bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dirac Cellular Automaton from Split-step Quantum Walk
Authors: Mallick Arindam , Chandrashekar C. M.
Published: May 2016

Simulations of one quantum system by an other has an implication in realization of quantum machine that can imitate any quantum system and solve problems that are not accessible to classical computers. One of the approach to engineer quantum simulations is to discretize the space-time degree of freedom in quantum dynamics and define the quantum cellular automata (QCA), a local unitary update rule on a lattice. Different models of QCA are constructed using set of conditions which are not unique and are not always in implementable configuration on any other system. Dirac Cellular Automata (DCA) is one such model constructed for Dirac Hamiltonian (DH) in free quantum field theory. Here, starting from a split-step discrete-time quantum walk (QW) which is uniquely defined for experimental implementation, we recover the DCA along with all the fine oscillations in position space and bridge the missing connection between DH-DCA-QW. We will present the contribution of the parameters resulting in the fine oscillations on the Zitterbewegung frequency and entanglement. The tuneability of the evolution parameters demonstrated in experimental implementation of QW will establish it as an efficient tool to design quantum simulator and approach quantum field theory from principles of quantum information theory.
Ecology of conflict: marine food supply affects human-wildlife interactions on land
Authors: Artelle Kyle A. , Anderson Sean C. , Reynolds John D. , Cooper Andrew B. , Paquet Paul C. , Darimont Chris T.
Published: May 2016

Human-wildlife conflicts impose considerable costs to people and wildlife worldwide. Most research focuses on proximate causes, offering limited generalizable understanding of ultimate drivers. We tested three competing hypotheses (problem individuals, regional population saturation, limited food supply) that relate to underlying processes of human-grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilis) conflict, using data from British Columbia, Canada, between 1960–2014. We found most support for the limited food supply hypothesis: in bear populations that feed on spawning salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.), the annual number of bears/km2 killed due to conflicts with humans increased by an average of 20% (6–32% [95% CI]) for each 50% decrease in annual salmon biomass. Furthermore, we found that across all bear populations (with or without access to salmon), 81% of attacks on humans and 82% of conflict kills occurred after the approximate onset of hyperphagia (July 1st), a period of intense caloric demand. Contrary to practices by many management agencies, conflict frequency was not reduced by hunting or removal of problem individuals. Our finding that a marine resource affects terrestrial conflict suggests that evidence-based policy for reducing harm to wildlife and humans requires not only insight into ultimate drivers of conflict, but also management that spans ecosystem and jurisdictional boundaries.
Competing coexisting phases in 2D water
Authors: Zanotti Jean-Marc , Judeinstein Patrick , Dalla-Bernardina Simona , Creff Gaëlle , Brubach Jean-Blaise , Roy Pascale , Bonetti Marco , Ollivier Jacques , Sakellariou Dimitrios , Bellissent-Funel Marie-Claire
Published: May 2016

The properties of bulk water come from a delicate balance of interactions on length scales encompassing several orders of magnitudes: i) the Hydrogen Bond (HBond) at the molecular scale and ii) the extension of this HBond network up to the macroscopic level. Here, we address the physics of water when the three dimensional extension of the HBond network is frustrated, so that the water molecules are forced to organize in only two dimensions. We account for the large scale fluctuating HBond network by an analytical mean-field percolation model. This approach provides a coherent interpretation of the different events experimentally (calorimetry, neutron, NMR, near and far infra-red spectroscopies) detected in interfacial water at 160, 220 and 250 K. Starting from an amorphous state of water at low temperature, these transitions are respectively interpreted as the onset of creation of transient low density patches of 4-HBonded molecules at 160 K, the percolation of these domains at 220 K and finally the total invasion of the surface by them at 250 K. The source of this surprising behaviour in 2D is the frustration of the natural bulk tetrahedral local geometry and the underlying very significant increase in entropy of the interfacial water molecules.
Effects of cue focality on the neural mechanisms of prospective memory: A meta-analysis of neuroimaging studies
Authors: Cona Giorgia , Bisiacchi Patrizia Silvia , Sartori Giuseppe , Scarpazza Cristina
Published: May 2016

Remembering to execute pre-defined intentions at the appropriate time in the future is typically referred to as Prospective Memory (PM). Studies of PM showed that distinct cognitive processes underlie the execution of delayed intentions depending on whether the cue associated with such intentions is focal to ongoing activity processing or not (i.e., cue focality). The present activation likelihood estimation (ALE) meta-analysis revealed several differences in brain activity as a function of focality of the PM cue. The retrieval of intention is supported mainly by left anterior prefrontal cortex (Brodmann Area, BA 10) in nonfocal tasks, and by cerebellum and ventral parietal regions in focal tasks. Furthermore, the precuneus showed increased activation during the maintenance phase of intentions compared to the retrieval phase in nonfocal tasks, whereas the inferior parietal lobule showed increased activation during the retrieval of intention compared to maintenance phase in the focal tasks. Finally, the retrieval of intention relies more on the activity in anterior cingulate cortex for nonfocal tasks, and on posterior cingulate cortex for focal tasks. Such focality-related pattern of activations suggests that prospective remembering is mediated mainly by top-down and stimulus-independent processes in nonfocal tasks, whereas by more automatic, bottom-up, processes in focal tasks.
Witnesses of causal nonseparability: an introduction and a few case studies
Authors: Branciard Cyril
Published: May 2016

It was recently realised that quantum theory allows for so-called causally nonseparable processes, which are incompatible with any definite causal order. This was first suggested on a rather abstract level by the formalism of process matrices, an extension of the quantum formalism which only assumes that quantum theory holds locally in some observers’ laboratories, but does not impose a global causal structure; it was then shown, on a more practical level, that the quantum switch—a new, already implementable resource for quantum computation that goes beyond causally ordered circuits—provided precisely a physical example of a causally nonseparable process. To demonstrate that a given process is causally nonseparable, the concept of witnesses of causal nonseparability was introduced. Here we present a shorter introduction to this concept, and concentrate on some explicit examples—by considering in particular different noise models for the quantum switch—to show how to construct and use such witnesses in practice.
Gross rainfall amount and maximum rainfall intensity in 60-minute influence on interception loss of shrubs: a 10-year observation in the Tengger Desert
Authors: Zhang Zhi-Shan , Zhao Yang , Li Xin-Rong , Huang Lei , Tan Hui-Juan
Published: May 2016

In water-limited regions, rainfall interception is influenced by rainfall properties and crown characteristics. Rainfall properties, aside from gross rainfall amount and duration (GR and RD), maximum rainfall intensity and rainless gap (RG), within rain events may heavily affect throughfall and interception by plants. From 2004 to 2014 (except for 2007), individual shrubs of Caragana korshinskii and Artemisia ordosica were selected to measure throughfall during 210 rain events. Various rainfall properties were auto-measured and crown characteristics, i.e., height, branch and leaf area index, crown area and volume of two shrubs were also measured. The relative interceptions of C. korshinskii and A. ordosica were 29.1% and 17.1%, respectively. Rainfall properties have more contributions than crown characteristics to throughfall and interception of shrubs. Throughfall and interception of shrubs can be explained by GR, RI60 (maximum rainfall intensities during 60 min), RD and RG in deceasing importance. However, relative throughfall and interception of two shrubs have different responses to rainfall properties and crown characteristics, those of C. korshinskii were closely related to rainfall properties, while those of A. ordosica were more dependent on crown characteristics. We highlight long-term monitoring is very necessary to determine the relationships between throughfall and interception with crown characteristics.
Functional evaluation of TERT-CLPTM1L genetic variants associated with susceptibility of papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Ge Minghua , Shi Meng , An Changming , Yang Wenjun , Nie Xilin , Zhang Jian , Lv Zheng , Li Jinliang , Zhou Liqing , Du Zhongli , Yang Ming
Published: May 2016

TERT is the catalytic subunit of telomerase which plays an essential part in cellular immortality by maintaining telomere integrity. TERT is commonly over-expressed in human malignancies, indicating its key role in cell transformation. The chromosome 5p15.33 TERT-CLPTM1L region has been associated with susceptibility of multiple cancers via a genome-wide association approach. However, the involvement of this locus in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) etiology is still largely unknown. We analyzed 15 haplotype-tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms (htSNPs) of the TERT-CLPTM1L region in a two stage case-control design. After genotyping 2300 PTC patients and frequency-matched 2300 unaffected controls, we found that TERT rs2736100 genetic variant is significantly associated with elevated PTC risk. Ex vivo reporter gene assays indicated that the PTC susceptibility rs2736100 polymorphism locating in a potential TERT intronic enhancer has a genotype-specific effect on TERT expression. Correlations between rs2736100 genotypes and tissue-specific TERT expression supported the regulatory function of this genetic variant in vivo. Our data demonstrated that the functional TERT rs2736100 SNP as a novel genetic component of PTC etiology. This study, together with recent studies in other cancers, unequivocally establishes an essential role of TERT in cancers.
Temporal interactions of plant - insect - predator after infection of bacterial pathogen on rice plants
Authors: Sun Ze , Liu Zhuang , Zhou Wen , Jin Huanan , Liu Hao , Zhou Aiming , Zhang Aijun , Wang Man-Qun
Published: May 2016

Pathogenic infection on plants may affect interactions of host-plants with their herbivores, as well as the herbivores with their predators. In this study, the effects of infection by pathogenic bacterium Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo), which causes a vascular disease in rice, on rice plants and consequent interactions with a rice herbivore, brown rice planthopper (BPH) Nilaparvata lugens, and its major predator, Cyrtorhinus lividipennis, were investigated. The results showed that the rice plants exhibited increased resistance to BPH only at 3 d post-inoculation of Xoo, while the Xoo infection did not affect the development and fecundity of BPH. BPH exhibited a higher preference to Xoo infected rice plants, whereas C. lividipennis preferred the Xoo infected rice plants after BPH fed, but preferred healthy rice plants without BPH fed. Volatile organic compounds emitted from Xoo rice were significantly higher than those from healthy rice plants, Xoo infection on BPH fed plants caused rice plants to emit more the herbivore-induced plant volatiles, while all of these changes correlated to the temporal dimension. These results demonstrated that Xoo infection significantly influenced the interactions of rice plants with two non-vectors, BPH and its predator, although these effects exhibited in a temporal pattern after infection.
Elizabethkingia anophelis bacteremia is associated with clinically significant infections and high mortality
Authors: Lau Susanna K. P. , Chow Wang-Ngai , Foo Chuen-Hing , Curreem Shirly O. T. , Lo George Chi-Shing , Teng Jade L. L. , Chen Jonathan H. K. , Ng Ricky H. Y. , Wu Alan K. L. , Cheung Ingrid Y. Y. , Chau Sandy K. Y. , Lung David C. , Lee Rodney A. , Tse Cindy W. S. , Fung Kitty S. C. , Que Tak-Lun , Woo Patrick C. Y.
Published: May 2016

Unlike Elizabethkingia meningoseptica, the clinical importance of E. anophelis is poorly understood. We determined the clinical and molecular epidemiology of bacteremia caused by Elizabethkingia-like species from five regional hospitals in Hong Kong. Among 45 episodes of Elizabethkingia-like bacteremia, 21 were caused by Elizabethkingia, including 17 E. anophelis, three E. meningoseptica and one E. miricola; while 24 were caused by other diverse genera/species, as determined by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Of the 17 cases of E. anophelis bacteremia, 15 (88%) were clinically significant. The most common diagnosis was pneumonia (n = 5), followed by catheter-related bacteremia (n = 4), neonatal meningitis (n = 3), nosocomial bacteremia (n = 2) and neutropenic fever (n = 1). E. anophelis bacteremia was commonly associated with complications and carried 23.5% mortality. In contrast, of the 24 episodes of bacteremia due to non-Elizabethkingia species, 16 (67%) were clinically insignificant. Compared to non-Elizabethkingia bacteremia, Elizabethkingia bacteremia was associated with more clinically significant infections (P < 0.01) and positive cultures from other sites (P < 0.01), less polymicrobial bacteremia (P < 0.01) and higher complication (P < 0.05) and mortality (P < 0.05) rates. Elizabethkingia bacteremia is predominantly caused by E. anophelis instead of E. meningoseptica. Elizabethkingia bacteremia, especially due to E. anophelis, carries significant morbidity and mortality and should be considered clinically significant unless proven otherwise.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Increased Gut Redox and Depletion of Anaerobic and Methanogenic Prokaryotes in Severe Acute Malnutrition
Authors: Million Matthieu , Tidjani Alou Maryam , Khelaifia Saber , Bachar Dipankar , Lagier Jean-Christophe , Dione Niokhor , Brah Souleymane , Hugon Perrine , Lombard Vincent , Armougom Fabrice , Fromonot Julien , Robert Catherine , Michelle Caroline , Diallo Aldiouma , Fabre Alexandre , Guieu Régis , Sokhna Cheikh , Henrissat Bernard , Parola Philippe , Raoult Didier
Published: May 2016

Severe acute malnutrition (SAM) is associated with inadequate diet, low levels of plasma antioxidants and gut microbiota alterations. The link between gut redox and microbial alterations, however, remains unexplored. By sequencing the gut microbiomes of 79 children of varying nutritional status from three centers in Senegal and Niger, we found a dramatic depletion of obligate anaerobes in malnutrition. This was confirmed in an individual patient data meta-analysis including 107 cases and 77 controls from 5 different African and Asian countries. Specifically, several species of the Bacteroidaceae, Eubacteriaceae, Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococceae families were consistently depleted while Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were consistently enriched. Further analyses on our samples revealed increased fecal redox potential, decreased total bacterial number and dramatic Methanobrevibacter smithii depletion. Indeed, M. smithii was detected in more than half of the controls but in none of the cases. No causality was demonstrated but, based on our results, we propose a unifying theory linking microbiota specificity, lacking anaerobes and archaea, to low antioxidant nutrients, and lower food conversion.
Characteristics of Mitochondrial Transformation into Human Cells
Authors: Kesner E. E. , Saada-Reich A. , Lorberboum-Galski H.
Published: May 2016

Mitochondria can be incorporated into mammalian cells by simple co-incubation of isolated mitochondria with cells, without the need of transfection reagents or any other type of intervention. This phenomenon was termed mitochondrial transformation and although it was discovered in 1982, currently little is known regarding its mechanism(s). Here we demonstrate that mitochondria can be transformed into recipient cells very quickly and co-localize with endogenous mitochondria. The isolated mitochondria interact directly with cells, which engulf the mitochondria with cellular extensions in a way, which may suggest the involvement of macropinocytosis or macropinocytosis-like mechanisms in mitochondrial transformation. Indeed, macropinocytosis inhibitors but not clathrin-mediated endocytosis inhibition-treatments, blocks mitochondria transformation. The integrity of the mitochondrial outer membrane and its proteins is essential for the transformation of the mitochondria into cells; cells can distinguish mitochondria from similar particles and transform only intact mitochondria. Mitochondrial transformation is blocked in the presence of the heparan sulfate molecules pentosan polysulfate and heparin, which indicate crucial involvement of cellular heparan sulfate proteoglycans in the mitochondrial transformation process.
Inhibiting complex IL-17A and IL-17RA interactions with a linear peptide
Authors: Liu Shenping , Desharnais Joel , Sahasrabudhe Parag V. , Jin Ping , Li Wei , Oates Bryan D. , Shanker Suman , Banker Mary Ellen , Chrunyk Boris A. , Song Xi , Feng Xidong , Griffor Matt , Jimenez Judith , Chen Gang , Tumelty David , Bhat Abhijit , Bradshaw Curt W. , Woodnutt Gary , Lappe Rodney W. , Thorarensen Atli , Qiu Xiayang , Withka Jane M. , Wood Lauren D.
Published: May 2016

IL-17A is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that has been implicated in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Monoclonal antibodies inhibiting IL-17A signaling have demonstrated remarkable efficacy, but an oral therapy is still lacking. A high affinity IL-17A peptide antagonist (HAP) of 15 residues was identified through phage-display screening followed by saturation mutagenesis optimization and amino acid substitutions. HAP binds specifically to IL-17A and inhibits the interaction of the cytokine with its receptor, IL-17RA. Tested in primary human cells, HAP blocked the production of multiple inflammatory cytokines. Crystal structure studies revealed that two HAP molecules bind to one IL-17A dimer symmetrically. The N-terminal portions of HAP form a β-strand that inserts between two IL-17A monomers while the C-terminal section forms an α helix that directly blocks IL-17RA from binding to the same region of IL-17A. This mode of inhibition suggests opportunities for developing peptide antagonists against this challenging target.
MicroRNA-27a Induces Mesangial Cell Injury by Targeting of PPARγ and its In Vivo Knockdown Prevents Progression of Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Wu Lina , Wang Qingzhu , Guo Feng , Ma Xiaojun , Ji Hongfei , Liu Fei , Zhao Yanyan , Qin Guijun
Published: May 2016

MicroRNAs play important roles in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy (DN). In this study, we found that high glucose upregulated miR-27a expression in cultured glomerular mesangial cells and in the kidney glomeruli of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. miR-27a knockdown prevented high glucose-induced mesangial cell proliferation and also blocked the upregulation of extracellular matrix (ECM)-associated profibrotic genes. Reduction of cell proliferation and profibrotic gene expression by a miR-27a inhibitor depended upon the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ). Further studies showed that miR-27a negatively regulated PPARγ expression by binding to the 3′-untranslated region of rat PPARγ. An antisense oligonucleotide specific to miR-27a (antagomir-27a) significantly reduced renal miR-27a expression in STZ-induced diabetic rats and significantly increased PPARγ levels. Antagomir-27a also reduced kidney ECM accumulation and proteinuria in STZ-induced diabetic rats. These findings suggest that specific reduction of renal miR-27a decreases renal fibrosis, which may be explained in part by its regulation of PPARγ and that targeting miR-27a may represent a novel therapeutic approach for DN.
Randomized Clinical Trial for Early Postoperative Complications of Ex-PRESS Implantation versus Trabeculectomy: Complications Postoperatively of Ex-PRESS versus Trabeculectomy Study (CPETS)
Authors: Arimura Shogo , Takihara Yuji , Miyake Seiji , Iwasaki Kentaro , Gozawa Makoto , Matsumura Takehiro , Tomomatsu Takeshi , Takamura Yoshihiro , Inatani Masaru
Published: May 2016

We compared early postoperative complications between trabeculectomy and Ex-PRESS implantation. Enrolled patients with 39 primary open-angle or 25 exfoliative glaucoma were randomly assigned to receive trabeculectomy (trabeculectomy group) or Ex-PRESS implantation (Ex-PRESS group). Primary outcomes were early postoperative complications, including postoperative anterior chamber inflammation, frequencies of hyphema, flat anterior chamber, choroidal detachment, hypotonic maculopathy, and the change of visual acuity. The postoperative flare values in trabeculectomy group were higher than those in the Ex-PRESS group (overall, P = 0.004; and 10 days, P = 0.02). Hyphema occurred significantly more frequently in the trabeculectomy group (P = 0.0025). There were no significant differences of the other primary outcomes between the two groups. Additionally, duration of anterior chamber opening was significantly shorter in the Ex-PRESS group (P = 0.0002) and the eyes that had iris contact with Ex-PRESS tube had significantly shallower anterior chambers than did the eyes without the iris contact (P = 0.013). The Ex-PRESS implantation prevented early postoperative inflammation and hyphema in the anterior chamber and shortened the duration of anterior chamber opening. Iris contact with the Ex-PRESS tube occurred more frequently in eyes with open-angle glaucoma and shallow anterior chambers.
β-CD Dimer-immobilized Ag Assembly Embedded Silica Nanoparticles for Sensitive Detection of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
Authors: Hahm Eunil , Jeong Daham , Cha Myeong Geun , Choi Jae Min , Pham Xuan-Hung , Kim Hyung-Mo , Kim Hwanhee , Lee Yoon-Sik , Jeong Dae Hong , Jung Seunho , Jun Bong-Hyun
Published: May 2016

We designed a β-CD dimer on silver nanoparticles embedded with silica nanoparticles (Ag@SiO2 NPs) structure to detect polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Silica NPs were utilized as a template for embedding silver NPs to create hot spot structures and enhance the surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) signal, and a thioether-bridged dimeric β-CD was immobilized on Ag NPs to capture PAHs. The assembled Ag NPs on silica NPs were confirmed by TEM and the presence of β-CD dimer on Ag@SiO2 was confirmed by UV-vis and attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The β-CD dimer@Ag@SiO2 NPs were used as SERS substrate for detecting perylene, a PAH, directly and in a wide linearity range of 10−7 M to 10−2 M with a low detection limit of 10−8 M. Also, the β-CD dimer@Ag@SiO2 NPs exhibited 1000-fold greater sensitivity than Ag@SiO2 NPs in terms of their perylene detection limit. Furthermore, we demonstrated the possibility of detecting various PAH compounds using the β-CD dimer@Ag@SiO2 NPs as a multiplex detection tool. Various PAH compounds with the NPs exhibited their distinct SERS bands by the ratio of each PAHs. This approach of utilizing the assembled structure and the ligands to recognize target has potential for use in sensitive analytical sensors.
Logic circuits composed of flexible carbon nanotube thin-film transistor and ultra-thin polymer gate dielectric
Authors: Lee Dongil , Yoon Jinsu , Lee Juhee , Lee Byung-Hyun , Seol Myeong-Lok , Bae Hagyoul , Jeon Seung-Bae , Seong Hyejeong , Im Sung Gap , Choi Sung-Jin , Choi Yang-Kyu
Published: May 2016

Printing electronics has become increasingly prominent in the field of electronic engineering because this method is highly efficient at producing flexible, low-cost and large-scale thin-film transistors. However, TFTs are typically constructed with rigid insulating layers consisting of oxides and nitrides that are brittle and require high processing temperatures, which can cause a number of problems when used in printed flexible TFTs. In this study, we address these issues and demonstrate a method of producing inkjet-printed TFTs that include an ultra-thin polymeric dielectric layer produced by initiated chemical vapor deposition (iCVD) at room temperature and highly purified 99.9% semiconducting carbon nanotubes. Our integrated approach enables the production of flexible logic circuits consisting of CNT-TFTs on a polyethersulfone (PES) substrate that have a high mobility (up to 9.76 cm2 V−1 sec−1), a low operating voltage (less than 4 V), a high current on/off ratio (3 × 104), and a total device yield of 90%. Thus, it should be emphasized that this study delineates a guideline for the feasibility of producing flexible CNT-TFT logic circuits with high performance based on a low-cost and simple fabrication process.
Three-dimensional ghost imaging lidar via sparsity constraint
Authors: Gong Wenlin , Zhao Chengqiang , Yu Hong , Chen Mingliang , Xu Wendong , Han Shensheng
Published: May 2016

Three-dimensional (3D) remote imaging attracts increasing attentions in capturing a target’s characteristics. Although great progress for 3D remote imaging has been made with methods such as scanning imaging lidar and pulsed floodlight-illumination imaging lidar, either the detection range or application mode are limited by present methods. Ghost imaging via sparsity constraint (GISC), enables the reconstruction of a two-dimensional N-pixel image from much fewer than N measurements. By GISC technique and the depth information of targets captured with time-resolved measurements, we report a 3D GISC lidar system and experimentally show that a 3D scene at about 1.0 km range can be stably reconstructed with global measurements even below the Nyquist limit. Compared with existing 3D optical imaging methods, 3D GISC has the capability of both high efficiency in information extraction and high sensitivity in detection. This approach can be generalized in nonvisible wavebands and applied to other 3D imaging areas.
Aligned Nanotopography Promotes a Migratory State in Glioblastoma Multiforme Tumor Cells
Authors: Beliveau Alexander , Thomas Gawain , Gong Jiaxin , Wen Qi , Jain Anjana
Published: May 2016

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is an aggressive, Grade IV astrocytoma with a poor survival rate, primarily due to the GBM tumor cells migrating away from the primary tumor site along the nanotopography of white matter tracts and blood vessels. It is unclear whether this nanotopography influences the biomechanical properties (i.e. cytoskeletal stiffness) of GBM tumor cells. Although GBM tumor cells have an innate propensity to migrate, we believe this capability is enhanced due to the influence of nanotopography on the tumor cells’ biomechanical properties. In this study, we used an aligned nanofiber film that mimics the nanotopography in the tumor microenvironment to investigate the mechanical properties of GBM tumor cellsin vitro. The data demonstrate that the cytoskeletal stiffness, cell traction stress, and focal adhesion area were significantly lower in the GBM tumor cells compared to healthy astrocytes. Moreover, the cytoskeletal stiffness was significantly reduced when cultured on aligned nanofiber films compared to smooth and randomly aligned nanofiber films. Gene expression analysis showed that tumor cells cultured on the aligned nanotopography upregulated key migratory genes and downregulated key proliferative genes. Therefore, our data suggest that the migratory potential is elevated when GBM tumor cells are migrating along aligned nanotopographical substrates.
Combination of deep eutectic solvent and ionic liquid to improve biocatalytic reduction of 2-octanone with Acetobacter pasteurianus GIM1.158 cell
Authors: Xu Pei , Du Peng-Xuan , Zong Min-Hua , Li Ning , Lou Wen-Yong
Published: May 2016

The efficient anti-Prelog asymmetric reduction of 2-octanone with Acetobacter pasteurianus GIM1.158 cells was successfully performed in a biphasic system consisting of deep eutectic solvent (DES) and water-immiscible ionic liquid (IL). Various DESs exerted different effects on the synthesis of (R)-2-octanol. Choline chloride/ethylene glycol (ChCl/EG) exhibited good biocompatibility and could moderately increase the cell membrane permeability thus leading to the better results. Adding ChCl/EG increased the optimal substrate concentration from 40 mM to 60 mM and the product e.e. kept above 99.9%. To further improve the reaction efficiency, water-immiscible ILs were introduced to the reaction system and an enhanced substrate concentration (1.5 M) was observed with C4MIM·PF6. Additionally, the cells manifested good operational stability in the reaction system. Thus, the efficient biocatalytic process with ChCl/EG and C4MIM·PF6 was promising for efficient synthesis of (R)-2-octanol.
Improved sensitivity of computed tomography towards iodine and gold nanoparticle contrast agents via iterative reconstruction methods
Authors: Bernstein Ally Leigh , Dhanantwari Amar , Jurcova Martina , Cheheltani Rabee , Naha Pratap Chandra , Ivanc Thomas , Shefer Efrat , Cormode David Peter
Published: May 2016

Computed tomography is a widely used medical imaging technique that has high spatial and temporal resolution. Its weakness is its low sensitivity towards contrast media. Iterative reconstruction techniques (ITER) have recently become available, which provide reduced image noise compared with traditional filtered back-projection methods (FBP), which may allow the sensitivity of CT to be improved, however this effect has not been studied in detail. We scanned phantoms containing either an iodine contrast agent or gold nanoparticles. We used a range of tube voltages and currents. We performed reconstruction with FBP, ITER and a novel, iterative, modal-based reconstruction (IMR) algorithm. We found that noise decreased in an algorithm dependent manner (FBP > ITER > IMR) for every scan and that no differences were observed in attenuation rates of the agents. The contrast to noise ratio (CNR) of iodine was highest at 80 kV, whilst the CNR for gold was highest at 140 kV. The CNR of IMR images was almost tenfold higher than that of FBP images. Similar trends were found in dual energy images formed using these algorithms. In conclusion, IMR-based reconstruction techniques will allow contrast agents to be detected with greater sensitivity and may allow lower contrast agent doses to be used.
Elongator Protein 3 (Elp3) stabilizes Snail1 and regulates neural crest migration in Xenopus
Authors: Yang Xiangcai , Li Jiejing , Zeng Wanli , Li Chaocui , Mao Bingyu
Published: May 2016

Elongator protein 3 (Elp3) is the enzymatic unit of the elongator protein complex, a histone acetyltransferase complex involved in transcriptional elongation. It has long been shown to play an important role in cell migration; however, the underlying mechanism is unknown. Here, we showed that Elp3 is expressed in pre-migratory and migrating neural crest cells in Xenopus embryos and knockdown of Elp3 inhibited neural crest cell migration. Interestingly, Elp3 binds Snail1 through its zinc-finger domain and inhibits its ubiquitination by β-Trcp without interfering with the Snail1/Trcp interaction. We showed evidence that Elp3-mediated stabilization of Snail1 was likely involved in the activation of N-cadherin in neural crest cells to regulate their migratory ability. Our findings provide a new mechanism for the function of Elp3 in cell migration through stabilizing Snail1, a master regulator of cell motility.
Induction of C/EBP homologous protein-mediated apoptosis and autophagy by licochalcone A in non-small cell lung cancer cells
Authors: Tang Zheng-Hai , Chen Xin , Wang Zhao-Yu , Chai Ke , Wang Ya-Fang , Xu Xiao-Huang , Wang Xiao-Wen , Lu Jia-Hong , Wang Yi-Tao , Chen Xiu-Ping , Lu Jin-Jian
Published: May 2016

Licochalcone A (LCA), a flavonoid isolated from the famous Chinese medicinal herb Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch, presents obvious anti-cancer effects. In this study, the anti-cancer effects and potential mechanisms of LCA in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells were studied. LCA decreased cell viability, increased lactate dehydrogenase release and induced apoptosis in a concentration-dependent manner in NSCLC cells while not in human embryonic lung fibroblast cells. The expression of phosphatidylethanolamine-modified microtubule-associated protein light-chain 3 (LC3-II) and formation of GFP-LC3 punta, two autophagic markers, were increased after treatment with LCA. LCA-induced LC3-II expression was increased when combined with chloroquine (CQ), while knock-down of autophagy related protein (ATG) 7 or ATG5 reversed LCA-induced LC3-II expression and GFP-LC3 punta formation, suggesting that LCA induced autophagy in NSCLC cells. Inhibition of autophagy could not reverse the LCA-induced cell viability decrease and apoptosis. In addition, LCA increased the expression of endoplasmic reticulum stress related proteins, such as binding immunoglobulin protein and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP). Knock-down of CHOP reversed LCA-induced cell viability decrease, apoptosis and autophagy. Taken together, LCA-induced autophagic effect is an accompanied phenomenon in NSCLC cells and CHOP is critical for LCA-induced cell viability decrease, apoptosis and autophagy.
Epitope mapping by a Wnt-blocking antibody: evidence of the Wnt binding domain in heparan sulfate
Authors: Gao Wei , Xu Yongmei , Liu Jian , Ho Mitchell
Published: May 2016

Heparan sulfate (HS) is a polysaccharide known to modulate many important biological processes, including Wnt signaling. However, the biochemical interaction between HS and Wnt molecules is not well characterized largely due to the lack of suitable methods. To determine the Wnt binding domain in HS, we used a Wnt signaling-inhibitory antibody (HS20) and a panel of synthetic HS oligosaccharides with distinct lengths and sulfation modifications. We found that the binding of HS20 to heparan sulfate required sulfation at both the C2 position (2-O-sulfation) and C6 position (6-O-sulfation). The oligosaccharides with the greatest competitive effect for HS20 binding were between six and eight saccharide residues in length. Additionally, a four residue-long oligosaccharide could also be recognized by HS20 if an additional 3-O-sulfation modification was present. Furthermore, similar oligosaccharides with 2-O, 6-O and 3-O-sulfations showed inhibition for Wnt activation. These results have revealed that HS20 and Wnt recognize a HS structure containing IdoA2S and GlcNS6S, and that the 3-O-sulfation in GlcNS6S3S significantly enhances the binding of both HS20 and Wnt. This study provides the evidence for identifying the Wnt binding domain in HS and suggests a therapeutic approach to target the interaction of Wnt and HS in cancer and other diseases.
Tantalum implanted entangled porous titanium promotes surface osseointegration and bone ingrowth
Authors: Wang Qi , Qiao Yuqin , Cheng Mengqi , Jiang Guofeng , He Guo , Chen Yunsu , Zhang Xianlong , Liu Xuanyong
Published: May 2016

Porous Ti is considered to be an ideal graft material in orthopaedic and dental surgeries due to its similar spatial structures and mechanical properties to cancellous bone. In this work, to overcome the bioinertia of Ti, Ta-implanted entangled porous titanium (EPT) was constructed by plasma immersion ion implantation & deposition (PIII&D) method. Ca-implanted and unimplanted EPTs were investigated as control groups. Although no difference was found in surface topography and mechanical performances, both Ca- and Ta-implanted groups had better effects in promoting MG-63 cell viability, proliferation, differentiation and mineralization than those of unimplanted group. The expression of osteogenic-related markers examined by qRT-PCR and western blotting was upregulated in Ca- and Ta-implanted groups. Moreover, Ta-implanted EPT group could reach a higher level of these effects than that of Ca-implanted group. Enhanced osseointegration of both Ca- and Ta-implanted EPT implants was demonstrated through in vivo experiments, including micro-CT evaluation, push-out test, sequential fluorescent labeling and histological observation. However, the Ta-implanted group possessed more stable and continuous osteogenic activity. Our results suggest that Ta-implanted EPT can be developed as one of the highly efficient graft material for bone reconstruction situations.
Synergistic strengthening effect of nanocrystalline copper reinforced with carbon nanotubes
Authors: Wang Hu , Zhang Zhao-Hui , Hu Zheng-Yang , Wang Fu-Chi , Li Sheng-Lin , Korznikov Elena , Zhao Xiu-Chen , Liu Ying , Liu Zhen-Feng , Kang Zhe
Published: May 2016

In this study, a novel multi-walled carbon nanotubes reinforced nanocrystalline copper matrix composite with super high strength and moderate plasticity was synthesized. We successfully overcome the agglomeration problem of the carbon nanotubes and the grain growth problem of the nanocrystalline copper matrix by combined use of the electroless deposition and spark plasma sintering methods. The yield strength of the composite reach up to 692 MPa, which is increased by 2 and 5 times comparing with those of the nanocrystalline and coarse copper, respectively. Simultaneously, the plasticity of the composite was also significantly increased in contrast with that of the nanocrystalline copper. The increase of the density of the carbon nanotubes after coating, the isolation effect caused by the copper coating, and the improvement of the compatibility between the reinforcements and matrix as well as the effective control of the grain growth of the copper matrix all contribute to improving the mechanical properties of the composite. In addition, a new strengthening mechanism, i.e., the series-connection effect of the nanocrystalline copper grains introduced by carbon nanotubes, is proposed to further explain the mechanical behavior of the nanocomposite.
TLR4 signaling in VTA dopaminergic neurons regulates impulsivity through tyrosine hydroxylase modulation
Authors: Aurelian L , Warnock K T , Balan I , Puche A , June H
Published: May 2016

Alcohol dependence is a complex disorder that initiates with episodes of excessive alcohol drinking known as binge drinking, and has a 50–60% risk contribution from inherited susceptibility genes. Cognitive impulsivity is a heritable trait that may set the stage for transition to alcohol dependence but its role in the ethanol-seeking behavior and the involved genes are still poorly understood. We have previously shown that alcohol-preferring P rats have innately elevated levels of a neuronal Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signal in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) that controls the initiation of excessive alcohol drinking. Here we report that TLR4 is localized in dopaminergic (TH+) neurons and it upregulates the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) through a cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA)/cyclic AMP response element binding protein (CREB) signal. P rats have higher impulsivity than wild-type (WT) rats and VTA infusion of a non-replicating Herpes simplex virus (HSV) vector for TLR4-specific small interfering RNA (siRNA; pHSVsiTLR4) inhibits both impulsivity and TLR4/TH expression. A scrambled siRNA vector does not affect gene expression or impulsivity. The data suggest that TLR4 signaling in VTA dopaminergic neurons controls impulsivity related to the regulation of TH expression, likely contributing to the initiation of alcohol drinking and its transition to alcohol dependence.
Chemical energy dissipation at surfaces under UHV and high pressure conditions studied using metal–insulator–metal and similar devices
Authors: Diesing Detlef , Hasselbrink Eckart
Published: May 2016

Thin film metal heterostructures have allowed new light to be shed on the dissipation of chemical energy into electric excitations on metal surfaces.
Ultrasound-assisted mixed hemimicelle magnetic solid phase extraction followed by high performance liquid chromatography for the quantification of atorvastatin in biological and aquatic samples
Authors: Khoshhesab Zahra Monsef , Ayazi Zahra , Farrokhrouz Zahra
Published: May 2016

A method based on ultrasound-assisted magnetic solid phase extraction and HPLC-UV-Vis was developed for the isolation and preconcentration of atorvastatin using sodium dodecyl sulfate coated Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles.
Determination of 21 plant growth regulators in tomatoes using an improved ultrasound-assisted QuEChERS technique combined with a liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method
Authors: Shuiying Ren , Hongfei Wan , Shun Feng , Jide Wang , Yi Lu
Published: May 2016

Simultaneous determination of 21 PGR in tomatoes through a modified QuEChERS technique coupled with LC-MS/MS.
Analysis of trace amounts of adulterants found in powders/supplements utilizing Raman spectroscopy coupled to direct analyte-probed nanoextraction-nanospray ionization-mass spectrometry
Authors: Nnaji Chinyere N. , Mach Phillip M. , Acheampong Jason S. , Falconer Travis M. , Verbeck Guido F.
Published: May 2016

Raman spectroscopy coupled direct analyte-probed nanoextraction-nanospray ionization-mass spectrometry is a rapid identification technique utilizing several components for further characterization of adulterants.
Nitrogen-doped carbon foam as an efficient enzymatic biosensing platform for glucose sensing
Authors: Song Yonggui , Su Dan , Shen Yuan , Gong Coucong , Song Yonghai , Wang Li
Published: May 2016

The nitrogen-doped elastic carbon foam was constructed as the supporting matrix to load glucose oxidase for preparing glucose biosensors.
The role of curvature in Diels–Alder functionalization of carbon-based materials
Authors: Willocq B. , Lemaur V. , El Garah M. , Ciesielski A. , Samorì P. , Raquez J.-M. , Dubois Ph. , Cornil J.
Published: May 2016

We have estimated theoretically the impact of curvature on the free energies of activation and reaction associated with Diels–Alder reactions on carbon-based materials.
Multi-component self-assembled anti-tumor nano-vaccines based on MUC1 glycopeptides
Authors: Sun Z. Y. , Chen P. G. , Liu Y. F. , Zhang B. D. , Wu J. J. , Chen Y. X. , Zhao Y. F. , Li Y. M.
Published: May 2016

Novel multi-component self-assembled nano-vaccines containing both Pam3CSK4 and CpG were developed based on the strategy of electrostatic interaction.
Molten fatty acid based microemulsions
Authors: Noirjean Cecile , Testard Fabienne , Dejugnat Christophe , Jestin Jacques , Carriere David
Published: May 2016

We show that ternary mixtures of water (polar phase), myristic acid (MA, apolar phase) and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB, cationic surfactant) studied above the melting point of myristic acid allow the preparation of microemulsions without adding a salt or a co-surfactant.
Controlling charge separation and recombination by chemical design in donor–acceptor dyads
Authors: Liu Li , Eisenbrandt Pierre , Roland Thomas , Polkehn Matthias , Schwartz Pierre-Olivier , Bruchlos Kirsten , Omiecienski Beatrice , Ludwigs Sabine , Leclerc Nicolas , Zaborova Elena , Léonard Jérémie , Méry Stéphane , Burghardt Irene , Haacke Stefan
Published: May 2016

Conjugated donor–acceptor block co-oligomers that self-organize into D–A mesomorphic arrays have raised increasing interest due to their potential applications in organic solar cells.
Exploring ion induced folding of a single-stranded DNA oligomer from molecular simulation studies
Authors: Chakraborty Kaushik , Khatua Prabir , Bandyopadhyay Sanjoy
Published: May 2016

Formation of Na+ ion-induced inner-sphere complex folds the DNA strand by bringing two non-sequential residues in close contact with a net free energy change of −4.1 kcal mol−1.
Stokes and anti-Stokes luminescence in Tm3+/Yb3+-doped Lu3Ga5O12 nano-garnets: a study of multipolar interactions and energy transfer dynamics
Authors: Rathaiah Mamilla , Haritha Pamuluri , Lozano-Gorrín Antonio Diego , Babu Palamandala , Jayasankar Chalicheemalapalli Kulala , Rodríguez-Mendoza Ulises Ruyman , Lavín Victor , Venkatramu Vemula
Published: May 2016

Nanocrystalline Lu3Ga5O12 garnets doped with Tm3+/Yb3+ ions have been synthesized and characterized for their structural, Stokes and anti-Stokes luminescence properties. Multipolar interactions among active ions, energy transfer and diffusion parameters have been estimated in the nano-garnets.
Magnetoresistance in Co/2D MoS2/Co and Ni/2D MoS2/Ni junctions
Authors: Zhang Han , Ye Meng , Wang Yangyang , Quhe Ruge , Pan Yuanyuan , Guo Ying , Song Zhigang , Yang Jinbo , Guo Wanlin , Lu Jing
Published: May 2016

We predict a large MR and TMR in the Co/2D MoS2/Co junction.
The synergistic effect of inert oxide and metal fluoride dual coatings on advanced cathode materials for lithium ion battery applications
Authors: Park Kwangjin , Lee Byoung-Sun , Park Jun-Ho , Hong Suk-Gi
Published: May 2016

The effect of Al2O3/LiF dual coatings on the electrochemical performance of over-lithiated layered oxide (OLO) has been investigated.
Thermodynamic study of the complexation between Nd3+and functionalized diacetamide ligands in solution
Authors: Dau Phuong V. , Zhang Zhicheng , Dau Phuong D. , Gibson John K. , Rao Linfeng
Published: May 2016

Three amine-functionalized diamide ligands form tridentate complexes with Nd3+in aqueous solutions. The stability constants of the complexes follow the order of the ligand basicity that can be tuned by different substitutional groups.
Nano-hydroxyapatite alleviates the detrimental effects of heavy metals on plant growth and soil microbes in e-waste-contaminated soil
Authors: Wei Liu , Wang Shutao , Zuo Qingqing , Liang Shuxuan , Shen Shigang , Zhao Chunxia
Published: May 2016

The crude recycling activities for e-waste have led to the severe and complex contamination of e-waste workshop topsoil (0–10 cm) by heavy metals.
Metal-insulator-metal waveguides for particle trapping and separation
Authors: Khan Saara A. , Chang Chia-Ming , Zaidi Zain , Shin Wonseok , Shi Yu , Ellerbee Bowden Audrey K. , Solgaard Olav
Published: May 2016

Optical particle trapping and separation are essential techniques in the fields of biology and chemistry.
A complex game of hide and seek: the search for new antifungals
Authors: Ngo Huy X. , Garneau-Tsodikova Sylvie , Green Keith D.
Published: May 2016

The identification, location, generation, and isolation of new antifungal compounds from their caches in Nature is examined for the years 2010–2016.
Bioinformatics for the synthetic biology of natural products: integrating across the Design–Build–Test cycle
Authors: Carbonell Pablo , Currin Andrew , Jervis Adrian J. , Rattray Nicholas J. W. , Swainston Neil , Yan Cunyu , Takano Eriko , Breitling Rainer
Published: May 2016

Bioinformatics tools facilitate and accelerate all steps along the Design–Build–Test cycle of synthetic biology, for the enhanced production of natural products in engineered microbes.
Assessment of reagents for selenocysteine conjugation and the stability of selenocysteine adducts
Authors: Pedzisa Lee , Li Xiuling , Rader Christoph , Roush William R.
Published: May 2016

The allenamide functional group reacts with selenocysteine with notably high efficiency, leads to antibody conjugates with remarkable stability, and shows exquisite selectivity for selenocysteine conjugation.
Iridium- and rhodium-catalyzed C–H activation and formyl arylation of benzaldehydes under chelation-assistance
Authors: Yang Xifa , Wang He , Zhou Xukai , Li Xingwei
Published: May 2016

Mild and efficient synthesis of benzophenones via Ir(iii)- and Rh(iii)-catalyzed, directing group-assisted formyl C–H arylation of benzaldehydes has been achieved using diaryliodonium salts, in which Rh(iii) and Ir(iii) catalysts exhibited a complementary substrate scope.