modeling and three-dimensional electromagnetic analysis of the Wien filter, which can separate Ar+2500 clusters from Ar+2400 to Ar+2600 clusters with a 1-mm collimator.
Achromatic polarization rotator imprinted by ultrafast laser nanostructuring in glass
Authors: Desmarchelier R. , Lancry M. , Gecevicius M. , Beresna M. , Kazansky P. G. , Poumellec B.
Published: November 2015

We demonstrate achromatic polarization rotators implemented by femtosecond laser assisted nanostructuring of silica glass. The rotation of polarization plane results from the chiral arrangement of optical axis embedded in the multi-layered stack of birefringent layers. In our experiments, we achieved rotation of 46.0 ± 0.6° and 93 ± 6° in the broad spectral range of 600–1600 nm, which can be extended even further up to 5 μm. These silica birefringent optical components exhibit advantages over liquid crystal polarizing devices or broadband crystalline waveplates, including large acceptance angle, high thermal stability, and high damage threshold.
Two-step switching in dual-frequency nematic liquid crystal mixtures
Authors: Mrukiewicz M. , Perkowski P. , Piecek W. , Mazur R. , Chojnowska O. , Garbat K.
Published: November 2015

The so-called dual-frequency nematic mixtures are very promising components for applications in fast operating devices. Compared with classical nematics, they exhibit positive or negative anisotropy of the electric permittivity depending on the applied frequencies of an external electric field. Owing to this property, an overall switching process from planar to homeotropic orientations, and vice versa, can be shortened by using the electric field with two different frequencies. Electro-optical switching characteristics of transmission versus time as a function of applied voltage were obtained for two different dual-frequency mixtures in twisted nematic cells. For one of the investigated mixtures, unusual decrease in the light transmission at switching from the homeotropic to planar orientation at threshold voltage was observed. The switching process apparently occurs in two steps. The mechanism of the two-step switching at twisted dual-frequency nematic structures was discussed. The explanation of the switching mechanism takes into account the influence of the electric field with different frequencies on molecules with transverse and longitudinal dipole moments. Moreover, molecular structure of compounds constituting the mixtures was analyzed. Additionally, response times of the switching driven with low and high frequency pulses were shown. This work helps to understand the molecular interaction and electro-optical switching in the dual-frequency nematic liquid crystals.
A classical force field for tetrahedral oxyanions developed using hydration properties: The examples of pertechnetate (TcO4−) and sulfate (SO42−)
Authors: Williams Christopher D. , Carbone Paola
Published: November 2015

Radioactive pertechnetate, 99TcO4−, is one of the most problematic ionic species in the context of the clean up and storage of nuclear waste. Molecular simulations can be used to understand the behavior of TcO4− in dilute aqueous solutions, providing reliable potentials are available. This work outlines the development of a new potential model for TcO4− and competing SO42−, optimized using their hydration properties, such as the Gibbs hydration free energy (calculated using Bennett’s acceptance ratio method). The findings show that the TcO4− oxyanion has a very low hydration free energy (−202 kJ mol−1) compared to other anions (Cl−, I−, SO42−) leading to fast water exchange dynamics and explaining its observed high mobility in the aqueous environment. Its hydrated structure, investigated using ion–water radial distribution functions, shows that it is unique amongst the other anions in that it does not possess well-defined hydration shells. Since contaminants and ubiquitous species in the aqueous environment are often present as tetrahedral oxyanions, it is proposed that the approach could easily be extended to a whole host of other species.
Low energy highly charged ion beam facility at Inter University Accelerator Centre: Measurement of the plasma potential and ion energy distributions
Authors: Sairam T. , Bhatt Pragya , Kumar Ajit , Kumar Herendra , Safvan C. P.
Published: November 2015

A deceleration lens coupled to one of the beam lines of the electron cyclotron resonance based low energy beam facility at Inter University Accelerator Centre is reported. This system is capable of delivering low energy (2.5 eV/q–1 keV/q) highly charged ion beams. The presence of plasma potential hinders the measurements of low energies (<50 eV), therefore, plasma potential measurements have been undertaken using a retarding plate analyzer in unison with the deceleration assembly. The distributions of the ion energies have been obtained and the effect of different source parameters on these distributions is studied.
The application of inelastic neutron scattering to explore the significance of a magnetic transition in an iron based Fischer-Tropsch catalyst that is active for the hydrogenation of CO
Authors: Warringham Robbie , McFarlane Andrew R. , MacLaren Donald A. , Webb Paul B. , Tooze Robert P. , Taylor Jon , Ewings Russell A. , Parker Stewart F. , Lennon David
Published: November 2015

An iron based Fischer-Tropsch synthesis catalyst is evaluated using CO hydrogenation at ambient pressure as a test reaction and is characterised by a combination of inelastic neutron scattering (INS), powder X-ray diffraction, temperature-programmed oxidation, Raman scattering, and transmission electron microscopy. The INS spectrum of the as-prepared bulk iron oxide pre-catalyst (hematite, α-Fe2O3) is distinguished by a relatively intense band at 810 cm−1, which has previously been tentatively assigned as a magnon (spinon) feature. An analysis of the neutron scattering intensity of this band as a function of momentum transfer unambiguously confirms this assignment. Post-reaction, the spinon feature disappears and the INS spectrum is characterised by the presence of a hydrocarbonaceous overlayer. A role for the application of INS in magnetic characterisation of iron based FTS catalysts is briefly considered.
Photoelectron spectroscopic and computational study of (M–CO2)− anions, M = Cu, Ag, Au
Authors: Zhang Xinxing , Lim Eunhak , Kim Seong K. , Bowen Kit H.
Published: November 2015

In a combined photoelectron spectroscopic and computational study of (M–CO2)−, M = Au, Ag, Cu, anionic complexes, we show that (Au–CO2)− forms both the chemisorbed and physisorbed isomers, AuCO2− and Au−(CO2), respectively; that (Ag–CO2)− forms only the physisorbed isomer, Ag−(CO2); and that (Cu–CO2)− forms only the chemisorbed isomer, CuCO2−. The two chemisorbed complexes, AuCO2− and CuCO2−, are covalently bound, formate-like anions, in which their CO2 moieties are significantly reduced. These two species are examples of electron-induced CO2 activation. The two physisorbed complexes, Au−(CO2) and Ag−(CO2), are electrostatically and thus weakly bound.
Charge state distribution and emission characteristics in a table top reflex discharge—Effect of ion confinement and electrons accelerated across the sheath
Authors: Kumar Deepak , Englesbe Alexander , Parman Matthew , Stutman Dan , Finkenthal Michael
Published: November 2015

Tabletop reflex discharges in a Penning geometry have many applications including ion sources and eXtreme Ultra-Violet (XUV) sources. The presence of primary electrons accelerated across the cathode sheaths is responsible for the distribution of ion charge states and of the unusually high XUV brightness of these plasmas. Absolutely calibrated space resolved XUV spectra from a table top reflex discharge operating with Al cathodes and Ne gas are presented. The spectra are analyzed with a new and complete model for ion charge distribution in similar reflex discharges. The plasma in the discharge was found to have a density of ∼1018 m−3 with a significant fraction >0.01 of fast primary electrons. The implications of the new model on the ion states achievable in a tabletop reflex plasma discharge are also discussed.
Structural, magnetic, and transport properties of Fe-doped CoTiSb epitaxial thin films
Authors: Sun N. Y. , Zhang Y. Q. , Che W. R. , Qin J. , Shan R.
Published: November 2015

Epitaxial intrinsic and Fe-doped CoTiSb thin films with C1b structure were grown on MgO(100) substrates by magnetron sputtering. The semiconducting-like behavior in both intrinsic and Fe-doped thin films was demonstrated by temperature dependence of longitudinal resistivity. The Fe-doped CoTiSb films with a wide range of doping concentrations can maintain semiconducting-like and magnetic properties simultaneously, while the semiconducting behavior is weakening with the increasing Fe concentration. For 21 at. % Fe-doped film, low lattice magnetic moment (around 0.65 μB) and high resistivity (larger than 800 μΩ cm) are beneficial to its application as a magnetic electrode in spintronic devices. Anomalous Hall effect of 21 at. % Fe-doped film was also investigated and its behaviors can be treated well by recent-reported anomalous Hall scaling including the contribution of spin-phonon skew scattering.
Dopant effects on charge transport to enhance performance of phosphorescent white organic light emitting diodes
Authors: Zhu Liping , Chen Jiangshan , Ma Dongge
Published: November 2015

We compared the performance of phosphorescent white organic light emitting diodes (WOLEDs) with red-blue-green and green-blue-red sequent emissive layers. It was found that the influence of red and green dopants on electron and hole transport in emissive layers leads to the large difference in the efficiency of fabricated WOLEDs. This improvement mechanism is well investigated by the current density-voltage characteristics of single-carrier devices based on dopant doped emissive layers and the comparison of electroluminescent and photoluminescence spectra, and attributed to the different change of charge carrier transport by the dopants. The optimized device achieves a maximum power efficiency, current efficiency, and external quantum efficiency of 37.0 lm/W, 38.7 cd/A, and 17.7%, respectively, which are only reduced to 32.8 lm/W, 38.5 cd/A, and 17.3% at 1000 cd/m2 luminance. The critical current density is as high as 210 mA/cm2. It can be seen that the efficiency roll-off in phosphorescent WOLEDs can be well improved by effectively designing the structure of emissive layers.
Damage free Ar ion plasma surface treatment on In0.53Ga0.47As-on-silicon metal-oxide-semiconductor device
Authors: Koh Donghyi , Shin Seung Heon , Ahn Jaehyun , Sonde Sushant , Kwon Hyuk-Min , Orzali Tommaso , Kim Dae-Hyun , Kim Tae-Woo , Banerjee Sanjay K.
Published: November 2015

In this paper, we investigated the effect of in-situ Ar ion plasma surface pre-treatment in order to improve the interface properties of In0.53Ga0.47As for high-κ top-gate oxide deposition. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and metal-oxide-semiconductor capacitors (MOSCAPs) demonstrate that Ar ion treatment removes the native oxide on In0.53Ga0.47As. The XPS spectra of Ar treated In0.53Ga0.47As show a decrease in the AsOx and GaOx signal intensities, and the MOSCAPs show higher accumulation capacitance (Cacc), along with reduced frequency dispersion. In addition, Ar treatment is found to suppress the interface trap density (Dit), which thereby led to a reduction in the threshold voltage (Vth) degradation during constant voltage stress and relaxation. These results outline the potential of surface treatment for III-V channel metal-oxide-semiconductor devices and application to non-planar device process.
Tunable transport of drops on a vibrating inclined fiber
Authors: Bick Alison , Boulogne François , Sauret Alban , Stone Howard A.
Published: November 2015

Transport of liquid drops in fibrous media occurs in various engineering systems such as fog harvesting or cleaning of textiles. The ability to tune or to control liquid movement can increase the system efficiency and enable new engineering applications. In this letter, we experimentally investigate how partially wetting drops on a single fiber can be manipulated by vibrating the fiber. We show that a sliding motion along the fiber or a dripping of the drop can be triggered by standing waves. We identify the conditions on the drop volume, the fiber tilt angle, and the amplitude and frequency of oscillations to observe these different behaviors. Finally, we experimentally illustrate that vibrations can be used to control the transport and the collection of water drops along a fiber using a combination of the sliding and dripping transitions.
The cerebral cavernous malformation proteins CCM2L and CCM2 prevent the activation of the MAP kinase MEKK3
Authors: Cullere Xavier , Plovie Eva , Bennett Paul M. , MacRae Calum A. , Mayadas Tanya N.
Published: November 2015

Significance

The kinase MEKK3 (MAP3K) regulates cellular functions from proliferation to maintenance of cell identity, and plays an important role in cardiovascular development, yet little is known about how it is regulated. Loss-of-function mutations in
CCM1
,
CCM2
, or
CCM3
cause cerebral cavernous malformations characterized by dilated, leaky blood vessels. CCM proteins form a complex and regulate the signal strength of several pathways. We demonstrate that CCM2 and CCM2-like (CCM2L), a recently described paralog, strongly prevented the activation of MEKK3 in vitro. In zebrafish,
ccm2
and
ccm2l
genetically interacted to control cardiovascular development and body axis patterning during embryogenesis, and these were regulated by MEKK3. Therefore, two homologous CCM proteins regulate MEKK3 activity, and thus may modulate the strength of key signaling pathways.
Single-molecule visualization of RecQ helicase reveals DNA melting, nucleation, and assembly are required for processive DNA unwinding
Authors: Rad Behzad , Forget Anthony L. , Baskin Ronald J. , Kowalczykowski Stephen C.
Published: November 2015

Significance

DNA helicases are essential enzymes that unwind dsDNA to ssDNA to access the information encoded within those strands. We describe a new single-molecule imaging procedure to follow DNA unwinding in real-time and apply it to
Escherichia coli
RecQ helicase. Using a fluorescent sensor to detect ssDNA and fluorescence microscopy, we observe that DNA unwinding occurs by initial nucleation of RecQ at random DNA sites and concomitant local melting of duplex DNA. Subsequently, RecQ assembles into a distribution of multimeric species that processively unwind DNA at rates proportional to their assembled state. Thus, RecQ helicase acts by a mechanism that is distinctive in that the active form is a variable and heterogeneous ensemble of loosely coupled monomeric entities.