bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Melting curve of SiO2 at multimegabar pressures: implications for gas giants and super-Earths
Authors: González-Cataldo Felipe , Davis Sergio , Gutiérrez Gonzalo
Published: May 2016

Ultrahigh-pressure phase boundary between solid and liquid SiO2 is still quite unclear. Here we present predictions of silica melting curve for the multimegabar pressure regime, as obtained from first principles molecular dynamics simulations. We calculate the melting temperatures from three high pressure phases of silica (pyrite-, cotunnite-, and Fe2P-type SiO2) at different pressures using the Z method. The computed melting curve is found to rise abruptly around 330 GPa, an increase not previously reported by any melting simulations. This is in close agreement with recent experiments reporting the α-PbO2–pyrite transition around this pressure. The predicted phase diagram indicates that silica could be one of the dominant components of the rocky cores of gas giants, as it remains solid at the core of our Solar System’s gas giants. These results are also relevant to model the interior structure and evolution of massive super-Earths.
Identification and functional analysis of two novel connexin 50 mutations associated with autosome dominant congenital cataracts
Authors: Yu Yinhui , Wu Menghan , Chen Xinyi , Zhu Yanan , Gong Xiaohua , Yao Ke
Published: May 2016

Autosomal dominant congenital cataracts (ADCC) are clinically and genetically heterogeneous diseases. The present study recruited two Chinese families with bilateral nuclear cataract or zonular pulverulent phenotype. Direct sequencing of candidate genes identified two novel missense mutations of Cx50, Cx50P59A (c.175C > G) and Cx50R76H (c.227G > A), both co-segregated well with all affected individuals. Bioinformatics analysis predicted deleterious for both mutations. Functional and cellular behaviors of wild type and mutant Cx50 examined by stably transfecting recombinant systems revealed similar protein expression levels. Protein distribution pattern by fluorescence microscopy showed that Cx50R76H localized at appositional membranes forming gap junctions with enormous cytoplasmic protein accumulation, whereas the Cx50P59A mutation was found inefficient at forming detectable plaques. Cell growth test by MTT assay showed that induction of Cx50P59A decreased cell viability. Our study constitutes the first report that the Cx50P59A and Cx50R76H mutations are associated with ADCC and expands the mutation spectrum of Cx50 in association with congenital cataracts. The genetic, cellular, and functional data suggest that the altered intercellular communication governed by mutated Cx50 proteins may act as the molecular mechanism underlying ADCC, which further confirms the role of Cx50 in the maintenance of human lens transparency.
Cold-inducible RNA-binding protein causes endothelial dysfunction via activation of Nlrp3 inflammasome
Authors: Yang Weng-Lang , Sharma Archna , Wang Zhimin , Li Zhigang , Fan Jie , Wang Ping
Published: May 2016

Cold-inducible RNA-binding protein (CIRP) is a damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMP) molecule which stimulates proinflammatory cytokine release in hemorrhage and sepsis. Under these medical conditions, disruption of endothelial homeostasis and barrier integrity, typically induced by proinflammatory cytokines, is an important factor contributing to morbidity and mortality. However, the role of CIRP in causing endothelial dysfunction has not been investigated. In this study, we show that intravenous injection of recombinant murine CIRP (rmCIRP) in C57BL/6 mice causes lung injury, evidenced by vascular leakage, edema, increased leukocyte infiltration and cytokine production in the lung tissue. The CIRP-induced lung damage is accompanied with endothelial cell (EC) activation marked by upregulation of cell-surface adhesion molecules E-selectin and ICAM-1. Using in vitro primary mouse lung vascular ECs (MLVECs), we demonstrate that rmCIRP treatment directly increases the ICAM-1 protein expression and activates NAD(P)H oxidase in MLVECs. Importantly, CIRP stimulates the assembly and activation of Nlrp3 inflammasome in MLVECs accompanied with caspase-1 activation, IL-1β release and induction of proinflammatory cell death pyroptosis. Finally, our study demonstrates CIRP-induced EC pyroptosis in the lungs of C57BL/6 mice for the first time. Taken together, the released CIRP in shock can directly activate ECs and induce EC pyroptosis to cause lung injury.
Effects of consecutive monoculture of Pseudostellaria heterophylla on soil fungal community as determined by pyrosequencing
Authors: Wu Linkun , Chen Jun , Wu Hongmiao , Wang Juanying , Wu Yanhong , Lin Sheng , Khan Muhammad Umar , Zhang Zhongyi , Lin Wenxiong
Published: May 2016

Under consecutive monoculture, the biomass and quality of Pseudostellaria heterophylla declines significantly. In this study, a three-year field experiment was conducted to identify typical growth inhibition effects caused by extended monoculturing of P. heterophylla. Deep pyrosequencing was used to examine changes in the structure and composition of soil fungal community along a three-year gradient of monoculture. The results revealed a distinct separation between the newly planted plot and the two-year, three-year monocultured plots. The Shannon and Simpson diversity indices were significantly higher in the two-year and three-year monoculture soils than in the newly planted soil. Consecutive monoculture of this plant led to a significant increase in relative abundance of Fusarium, Trichocladium and Myrothecium and Simplicillium, etc., but a significant decrease in the relative abundance of Penicillium. Quantitative PCR analysis confirmed a significant increase in Fusarium oxysporum, an agent known to cause wilt and rot disease of P. heterophylla. Furthermore, phenolic acid mixture at a ratio similar to that found in the rhizosphere could promote mycelial growth of pathogenic F. oxysporum. Overall, this study demonstrated that consecutive monoculture of P. heterophylla can alter the fungal community in the rhizosphere, including enrichment of host-specific pathogenic fungi at the expense of plant-beneficial fungi.
Population dynamics of Agriophyllum squarrosum, a pioneer annual plant endemic to mobile sand dunes, in response to global climate change
Authors: Qian Chaoju , Yin Hengxia , Shi Yong , Zhao Jiecai , Yin Chengliang , Luo Wanyin , Dong Zhibao , Chen Guoxiong , Yan Xia , Wang Xiao-Ru , Ma Xiao-Fei
Published: May 2016

Climate change plays an important role in the transition of ecosystems. Stratigraphic investigations have suggested that the Asian interior experienced frequent transitions between grassland and desert ecosystems as a consequence of global climate change. Using maternally and bi-parentally inherited markers, we investigated the population dynamics of Agriophyllum squarrosum (Chenopodiaceae), an annual pioneer plant endemic to mobile sand dunes. Phylogeographic analysis revealed that A. squarrosum could originate from Gurbantunggut desert since ~1.6 Ma, and subsequently underwent three waves of colonisation into other deserts and sandy lands corresponding to several glaciations. The rapid population expansion and distribution range shifts of A. squarrosum from monsoonal climate zones suggested that the development of the monsoonal climate significantly enhanced the population growth and gene flow of A. squarrosum. These data also suggested that desertification of the fragile grassland ecosystems in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau was more ancient than previously suggested and will be aggravated under global warming in the future. This study provides new molecular phylogeographic insights into how pioneer annual plant species in desert ecosystems respond to global climate change, and facilitates evaluation of the ecological potential and genetic resources of future crops for non-arable dry lands to mitigate climate change.
Degenerate seaweed to tilted dendrite transition and their growth dynamics in directional solidification of non-axially oriented crystals: a phase-field study
Authors: Xing Hui , Dong Xianglei , Wu Hongjing , Hao Guanhua , Wang Jianyuan , Chen Changle , Jin Kexin
Published: May 2016

We report the results of a phase-field study of degenerate seaweed to tilted dendrite transition and their growth dynamics during directional solidification of a binary alloy. Morphological selection maps in the planes of (G, Vp) and (ε4, Vp) show that lower pulling velocity, weaker anisotropic strength and higher thermal gradient can enhance the formation of the degenerate seaweed. The tip undercooling shows oscillations in seaweed growth, but it keeps at a constant value in dendritic growth. The M-S instability on the tips and the surface tension anisotropy of the solid-liquid interface are responsible for the formation of the degenerate seaweed. It is evidenced that the place where the interfacial instability occurs determines the morphological transition. The transient transition from degenerate seaweed to tilted dendrite shows that dendrites are dynamically preferred over seaweed. For the tilted dendritic arrays with a large tilted angle, primary spacing is investigated by comparing predicted results with the classical scaling power law, and the growth direction is found to be less sensitive to the pulling velocity and the primary spacing. Furthermore, the effect of the initial interface wavelength on the morphological transition is investigated to perform the history dependence of morphological selection.
Structure of the Dictyostelium Myosin-II Heavy Chain Kinase A (MHCK-A) α-kinase domain apoenzyme reveals a novel autoinhibited conformation
Authors: Ye Qilu , Yang Yidai , van Staalduinen Laura , Crawley Scott William , Liu Linda , Brennan Stephanie , Côté Graham P. , Jia Zongchao
Published: May 2016

The α-kinases are a family of a typical protein kinases present in organisms ranging from protozoa to mammals. Here we report an autoinhibited conformation for the α-kinase domain of Dictyostelium myosin-II heavy chain kinase A (MHCK-A) in which nucleotide binding to the catalytic cleft, located at the interface between an N-terminal and C-terminal lobe, is sterically blocked by the side chain of a conserved arginine residue (Arg592). Previous α-kinase structures have shown that an invariant catalytic aspartic acid residue (Asp766) is phosphorylated. Unexpectedly, in the autoinhibited conformation the phosphoryl group is transferred to the adjacent Asp663, creating an interaction network that stabilizes the autoinhibited state. The results suggest that Asp766 phosphorylation may play both catalytic and regulatory roles. The autoinhibited structure also provides the first view of a phosphothreonine residue docked into the phospho-specific allosteric binding site (Pi-pocket) in the C-lobe of the α-kinase domain.
Reproductive concessions between related and unrelated members promote eusociality in bees
Authors: Andrade Aline C. R. , Miranda Elder A. , Del Lama Marco A. , Nascimento Fábio S.
Published: May 2016

Animal societies exhibit remarkable variation in their breeding strategies. Individuals can maximize their fitness by either reproducing or by helping relatives. Social hymenopterans have been key taxa for the study of Hamilton’s inclusive fitness theory because the haplodiploid sex-determination system results in asymmetric relatedness among breeders producing conflict over the partitioning of reproduction. In small cooperative groups of insects, totipotent individuals may maximize their inclusive fitness by controlling reproduction despotically rather than helping their relatives. Here, we demonstrate that the dominant females of the primitively eusocial bee Euglossa melanotricha (Apidae: Euglossini) control reproduction, but concede part of the reproductive output with their related and unrelated subordinates. As expected, a dominant female capitalizes on the direct reproduction of related subordinates, according to her interests. We found that reproductive skew was positively correlated with relatedness. The concessions were highly reduced in mother-daughter and sibling nests (relatedness r ± s.d. = 0.54 ± 0.02 and 0.79 ± 0.02, respectively) but much more egalitarian in unrelated associations (r = −0.10 ± 0.01). We concluded that reproductive skew in these primitively eusocial bees is strongly related to the genetic structure of associations, and also that females are able to assess pairwise relatedness, either directly or indirectly, and use this information to mediate social contracts.
Anemia increases the mortality risk in patients with stroke: A meta-analysis of cohort studies
Authors: Li Zhanzhan , Zhou Tao , Li Yanyan , Chen Peng , Chen Lizhang
Published: May 2016

The impact of anemia on the outcome of patients with stroke remains inconsistent. We performed a meta-analysis of cohort studies to assess the mortality risk in stroke patients with and without anemia. Systematic searches were conducted in the PubMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Web of Science and Wanfang databases to identify relevant studies from inception to November 2015. The estimated odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was pooled. subgroup analyses and sensitivity analyses were also conducted. We used Begg’s funnel plot and Egger’s test to detect the potential publication bias. Thirteen cohort studies with a total of 19239 patients with stroke were included in this meta-analysis. The heterogeneity among studies was slight (I2 = 59.0%, P = 0.031). The results from a random-effect model suggest that anemia is associated with an increased mortality risk in patients with stroke (adjusted odds ratio = 1.39, 95% confidence interval: 1.22–1.58, P < 0.001). The subgroup analyses are consistent with the total results. This meta-analysis of 13 cohort studies finds that anemia increases the mortality risk in patients with stroke. Future studies should perform longer follow-up to confirm this finding and explore its possible mechanism.
Surface Plasmon Enhanced Photocatalysis of Au/Pt-decorated TiO2 Nanopillar Arrays
Authors: Shuang Shuang , Lv Ruitao , Xie Zheng , Zhang Zhengjun
Published: May 2016

The low quantum yields and lack of visible light utilization hinder the practical application of TiO2 in high-performance photocatalysis. Herein, we present a design of TiO2 nanopillar arrays (NPAs) decorated with both Au and Pt nanoparticles (NPs) directly synthesized through successive ion layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) at room temperature. Au/Pt NPs with sizes of ~4 nm are well-dispersed on the TiO2 NPAs as evidenced by electron microscopic analyses. The present design of Au/Pt co-decoration on the TiO2 NPAs shows much higher visible and ultraviolet (UV) light absorption response, which leads to remarkably enhanced photocatalytic activities on both the dye degradation and photoelectrochemical (PEC) performance. Its photocatalytic reaction efficiency is 21 and 13 times higher than that of pure TiO2 sample under UV-vis and visible light, respectively. This great enhancement can be attributed to the synergy of electron-sink function of Pt and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) of Au NPs, which significantly improves charge separation of photoexcited TiO2. Our studies demonstrate that through rational design of composite nanostructures one can harvest visible light through the SPR effect to enhance the photocatalytic activities initiated by UV-light and thus realize more effectively utilization of the whole solar spectrum for energy conversion.
Clinical Nomogram for Predicting Survival of Esophageal Cancer Patients after Esophagectomy
Authors: Cao Jinlin , Yuan Ping , Wang Luming , Wang Yiqing , Ma Honghai , Yuan Xiaoshuai , Lv Wang , Hu Jian
Published: May 2016

The aim of this study was to construct an effective clinical nomogram for predicting the survival of esophageal cancer patients after esophagectomy. We identified esophageal cancer patients (n = 4,281) who underwent esophagectomy between 1988 and 2007 from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) 18 registries database. Clinically significant parameters for survival were used to construct a nomogram based on Cox regression analyses. The model was validated using bootstrap resampling and a Chinese cohort (n = 145). A total of 4,109 patients from the SEER database were included for analysis. The multivariate analyses showed that the factors of age, race, histology, tumor site, tumor size, grade and depth of invasion and the numbers of metastases and retrieved nodes were independent prognostic factors. All of these factors were selected into the nomogram. The nomogram showed a clear prognostic superiority over the seventh AJCC-TNM classification (C-index: SEER cohort, 0.716 vs 0.693, respectively; P < 0.01; Chinese cohort, 0.699 vs 0.680, respectively; P < 0.01). Calibration of the nomogram predicted the probabilities of 3- and 5-year survival, which corresponded closely with the actual survival rates. This novel prognostic model may improve clinicians’ abilities to predict individualized survival and to make treatment recommendations.
Nano-SPRi Aptasensor for the Detection of Progesterone in Buffer
Authors: Zeidan Effat , Shivaji Renuka , Henrich Vincent C. , Sandros Marinella G.
Published: May 2016

Progesterone is a steroid hormone that plays a central role in the female reproductive processes such as ovulation and pregnancy with possible effects on other organs as well. The measurement of progesterone levels in bodily fluids can assist in early pregnancy diagnosis and can provide insight for other reproductive functions. In this work, the detection of progesterone was examined by integrating novel aptamer development with a nanoEnhanced surface plasmon resonance imaging sensor. First, we developed X-aptamers and selected them for binding to progesterone. Then, we took advantage of the multi-array feature of SPRi to develop an optimized biosensor capable of simultaneously screening the 9 X-aptamers developed to determine the binding capabilities of each aptamer. The sensor surface design conditions were further optimized for the sandwich assay, which employed nanoEnhancers (NIR-streptavidin coated quantum dots) for ultrasensitive detection of progesterone molecules. The assay designed was examined over a concentration range of 1.575 ng/mL to 126 μg/mL resulting in a limit of detection (LOD) of 1.575 ng/mL (5 nM) in phosphate buffer.
Involvement of Auxin and Brassinosteroid in Dwarfism of Autotetraploid Apple (Malus × domestica)
Authors: Ma Yue , Xue Hao , Zhang Lei , Zhang Feng , Ou Chunqing , Wang Feng , Zhang Zhihong
Published: May 2016

The plant height is an important trait in fruit tree. However, the molecular mechanism on dwarfism is still poorly understood. We found that colchicine-induced autotetraploid apple plants (Malus × domestica) exhibited a dwarf phenotype. The vertical length of cortical parenchyma cells was shorter in autotetraploids than in diploids, by observing paraffin sections. Hormone levels of indoleacetic acid (IAA) and brassinosteroid (BR) were significantly decreased in 3- and 5-year-old autotetraploid plants. Digital gene expression (DGE) analysis showed that the differentially expressed genes were mainly involved in IAA and BR pathways. microRNA390 was significantly upregulated according to microarray analysis. Exogenous application of IAA and BR promoted stem elongation of both apple plants grown in medium. The results show that dwarfing in autotetraploid apple plants is most likely regulated by IAA and BR. The dwarf phenotype of autotetraploid apple plants could be due to accumulation of miR390 after genome doubling, leading to upregulation of apple trans-acting short-interfering RNA 3 (MdTAS3) expression, which in turn downregulates the expression of MdARF3. Overall, this leads to partial interruption of the IAA and BR signal transduction pathway. Our study provides important insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying dwarfism in autopolyploid apple plants.
A novel polysaccharide from Sargassum integerrimum induces apoptosis in A549 cells and prevents angiogensis in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Liu Ge , Kuang Shan , Wu Shimei , Jin Weihua , Sun Chaomin
Published: May 2016

Many polysaccharides isolated from plants have exhibited promising antitumor activities. The aim of this study is to investigate the antitumor activity of the novel polysaccharide named SPS from Sargassum integerrimum, elucidate the underlying anticancer mechanism in a human lung cancer cell line A549 and evaluate its anti-angiogenic activity both in vitro and in vivo. The results show that SPS significantly reduces A549 cells viability in a dose- and time-dependent manner via MTT method. Flow cytometry analysis indicates that SPS could induce cell apoptosis, the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and G2/M phase cell cycle arrest of A549 cells. Up-regulation of the expressions of P53 and Bax, down-regulation of the expression of Bcl-2 and activation of cleaved caspase-3, caspase-9 and PARP are also detected by western blotting after the treatment of SPS. In addition, SPS inhibits the proliferation, migration and cord formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in vitro and prevents the vascular development of zebrafish embryos in vivo. Altogether, our data prove the anticancer and anti-angiogenesis properties of SPS and provide further insights into the potential pharmacological application of SPS as antitumor and anti-angiogenic agent against lung cancer.
Porcine myofibrillar proteins as potential precursors of bioactive peptides – an in silico study
Authors: Kęska Paulina , Stadnik Joanna
Published: May 2016

Selected porcine myofibrillar proteins have been assessed as potential precursors of bioactive peptides based onin silicoanalysis.
Dynamic light scattering (DLS)-based immunoassay for ultra-sensitive detection of tumor marker protein
Authors: Li Chao , Ma Jiehua , Fan Qiongxuan , Tao Yaqin , Li Genxi
Published: May 2016

With the help of manganese dioxide (MnO2) nanosheet-modified gold nanoparticles, a dynamic light scattering (DLS)-based immunoassay that can detect ultra-low levels of tumor marker protein is developed.
Synthesis of benzo[a]carbazole derivatives from 3-ethylindoles by exploiting the dual character of benzoquinone as an oxidizing agent and dienophile
Authors: Kuo Chun-Wei , Konala Ashok , Lin Lyu , Chiang Ting-Ta , Huang Chia-Yu , Yang Tang-Hao , Kavala Veerababurao , Yao Ching-Fa
Published: May 2016

The dual character of benzoquinone is exploited for the synthesis of benzo[a]carbazole derivatives starting from 3-ethylindole derivatives.
Chirality and catalysis with aromatic N-fused heterobicyclic carbenes
Authors: Iglesias-Sigüenza Javier , Izquierdo Cristina , Díez Elena , Fernández Rosario , Lassaletta José M.
Published: May 2016

Heterobicyclic ImPys (Z = CH) and TriPys (Z = N), characterized by a bridged N atom, provide a versatile platform for the development of applications in asymmetric catalysis.
Antiproliferative activity of ruthenium(ii) arene complexes with mono- and bidentate pyridine-based ligands
Authors: Richter Stefan , Singh Sushma , Draca Dijana , Kate Anup , Kumbhar Anupa , Kumbhar Avinash S. , Maksimovic-Ivanic Danijela , Mijatovic Sanja , Lönnecke Peter , Hey-Hawkins Evamarie
Published: May 2016

The antitumour activity of RuII arene complexes with N-donor ligands is realised through inhibition of cell division accompanied by caspase-dependent apoptosis.
A high capacity thiospinel cathode for Mg batteries
Authors: Sun Xiaoqi , Bonnick Patrick , Duffort Victor , Liu Miao , Rong Ziqin , Persson Kristin A. , Ceder Gerbrand , Nazar Linda F.
Published: May 2016

A Mg full cell with a thiospinel cathode material shows 190 mA h g−1 capacity and relatively stable capacity retention.
Nanoparticles in road dust from impervious urban surfaces: distribution, identification, and environmental implications
Authors: Yang Yi , Vance Marina , Tou Feiyun , Tiwari Andrea , Liu Min , Hochella Michael F.
Published: May 2016

Nanoparticles (NPs) resulting from urban road dust resuspension are an understudied class of pollutants in urban environments with strong potential for health hazards.
Emerging investigators series: disinfection by-products in mixed chlorine dioxide and chlorine water treatment
Authors: Gan Wenhui , Huang Huang , Yang Xin , Peng Ziru , Chen Guanghao
Published: May 2016

On-site generation of ClO2often involves the production of Cl2as impurity and the changes of disinfection by-products formation by mixed disinfectant (ClO2/Cl2) was presented.
Synthesis and characterization of glass-ceramics prepared from high-carbon ferrochromium slag
Authors: Bai Zhitao , Qiu Guibo , Peng Ben , Guo Min , Zhang Mei
Published: May 2016

The HCFS-based glass-ceramics have been successfully prepared from high carbon ferrochrome slag and waste glass by two-stage heat treatment. The grain size, porosity, microhardness, and bending strength of the glass-ceramics are investigated.
A diketopyrrolopyrrole-based fluorescence turn-on probe for the detection of Pb2+in aqueous solution and living cells
Authors: Yang Xiaofeng , Zhang Yan , Li Yexin , Liu Xiaolei , Mao Jiaxin , Yuan Yuan , Cui Yu , Sun Guoxin , Zhang Guangyou
Published: May 2016

A diketopyrrolopyrrole-based fluorescent probeDPP-HBTbearing a benzothiazole hydrazone motif exhibited an obvious fluorescent turn-on response toward Pb2+ions with a low detection limit of 2.3 × 10−10M in aqueous solution.
UV-treated ZnO films for liquid crystal alignment
Authors: Hu Jia-Wei , Yang Sheng-Hsiung , Jeng Shie-Chang
Published: May 2016

UV treatment has applied to modify the surface wettability of ZnO films for controlling the liquid crystal alignment.
Preparation and characterization of solid lipid nanoparticles loaded with cytarabine via a micellar composition for leukemia
Authors: Raj Rakesh , Raj Pooja Mongia , Ram Alpana
Published: May 2016

The present investigation reports the fabrication, optimization and characterization of tristearin based cytarabine solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN). Higher sensitivity of the cytarabine SLN than drug solution on cell line demonstrated the potential of this developed carrier.
Enhancement in luminescence properties of ZrO2:Dy3+ under 100 MeV swift Ni7+ ion irradiation
Authors: Lokesha H. S. , Nagabhushana K. R. , Singh Fouran
Published: May 2016

100 MeV swift Ni7+ ion irradiation induces a phase transition in ZrO2:Dy3+ from lower to higher symmetry and enhances the luminescence emission.
Self-optimisation of the final stage in the synthesis of EGFR kinase inhibitor AZD9291 using an automated flow reactor
Authors: Holmes Nicholas , Akien Geoffrey R. , Blacker A. John , Woodward Robert L. , Meadows Rebecca E. , Bourne Richard A.
Published: May 2016

Self-optimising flow reactors combine online analysis with evolutionary feedback algorithms to rapidly achieve optimum conditions.
Donor–π–donor type hole transporting materials: marked π-bridge effects on optoelectronic properties, solid-state structure, and perovskite solar cell efficiency
Authors: Paek S. , Zimmermann I. , Gao P. , Gratia P. , Rakstys K. , Grancini G. , Nazeeruddin Mohammad Khaja , Rub Malik Abdul , Kosa Samia A. , Alamry Khalid A. , Asiri Abdullah M.
Published: May 2016

Donor–π-bridge–donor type oligomers (D–π–D) have been studied intensively as active materials for organic optoelectronic devices.
A microscopic model for chemically-powered Janus motors
Authors: Huang Mu-Jie , Schofield Jeremy , Kapral Raymond
Published: May 2016

A microscopic model for Janus motors captures essential features of the diffusiophoretic mechanism and will facilitate large-scale simulations designed to probe collective behavior of many Janus motors.
Bifunctional separator as a polysulfide mediator for highly stable Li–S batteries
Authors: Abbas Syed Ali , Ibrahem Mohammad Aziz , Hu Lung-Hao , Lin Chia-Nan , Fang Jason , Boopathi Karunakara Moorthy , Wang Pen-Cheng , Li Lain-Jong , Chu Chih-Wei
Published: May 2016

The shuttling process involving lithium polysulfides is one of the major factors responsible for the degradation in capacity of lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs).
Three-dimensional nickel nitride (Ni3N) nanosheets: free standing and flexible electrodes for lithium ion batteries and supercapacitors
Authors: Balogun Muhammad-Sadeeq , Zeng Yinxiang , Qiu Weitao , Luo Yang , Onasanya Amos , Olaniyi Titus K. , Tong Yexiang
Published: May 2016

This study demonstrates the use of 3D Ni3N/carbon cloth nanosheets as electrode materials for lithium ion batteries and supercapacitors.
Super high-rate, long cycle life of europium-modified, carbon-coated, hierarchical mesoporous lithium-titanate anode materials for lithium ion batteries
Authors: Cai Yanjun , Huang Yudai , Jia Wei , Wang Xingchao , Guo Yong , Jia Dianzeng , Sun Zhipeng , Pang Weikong , Guo Zaiping
Published: May 2016

Li4−x/2Ti5−x/2EuxO12@C (x= 0.004) was preparedviathe co-precipitation method. When cycled at 100 C, the discharge capacity stayed at 92.1 mA h g−1.
Regenerative similariton laser
Authors: North Thibault , Brès Camille-Sophie
Published: May 2016

Self-pulsating lasers based on cascaded reshaping and reamplification (2R) are capable of initiating ultrashort pulses despite the accumulation of large amounts of nonlinearities in all-fiber resonators. The spectral properties of pulses in self-similar propagation are compatible with cascaded 2R regeneration by offset filtering, making parabolic pulses suitable for the design of a laser of this recently introduced class. A new type of regenerative laser giving birth to similaritons is numerically investigated and shows that this laser is the analog of regenerative sources based solely on self-phase modulation and offset filtering. The regenerative similariton laser does not suffer from instabilities due to excessive nonlinearities and enables ultrashort pulse generation in a simple cavity configuration.
Invited Article: Precision nanoimplantation of nitrogen vacancy centers into diamond photonic crystal cavities and waveguides
Authors: Schukraft M. , Zheng J. , Schröder T. , Mouradian S. L. , Walsh M. , Trusheim M. E. , Bakhru H. , Englund D. R.
Published: May 2016

We demonstrate a self-aligned lithographic technique for precision generation of nitrogen vacancy (NV) centers within photonic nanostructures on bulk diamond substrates. The process relies on a lithographic mask with nanoscale implantation apertures for NV creation, together with larger features for producing waveguides and photonic nanocavities. This mask allows targeted nitrogen ion implantation, and precision dry etching of nanostructures on bulk diamond. We demonstrate high-yield generation of single NVs at pre-determined nanoscale target regions on suspended diamond waveguides. We report implantation into the mode maximum of diamond photonic crystal nanocavities with a single-NV per cavity yield of ∼26% and Purcell induced intensity enhancement of the zero-phonon line. The generation of NV centers aligned with diamond photonic structures marks an important tool for scalable production of optically coupled spin memories.
An upper bound on the second order asymptotic expansion for the quantum communication cost of state redistribution
Authors: Datta Nilanjana , Hsieh Min-Hsiu , Oppenheim Jonathan
Published: May 2016

State redistribution is the protocol in which given an arbitrary tripartite quantum state, with two of the subsystems initially being with Alice and one being with Bob, the goal is for Alice to send one of her subsystems to Bob, possibly with the help of prior shared entanglement. We derive an upper bound on the second order asymptotic expansion for the quantum communication cost of achieving state redistribution with a given finite accuracy. In proving our result, we also obtain an upper bound on the quantum communication cost of this protocol in the one-shot setting, by using the protocol of coherent state merging as a primitive.
Stitching interferometry for ellipsoidal x-ray mirrors
Authors: Yumoto Hirokatsu , Koyama Takahisa , Matsuyama Satoshi , Yamauchi Kazuto , Ohashi Haruhiko
Published: May 2016

Ellipsoidal mirrors, which can efficiently produce a two-dimensional focusing beam with a single mirror, are superior x-ray focusing optics, especially when compared to elliptical-cylinder mirrors in the Kirkpatrick–Baez geometry. However, nano-focusing ellipsoidal mirrors are not commonly used for x-ray optics because achieving the accuracy required for the surface metrology of nano-focusing ellipsoidal mirrors is difficult due to their small radius of curvature along the short ellipsoidal axis. Here, we developed a surface metrology system for nano-focusing ellipsoidal mirrors using stitching interferometric techniques. The developed system simultaneously measures sub-aperture shapes with a microscopic interferometer and the tilt angles of the sub-aperture shapes with a large Fizeau interferometer. After correcting the systematic errors included in the sub-aperture shapes, the entire mirror shape is calculated by stitching the sub-aperture shapes based on the obtained relative angles between partially overlapped sub-apertures. In this study, we developed correction methods for systematic errors in sub-aperture shapes that originated from off-axis aberrations produced in the optics of the microscopic interferometer. The systematic errors on an ellipsoidal mirror were estimated by measuring a series of tilted plane substrates and the ellipsoidal substrate. From measurements of an ellipsoidal mirror with a 3.6-mm radius of curvature at the mirror center, we obtained a measurement repeatability of 0.51 nm (root-mean-square) in an assessment area of 0.5 mm × 99.18 mm. This value satisfies the requirements for surface metrology of nano-focusing x-ray mirrors. Thus, the developed metrology system should be applicable for fabricating nano-focusing ellipsoidal mirrors.
Development and evaluation of a collection apparatus for recoil products for study of the deexcitation process of 235mU
Authors: Shigekawa Y. , Kasamatsu Y. , Shinohara A.
Published: May 2016

The nucleus 235mU is an isomer with extremely low excitation energy (76.8 eV) and decays dominantly through the internal conversion (IC) process. Because outer-shell electrons are involved in the IC process, the decay constant of 235mU depends on its chemical environment. We plan to study the deexcitation process of 235mU by measuring the energy spectra of IC electrons in addition to the decay constants for various chemical forms. In this paper, the preparation method of 235mU samples from 239Pu by using alpha-recoil energy is reported. A Collection Apparatus for Recoil Products was fabricated, and then collection efficiencies under various conditions were determined by collecting 224Ra recoiling out of 228Th electrodeposited and precipitated sources. The pressure in the apparatus (vacuum or 1 atm of N2 gas) affected the variations of the collection efficiencies depending on the negative voltage applied to the collector. The maximum values of the collection efficiencies were mainly affected by the thickness of the 228Th sources. From these results, the suitable conditions of the 239Pu sources for preparation of 235mU were determined. In addition, dissolution efficiencies were determined by washing collected 224Ra with solutions. When 224Ra was collected in 1 atm of N2 gas and dissolved with polar solutions such as water, the dissolution efficiencies were nearly 100%. The method of rapid dissolution of recoil products would be applicable to rapid preparation of short-lived 235mU samples for various chemical forms.
Electric field controlled spin interference in a system with Rashba spin-orbit coupling
Authors: Ciftja Orion
Published: May 2016

There have been intense research efforts over the last years focused on understanding the Rashba spin-orbit coupling effect from the perspective of possible spintronics applications. An important component of this line of research is aimed at control and manipulation of electron’s spin degrees of freedom in semiconductor quantum dot devices. A promising way to achieve this goal is to make use of the tunable Rashba effect that relies on the spin-orbit interaction in a two-dimensional electron system embedded in a host semiconducting material that lacks inversion-symmetry. This way, the Rashba spin-orbit coupling effect may potentially lead to fabrication of a new generation of spintronic devices where control of spin, thus magnetic properties, is achieved via an electric field and not a magnetic field. In this work we investigate theoretically the electron’s spin interference and accumulation process in a Rashba spin-orbit coupled system consisting of a pair of two-dimensional semiconductor quantum dots connected to each other via two conducting semi-circular channels. The strength of the confinement energy on the quantum dots is tuned by gate potentials that allow “leakage” of electrons from one dot to another. While going through the conducting channels, the electrons are spin-orbit coupled to a microscopically generated electric field applied perpendicular to the two-dimensional system. We show that interference of spin wave functions of electrons travelling through the two channels gives rise to interference/conductance patterns that lead to the observation of the geometric Berry’s phase. Achieving a predictable and measurable observation of Berry’s phase allows one to control the spin dynamics of the electrons. It is demonstrated that this system allows use of a microscopically generated electric field to control Berry’s phase, thus, enables one to tune the spin-dependent interference pattern and spintronic properties with no need for injection of spin-polarized electrons.
Lotic bacterioplankton and phytoplankton community changes under dissolved organic-carbon amendment: evidence for competition for nutrients
Authors: Carney R. L. , Seymour J. R. , Westhorpe D. , Mitrovic S. M.
Published: May 2016

During periods of low river discharge, bacterial growth is typically limited by dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and is tightly regulated by phytoplankton production. However, import of allochthonous DOC into rivers by freshwater inflows may diminish bacterial reliance on phytoplankton-produced carbon, leading to competition for nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P). To investigate phytoplankton–bacterial competition in response to allochthonous inputs, we conducted a mesocosm experiment, comparing microbial responses to the following two manipulation treatments: (1) addition of N and P, and (2) addition of a DOC and N and P. Measurement of chlorophyll-a estimated phytoplankton biomass and microscopic counts were performed to discriminate community change. Bacterial abundance was tracked using flow cytometry and community assemblages were characterised using automated ribosomal intergenic spacer analyses and 16S rRNA-amplicon sequencing. We found that bacterial abundance increased in the leachate addition, whereas chlorophyll-a was reduced and the bacterial community shifted to one dominated by heterotrophic genera, and autotrophic microbes including Synechococcus and Cyclotella increased significantly in the nutrient treatment. These observations indicated that DOC and nutrient inputs can lead to shifts in the competitive dynamics between bacteria and phytoplankton, reducing phytoplankton biomass, which may potentially shift the major pathway of carbon to higher trophic organisms, from the phytoplankton grazer chain to the microbial food web.
Aurora kinase-induced phosphorylation excludes transcription factor RUNX from the chromatin to facilitate proper mitotic progression
Authors: Chuang Linda Shyue Huey , Khor Jian Ming , Lai Soak Kuan , Garg Shubham , Krishnan Vaidehi , Koh Cheng-Gee , Lee Sang Hyun , Ito Yoshiaki
Published: May 2016

Significance

The Runt-related transcription factors (RUNX) are critical regulators of development. Mutation or dysregulation of
RUNX
genes have been associated with diverse cancer types. Phosphorylation of the strictly conserved threonine 173 (T173) residue within the Runt domain of RUNX3 disrupts DNA binding activity, which facilitates the recruitment of RUNX proteins to mitotic structures. Moreover,
RUNX3
deficiency is associated with delayed mitotic entry. The tight conservation of T173 and its flanking residues from unicellular organism to human, and the fact that mitosis is indispensable to all metazoans, strongly indicate that T173 phosphorylation is fundamental to the role of RUNX in these divergent organisms. Cancer-associated mutation T173I further corroborates the critical role of RUNX phosphorylation in mitosis.
Nanospherical arabinogalactan proteins are a key component of the high-strength adhesive secreted by English ivy
Authors: Huang Yujian , Wang Yongzhong , Tan Li , Sun Leming , Petrosino Jennifer , Cui Mei-Zhen , Hao Feng , Zhang Mingjun
Published: May 2016

Significance

Despite the significant progress that has been made in exploring the molecular basis for multiple adhesive events in the animal kingdom, the exceptional adhesion behaviors of climbing plants, such as English ivy, are still poorly understood. In this study, the spheroidal nanoparticles observed in the mucilage exuded by the English ivy were identified to be predominantly composed of arabinogalactan proteins (AGPs). The roles of these AGP-rich nanoparticles in favoring the generation of strong adhesion strength are elucidated. The Ca2+-driven electrostatic interactions among uronic acids within AGPs and pectin upon curing could be exploited as guidelines in the design and fabrication of novel synthetic adhesives, and the ivy-derived adhesive composite is capable of serving as a template for inspiring the development of diverse adhesive biomaterials.
Differential rhythmicity: detecting altered rhythmicity in biological data
Authors: Thaben Paul F , Westermark Pål O
Published: May 2016

Motivation

Biological rhythms, such as rhythms in gene expression controlled by the cell cycle or the circadian clock, are important in cell physiology. A common type of experiment compares rhythmicity in tissues or cells either kept under different conditions or having different genotypes. Such investigations provide insights into underlying mechanisms as well as functions of rhythms.

Results

We present and benchmark a set of statistical and computational methods for this type of analysis, here termed differential rhythmicity analysis. The methods detect alterations in rhythm amplitude, phase and signal to noise ratio in one set of measurements compared to another. Using these methods, we compared circadian rhythms in liver mRNA expression in mice held under two different lighting conditions: constant darkness and light-dark cycles, respectively. This analysis revealed widespread and reproducible amplitude increases in mice kept in light-dark cycles. Further analysis of the subset of differentially rhythmic transcripts implied the immune system in mediating ambient light-dark cycles to rhythmic transcriptional activities. The methods are suitable for genome- or proteome-wide studies, and provide rigorous P values against well-defined null hypotheses.

Availability and Implementation

The methods were implemented as the accompanying R software package DODR, available on CRAN.

Contact

pal-olof.westermark@charite.de

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Effects of Temperature and Duration of Preconditioning Cold Treatment on Sclerotial Germination of Claviceps purpurea
Authors: Uppala Sai Sree , Wu B. M. , Alderman S. C.
Published: May 2016

Claviceps purpurea is an important ovary-infecting pathogen that replaces seed with sclerotia in Kentucky bluegrass grown for seed. Sclerotia overwinter in the soil and germinate in the spring to produce ascospores that infect grass seed ovaries. To better understand environmental conditions affecting ascospore production, the effects of preconditioning cold treatment and subsequent incubation temperature on germination of sclerotia were determined in growth chambers under controlled conditions. Preconditioning cold treatment was essential for germination only in treatments where the incubation temperature was high (at least higher than 20°C). At lower incubation temperatures (10 to 20°C), preconditioning also played a role in improving sclerotial germination. Preconditioning at 4°C (in darkness) for 4 to 8 weeks followed by incubation at 10 and 20°C (cycle of 12 h each of darkness and light), or constant 15°C (cycle of 12 h each of darkness and light), was optimal for ergot germination. When sclerotia were preconditioned for 4 weeks or longer, number of incubation days required for initiation of germination was not affected by temperature in the range from 10 to 25°C (cycle of 12 h each of darkness and light), although the duration of germination (or the progress speed of germination) was still affected by temperature. A simple model was developed based on laboratory results and validated with historic spore trap data collected from various Kentucky bluegrass fields in Oregon (Willamette Valley, central Oregon, and Grande Ronde Valley). The prediction model could predict ascospore onset well and explained 55% of variation in the data.
Is technology affecting our health?
Authors: Murphy Kathryn
Published: May 2016

Smart devices can make our professional and personal lives easier and more enjoyable, but along with the positives may come some downsides.
Focal depth measurements of the vaginal wall: a new method to noninvasively quantify vaginal wall thickness in the diagnosis and treatment of vaginal atrophy
Authors: Weber Maaike A. , Diedrich Chantal M. , Ince Can , Roovers Jan-Paul
Published: May 2016

Objective:

The aim of the study was to evaluate if vaginal focal depth measurement could be a noninvasive method to quantify vaginal wall thickness.

Methods:

Postmenopausal women undergoing topical estrogen therapy because of vaginal atrophy (VA) were recruited. VA was diagnosed based on the presence of symptoms and vaginal pH at least 5.5. The control group consisted of women above 40 years without VA. Focal depth measurements were performed before and after treatment using the Cytocam-Incident Dark Field device assessing the distance between the subepithelial microcirculation and the epithelial surface. Measurements were performed before and after treatment in the intervention group and at two different time points in the control group. Vaginal pH was measured. Symptoms were evaluated using the most bothersome symptom approach.

Results:

Eight women with VA and nine controls were included. Pretreatment median focal depth was not significantly different between both groups. Pretreatment focal depth more than doubled after a median of 7 weeks of topical estrogen treatment (80 μm [interquartile range 80-120 μm] vs 220 μm [148-248 μm],P = 0.02), whereas the measurements in the control group did not change. Pretreatment vaginal pH differed between both groups (5.5 vs 5.1, respectively,P < 0.01). Vaginal pH did not change after treatment.

Conclusions:

Using in vivo microscopy we introduced a new noninvasive measure of vaginal wall thickness. A significant increase in vaginal focal depth was observed in participants with VA treated with topical estrogens. This innovative measurement of vaginal wall thickness could become the preferred objective measure to evaluate treatment effect. Moreover, it has great potential for other applications in the field of urogynecology.