bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
X-ray powder diffraction data for 5-chloro-N-(4-(5,6-dihydro-3-(4-morpholinyl)-2-oxo-1(2H)-pyridinyl)phenyl)-pentanamide, C20H26ClN3O3
Authors: Wang Qing , Guo Dan , Tang Bin , Li Hui
Published: March 2016

Apixaban (Eliquis®) is a novel oral pyrazole-based direct FXa inhibitor. The title compound is an intermediate in the synthesis of the anticoagulant, Apixaban. X-ray powder diffraction data for the title compound, are reported [a = 9.511(5) Å, b = 18.539(2) Å, c = 5.645(3) Å, α = 90°, β = 101.813(1)°, γ = 90°, unit-cell volume V = 974.28 Å3, Z = 2, ρcal = 1.336 g cm−3, and space group P2]. All measured lines were indexed and are consistent with the P2 space group. No detectable impurities were observed.
Time-series analysis of monthly age-specific numbers of newly registered cases of active tuberculosis in Japan from 1998 to 2013
Authors: KOHEI Y. , SUMI A. , KOBAYASHI N.
Published: March 2016

We investigated the seasonality of age-specific tuberculosis (TB) in Japan. To allow the development of TB control strategies for different age groups we used a time-series analysis, including a spectral analysis and least squares method, to analyse the monthly age-specific numbers of newly registered cases of all forms of active TB in Japan from January 1998 to December 2013. The time-series data are reported in 10-year age groups: 0–9, 10–19, …, 70–79, and ⩾80 years. We defined the contribution ratio of the 1-year cycle, Q1, as the contribution of the amplitude of a 1-year cycle to the whole amplitude of the time-series data. The Q1 values in the age groups corresponding to adolescence and middle life (10–39 years) and old age (⩾70 years) were high. The peaks in the active TB epidemics for the ⩾70 years age group occurred in August and September, 1–2 months behind the peaks for the 10–39 years age group (June and July). An active TB epidemic might be attributable to travel by public transport and irregular employment in the 10–39 years age group and immune system suppression by low winter temperatures in the ⩾70 years age group.
THE RICH AND THE POOR IN A SIMPLE MODEL OF GROWTH AND DISTRIBUTION
Authors: Borissov Kirill
Published: March 2016

We consider a model of economic growth with altruistic agents who care about their consumption and the disposable income of their offspring. The agents' consumption and the offspring's disposable income are subject to positional concerns. We show that, if the measure of consumption-related positional concerns is sufficiently low and/or the measure of offspring-related positional concerns is sufficiently high, then there is a unique steady-state equilibrium, which is characterized by perfect income and wealth equality, and all intertemporal equilibira converge to it. Otherwise, in steady-state equilibria, the population splits into two classes, the rich and the poor; under this scenario, in any intertemporal equilibrium, all capital is eventually owned by the households that were the wealthiest from the outset and all other households become poor.
Trends and determinants of discretionary salt use: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003–2012
Authors: Quader Zerleen S , Patel Sheena , Gillespie Cathleen , Cogswell Mary E , Gunn Janelle P , Perrine Cria G , Mattes Richard D , Moshfegh Alanna
Published: March 2016

Objective

To examine temporal trends and determinants of discretionary salt use in the USA.

Design

Multiple logistic regression was used to assess temporal trends in discretionary salt use at the table and during home cooking/preparation, adjusting for demographic characteristics, using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003–2012. Prevalence and determinants of discretionary salt use in 2009–2012 were also examined.

Setting

Participants answered salt use questions after completing a 24 h dietary recall in a mobile examination centre.

Subjects

Nationally representative sample of non-institutionalized US children and adults, aged ≥2 years.

Results

From 2003 to 2012, the proportion of the population who reported using salt ‘very often’ declined; from 18 % to 12 % for use at the table (P<0·01) and from 42 % to 37 % during home cooking (P<0·02). While one-third of the population reported never adding salt at the table, most used it during home cooking/preparation (93 %). Use of discretionary salt was least commonly reported among young children and older adults and demographic and health subgroups at risk of CVD.

Conclusions

While most people reported using salt during home cooking/preparation, a minority reported use at the table. Reported ‘very often’ discretionary salt use has declined. That discretionary salt use is less common among those at risk of CVD suggests awareness of messages to limit Na intake.
Official Papers at the Bodleian Libraries, Oxford
Authors: Chandler Hannah
Published: March 2016

This article was written by Hannah Chandler, the Official Papers Librarian for the Bodleian Libraries. Her article looks at how the print collections were managed in the past and how the collections are managed and arranged today in Oxford. It looks at the complex and dynamic environment of official publishing in terms both of print and e-format. Looking to the future, it considers how shared working practices and policy on giving access to and archiving born digital material are benefitting the legal deposit libraries. Finally, the article outlines the breadth of the challenge, not only giving access to information in perpetuity but also making it accessible to the information professional and user.
For Such a Time as This: Conflict, Community and the Courts in the South African Church
Authors: May Jonathan
Published: March 2016

The recent, well-publicized, conflict in the Diocese of Pretoria raises questions about the Church as an institution within the new constitutional and democratic South Africa. The analysis of the conflict reveals that all parties exhibit institutional responses which, when considered with reference to Scripture and Tradition, render the organization, structure and authority of the Church anachronistic and, in their promotion of internal community strife, reveal the need for reform that reflects the gospel imperative to embrace incarnational relationships.
Identification and molecular analysis of mid-gut mucin gene in Anopheles stephensi (Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: Dizaji Nahid Borhani , Ricci Irene , Favia Guido , Damiani Claudia , Basseri Hamid Reza , Heidari Mansour , Naddaf Saied Reza , Fotouhi Fatemeh
Published: March 2016

Recognition ofAnophelesmid-gut molecules interacting with the malaria parasite is important as they can potentially be targeted to interrupt the life cycle of the parasite in the mosquito's body. The mid-gut of mosquitoes is covered with the glycocalyx, which is composed of various glycoproteins. Pieces of evidence show that mucin proteins are one of the most frequent ingredients of the glycocalyx. In the present study, we isolated and identified the sequence of mucin from the mid-gut ofAnopheles stephensi, Liston and Kazerun strains.Anopheles stephensimucin (AsMuc) has two central core repeats with the consensus sequence TTTTVAP flanked with a hydrophobic N-terminus and a C-terminus which it seems are both necessary for cell surface expression. To show if this molecule is expressed on the surface of the cell, we cloned AsMuc in a baculovirus vector and tracked the expression of the protein in Sf9 insect cells. Immune assays showed the surface localization of the recombinant mucin. AsMuc expression on the surface of the cell suggests it could be a potential ligand forPlasmodiumspp. attachment to theAnophelesmid-gut.
Autofocusing SAR images via local estimates of flight trajectory
Authors: Bezvesilniy Oleksandr O. , Gorovyi Ievgen M. , Vavriv Dmytro M.
Published: March 2016

High-resolution imaging with an airborne synthetic aperture radar (SAR) calls for precise trajectory measurements that can hardly be achieved with common navigation systems. In this paper, an efficient method called the local-quadratic map-drift autofocus is developed for the estimation of residual (uncompensated) motion errors directly from the received radar data. The map-drift autofocus is applied locally on short time intervals to estimate the cross-track components of the aircraft acceleration. The estimated acceleration is then integrated to evaluate the residual trajectory errors on the whole data frame interval. The method has been successfully tested with an X-band airborne SAR system.
SIW antennas as hybrid energy harvesting and power management platforms for the internet of things
Authors: Caytan Olivier , Lemey Sam , Agneessens Sam , Rogier Hendrik
Published: March 2016

A novel antenna-harvester co-design paradigm is presented for wireless nodes operating in an Internet of Things context. The strategy leads to compact and highly-integrated units, which are able to set up a reliable and energy-efficient wireless communication link, and to simultaneously harvest energy from up to three different sources, including thermal body energy, solar, and artificial light. The core of the unit consists of a substrate-integrated-waveguide (SIW) antenna. Its surface serves as a platform for the flexible energy-harvesting hardware, which also comprises the power management system. To demonstrate the approach, two different SIW cavity-backed slot antennas and a novel compact dual linearly polarized SIW antenna are presented. These topologies facilitate the integration of additional hardware without degrading performance. In the meantime, they enable comfortable integration into garments or unobtrusive embedding into floors or walls. Measurements on prototypes validate the integration procedure by verifying that the integrated hardware has a negligible influence on the performance of all discussed SIW antennas. Finally, measurements in four well-chosen indoor scenarios demonstrate that a hybrid energy-harvesting approach is necessary to obtain a more continuous flow and a higher amount of scavenged energy, leading to a higher system autonomy and/or reduced battery size.
Sehtraining für Kinder
Authors: Abegg Mathias , Gentile Eveline
Published: March 2016

Zusammenfassung. Ein gewichtiger Teil des Lebens beinhaltet visuelle Aktivität. Das Sehen spielt bei fast jeder menschlichen Tätigkeit eine so wichtige Rolle, dass bei einer beliebigen psychischen und physischen Störung häufig der Verdacht aufkommt, die Ursache für die Störung liege im visuellen System. Lesestörung ist der Prototyp einer solchen Störung. Entsprechend gab und gibt es heute noch eine Vielzahl von Versuchen, mittels Training und Augenübungen Defizite verschiedenster Art zu überwinden. In krassem Gegensatz zu der Fülle von Trainingsangeboten steht die Evidenz für den Nutzen solcher Therapien. Es gibt nur ganz wenige Situationen, in denen ein visuelles Training gewinnbringend eingesetzt werden kann. Es scheint, dass das visuelle System so weit optimiert ist, dass menschliche Einflussversuche keine zusätzliche Verbesserung erzielen können.
Altersbedingte Makuladegeneration – eine Herausforderung für unsere Gesundheitsversorgung
Authors: Mantel Irmela
Published: March 2016

Zusammenfassung. Die altersbedingte Makuladegeneration (AMD) ist die häufigste Erblindungsursuche der zweiten Lebenshälfte. Nur die neovaskuläre Form der visusbedrohlichen Spätformen ist erfolgreich behandelbar sofern früh genug im Krankheitsverlauf eingegriffen werden kann. Die chronisch repetitive Behandlung mit intravitrealen Injektionen von Anti-VEGF Medikamenten ist allerdings eine grosse Belastung für die Patienten, und der langfristige Visus-Erfolg kann trotz fortgesetzter Therapie nicht immer erreicht werden. Wegen der hohen Inzidenz- und Prävalenzzahlen stellt die chronisch repetitive Therapie auch eine grosse Herausforderung für die behandelnden Institutionen bezüglich der Ressourcen dar. Es besteht die Gefahr der Unterbehandlung, die der Patient mit schlechterem Visus quittiert. Nicht zuletzt sind die hohen Kosten ein Problem für das Gesundheitssystem. Auf der anderen Seite macht der Visuserhalt unter Therapie oft einen riesigen Unterschied für die Lebensqualität und die Selbständigkeit der Patienten aus, und ist dadurch von zentraler Bedeutung. Das Nebenwirkungsprofil der Anti-VEGF Behandlung ist insgesamt günstig. Systemisch konnten keine Nebenwirkungen schlüssig nachgewiesen werden. Allerdings wird bei kardiovaskulären Hochrisikopatienten zu grosser Vorsicht angehalten, da eine verstärkte thrombo-embolische Tendenz nicht ganz auszuschliessen ist. Diverse Forschungsprojekte zu verschiedensten neuen Therapieansätzen sind im Gange, und die nächsten Jahre werden vermutlich ein erweitertes therapeutisches Spektrum bringen.
Ungewöhnliche zerebrale Läsion in der Computertomografie
Authors: Milosevic Gligor , Müller Uta , Niemann Tilo
Published: March 2016

Zusammenfassung. Wir berichten über den Fall eines 84-jährigen Patienten mit rezidivierenden Stürzen, der ein traumatisch bedingtes Hämatom des Septum pellucidum nach Kopfanprall erlitt. Wir erläutern die embryologische Entwicklung des Septums und dadurch bedingte mögliche Pathomechanismen bei Trauma. Die bildgebende Diagnose mittels Computertomografie kann vor allem hinsichtlich der Abgrenzung zu anderen Läsionen des Septums bei fehlenden Vergleichsbildern schwierig bis unmöglich sein. Eine ergänzende Magnetresonanztomografie kann bei potenzieller therapeutischer Relevanz (Nähe zu den Foramina interventriculares mit drohendem Hydrocephalus occlusus) eine zuverlässigere Unterscheidung erlauben.
Icelandic Eruption Caused Record-Breaking Sulfur Dioxide Release
Authors: Stanley Sarah
Published: March 2016

Satellite and ground-based data reveal sulfur dioxide flux, trace element release, and preeruption magma movement.
Variable Mantle Lies Below Ancient Pieces of Earth's Crust
Authors: Sullivan Cody
Published: March 2016

Underneath old and stable pieces of Earth's crust in North America, the mantle's uppermost portion contains multiple layers that change the velocities of seismic waves.
Recent Studies Crack Open New Views of Glacial Crevasses
Authors: Stanley Sarah
Published: March 2016

Scientists review 60 years of direct and remote observations of crevasses and the models used to simulate them.
After a Century, Restored Wetlands May Still Be a Carbon Source
Authors: Cook Terri
Published: March 2016

Methane emissions can drastically lower, or even reverse, the benefits of carbon sequestration in restored wetlands, according to new measurements from the Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta.
Asphalt Volcanoes Erupt in Slow Motion
Authors: Lipuma Lauren
Published: March 2016

Natural asphalt seeps on the ocean floor provide a stable home for diverse marine life that sequesters greenhouse gases.
Can Carbon Dioxide Trigger Geyser Eruptions?
Authors: Wendel JoAnna
Published: March 2016

Researchers looking at geyser discharge water in Yellowstone National Park found that dissolved carbon dioxide could be involved in a geyser's eruption.
Charge localization in a diamine cation provides a test of energy functionals and self-interaction correction
Authors: Cheng Xinxin , Zhang Yao , Jónsson Elvar , Jónsson Hannes , Weber Peter M.
Published: March 2016

Density functional theory (DFT) is widely applied in calculations of molecules and materials. Yet, it suffers from a well-known over-emphasis on charge delocalization arising from self-interaction error that destabilizes localized states. Here, using the symmetric diamine N,N′-dimethylpiperazine as a model, we have experimentally determined the relative energy of a state with positive charge localized on one of the two nitrogen atoms, and a state with positive charge delocalized over both nitrogen atoms. The charge-localized state was found to be 0.33 (0.04) eV higher in energy than the charge-delocalized state. This provides an important test of theoretical approaches to electronic structure calculations. Calculations with all DFT functionals commonly used today, including hybrid functionals with exact exchange, fail to predict a stable charge-localized state. However, the application of an explicit self-interaction correction to a semi-local functional identifies both states and gives relative energy in excellent agreement with both experiment and CCSD(T) calculations.
Connecting two proteins using a fusion alpha helix stabilized by a chemical cross linker
Authors: Jeong Woo Hyeon , Lee Haerim , Song Dong Hyun , Eom Jae-Hoon , Kim Sun Chang , Lee Hee-Seung , Lee Hayyoung , Lee Jie-Oh
Published: March 2016

Building a sophisticated protein nano-assembly requires a method for linking protein components in a predictable and stable structure. Most of the cross linkers available have flexible spacers. Because of this, the linked hybrids have significant structural flexibility and the relative structure between their two components is largely unpredictable. Here we describe a method of connecting two proteins via a ‘fusion α helix’ formed by joining two pre-existing helices into a single extended helix. Because simple ligation of two helices does not guarantee the formation of a continuous helix, we used EY-CBS, a synthetic cross linker that has been shown to react selectively with cysteines in α-helices, to stabilize the connecting helix. Formation and stabilization of the fusion helix was confirmed by determining the crystal structures of the fusion proteins with and without bound EY-CBS. Our method should be widely applicable for linking protein building blocks to generate predictable structures.
Simultaneous determination of 8-oxo-2’-deoxyguanosine and 8-oxo-2’-deoxyadenosine in human retinal DNA by liquid chromatography nanoelectrospray-tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Ma Bin , Jing Meng , Villalta Peter W. , Kapphahn Rebecca J. , Montezuma Sandra R. , Ferrington Deborah A. , Stepanov Irina
Published: March 2016

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness among older adults in the developed world. Oxidative damage to mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) may play a key role in AMD. Measurement of oxidative DNA lesions such as 8-oxo-2’-deoxyguanosine (8-oxo-dG) and 8-oxo-2’-deoxyadenosine (8-oxo-dA) in diseased RPE could provide important insights into the mechanism of AMD development. We have developed a liquid chromatography-nanoelectrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry method for simultaneous analysis of 8-oxo-dG and 8-oxo-dA in human retinal DNA. The developed method was applied to the analysis of retinal DNA from 5 donors with AMD and 5 control donors without AMD. In mtDNA, the levels of 8-oxo-dG in controls and AMD donors averaged 170 and 188, and 8-oxo-dA averaged 11 and 17 adducts per 106 bases, respectively. In nuclear DNA, the levels of 8-oxo-dG in controls and AMD donors averaged 0.54 and 0.96, and 8-oxo-dA averaged 0.04 and 0.05 adducts per 106 bases, respectively. This highly sensitive method allows for the measurement of both adducts in very small amounts of DNA and can be used in future studies investigating the pathophysiological role of 8-oxo-dG and 8-oxo-dA in AMD and other oxidative damage-related diseases in humans.
The Ultrastructures and Mechanical Properties of the Descement’s Membrane in Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy
Authors: Xia Dan , Zhang Shuai , Nielsen Esben , Ivarsen Anders Ramløv , Liang Chunyong , Li Qiang , Thomsen Karen , Hjortdal Jesper Østergaard , Dong Mingdong
Published: March 2016

Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD), is the most common corneal endothelial dystrophy, and contributes up to 50% of all corneal transplantations performed in developed countries. FECD develops in Descemet’s membrane (DM) and possibly alters the mechanical properties and internal structures in this basal lamina. In this work, the morphology and mechanical properties of FECD-DMs are studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and quantitative dynamic atomic force microscopy (QD-AFM) at nano scale. Pathological wide-space collagens that are typical of FECD display different mechanical properties in that they are softer than the remaining tissue both for dehydrated- and fully hydrated samples. Additionally, the hydration level has major influence on the mechanical properties. These findings could help to further understand the structural changes in FECD, and possibly be useful for further characterization of the disease, the diagnosis and assessment or even pathologic analysis.
Graviola inhibits hypoxia-induced NADPH oxidase activity in prostate cancer cells reducing their proliferation and clonogenicity
Authors: Deep Gagan , Kumar Rahul , Jain Anil K. , Dhar Deepanshi , Panigrahi Gati K. , Hussain Anowar , Agarwal Chapla , El-Elimat Tamam , Sica Vincent P. , Oberlies Nicholas H. , Agarwal Rajesh
Published: March 2016

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the leading malignancy among men. Importantly, this disease is mostly diagnosed at early stages offering a unique chemoprevention opportunity. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify and target signaling molecules with higher expression/activity in prostate tumors and play critical role in PCa growth and progression. Here we report that NADPH oxidase (NOX) expression is directly associated with PCa progression in TRAMP mice, suggesting NOX as a potential chemoprevention target in controlling PCa. Accordingly, we assessed whether NOX activity in PCa cells could be inhibited by Graviola pulp extract (GPE) that contains unique acetogenins with strong anti-cancer effects. GPE (1–5 μg/ml) treatment strongly inhibited the hypoxia-induced NOX activity in PCa cells (LNCaP, 22Rv1 and PC3) associated with a decrease in the expression of NOX catalytic and regulatory sub-units (NOX1, NOX2 and p47phox). Furthermore, GPE-mediated NOX inhibition was associated with a strong decrease in nuclear HIF-1α levels as well as reduction in the proliferative and clonogenic potential of PCa cells. More importantly, GPE treatment neither inhibited NOX activity nor showed any cytotoxicity against non-neoplastic prostate epithelial PWR-1E cells. Overall, these results suggest that GPE could be useful in the prevention of PCa progression via inhibiting NOX activity.
NMR Evidence for the Topologically Nontrivial Nature in a Family of Half-Heusler Compounds
Authors: Zhang Xiaoming , Hou Zhipeng , Wang Yue , Xu Guizhou , Shi Chenglong , Liu EnKe , Xi Xuekui , Wang Wenhong , Wu Guangheng , Zhang Xi-xiang
Published: March 2016

Spin-orbit coupling (SOC) is expected to partly determine the topologically nontrivial electronic structure of heavy half-Heusler ternary compounds. However, to date, attempts to experimentally observe either the strength of SOC or how it modifies the bulk band structure have been unsuccessful. By using bulk-sensitive nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy combined with first-principles calculations, we reveal that 209Bi NMR isotropic shifts scale with relativity in terms of the strength of SOC and average atomic numbers, indicating strong relativistic effects on NMR parameters. According to first-principles calculations, we further claim that nuclear magnetic shieldings from relativistic p1/2 states and paramagnetic contributions from low-lying unoccupied p3/2 states are both sensitive to the details of band structures tuned by relativity, which explains why the hidden relativistic effects on band structure can be revealed by 209Bi NMR isotropic shifts in topologically nontrivial half-Heusler compounds. Used in complement to surface-sensitive methods, such as angle resolved photon electron spectroscopy and scanning tunneling spectroscopy, NMR can provide valuable information on bulk electronic states.
Impact of mooring activities on carbon stocks in seagrass meadows
Authors: Serrano O. , Ruhon R. , Lavery P. S. , Kendrick G. A. , Hickey S. , Masqué P. , Arias-Ortiz A. , Steven A. , Duarte C. M.
Published: March 2016

Boating activities are one of the causes that threaten seagrass meadows and the ecosystem services they provide. Mechanical destruction of seagrass habitats may also trigger the erosion of sedimentary organic carbon (Corg) stocks, which may contribute to increasing atmospheric CO2. This study presents the first estimates of loss of Corg stocks in seagrass meadows due to mooring activities in Rottnest Island, Western Australia. Sediment cores were sampled from seagrass meadows and from bare but previously vegetated sediments underneath moorings. The Corg stores have been compromised by the mooring deployment from 1930s onwards, which involved both the erosion of existing sedimentary Corg stores and the lack of further accumulation of Corg. On average, undisturbed meadows had accumulated ~6.4 Kg Corg m−2 in the upper 50 cm-thick deposits at a rate of 34 g Corg m−2 yr−1. The comparison of Corg stores between meadows and mooring scars allows us to estimate a loss of 4.8 kg Corg m−2 in the 50 cm-thick deposits accumulated over ca. 200 yr as a result of mooring deployments. These results provide key data for the implementation of Corg storage credit offset policies to avoid the conversion of seagrass ecosystems and contribute to their preservation.
The Hippo pathway member YAP enhances human neural crest cell fate and migration
Authors: Hindley Christopher J. , Condurat Alexandra Larisa , Menon Vishal , Thomas Ria , Azmitia Luis M. , Davis Jason A. , Pruszak Jan
Published: March 2016

The Hippo/YAP pathway serves as a major integrator of cell surface-mediated signals and regulates key processes during development and tumorigenesis. The neural crest is an embryonic tissue known to respond to multiple environmental cues in order to acquire appropriate cell fate and migration properties. Using multiple in vitro models of human neural development (pluripotent stem cell-derived neural stem cells; LUHMES, NTERA2 and SH-SY5Y cell lines), we investigated the role of Hippo/YAP signaling in neural differentiation and neural crest development. We report that the activity of YAP promotes an early neural crest phenotype and migration, and provide the first evidence for an interaction between Hippo/YAP and retinoic acid signaling in this system.
An integrated miRNA functional screening and target validation method for organ morphogenesis
Authors: Rebustini Ivan T. , Vlahos Maryann , Packer Trevor , Kukuruzinska Maria A. , Maas Richard L.
Published: March 2016

The relative ease of identifying microRNAs and their increasing recognition as important regulators of organogenesis motivate the development of methods to efficiently assess microRNA function during organ morphogenesis. In this context, embryonic organ explants provide a reliable and reproducible system that recapitulates some of the important early morphogenetic processes during organ development. Here we present a method to target microRNA function in explanted mouse embryonic organs. Our method combines the use of peptide-based nanoparticles to transfect specific microRNA inhibitors or activators into embryonic organ explants, with a microRNA pulldown assay that allows direct identification of microRNA targets. This method provides effective assessment of microRNA function during organ morphogenesis, allows prioritization of multiple microRNAs in parallel for subsequent genetic approaches and can be applied to a variety of embryonic organs.
Non-symmetric benzo[b]-fused BODIPYs as a versatile fluorophore platform reaching the NIR: a systematic study of the underlying structure–property relationship
Authors: Bessette André , Auvray Thomas , Désilets Denis , Hanan Garry S.
Published: March 2016

Ten newly synthesized non-symmetric benzo[b]-fused BODIPYs are compared with an extended series of nine related families (23 compounds) to gain insights into their structure–property relationship.
Direct C–C coupling of two Ni-salphen complexes to yield dinickel-disalphen complexes with symmetric and non-symmetric substitution-patterns
Authors: Bugenhagen B. E. C. , Prosenc M. H.
Published: March 2016

The synthesis of symmetric and non-symmetric 5,5′-linked disalophen Ni(ii) complexes by the Suzuki-Miyaura-reaction is reported.
Recent advances in graphene-based hybrid nanostructures for electrochemical energy storage
Authors: Xiong Pan , Zhu Junwu , Zhang Lili , Wang Xin
Published: March 2016

This review summarizes recent significant progress in graphene-based hybrid nanostructures for electrochemical energy storage.
Methanol to C2 and C4 fuels over (Nb/Al)-pillared clay catalysts
Authors: Marcos F. C. F. , Lucrédio A. F. , Assaf J. M. , Assaf E. M.
Published: March 2016

Pillared interlayer clay (PILC) is a low cost material, which is characterized by a large specific surface area, high pore volume and surface acidity that make it effective in catalytic reactions.
Gum acacia–CuNp–silica hybrid: an effective, stable and recyclable catalyst for reduction of nitroarenes
Authors: Singh V. , Pandey A. K. , Preeti Preeti , Singh J. , Malviya T.
Published: March 2016

The catalytic properties gum acacia–CuNps–silica hybrid was investigated in reduction of nitroarenes.
Cu2O NPs decorated BiPO4 photo-catalyst for enhanced organic contaminant degradation under visible light irradiation
Authors: Liu Li , Ding Lan , An Weijia , Lin Shuanglong , Hu Jinshan , Liang Yinghua , Cui Wenquan
Published: March 2016

The surface of BiPO4 was decorated with Cu2O nanoparticles (NPs) (hereafter designed as Cu2O/BiPO4) via an interfacial self-assembly method.
A graphene supported polyimide nanocomposite as a high performance organic cathode material for lithium ion batteries
Authors: Ahmad Aziz , Wu Haiping , Guo Yufen , Meng Qinghai , Meng Yuena , Lu Kun , Liu Liwei , Wei Zhixiang
Published: March 2016

Organic electrode materials are promising and future candidates for applications such as cathode in green lithium-ion batteries (LIBs).
Bone morphogenetic protein-7 prevented epithelial-mesenchymal transition in RLE-6TN cells
Authors: Wang Yan , Liang Di , Zhu Zhonghui , Li Xiaoli , An Guoliang , Niu Piye , Chen Li , Tian Lin
Published: March 2016

Silica induced EMT and decreased the expression of BMP-7in vivoandin vitro, while exogenous BMP-7 promoted MET and inhibited silica-induced EMT associated with inhibition of the p38 MAPK/transcription factor (TF) signaling pathway in RLE-6TN cells.
Catalyst free vapor–solid deposition of morphologically different β-Ga2O3 nanostructure thin films for selective CO gas sensors at low temperature
Authors: Girija K. , Thirumalairajan S. , Mastelaro Valmor R. , Mangalaraj D.
Published: March 2016

As prepared β-Ga2O3 thin films not only possess a unique shape but also influence the morphology dependent high sensitivity CO sensor at 100 °C.
Characterization of lead-free gunshot residue analogs
Authors: Fambro Lashaundra A. , Miller Ethan T. , Vandenbos Deidre D. , Dockery Christopher R.
Published: March 2016

Spectrochemical analysis and microscopy were used to identify statistically significant analytical markers present in simulated lead-free gunshot residues.
Triple-enzyme mimetic activity of nickel–palladium hollow nanoparticles and their application in colorimetric biosensing of glucose
Authors: Wang Qingqing , Zhang Lingling , Shang Changshuai , Zhang Zhiquan , Dong Shaojun
Published: March 2016

A schematic presentation for triple-enzyme mimetic activity of NiPd hNPs.
Controllable self-assembly of a novel Bi2MoO6-based hybrid photocatalyst: excellent photocatalytic activity under UV, visible and near-infrared irradiation
Authors: Hao Yuchen , Dong Xiaoli , Zhai Shangru , Wang Xiuying , Ma Hongchao , Zhang Xiufang
Published: March 2016

Herein, using a simple one-step method, a Bi2MoO6-based photocatalyst with novel ultrathin nanohollow structure and simultaneous sub-10 nm Bi nanoparticles and sub-1 nm graphitic nitrogen-doped carbon nanodots (NCDs) modification were successfully obtained.
An electrically controllable all-solid-state Au@graphene oxide actuator
Authors: Shi Qiuwei , Hou Chengyi , Wang Hongzhi , Zhang Qinghong , Li Yaogang
Published: March 2016

A novel electrically controllable Au@GO actuator with excellent actuating performance which possesses electrolyte-free, real time controlled actuation and patterning capabilities.
Nanowires with dislocations for ultralow lattice thermal conductivity
Authors: Al-Ghalith Jihong , Ni Yuxiang , Dumitrică Traian
Published: March 2016

Molecular dynamics simulations predict that screw dislocations lower the thermal conductivity of thermoelectric materials.
Preparation of improved Ag–Pd/TiO2 catalysts using the combined strong electrostatic adsorption and electroless deposition methods for the selective hydrogenation of acetylene
Authors: Riyapan Sumonrat , Zhang Yunya , Wongkaew Akkarat , Pongthawornsakun Boontida , Monnier John R. , Panpranot Joongjai
Published: March 2016

Ag–Pd/TiO2 catalysts prepared by the strong electrostatic adsorption and electroless deposition with θAg 0–0.92.
Disk-like micelles with cylindrical pores from amphiphilic polypeptide block copolymers
Authors: Lin Xue , He Xiaohua , Hu Chaoqun , Chen Yuxiang , Mai Yiyong , Lin Shaoliang
Published: March 2016

An unprecedented 2-dimensional disk-like micelle with cylindrical pores was achieved by self-assembly of amphiphilic block copolypeptides PEG-b-PBLG with an α-helical conformation of PBLG blocks.
Glucose-responsive microgels based on apo-enzyme recognition
Authors: Ye Ting , Bai Xue , Jiang Xiaomei , Wu Qingshi , Chen Shoumin , Qu Anqi , Huang Junwei , Shen Jing , Wu Weitai
Published: March 2016

Glucose-responsive microgels that can undergo reversible and rapid volume phase transitions were made of apo-glucose oxidase interpenetrated in a poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) network.
Activity and kinetics of ruthenium supported catalysts for sodium borohydride hydrolysis to hydrogen
Authors: Li Yunhua , Zhang Xing , Zhang Qi , Zheng JinBao , Zhang NuoWei , Chen Bing H. , Smith K. J.
Published: March 2016

RuO2 with oxygen vacancies in Ru–RuO2/C determines the sodium borohydride hydrolysis activity. Without the mass transfer limitation, intrinsic activation energy of Ru–RuO2/C is lower than that from Ru/Ni foam without oxygen vacancies.
Osteoblastogenic activity of ark shell protein hydrolysates with low molecular weight in mouse mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Hyung Jun-Ho , Ahn Chang-Bum , Je Jae-Young
Published: March 2016

Ark shell protein promotes bone formation through regulating osteoblast differentiation.
Glucose sensing and low-threshold field emission from MnCo2O4 nanosheets
Authors: Naik Kusha Kumar , Khare Ruchita T. , More Mahendra A. , Late Dattatray J. , Rout Chandra Sekhar
Published: March 2016

Manganese cobalt oxide (MnCo2O4) nanosheets were grown on Nickel (Ni) foam by a simple electrodeposition method and its glucose sensing and field emission properties have been investigated.
Prediction of the breakthrough curves of VOC isothermal adsorption on hypercrosslinked polymeric adsorbents in a fixed bed
Authors: Wu Jian , Jia Lijuan , Wu Liuyan , Long Chao , Deng Weibing , Zhang Quanxing
Published: March 2016

The new method established in this paper has good accuracy for predicting the adsorption capacity and breakthrough curve without requiring experiments.
A novel dielectric elastomer by constructing dual-network structure of carbon nanotubes and rubber nanoparticles in dynamically vulcanized thermoplastic elastomer
Authors: Wu Hanguang , Yao Pengjun , Ning Nanying , Zhang Liqun , Tian Hongchi , Wu Youping , Tian Ming
Published: March 2016

The dual network formed in CNTs/TPV composites and the consequently improved dielectric properties and elasticity of the composites.
Synthesis and performance of cross-linked PEDOT:MOI-P(SS-HEA) transparent conductive films by UV irradiation
Authors: Cao Lei , Tang Qianqiu , Wang Gengchao
Published: March 2016

A novel multi-functional counteranion of methacryloyloxyethyl isocyanate grafting poly(styrene sulfonate-co-2-hydroxyethyl acrylate) [MOI-P(SS-HEA)] for PEDOT was designed to improve the humidity stability and water resistance of PEDOT:PSS-based conductive films.
Efficient visible-light photocatalytic H2 evolution over metal-free g-C3N4 co-modified with robust acetylene black and Ni(OH)2 as dual co-catalysts
Authors: Bi Guican , Wen Jiuqing , Li Xin , Liu Wei , Xie Jun , Fang Yueping , Zhang Weiwei
Published: March 2016

Enhanced photocatalytic visible-light H2-evolution activity over metal-free g-C3N4 co-modified with acetylene black and Ni(OH)2 co-catalysts is reported.
Insights into the mechanism of phenolic mixture degradation by catalytic ozonation with a mesoporous Fe3O4/MnO2 composite
Authors: Nawaz Faheem , Xie Yongbing , Xiao Jiadong , Cao Hongbin , Li Yuping , Zhang Di
Published: March 2016

Mesoporous Fe3O4/MnO2 is more active than Fe3O4 and MnO2 in catalytic ozonation of phenols mixtures, and it is easily magnetically separated and very stable in recycling at pH 9.
An analysis of the tribological mechanism of GLC film in artificial seawater
Authors: Ye Yuwei , Wang Chunting , Chen Hao , Wang Yongxin , Li Jinlong , Ma Fuqiang
Published: March 2016

The tribological performances of the graphite-like carbon (GLC) films sliding against WC balls in distilled water (DW), artificial seawater (SW) and four types of saline solutions related to seawater were investigated.
Two methoxyaniline-substituted dibenzofuran derivatives as hole-transport materials for perovskite solar cells
Authors: Shi Yantao , Hou Kaili , Wang Yanxiang , Wang Kai , Ren HuiCai , Pang MaoYin , Chen Fan , Zhang Sen
Published: March 2016

Two low-cost methoxyaniline-substituted dibenzofuran derivatives were synthesized and used as hole-transport materials for efficient perovskite solar cells.
Sampled‐data‐based adaptive optimal output‐feedback control of a 2‐degree‐of‐freedom helicopter
Authors: Gao Weinan , Huang Mengzhe , Jiang Zhong‐Ping , Chai Tianyou
Published: March 2016

This study addresses the adaptive and optimal control problem of a Quanser's 2‐degree‐of‐freedom helicopter via output feedback. In order to satisfy the requirement of digital implementation of flight controller, this study distinguishes itself through proposing a novel sampled‐data‐based approximate/adaptive dynamic programming approach. A policy iteration algorithm is presented that yields to learn a near‐optimal control gain iteratively by input/output data. The convergence of the proposed algorithm is theoretically ensured and the trade‐off between the optimality and the sampling period is rigorously studied as well. Finally, the authors show the performance of the proposed algorithm under bounded model uncertainties.
Multilocus coalescent species delimitation reveals widespread cryptic differentiation among Drakensberg mountain-living freshwater crabs (Decapoda : Potamonautes)
Authors: Phiri Ethel Emmarantia , Daniels Savel Regan
Published: March 2016

Cryptic lineages present major challenges for evolutionary and conservation studies, particularly where these lineages remain undiscovered. Freshwater crabs are known to harbour cryptic diversity, in most cases with limited morphological differences. During the present study, we used a multilocus (12S rRNA, 16S rRNA, COI, 28S rRNA, DecapANT and PEPCK) Bayesian species delimitation to examine cryptic diversity within a freshwater crab species complex (Potamonautes clarus/P. depressus). We sampled 25 highland rivers in the Tugela and uMkomazi River drainage systems of the Drakensberg Mountain range, in the KwaZulu–Natal province of South Africa. Our results showed there to be at least eight lineages: six novel potamonautid freshwater crabs, and two described taxa P. clarus and P. depressus. Divergence from the most recent common ancestor occurred between the mid- and late Miocene (12.1 Mya), while divergence within the species complex occurred ~10.3 Mya up until the Holocene (0.11 Mya). The discovery of six novel lineages of freshwater crabs from a seemingly restricted distribution range has conservation implications, but to date most conservation planning strategies have focussed on freshwater vertebrates. By conducting a fine-scale phylogenetic survey using invertebrates, this study provides a platform for the inclusion of freshwater invertebrates in future conservation assessments.
TFE and Spt4/5 open and close the RNA polymerase clamp during the transcription cycle
Authors: Schulz Sarah , Gietl Andreas , Smollett Katherine , Tinnefeld Philip , Werner Finn , Grohmann Dina
Published: March 2016

Significance

DNA-dependent RNA polymerases (RNAPs) are complex enzymes that synthesize RNA in a factor-dependent fashion. Like mechanical engines, RNAPs consist of rigid and flexible parts; the catalytic function of RNAPs critically relies on conformational changes. Based on single-molecule FRET measurements that directly report on the movements of the RNAP clamp of the archaeal 12-subunit RNAP, we show that the clamp domain exists in alternative states distinguishable by the width of the DNA binding channel. The conformation of the clamp is adjusted through the transcription cycle; more precisely, it varies as a function of (
i
) RNA subunits Rpo4/7, (
ii
) the presence of the DNA nontemplate strand, and (
iii
) transcription initiation and elongation factors TFE and Spt4/5, respectively.
Snapshot of sequential SNARE assembling states between membranes shows that N-terminal transient assembly initializes fusion
Authors: Wang Yong Jian , Li Feng , Rodriguez Nicolas , Lafosse Xavier , Gourier Christine , Perez Eric , Pincet Frederic
Published: March 2016

Significance

Membrane fusion is the key step in cellular traffic, which is induced by the assembly of membrane protein, namely SNARE. How the protein assembly induces membrane fusion remains unknown. Answering this question requires knowledge of the assembly intermediates, which cannot be accessed by conventional methods. We developed an instrument not only to freeze a continuous series of intermediates of SNARE assembly but also to monitor the formation of these domains. Here, we demonstrate that the N-terminal assembly is the initializing step prior to fusion.
Cytonuclear interactions affect adaptive traits of the annual plantArabidopsis thalianain the field
Authors: Roux Fabrice , Mary-Huard Tristan , Barillot Elise , Wenes Estelle , Botran Lucy , Durand Stéphanie , Villoutreix Romain , Martin-Magniette Marie-Laure , Camilleri Christine , Budar Françoise
Published: March 2016

Significance

As the centers of photosynthesis and respiration, chloroplasts and mitochondria play a crucial role in energy metabolism. Nuclear and cytoplasmic genomes are known to be coadapted at the species level, because organelle metabolism relies on the proper interaction of organelle-encoded and nuclear-encoded proteins. We explored the extent of cytonuclear coadaptation at the intraspecific level in the classic model plantArabidopsis thaliana: we measured in a field experiment 28 adaptive whole-organism traits on cytolines developed by substituting cytoplasmic genomes among natural strains. Our results indicate that interactions between nuclear and cytoplasmic genomes shape natural variation for most of the traits we studied, suggesting that these interactions can affect the evolutionary dynamics of natural populations ofA. thaliana.
Biosynthetic investigation of phomopsins reveals a widespread pathway for ribosomal natural products in Ascomycetes
Authors: Ding Wei , Liu Wan-Qiu , Jia Youli , Li Yongzhen , van der Donk Wilfred A. , Zhang Qi
Published: March 2016

Significance

Ascomycetes are a prolific source of natural products that are of great significance for human health, yet production of ribosomally synthesized and posttranslationally modified peptides (RiPPs), a ubiquitous class of natural products, have rarely been reported in this fungal phylum. Here we show that phomopsins, a family of antimitotic mycotoxins, have a ribosomal origin and demonstrate the widespread presence of a fungal RiPP pathway for cyclic peptides that we term dikaritins. The framework described herein provides a foundation for mining for additional dikaritin members and investigating the biological activities and biosynthetic chemistry of this family of fungal natural products.
Effects of overexpression of PKAc genes on expressions of lignin-modifying enzymes by Pleurotus ostreatus
Authors: Toyokawa Chihana , Shobu Misaki , Tsukamoto Rie , Okamura Saki , Honda Yoichi , Kamitsuji Hisatoshi , Izumitsu Kousuke , Suzuki Kazumi , Irie Toshikazu
Published: March 2016

We studied the role of genes encoding the cAMP-dependent protein kinase A catalytic subunit (PKAc) in the ligninolytic system in Pleurotus ostreatus. The wild-type P. ostreatus strain PC9 has two PKAc-encoding genes: PKAc1 and PKAc2 (protein ID 114122 and 85056). In the current study, PKAc1 and PKAc2 were fused with a β-tubulin promoter and introduced into strain PC9 to produce the overexpression strains PKAc1-97 and PKAc2-69. These strains showed significantly higher transcription levels of isozyme genes encoding lignin-modifying enzymes than strain PC9, but the specific gene expression patterns differed between the two recombinant strains. Both recombinants showed 2.05–2.10-fold faster degradation of beechwood lignin than strain PC9. These results indicate that PKAc plays an important role in inducing the wood degradation system in P. ostreatus.
Commodity Storage and the Market Effects of Biofuel Policies
Authors: Carter Colin A. , Rausser Gordon C. , Smith Aaron
Published: March 2016

Legislation passed in 2007 by the U.S. Congress increased by about 1.3 billion bushels the net amount of corn required to be processed annually into ethanol for motor‐fuel use. We estimate that corn prices were about 30% higher from 2006 to 2014 than they would have been without this demand increase. We develop a partially identified structural vector autoregression model. Our identification strategy is unique in the literature because it enables us to estimate the effects of transitory shocks, such as weather, separately from the effects of persistent shocks, such as the increased ethanol mandate. Moreover, by only partially identifying our model, we show how to generate robust conclusions without strong identifying assumptions.
Modelled connectivity between Walleye Pollock (Gadus chalcogrammus) spawning and age-0 nursery areas in warm and cold years with implications for juvenile survival
Authors: Petrik Colleen M. , Duffy-Anderson Janet T. , Castruccio Frederic , Curchitser Enrique N. , Danielson Seth L. , Hedstrom Katherine , Mueter Franz
Published: March 2016

Adult and early life stage distributions of the commercially important demersal fish Walleye Pollock (Gadus chalcogrammus) have varied in relation to the warm and cold environmental conditions on the eastern Bering Sea (EBS) shelf. Previous modelling studies indicate that transport alone does not account for the disparate juvenile distributions in warm and cold years, but that spawning locations are important. Our objective was to determine the potential connectivity of EBS pollock spawning areas with juvenile nursery areas between warm and cold years from an 18-year hindcast (1995–2012). We calculated the connectivity between larval sources and juvenile positions that were produced by a coupled biological-physical individual-based model that simulated transport, growth, and vertical behavior of pollock from the egg until the juvenile stage. Three connectivity patterns were seen in most simulations: along-isobaths to the northwest, self-retention, and transport around the Pribilof Islands. The major differences in connectivity between warm and cold years, more northwards in warm years and more off-shelf in cold years, mimicked wind-driven flow characteristics of those years that were related to winter mean zonal position of the Aleutian Low. Connectivity relationships were more sensitive to spatial alterations in the spawning areas in cold years, while they were more responsive to spawn timing shifts in warm years. The strongest connectivity to advantageous juvenile habitats originated in the well-known spawning areas, but also in a less well-studied region on the Outer Shelf. This northern Outer Shelf region emerged as a very large sink of pollock reaching the juvenile transition from all spawning sources, suggesting more thorough sampling across multiple trophic levels of this potentially important juvenile pollock nursery is needed.