bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spastic paraplegia-linked phospholipase PAPLA1 is necessary for development, reproduction, and energy metabolism in Drosophila
Authors: Gáliková Martina , Klepsatel Peter , Münch Judith , Kühnlein Ronald P.
Published: April 2017

The human PAPLA1 phospholipase family is associated with hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP), a neurodegenerative syndrome characterized by progressive spasticity and weakness of the lower limbs. Taking advantage of a new Drosophila PAPLA1 mutant, we describe here novel functions of this phospholipase family in fly development, reproduction, and energy metabolism. Loss of Drosophila PAPLA1 reduces egg hatchability, pre-adult viability, developmental speed, and impairs reproductive functions of both males and females. In addition, our work describes novel metabolic roles of PAPLA1, manifested as decreased food intake, lower energy expenditure, and reduced ATP levels of the mutants. Moreover, PAPLA1 has an important role in the glycogen metabolism, being required for expression of several regulators of carbohydrate metabolism and for glycogen storage. In contrast, global loss of PAPLA1 does not affect fat reserves in adult flies. Interestingly, several of the PAPLA1 phenotypes in fly are reminiscent of symptoms described in some HSP patients, suggesting evolutionary conserved functions of PAPLA1 family in the affected processes. Altogether, this work reveals novel physiological functions of PAPLA1, which are likely evolutionary conserved from flies to humans.
G protein-coupled KISS1 receptor is overexpressed in triple negative breast cancer and promotes drug resistance
Authors: Blake Alexandra , Dragan Magdalena , Tirona Rommel G. , Hardy Daniel B. , Brackstone Muriel , Tuck Alan B. , Babwah Andy V. , Bhattacharya Moshmi
Published: April 2017

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) lacks the expression of estrogen receptor α, progesterone receptor and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). TNBC patients lack targeted therapies, as they fail to respond to endocrine and anti-HER2 therapy. Prognosis for this aggressive cancer subtype is poor and survival is limited due to the development of resistance to available chemotherapies and resultant metastases. The mechanisms regulating tumor resistance are poorly understood. Here we demonstrate that the G protein-coupled kisspeptin receptor (KISS1R) promotes drug resistance in TNBC cells. KISS1R binds kisspeptins, peptide products of the KISS1 gene and in numerous cancers, this signaling pathway plays anti-metastatic roles. However, in TNBC, KISS1R promotes tumor invasion. We show that KISS1 and KISS1R mRNA and KISS1R protein are upregulated in TNBC tumors, compared to normal breast tissue. KISS1R signaling promotes drug resistance by increasing the expression of efflux drug transporter, breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) and by inducing the activity and transcription of the receptor tyrosine kinase, AXL. BCRP and AXL transcripts are elevated in TNBC tumors, compared to normal breast, and TNBC tumors expressing KISS1R also express AXL and BCRP. Thus, KISS1R represents a potentially novel therapeutic target to restore drug sensitivity in TNBC patients.
A study of the effects of synthesis conditions on Li5FeO4/carbon nanotube composites
Authors: Lee Suk-Woo , Kim Hyun-Kyung , Kim Myeong-Seong , Roh Kwang Chul , Kim Kwang-Bum
Published: April 2017

Li5FeO4/carbon nanotube (LFO/CNT) composites composed of sub-micron sized LFO and a nanocarbon with high electrical conductivity were successfully synthesized for the use as lithium ion predoping source in lithium ion cells. The phase of LFO in the composite was found to be very sensitive to the synthesis conditions, such as the heat treatment temperature, type of lithium salt, and physical state of the precursors (powder or pellet), due to the carbothermic reduction of Fe3O4 by CNTs during high temperature solid state reaction. Under optimized synthesis conditions, LFO/CNT composites could be synthesized without the formation of impurities. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the synthesis and characterization of a sub-micron sized LFO/CNT composites.
High expression of matrix metalloproteinases 16 is associated with the aggressive malignant behavior and poor survival outcome in colorectal carcinoma
Authors: Wu Shengwen , Ma Congchao , Shan Shaoyin , Zhou Lei , Li Wenhui
Published: April 2017

Recent evidence suggested an important role of matrix metalloproteinases 16 (MMP16) in the progression of several cancers. However, the contribution of MMP16 to colorectal cancer (CRC) remains elusive. In this study, we combined analyzed the MMP16 expression in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), GSE39582 database and in-house database. In TCGA and GSE39584 database, the log-rank test demonstrated that overall survival (OS) for patients with low MMP16 expression in tumor tissues was significantly higher than those with high expression (P < 0.05). In the validation cohort, high MMP16 expression was significantly correlated with N stage (P = 0.008) and lymphovascular invasion (P = 0.002). The 5-year OS and disease free survival (DFS) in high and low MMP16 expression groups were 66.0% and 80.6%, 54.3% and 72.8%, respectively. Univariate and multivariate analysis showed that high MMP16 expression was an independently prognosis factor for both OS and DFS (P < 0.05). Functional study found that silencing MMP16 expression could inhibit migration and invasion of colon cancer cells. In conclusion, high expression of MMP16 is associated with the aggressive malignant behavior and poor survival outcome of CRC patients. MMP16 can serve as an indicator of prognosis as well as a potential novel target for treatment of CRC patients.
High pesticide risk to honey bees despite low focal crop pollen collection during pollination of a mass blooming crop
Authors: McArt Scott H. , Fersch Ashley A. , Milano Nelson J. , Truitt Lauren L. , Böröczky Katalin
Published: April 2017

Honey bees provide critical pollination services for many agricultural crops. While the contribution of pesticides to current hive loss rates is debated, remarkably little is known regarding the magnitude of risk to bees and mechanisms of exposure during pollination. Here, we show that pesticide risk in recently accumulated beebread was above regulatory agency levels of concern for acute or chronic exposure at 5 and 22 of the 30 apple orchards, respectively, where we placed 120 experimental hives. Landscape context strongly predicted focal crop pollen foraging and total pesticide residues, which were dominated by fungicides. Yet focal crop pollen foraging was a poor predictor of pesticide risk, which was driven primarily by insecticides. Instead, risk was positively related to diversity of non-focal crop pollen sources. Furthermore, over 60% of pesticide risk was attributed to pesticides that were not sprayed during the apple bloom period. These results suggest the majority of pesticide risk to honey bees providing pollination services came from residues in non-focal crop pollen, likely contaminated wildflowers or other sources. We suggest a greater understanding of the specific mechanisms of non-focal crop pesticide exposure is essential for minimizing risk to bees and improving the sustainability of grower pest management programs.
Biotin-transfer from a trifunctional crosslinker for identification of cell surface receptors of soluble protein ligands
Authors: Tremblay Tammy-Lynn , Hill Jennifer J.
Published: April 2017

Here we describe a novel crosslinker and its application as a biotin-transfer reagent to identify cell surface receptors of soluble protein ligands on live cells. This crosslinker contains three functional groups: an aldehyde-reactive aminooxy group, a sulfhydryl, and a biotin (ASB). It is readily synthesized via a 3-step addition reaction using standard solid-phase peptide synthesis methods and commercially available intermediates, allowing access to laboratories without specialized synthetic chemistry capabilities. For the biotin-transfer method, ASB is linked to a protein ligand through the sulfhydryl group in a two-step process that allows the introduction of a disulfide bond between the ligand and the crosslinker. Incubation of the labelled ligand with oxidized live cells leads to the formation of crosslinks with aldehyde-containing glycans on the cell surface receptor. Subsequent reduction of the disulfide bond results in biotin transfer from the ligand to the cell surface receptor. Protein biotinylation that is mediated by ligand binding to its receptor is differentiated from background biotinylation events by comparison with a similarly labelled control protein using comparative proteomic mass spectrometry to quantify streptavidin-bound proteins. Using this method, we successfully identified the cell surface receptors of a peptide hormone, a monoclonal antibody, and a single-domain antibody-Fc fusion construct.
Patterning Graphene Film by Magnetic-assisted UV Ozonation
Authors: Wu Yixuan , Tao Haihua , Su Shubin , Yue Huan , Li Hao , Zhang Ziyu , Ni Zhenhua , Chen Xianfeng
Published: April 2017

Developing an alternative method for fabricating microscale graphene patterns that overcomes the obstacles of organic contamination, linewidth resolution, and substrate damaging is paramount for applications in optoelectronics. Here we propose to pattern chemical vapor deposition grown graphene film through a stencil mask by magnetic-assisted ultraviolet (UV) ozonation under irradiation of a xenon excimer lamp. In this process, the paramagnetic oxygen molecules and photochemically generated oxygen radicals are magnetized and attracted in an inhomogenous external magnetic field. As a consequence, their random motions convert into directional, which can greatly modify or enhance the quality of graphene patterns. Using a ferromagnetic steel mask, an approximately vertical magnetic-field-assisted UV ozonation (BZ = 0.31 T, ∇BZ = 90 T · m−1) has a capability of patterning graphene microstructures with a line width of 29 μm and lateral under-oxidation less than 4 μm. Our approach is applicable to patterning graphene field-effect transistor arrays, and it can be a promising solution toward resist-free, substrate non-damaging, and cost effective microscale patterning of graphene film.
Impact of low-temperature, overcast and rainy weather during the reproductive growth stage on lodging resistance of rice
Authors: Weng Fei , Zhang Wujun , Wu Xiaoran , Xu Xia , Ding Yanfeng , Li Ganghua , Liu Zhenghui , Wang Shaohua
Published: April 2017

The objectives of this study were to explore the mechanism by which the lodging resistance of the rice population during the late growth period responds to low-temperature, overcast and rainy weather during the reproductive growth stage. Field experiments were conducted using indica rice Yliangyou2 (lodging-resistance variety), IIyou084 (lodging-susceptible variety) and japonica rice Wuyunjing23 (lodging-resistance variety) and W3668 (lodging- susceptible variety) in 2013 (high temperature and strong radiation during the rice reproductive growth stage), 2012 and 2014 (low temperature and weak radiation during rice reproductive growth stage). The results showed that the length of the basal internodes and the height of the gravitational centres were greater in plants grown in 2014. Dry weight of basal culms, culm diameter, lignin content and total content of structural carbohydrates (lignin and cellulose) in basal internodes were reduced in these plants, causing a significant reduction in the bending stress and lodging resistance of the rice stems. Low-temperature, overcast and rainy weather had a greater effect on lodging resistance in indica rice compared with japonica rice. This was reflected in a greater reduction in the lignin content of the indica rice stems, which yielded a significantly lower breaking strength and bending stress.
Enhancing protective immunity to malaria with a highly immunogenic virus-like particle vaccine
Authors: Collins Katharine A. , Snaith Rebecca , Cottingham Matthew G. , Gilbert Sarah C. , Hill Adrian V. S.
Published: April 2017

The leading malaria vaccine in development is the circumsporozoite protein (CSP)-based particle vaccine, RTS,S, which targets the pre-erythrocytic stage of Plasmodium falciparum infection. It induces modest levels of protective efficacy, thought to be mediated primarily by CSP-specific antibodies. We aimed to enhance vaccine efficacy by generating a more immunogenic CSP-based particle vaccine and therefore developed a next-generation RTS,S-like vaccine, called R21. The major improvement is that in contrast to RTS,S, R21 particles are formed from a single CSP-hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) fusion protein, and this leads to a vaccine composed of a much higher proportion of CSP than in RTS,S. We demonstrate that in BALB/c mice R21 is immunogenic at very low doses and when administered with the adjuvants Abisco-100 and Matrix-M it elicits sterile protection against transgenic sporozoite challenge. Concurrent induction of potent cellular and humoral immune responses was also achieved by combining R21 with TRAP-based viral vectors and protective efficacy was significantly enhanced. In addition, in contrast to RTS,S, only a minimal antibody response to the HBsAg carrier was induced. These studies identify an anti-sporozoite vaccine component that may improve upon the current leading malaria vaccine RTS,S. R21 is now under evaluation in Phase 1/2a clinical trials.
Improved ganoderic acids production in Ganoderma lucidum by wood decaying components
Authors: Hu Yanru , Ahmed Shakeel , Li Jiawei , Luo Biaobiao , Gao Zengyan , Zhang Qiyun , Li Xiaohua , Hu Xuebo
Published: April 2017

Ganoderma lucidumis a legendary Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) over a few thousands of years and one kind of its major active components are Ganoderic acids (GAs). GAs are largely produced in the mushroom primordium and fruiting body but much less in mycelium stage. However, little is known on the underlying regulatory mechanism. As a saprophytic fungus,G. lucidumsolely obtains nutrients by wood decaying. Wood in general contains sophisticated chemical components with diverse structural units. To explore a strategy that extensively leads to GAs induction in the submerged liquid fermentation, all chemical components that might be possibly from the wood decaying were tested individually as GAs inducers. It was found that GAs production increased 85.96% by 1.5% microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and 63.90% by 0.5% D-galactose. The transcription level of a few rate-limiting or chemically diverting enzymes responsible for GAs biosynthesis was greatly induced by MCC and D-galactose. The concentration and time-course titration study indicated that these two chemicals might not be utilized as carbon sources but they played a comprehensive role in the secondary metabolites synthesis. Our data indicated that MCC and D-galactose might be further industrialized for higher GAs production inG. lucidumin submerged fermentation.
Competitions between prosocial exclusions and punishments in finite populations
Authors: Liu Linjie , Chen Xiaojie , Szolnoki Attila
Published: April 2017

Prosocial punishment has been proved to be a powerful mean to promote cooperation. Recent studies have found that social exclusion, which indeed can be regarded as a kind of punishment, can also support cooperation. However, if prosocial punishment and exclusion are both present, it is still unclear which strategy is more advantageous to curb free-riders. Here we first study the direct competition between different types of punishment and exclusion. We find that pool (peer) exclusion can always outperform pool (peer) punishment both in the optional and in the compulsory public goods game, no matter whether second-order sanctioning is considered or not. Furthermore, peer exclusion does better than pool exclusion both in the optional and in the compulsory game, but the situation is reversed in the presence of second-order exclusion. Finally, we extend the competition among all possible sanctioning strategies and find that peer exclusion can outperform all other strategies in the absence of second-order exclusion and punishment, while pool exclusion prevails when second-order sanctioning is possible. Our results demonstrate that exclusion is a more powerful strategy than punishment for the resolution of social dilemmas.
The role of domestication and experience in ‘looking back’ towards humans in an unsolvable task
Authors: Marshall-Pescini Sarah , Rao Akshay , Virányi Zsófia , Range Friederike
Published: April 2017

A key element thought to have changed during domestication is dogs’ propensity to communicate with humans, particularly their inclination to gaze at them. A classic test to measure this is the ‘unsolvable task’, where after repeated successes in obtaining a reward by object-manipulation, the animal is confronted with an unsolvable version of the task. ‘Looking back’ at humans has been considered an expression of dogs seeking help. While it occurs more in dogs than in socialized wolves, the level of exposure to human communication also appears to play a role. We tested similarly raised adult wolves and mixed breed dogs, pet dogs and free-ranging dogs. Unlike previous studies, as well as species and levels of socialization, we included ‘persistence’ in trying to solve the task as a potential explanatory factor. Wolves were more persistent than all dog groups. Regardless of socialization or species, less persistent animals looked back sooner and longer. Free-ranging dogs, despite little exposure to dog-human communication, behaved similarly to other dogs. Together, results suggest that basic wolf-dog differences in motivation and exploration may override differences in human-directed behaviour when animals are equally socialized, and that once the human is considered a social partner, looking behaviour occurs easily.
Nanoporous Microsphere Assembly of Iodine-Functionalised Silver Nanoparticles as a Novel Mini-Substrate for Enriching and Sensing
Authors: Wu X. -L. , Wu H. , Wang Z.-M. , Aizawa H. , Guo J. , Chu Y.-H.
Published: April 2017

Herein, debris particulates of nanoporous silver (np-Ag) were synthesised by a dealloying method, and their integration behaviour and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) properties during iodine functionalisation were examined. It was found that the dealloyed np-Ag debris particulates gradually assembled to form rigid nanoporous microspheres comprising Ag nano-ligaments due to mechanical collisions during iodine treatment. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron microscopy clearly showed the iodide surface of np-Ag, which was dotted with iodine or iodide ‘nanoislands’. The exceptional, and unexpected, integration and surface structures result in a highly enhanced localised surface plasmon resonance. Furthermore, the robust nanoporous microspheres can be employed individually as as-produced miniaturised electrodes to electrically enrich target molecules at parts-per-trillion levels, so as to achieve charge selectivity and superior detectability compared with the ordinary SERS effect.
Recent developments in protease activity assays and sensors
Authors: Ong Irvine Lian Hao , Yang Kun-Lin
Published: April 2017

Principles and signal generation mechanisms for both homogenous and heterogeneous proteases assays are reviewed in this article.
Solution plasma synthesis of a boron–carbon–nitrogen catalyst with a controllable bond structure
Authors: Lee SeungHyo , Heo YongKang , Bratescu Maria Antoaneta , Ueno Tomonaga , Saito Nagahiro
Published: April 2017

Synthesis of boron–carbon–nitrogen (BCN) nanocarbon with a controllable bond structure for enhanced oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity and durability was performed using a new method of discharge in organic solution mixtures named the ‘Solution Plasma Process’.
Effect of introducing Fe2O3 into CeO2–ZrO2 on oxygen release properties and catalytic methane combustion over PdO/CeO2–ZrO2–Fe2O3/γ-Al2O3 catalysts
Authors: Jeong M. , Nunotani N. , Moriyama N. , Imanaka N.
Published: April 2017

Novel PdO/CeO2–ZrO2–Fe2O3/γ-Al2O3 catalysts were synthesized for methane combustion.
Wavelength-focusing organic molecular materials with diazoacetate or fumarate as a monofluorophore
Authors: Chen Cheng , Li Yan , Jia Xiangxiang , Li Feifei , Chen Fangjuan , Liu Lijian
Published: April 2017

Wavelength-focusing molecular materials can focus the shorter and longer wavelengths of simulated solar radiation into an identical wavelength in between.
Rapid detection of nicotine from breath using desorption ionisation on porous silicon
Authors: Guinan T. M. , Abdelmaksoud H. , Voelcker N. H.
Published: April 2017

Desorption ionisation on porous silicon mass spectrometry was used for the detection of nicotine from exhaled breath.
Transition metal-free C(sp3)–H bond coupling among three methyl groups
Authors: Liu Yufeng , Zhan Xi , Ji Pengyi , Xu Jingwen , Liu Qiang , Luo Weiping , Chen Tieqiao , Guo Cancheng
Published: April 2017

A coupling of multiple C(sp3)–H bonds of the methyl group in methyl ketones with dimethyl sulfoxides was developed under transition metal-free reaction conditions.
c-Si/n-ZnO-based flexible solar cells with silica nanoparticles as a light trapping metamaterial
Authors: Roy Arijit Bardhan , Das Sonali , Kundu Avra , Banerjee Chandan , Mukherjee Nillohit
Published: April 2017

A p-Si/n-ZnO flexible solar cell with silica nanoparticles as a Mie resonator was fabricated for the next-generation photovoltaics and roll-to-roll electronics.
Vapour–liquid interfacial properties of square-well chains from density functional theory and Monte Carlo simulation
Authors: Martínez-Ruiz Francisco José , Blas Felipe J. , Moreno-Ventas Bravo A. Ignacio , Míguez José Manuel , MacDowell Luis G.
Published: April 2017

Vapour–liquid surface tension for tangent (open symbols) and vibrating (filled symbols) square-well chains.
Rare event simulations reveal subtle key steps in aqueous silicate condensation
Authors: Moqadam Mahmoud , Riccardi Enrico , Trinh Thuat T. , Lervik Anders , van Erp Titus S.
Published: April 2017

A replica exchange transition interface sampling (RETIS) study combined with Born–Oppenheimer molecular dynamics (BOMD) is used to investigate the dynamics, thermodynamics and the mechanism of the early stages of the silicate condensation process.
Doping of nematic cyanobiphenyl liquid crystals with mesogen-hybridized magnetic nanoparticles
Authors: Appel Ingo , Nádasi Hajnalka , Reitz Christian , Sebastián Nerea , Hahn Horst , Eremin Alexey , Stannarius Ralf , Behrens Silke S.
Published: April 2017

Surface engineering of magnetic nanoparticles with (pro-)mesogenic ligands leads to colloidally stable magnetic nanoparticle–liquid crystal hybrids with interesting magneto-optical properties.
Defect-promoted photo-electrochemical performance enhancement of orange-luminescent ZnO nanorod-arrays
Authors: Kegel Jan , Laffir Fathima , Povey Ian M. , Pemble Martyn E.
Published: April 2017

Defect engineering in ZnO: origin of strong orange-luminescent defects in solution-grown nanorod-arrays and their enhanced photo-electrochemical performance.
Trends and challenges for microporous polymers
Authors: Chaoui Nicolas , Trunk Matthias , Dawson Robert , Schmidt Johannes , Thomas Arne
Published: April 2017

Recent trends and challenges for the emerging materials class of microporous polymers are reviewed. See the main article for graphical abstract image credits.
Self-assembly of a binodal metal–organic framework exhibiting a demi-regular lattice
Authors: Yan Linghao , Kuang Guowen , Zhang Qiushi , Shang Xuesong , Liu Pei Nian , Lin Nian
Published: April 2017

Designing metal–organic frameworks with new topologies is a long-standing quest because new topologies often accompany new properties and functions. Here we report that 1,3,5-tris[4-(pyridin-4-yl)phenyl]benzene molecules coordinate with Cu atoms to form a two-dimensional framework in which Cu adatoms form a nanometer-scale demi-regular lattice. The lattice is articulated by perfectly arranged twofold and threefold pyridyl–Cu coordination motifs in a ratio of 1 : 6 and features local dodecagonal symmetry. This structure is thermodynamically robust and emerges solely when the molecular density is at a critical value. In comparison, we present three framework structures that consist of semi-regular and regular lattices of Cu atoms self-assembled out of 1,3,5-tris[4-(pyridin-4-yl)phenyl]benzene and trispyridylbenzene molecules. Thus a family of regular, semi-regular and demi-regular lattices can be achieved by Cu–pyridyl coordination.
Coaxial Ag–base metal nanowire networks with high electrochemical stability for transparent and stretchable asymmetric supercapacitors
Authors: Park Sangbaek , Tan Alvin Wei Ming , Wang Jiangxin , Lee Pooi See
Published: April 2017

Based on electrochemically stable Ag–Ni and Ag–Fe core–shell nanowire networks, a transparent and stretchable asymmetric supercapacitor was demonstrated.
Macrometallocycle binuclear NHC silver(i) complexes: synthesis, structure and recognition of o-phenylenediamine
Authors: Liu Qing-Xiang , Wei Deng-Che , Zhao Dong-Xue , Sun Xiao-Feng , Zhao Zhi-Xiang , Yan Jing
Published: April 2017

Macrometallocycle 4 as a host can distinguish o-phenylenediamine from other aromatic amines, which is investigated using the methods of fluorescence and UV/vis spectroscopy.
Tuning conductivity and magnetism of CuFe2O4via cation redistribution
Authors: Zhang Ruyi , Yuan Qibin , Ma Rong , Liu Xiaoxing , Gao Cunxu , Liu Ming , Jia Chun-Lin , Wang Hong
Published: April 2017

Both conductivity and magnetism of spinel CuFe2O4 can be effectively tuned by the engineered cation redistribution through heat treatment.
Analysis of partially sulfonated low density polyethylene (LDPE) membranes as separators in microbial fuel cells
Authors: Kumar Vikash , Rudra Ruchira , Nandy Arpita , Hait Subrata , Kundu Patit Paban
Published: April 2017

Sulfonated low density polyethylenes (LDPEs) in varied molar ratios have been analyzed as separating barriers in microbial fuel cells (MFCs) for bioelectricity production.
Gold nanoparticles as analytical tools for the quantification of small quantities of triazine derivatives anchored on graphene in water dispersions
Authors: León Verónica , Castañeda Gregorio , Herrero María Antonia , Vázquez Ester
Published: April 2017

A fast, simple and sensitive method develops to detect ppm levels of melamine anchored on graphene in aqueous graphene dispersions.
Properties of a flavonol-based photoCORM in aqueous buffered solutions: influence of metal ions, surfactants and proteins on visible light-induced CO release
Authors: Popova Marina , Soboleva Tatiana , Arif Atta M. , Berreau Lisa M.
Published: April 2017

A flavonol-based photoCORM exhibits reliable visible light-induced CO release in aqueous buffer environments containing constituents of relevance to biological environments.
The influence of epitaxial crystallization on the mechanical properties of a high density polyethylene/reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite injection bar
Authors: Yao Guibin , Duan Tianchen , An Minfang , Xu Haojun , Tian Feng , Wang Zongbao
Published: April 2017

High density polyethylene (HDPE)/reduced graphene oxide (RGO) nanocomposite bars were prepared by injection molding and the effects of RGO on the HDPE matrix were investigated.
A silicon photoanode for efficient ethanol oxidation under alkaline conditions
Authors: Cai Qian , Hong Wenting , Li Jing , Jian Chuanyong , Liu Wei
Published: April 2017

A Pt/ZrO2/n-Si electrode has been employed as the anode for the EOR, exhibiting improved EOR activity and durability under solar illumination.
Voltammetric determination of iron with catalytic system at a bismuth bulk annular band electrode electrochemically activated
Authors: Węgiel Krystian , Robak Justyna , Baś Bogusław
Published: April 2017

A novel DPV procedure based onin situactivated bismuth bulk annular band electrode (BiABE) was applied for the determination of Fe(iii).
One-step and green synthesis of nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots for multifunctional electronics
Authors: Wang Zhan , Cao Lijun , Ding Yamei , Shi Rui , Wang Xiangjing , Lu Hang , Liu Zhengdong , Xiu Fei , Liu Juqing , Huang Wei
Published: April 2017

A facile one-step and green synthesis of nitrogen-doped CQDs has been developed, the N-doped CQD-based device exhibits multifunctional memory and current limiting behavior.
Cumulative gain in organic solar cells by using multiple optical nanopatterns
Authors: Heo Soo Won , Huong Le Thu Hac , Tanaka Takuo , Osaka Itaru , Takimiya Kazuo , Tajima Keisuke
Published: April 2017

This new method that allowed to separately introduce nanopatterns into multiple interfaces in OPVs cumulatively increased the photocurrent without deterioration of their electronic properties.
Freestanding single layers of non-layered material γ-Ga2O3 as an efficient photocatalyst for overall water splitting
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyan , Zhang Zizhong , Liang Jun , Zhou Yangen , Tong Yuecong , Wang Ying , Wang Xuxu
Published: April 2017

Non-layered γ-Ga2O3 nanosheets were firstly prepared through a facile method and exhibited excellent photocatalytic activity of water splitting under UV light irradiation.
Distribution functions of argumental oscillations of the Duboshinskiy pendulum
Authors: Shumaev A. I. , Maizelis Z. A.
Published: April 2017

In this paper, we study the so-called argumental oscillations, i.e., vibrational processes in a classical system with quantized amplitudes, on the example of the Duboshinskiy pendulum. We derive the exact equation of motion of the pendulum and find fast-oscillating solutions with various amplitudes. We show theoretically and prove by numeric modeling that the values of the stable amplitudes depend on the parity of the force field. We derive the envelope equations and show that they can be used for predicting the evolution of the amplitude. We consider the phase plane of the pendulum and show that it contains attraction basins, each of which corresponds to a stable amplitude. By averaging over the fast-oscillating phase of the field, we obtain the distribution function over the energy levels, i.e., the probabilities of stabilization of a particular level.
Alternative definition of excitation amplitudes in multi-reference state-specific coupled cluster
Authors: Garniron Yann , Giner Emmanuel , Malrieu Jean-Paul , Scemama Anthony
Published: April 2017

A central difficulty of state-specific Multi-Reference Coupled Cluster (MR-CC) in the multi-exponential Jeziorski-Monkhorst formalism concerns the definition of the amplitudes of the single and double excitation operators appearing in the exponential wave operators. If the reference space is a complete active space (CAS), the number of these amplitudes is larger than the number of singly and doubly excited determinants on which one may project the eigenequation, and one must impose additional conditions. The present work first defines a state-specific reference-independent operator T∼^m which acting on the CAS component of the wave function |Ψ0m⟩ maximizes the overlap between (1+T∼^m)|Ψ0m⟩ and the eigenvector of the CAS-SD (Singles and Doubles) Configuration Interaction (CI) matrix |ΨCAS–SDm⟩. This operator may be used to generate approximate coefficients of the triples and quadruples, and a dressing of the CAS-SD CI matrix, according to the intermediate Hamiltonian formalism. The process may be iterated to convergence. As a refinement towards a strict coupled cluster formalism, one may exploit reference-independent amplitudes provided by (1+T∼^m)|Ψ0m⟩ to define a reference-dependent operator T^m by fitting the eigenvector of the (dressed) CAS-SD CI matrix. The two variants, which are internally uncontracted, give rather similar results. The new MR-CC version has been tested on the ground state potential energy curves of 6 molecules (up to triple-bond breaking) and two excited states. The non-parallelism error with respect to the full-CI curves is of the order of 1 mEh.
Micro arch-bridge structured surface fabricated by kirigami-on-elastomer approach for liquid-dependent iso/anisotropic wetting
Authors: Takei Atsushi , Murano Mayuko , Tani Marie , Fujita Hiroyuki , Okumura Ko
Published: April 2017

Thin-film/elastomer bilayer systems have been studied for the fabrication of micro-structured surfaces. Here, we report a fabrication technique for three-dimensional microstructures by using thin ribbons partially attached to an elastomer substrate. This technique is an easy-to-use version of the conventional kirigami-on-elastomer approach. Parts of thin ribbons not attached to the elastomer substrate buckle under a fixed strain and form arch bridges with hollow spaces between the buckled ribbons and the elastomer substrate. We experimentally study the formation of the arch-bridge structure by changing applied strains to provide physical insights and find that the arch-bridge structure is useful as a functional surface. Although the arch-bridge structure was made with one-micron-thick ribbons, the structure is significantly robust. Different from the conventional structured surfaces made of micro-pillars, the micro arch-bridge structure exhibits an isotropic or an anisotropic wetting property depending on a liquid placed on the substrate.
Single-sideband modulator for frequency domain multiplexing of superconducting qubit readout
Authors: Chapman Benjamin J. , Rosenthal Eric I. , Kerckhoff Joseph , Vale Leila R. , Hilton Gene C. , Lehnert K. W.
Published: April 2017

We introduce and experimentally characterize a superconducting single-sideband modulator compatible with cryogenic microwave circuits and propose its use for frequency domain multiplexing of superconducting qubit readout. The monolithic double-balanced modulators that comprise the device are formed with purely reactive elements (capacitors and Josephson junction inductors) and require no microwave-frequency control tones. Microwave signals in the 4 to 8 GHz band, with power up to −85 dBm, are converted up or down in frequency by as much as 120 MHz. Spurious harmonics in the device can be suppressed by up to 25 dB for select probe and modulation frequencies.
A magnetoelectric sensor of threshold DC magnetic fields
Authors: Fetisov Leonid Y. , Serov Vladimir. N. , Chashin Dmitri V. , Makovkin Sergey A. , Srinivasan G. , Viehland D. , Fetisov Yuri K.
Published: April 2017

A multiferroic magnetic field sensor capable of producing an output for threshold magnetic fields has been fabricated and characterized. The sensor consists of a trilayer composite of piezoelectric X-cut lanthanum gallium tantalate and magnetostrictive Metglas placed inside a solenoid and a wide-band amplifier. The composite plays two distinct roles in the device; it forms the feedback loop of an oscillator and sets the frequency of sustained oscillations. The sensor generated an output of 2.5 V at the longitudinal acoustic resonance frequency of 87.5 kHz for the trilayer for DC magnetic fields H = 0.3 to 50 Oe parallel to the composite plane. The device functions as a threshold magnetic field sensor for this H-interval, and the threshold ON and OFF H-values for an ac voltage output could be controlled electronically or with a proper choice of the ferromagnetic phase in the composite.
Spontaneously formed high-performance charge-transport layers of organic single-crystal semiconductors on precisely synthesized insulating polymers
Authors: Makita Tatsuyuki , Sasaki Masayuki , Annaka Tatsuro , Sasaki Mari , Matsui Hiroyuki , Mitsui Chikahiko , Kumagai Shohei , Watanabe Shun , Hayakawa Teruaki , Okamoto Toshihiro , Takeya Jun
Published: April 2017

Charge-transporting semiconductor layers with high carrier mobility and low trap-density, desired for high-performance organic transistors, are spontaneously formed as a result of thermodynamic phase separation from a blend of π-conjugated small molecules and precisely synthesized insulating polymers dissolved in an aromatic solvent. A crystal film grows continuously to the size of centimeters, with the critical conditions of temperature, concentrations, and atmosphere. It turns out that the molecular weight of the insulating polymers plays an essential role in stable film growth and interfacial homogeneity at the phase separation boundary. Fabricating the transistor devices directly at the semiconductor-insulator boundaries, we demonstrate that the mixture of 3,11-didecyldinaphtho[2,3-d:2′,3′-d′]benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b′]dithiophene and poly(methyl methacrylate) with the optimized weight-average molecular weight shows excellent device performances. The spontaneous phase separation with a one-step fabrication process leads to a high mobility up to 10 cm2 V−1 s−1 and a low subthreshold swing of 0.25 V dec−1 even without any surface treatment such as self-assembled monolayer modifications on oxide gate insulators.
Structural and stereoelectronic insights into oxygenase-catalyzed formation of ethylene from 2-oxoglutarate
Authors: Zhang Zhihong , Smart Tristan J. , Choi Hwanho , Hardy Florence , Lohans Christopher T. , Abboud Martine I. , Richardson Melodie S. W. , Paton Robert S. , McDonough Michael A. , Schofield Christopher J.
Published: April 2017

Significance

The plant-signaling molecule ethylene is biosynthesized from 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC), as catalyzed by ACC oxidase, which is homologous to the 2-oxoglutarate (2OG) oxygenases, but which does not use a 2OG cosubstrate. Bacteria produce ethylene in a highly unusual reaction that involves oxidative 2OG fragmentation. Biophysical studies on a
Pseudomonas
ethylene-forming enzyme (EFE) reveal how structural and stereoelectronic factors enable the EFE to bias reaction away from normal 2OG oxygenase catalysis involving two-electron substrate oxidation concomitant with succinate formation, toward the arginine-dependent four-electron oxidation of 2OG to give ethylene. The results imply that negative catalysis, with respect to ethylene formation, has operated during the evolution of 2OG oxygenases and will be useful in protein engineering aimed at optimizing ethylene production.
Validating Fin Ray Microchemistry as a Tool to Reconstruct the Migratory History of White Sturgeon
Authors: Sellheim K. , Willmes M. , Hobbs J. A. , Glessner J. J. G. , Jackson Z. J. , Merz J. E.
Published: April 2017

The objective of this study was to validate the use of fin ray strontium isotope ratios (87Sr:86Sr) via laser ablation (LA) to resolve fine‐scale movement patterns in sturgeons (Acipenseridae) during freshwater rearing in early life stages. We conducted a laboratory experiment in which juvenile White Sturgeon Acipenser transmontanus were exposed to two water sources exhibiting distinctive 87Sr:86Sr isotope values (American River and Putah Creek, California) over weekly time periods to understand how water exposure histories are archived in pectoral fin rays. Using LA multicollector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry with a laser diameter of 65 µm, we detected distinct shifts in fin ray 87Sr:86Sr values to match a water source in fish that were exposed for 2, 4, 6, and 12 weeks. Fin ray 87Sr:86Sr values matched the new water source after 21.7 d (SD = 7.8; range = 11–36 d) of exposure. The lower limit of this estimate was constrained by the rate of fin ray growth as well as the LA spot size. Additionally, we assessed how diet affected fin ray 87Sr:86Sr values by feeding a marine‐derived pellet feed commonly used in aquaculture to a subset of White Sturgeon, while others were fed a diet consisting of fish with 87Sr:86Sr values that matched their respective water source. Generally, we observed only a minor influence of diet, but there was some variability across individual fish in the effect of diet on the resulting fin ray 87Sr:86Sr value. As with any geochemical analytical technique, fin ray microchemistry has some limitations related to individual variability in fin ray growth and development; however, it is a promising approach to reconstructing sturgeon migratory history by using a nonlethal sampling method.

Received December 16, 2016; accepted April 13, 2017 Published online June 23, 2017
Ṭūsī Reloaded: Ismāʿīlī Paths of Sufi Wayfaring and Sufi Paths of Ismāʿīlī Apophaticism
Authors: Kars Aydogan
Published: April 2017

Much ink has been spilled on the tumultuous life and works of Naṣīr al-Dīn Ṭūsī. This paper re-evaluates his connections with Sufism and Ismāʿīlism, and challenges the reduction of the former to a late interest, and the latter to an early affiliation abandoned in the wake of the Mongol invasion. The paper argues that Sufi and Ismāʿīlī themes, sources, and ideas are in an organic interpenetration in Ṭūsī’s works throughout his career. While his early Ismāʿīlī eschatology has a fundamentally Sufi nature, his late Sufi treatise adopts the key components of Ismāʿīlī negative theology of the divine nature. The case of Ṭūsī illustrates that the Ismāʿīlī double negation was preserved in Iran and Central Asia, and put into creative interactions with Sufism in the thirteenth century.
Re-Ghettoization: Armenian Christian Neighborhoods in Multicultural Tehran
Authors: Barry James
Published: April 2017

This paper incorporates a study of “re-ghettoization” among the Armenian Christians of the Islamic Republic of Iran. It focuses on how legal marginalization has led to the emergence of an entirely separate existence from the Muslim majority in Tehran among Armenians born after the revolution. By focusing on the spatial and social divisions of the hayashatner (Armenian neighborhoods) and the “social” ghetto of the Ararat Compound, this article addresses the question: what are the social implications for religious discrimination in the Muslim Middle East? This paper is based on three extensive blocks of fieldwork carried out in Iran from 2010 to 2015.
Characterisation of extracellular vesicle‐subsets derived from brain endothelial cells and analysis of their protein cargo modulation after TNF exposure
Authors: Dozio Vito , Sanchez Jean‐Charles
Published: April 2017

Little is known about the composition and functional differences between extracellular vesicle (EV) subsets, such as microvesicles (MVs) and exosomes (EXOs), nor to what extent their cargo reflects the phenotypic state of the cell of origin. Brain endothelial cells are the constitutive part of the blood–brain barrier (BBB), a selective barrier that maintains brain homeostasis. BBB impairment is associated with several neuroinflammatory diseases with the pro‐inflammatory cytokine tumour necrosis factor (TNF) often playing a key role. In the present study, shotgun proteomics and parallel reaction monitoring (PRM)‐based targeted mass spectrometry were used to characterise brain endothelial cell‐released EVs, and to study how TNF exposure modulated EV protein cargoes. MVs were found to be enriched in mitochondrial and cytoskeletal proteins, whereas EXOs were enriched in adhesion, histone and ribosomal proteins. After stimulation with TNF, several proteins involved in TNF and NF‐κB signalling pathways, that were found to be differentially expressed in cells, were also differentially expressed in both MVs and EXOs. Thus, our results revealed some novel proteins as potentially useful candidates for discriminating between MVs and EXOs, together with additional evidence that cells “package” proteins in EVs systematically and according to their phenotypic state.
Significance and System
Authors: Timmons Mark
Published: April 2017

This collection brings together nine previously published essays on Kant’s ethics, plus one new chapter on Kant’s conception of moral evil, by Mark Timmons. The collection is divided into three parts. In Part I, Interpreting the Categorical Imperative, the author explores the complexities of Kant’s universal law formulation of the Categorical Imperative as well as semantic and epistemological elements of its justification. This part includes “Necessitation and Justification in Kant’s Ethics,” “Decision Procedures, Moral Criteria, and the Problem of Relevant Descriptions,” “The Categorical Imperative and Universalizability,” and “The Philosophical and Practical Significance of Kant’s Universality Formulations of the Categorical Imperative.” Part II, Motive, Rightness, and Virtue, explores Kant’s conception of virtue, moral motivation and its relation to moral rightness, the perfect duties to oneself as an animal being, and the complex duty of gratitude. This part features “Motive and Rightness in Kant’s Ethical System,” “Kant’s Grounding Project in the Doctrine of Virtue,” “The Perfect Duty to Oneself as an Animal Being,” and “The Moral Significance of Gratitude in Kant’s Ethics.” Part III, The Psychology of Moral Evil, focuses on Kant’s conception of moral evil and the vices. It includes “Love of Honor, Emulation, and the Devilish Vices in Kant’s Ethics” and “The Good, the Bad, and the Badass: Reflections on Kant’s Conception of Moral Evil.” The collection also includes a thematic introduction.
Decision Procedures, Moral Criteria, and the Problem of Relevant Descriptions in Kant’s Ethics
Authors: Timmons Mark
Published: April 2017

Kant gives various formulations of the supreme principle of morality—the categorical imperative. Regarding these, one may ask what role they play in the overall economy of Kant’s ethical theory. One role for a principle is that of a moral criterion that purports to explain what it is that most fundamentally makes an action right or wrong—an explanatory role. Another role is that of a decision procedure in guiding moral deliberation and choice. This chapter defends a “differential roles” interpretation of the categorical imperative. The universal law formula is best viewed as a test of moral rightness and thus as a decision procedure and not as purporting to be a moral criterion. It is rather the humanity formula that is best viewed as playing an explanatory role. It is further argued that this latter formula provides a basis for addressing the general problem of relevant descriptions.
Perfect Duties to Oneself as an Animal Being
Authors: Timmons Mark
Published: April 2017

In his 1797 Metaphysics of Morals, Part II, The Doctrine of Virtue, Kant sets forth a system of ethical duties, divided into duties to oneself and duties to others. Duties to oneself include negative duties one has as a being with an animal nature—duties that concern preserving one’s animal nature. These include: the duty to refrain from suicide and self-mutilation, the duty to refrain from sexual self-abuse, and the duties to refrain from gluttony and drunkenness. This chapter examines each of these duties with the aim of reconstructing and then evaluating Kant’s arguments defending these duties. It is argued that Kant’s arguments, based on the humanity formulation of the categorical imperative are reasonably plausible given the various empirical assumptions they involve.
Direct Methods for Sparse Matrices
Authors: Duff I. S. , Erisman A. M. , Reid J. K.
Published: April 2017

Direct Methods for Sparse Matrices, second edition, is a complete rewrite of the first edition published 30 years ago. Much has changed since that time. Problems have grown greatly in size and complexity; nearly all our examples were of order less than 5,000 in the first edition, and are often more than a million in the second edition. Computer architectures are now much more complex, requiring new ways of adapting algorithms to parallel environments with memory hierarchies. Because the area is such an important one to all of computational science and engineering, a huge amount of research has been done since the first edition, some of it by the authors. This new research is integrated into the text with a clear explanation of the underlying mathematics and algorithms. New research that is described includes new techniques for scaling and error control, new orderings, new combinatorial techniques for partitioning both symmetric and unsymmetric problems, and a detailed description of the multifrontal approach to solving systems that was pioneered by the research of the authors and colleagues. This includes a discussion of techniques for exploiting parallel architectures and new work for indefinite and unsymmetric systems.