bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bidirectional communication between the Aryl hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) and the microbiome tunes host metabolism
Authors: Korecka Agata , Dona Anthony , Lahiri Shawon , Tett Adrian James , Al-Asmakh Maha , Braniste Viorica , D’Arienzo Rossana , Abbaspour Afrouz , Reichardt Nicole , Fujii-Kuriyama Yoshiaki , Rafter Joseph , Narbad Arjan , Holmes Elaine , Nicholson Jeremy , Arulampalam Velmurugesan , Pettersson Sven
Published: August 2016

The ligand-induced transcription factor, aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is known for its capacity to tune adaptive immunity and xenobiotic metabolism—biological properties subject to regulation by the indigenous microbiome. The objective of this study was to probe the postulated microbiome-AhR crosstalk and whether such an axis could influence metabolic homeostasis of the host. Utilising a systems-biology approach combining in-depth 1H-NMR-based metabonomics (plasma, liver and skeletal muscle) with microbiome profiling (small intestine, colon and faeces) of AhR knockout (AhR−/−) and wild-type (AhR+/+) mice, we assessed AhR function in host metabolism. Microbiome metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids were found to regulate AhR and its target genes in liver and intestine. The AhR signalling pathway, in turn, was able to influence microbiome composition in the small intestine as evident from microbiota profiling of the AhR+/+ and AhR−/− mice fed with diet enriched with a specific AhR ligand or diet depleted of any known AhR ligands. The AhR−/− mice also displayed increased levels of corticosterol and alanine in serum. In addition, activation of gluconeogenic genes in the AhR−/− mice was indicative of on-going metabolic stress. Reduced levels of ketone bodies and reduced expression of genes involved in fatty acid metabolism in the liver further underscored this observation. Interestingly, exposing AhR−/− mice to a high-fat diet showed resilience to glucose intolerance. Our data suggest the existence of a bidirectional AhR-microbiome axis, which influences host metabolic pathways.
Systolic time intervals derived from electrocardiographic gated intra-renal artery Doppler waveform associated with left ventricular systolic function
Authors: Lee Wen-Hsien , Hsu Po-Chao , Chu Chun-Yuan , Chen Szu-Chia , Lee Hung-Hao , Lee Meng-Kuang , Lee Chee-Siong , Yen Hsueh-Wei , Lin Tsung-Hsien , Voon Wen-Chol , Lai Wen-Ter , Sheu Sheng-Hsiung , Su Ho-Ming
Published: August 2016

The aims of this study were to investigate the correlation between renal and cardiac STIs, including pre-ejection period (PEP), ejection time (ET), and PEP/ET, and to assess the diagnostic values of renal STIs in predicting left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <50%. The cross sectional observation study enrolled 230 participants. The renal STIs, including renal PEP (rPEP), renal ET (rET), and rPEP/rET, were measured from electrocardiographic gated renal Doppler ultrasound and cardiac PEP, ET, and PEP/ET were measured from echocardiography. Renal STIs were correlated with cardiac STIs (all P < 0.001). Multivariate analyses showed that rPEP/rET was independently associated with LVEF (unstandardized coefficient β = −0.116, P = 0.046) and LVEF <50% (odds ratio = 2.145, per 0.11 increase; P = 0.017). The areas under the curve for rPEP, 1/rET, and rPEP/rET in predicting LVEF <50% were 0.773, 0.764, and 0.821, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of rPEP/rET > 0.46 in prediction of LVEF <50% were 76.7% and 78.1%, respectively. Our study demonstrated that the novel parameters of renal STIs were significantly associated with cardiac STIs. However, the clinical application of renal STIs needs to be investigated in future studies.
Separation of ballistic and diffusive fluorescence photons in confocal Light-Sheet Microscopy of Arabidopsis roots
Authors: Meinert Tobias , Tietz Olaf , Palme Klaus J. , Rohrbach Alexander
Published: August 2016

Image quality in light-sheet fluorescence microscopy is strongly affected by the shape of the illuminating laser beam inside embryos, plants or tissue. While the phase of Gaussian or Bessel beams propagating through thousands of cells can be partly controlled holographically, the propagation of fluorescence light to the detector is difficult to control. With each scatter process a fluorescence photon loses information necessary for the image generation. Using Arabidopsis root tips we demonstrate that ballistic and diffusive fluorescence photons can be separated by analyzing the image spectra in each plane without a priori knowledge. We introduce a theoretical model allowing to extract typical scattering parameters of the biological material. This allows to attenuate image contributions from diffusive photons and to amplify the relevant image contributions from ballistic photons through a depth dependent deconvolution. In consequence, image contrast and resolution are significantly increased and scattering artefacts are minimized especially for Bessel beams with confocal line detection.
Characterization of H7N2 Avian Influenza Virus in Wild Birds and Pikas in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau Area
Authors: Su Shuo , Xing Gang , Wang Junhua , Li Zengkui , Gu Jinyan , Yan Liping , Lei Jing , Ji Senlin , Hu Boli , Gray Gregory C. , Yan Yan , Zhou Jiyong
Published: August 2016

Qinghai Lake is a major migrating bird breeding site that has experienced several recent highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) epizootics. From 2006 to 2009 we studied Qinghai’s wild birds and pikas for evidence of AIV infections. We sampled 941 healthy wild animals and isolated seventeen H7N2 viruses (eight from pikas and nine from wild birds). The H7N2 viruses were phylogenetically closely related to each other and to viruses isolated in Hong Kong in the 1970s. We determined the pathogenicity of the H7N2 viruses by infecting chickens and mice. Our results suggest that pikas might play an important role in the ecology of AIVs, acting as intermediate hosts in which viruses become more adapted to mammals. Our findings of AI infection in pikas are consistent with previous observations and raise the possibility that pikas might play a previously unrecognized role in the ecology of AIVs peridomestic aquatic environments.
Toward the Autism Motor Signature: Gesture patterns during smart tablet gameplay identify children with autism
Authors: Anzulewicz Anna , Sobota Krzysztof , Delafield-Butt Jonathan T.
Published: August 2016

Autism is a developmental disorder evident from infancy. Yet, its clinical identification requires expert diagnostic training. New evidence indicates disruption to motor timing and integration may underpin the disorder, providing a potential new computational marker for its early identification. In this study, we employed smart tablet computers with touch-sensitive screens and embedded inertial movement sensors to record the movement kinematics and gesture forces made by 37 children 3–6 years old with autism and 45 age- and gender-matched children developing typically. Machine learning analysis of the children’s motor patterns identified autism with up to 93% accuracy. Analysis revealed these patterns consisted of greater forces at contact and with a different distribution of forces within a gesture, and gesture kinematics were faster and larger, with more distal use of space. These data support the notion disruption to movement is core feature of autism, and demonstrate autism can be computationally assessed by fun, smart device gameplay.
Wireless communication system via nanoscale plasmonic antennas
Authors: Merlo Juan M. , Nesbitt Nathan T. , Calm Yitzi M. , Rose Aaron H. , D’Imperio Luke , Yang Chaobin , Naughton Jeffrey R. , Burns Michael J. , Kempa Krzysztof , Naughton Michael J.
Published: August 2016

Present on-chip optical communication technology uses near-infrared light, but visible wavelengths would allow system miniaturization and higher energy confinement. Towards this end, we report a nanoscale wireless communication system that operates at visible wavelengths via in-plane information transmission. Here, plasmonic antenna radiation mediates a three-step conversion process (surface plasmon → photon → surface plasmon) with in-plane efficiency (plasmon → plasmon) of 38% for antenna separation 4λ0 (with λ0 the free-space excitation wavelength). Information transmission is demonstrated at bandwidths in the Hz and MHz ranges. This work opens the possibility of optical conveyance of information using plasmonic antennas for on-chip communication technology.
Chiral light intrinsically couples to extrinsic/pseudo-chiral metasurfaces made of tilted gold nanowires
Authors: Belardini Alessandro , Centini Marco , Leahu Grigore , Hooper David C. , Li Voti Roberto , Fazio Eugenio , Haus Joseph W. , Sarangan Andrew , Valev Ventsislav K. , Sibilia Concita
Published: August 2016

Extrinsic or pseudo-chiral (meta)surfaces have an achiral structure, yet they can give rise to circular dichroism when the experiment itself becomes chiral. Although these surfaces are known to yield differences in reflected and transmitted circularly polarized light, the exact mechanism of the interaction has never been directly demonstrated. Here we present a comprehensive linear and nonlinear optical investigation of a metasurface composed of tilted gold nanowires. In the linear regime, we directly demonstrate the selective absorption of circularly polarised light depending on the orientation of the metasurface. In the nonlinear regime, we demonstrate for the first time how second harmonic generation circular dichroism in such extrinsic/pseudo-chiral materials can be understood in terms of effective nonlinear susceptibility tensor elements that switch sign depending on the orientation of the metasurface. By providing fundamental understanding of the chiroptical interactions in achiral metasurfaces, our work opens up new perspectives for the optimisation of their properties.
Interactions between phasic alerting and consciousness in the fronto-striatal network
Authors: Chica Ana B. , Bayle Dimitri J. , Botta Fabiano , Bartolomeo Paolo , Paz-Alonso Pedro M.
Published: August 2016

Only a small fraction of all the information reaching our senses can be the object of conscious report or voluntary action. Although some models propose that different attentional states (top-down amplification and vigilance) are necessary for conscious perception, few studies have explored how the brain activations associated with different attentional systems (such as top-down orienting and phasic alerting) lead to conscious perception of subsequent visual stimulation. The aim of the present study was to investigate the neural mechanisms associated with endogenous spatial attention and phasic alertness and their interaction with the conscious perception of near-threshold stimuli. The only region demonstrating a neural interaction between endogenous attention and conscious perception was the thalamus, while a larger network of cortical and subcortical brain activations, typically associated with phasic alerting, was highly correlated with participants’ conscious reports. Activation of the anterior cingulate cortex, supplementary motor area, frontal eye fields, thalamus and caudate nucleus was related to perceptual consciousness. These data suggest that not all attentional systems are equally effective in enhancing conscious perception, highlighting the importance of thalamo-cortical circuits on the interactions between alerting and consciousness.
Dielectric spectroscopy of isotropic liquids and liquid crystal phases with dispersed graphene oxide
Authors: Al-Zangana Shakhawan , Iliut Maria , Boran Gökçen , Turner Michael , Vijayaraghavan Aravind , Dierking Ingo
Published: August 2016

Graphene oxide (GO) flakes of different sizes were prepared and dispersed in isotropic and nematic (anisotropic) fluid media. The dielectric relaxation behaviour of GO-dispersions was examined for a wide temperature (25–60 oC) and frequency range (100 Hz–2 MHz). The mixtures containing GO flakes exhibited varying dielectric relaxation processes, depending on the size of the flakes and the elastic properties of the dispersant fluid. Relaxation frequencies of the GO doped isotropic media, such as isopropanol IPA, were observed to be much lower than the GO doped thermotropic nematic medium 5CB. It is anticipated that the slow relaxation frequencies (~10 kHz) could be resulting from the relaxation modes of the GO flakes while the fast relaxation frequencies (~100 kHz) could indicate strongly slowed down molecular modes of the nematogenic molecules, which are anchored to the GO flakes via dispersion interactions. The relaxation frequencies decreased as the size of the GO flakes in the isotropic solvent was increased. Polarizing microscopy showed that GO flakes with a mean diameter of 10 μm, dispersed in water, formed a lyotropic nematic liquid crystal phase. This lyotropic nematic exhibited the slowest dielectric relaxation process, with relaxation frequencies in the order of 2 kHz, as compared to the GO-isotropic suspension and the GO-doped 5CB.
Unique quadruple immunofluorescence assay demonstrates mitochondrial respiratory chain dysfunction in osteoblasts of aged and PolgA−/− mice
Authors: Dobson Philip F. , Rocha Mariana C. , Grady John P. , Chrysostomou Alexia , Hipps Daniel , Watson Sharon , Greaves Laura C. , Deehan David J. , Turnbull Doug M.
Published: August 2016

Fragility fractures caused by osteoporosis affect millions of people worldwide every year with significant levels of associated morbidity, mortality and costs to the healthcare economy. The pathogenesis of declining bone mineral density is poorly understood but it is inherently related to increasing age. Growing evidence in recent years, especially that provided by mouse models, suggest that accumulating somatic mitochondrial DNA mutations may cause the phenotypic changes associated with the ageing process including osteoporosis. Methods to study mitochondrial abnormalities in individual osteoblasts, osteoclasts and osteocytes are limited and impair our ability to assess the changes seen with age and in animal models of ageing. To enable the assessment of mitochondrial protein levels, we have developed a quadruple immunofluorescence method to accurately quantify the presence of mitochondrial respiratory chain components within individual bone cells. We have applied this technique to a well-established mouse model of ageing and osteoporosis and show respiratory chain deficiency.
Fungal decomposition of terrestrial organic matter accelerated Early Jurassic climate warming
Authors: Pieńkowski Grzegorz , Hodbod Marta , Ullmann Clemens V.
Published: August 2016

Soils – constituting the largest terrestrial carbon pool - are vulnerable to climatic warming. Currently existing uncertainties regarding carbon fluxes within terrestrial systems can be addressed by studies of past carbon cycle dynamics and related climate change recorded in sedimentary successions. Here we show an example from the Early Jurassic (early Toarcian, c. 183 mya) marginal-marine strata from Poland, tracking the hinterland response to climatic changes through a super-greenhouse event. In contrast to anoxia-related enhanced carbon storage in coeval open marine environments, Total Organic Carbon (TOC) concentrations in the Polish successions are substantially reduced during this event. Increasing temperature favoured fungal-mediated decomposition of plant litter – specifically of normally resistant woody tissues. The associated injection of oxidized organic matter into the atmosphere corresponds to abrupt changes in standing vegetation and may have contributed significantly to the amplified greenhouse climate on Earth. The characteristic Toarcian signature of multiple warm pulses coinciding with rapidly decreasing carbon isotope ratios may in part be the result of a radical reduction of the terrestrial carbon pool as a response to climate change.
Circulating Tumor DNA Detection in Early-Stage Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients by Targeted Sequencing
Authors: Chen Ke-Zhong , Lou Feng , Yang Fan , Zhang Jing-Bo , Ye Hua , Chen Wei , Guan Tian , Zhao Ming-Yu , Su Xue-Xia , Shi Rong , Jones Lindsey , Huang Xue F. , Chen Si-Yi , Wang Jun
Published: August 2016

Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) isolated from peripheral blood has recently been shown to be an alternative source to detect gene mutations in primary tumors; however, most previous studies have focused on advanced stage cancers and few have evaluated ctDNA detection in early-stage lung cancer. In the present study, blood and tumor samples were collected prospectively from 58 early-stage non-small lung cancer (NSCLC) patients (stages IA, IB and IIA) and a targeted sequencing approach was used to detect somatic driver mutations in matched tumor DNA (tDNA) and plasma ctDNA. We identified frequent driver mutations in plasma ctDNA and tDNA in EGFR, KRAS, PIK3CA and TP53 and less frequent mutations in other genes, with an overall study concordance of 50.4% and sensitivity and specificity of 53.8% and 47.3%, respectively. Cell-free (cfDNA) concentrations were found to be significantly associated with some clinical features, including tumor stage and subtype. Importantly, the presence of cfDNA had a higher positive predictive value than that of currently used protein tumor biomarkers. This study demonstrates the feasibility of identifying plasma ctDNA mutations in the earliest stage lung cancer patients via targeted sequencing, demonstrating a potential utility of targeted sequencing of ctDNA in the clinical management of NSCLC.
Mechanical properties, in vitro corrosion and biocompatibility of newly developed biodegradable Mg-Zr-Sr-Ho alloys for biomedical applications
Authors: Ding Yunfei , Lin Jixing , Wen Cuie , Zhang Dongmei , Li Yuncang
Published: August 2016

Our previous studies have demonstrated that Mg-Zr-Sr alloys can be anticipated as excellent biodegradable implant materials for load-bearing applications. In general, rare earth elements (REEs) are widely used in magnesium (Mg) alloys with the aim of enhancing the mechanical properties of Mg-based alloys. In this study, the REE holmium (Ho) was added to an Mg-1Zr-2Sr alloy at different concentrations of Mg1Zr2SrxHo alloys (x = 0, 1, 3, 5 wt. %) and the microstructure, mechanical properties, degradation behaviour and biocompatibility of the alloys were systematically investigated. The results indicate that the addition of Ho to Mg1Zr2Sr led to the formation of the intermetallic phases MgHo3, Mg2Ho and Mg17Sr2 which resulted in enhanced mechanical strength and decreased degradation rates of the Mg-Zr-Sr-Ho alloys. Furthermore, Ho addition (≤5 wt. %) to Mg-Zr-Sr alloys led to enhancement of cell adhesion and proliferation of osteoblast cells on the Mg-Zr-Sr-Ho alloys. The in vitro biodegradation and the biocompatibility of the Mg-Zr-Sr-Ho alloys were both influenced by the Ho concentration in the Mg alloys; Mg1Zr2Sr3Ho exhibited lower degradation rates than Mg1Zr2Sr and displayed the best biocompatibility compared with the other alloys.
Comparison of different normalization strategies for the analysis of glomerular microRNAs in IgA nephropathy
Authors: Bockmeyer Clemens L. , Säuberlich Karen , Wittig Juliane , Eßer Marc , Roeder Sebastian S. , Vester Udo , Hoyer Peter F. , Agustian Putri A. , Zeuschner Philip , Amann Kerstin , Daniel Christoph , Becker Jan U.
Published: August 2016

Small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) have been used for normalization in glomerular microRNA (miRNA) quantification without confirmation of validity. Our aim was to identify glomerular reference miRNAs in IgA nephropathy. We compared miRNAs in human paraffin-embedded renal biopsies from patients with cellular-crescentic IgA-GN (n = 5; crescentic IgA-GN) and non-crescentic IgA-GN (n = 5; IgA-GN) to mild interstitial nephritis without glomerular abnormalities (controls, n = 5). Laser-microdissected glomeruli were used for expression profiling of 762 miRNAs by low-density TaqMan arrays (cards A and B). The comparison of different normalization methods (GeNormPlus, NormFinder, global mean and snoRNAs) in crescentic IgA-GN, IgA-GN and controls yielded similar results. However, levels of significance and the range of relative expression differed. In median, two normalization methods demonstrated similar results. GeNormPlus and NormFinder gave different top ranked reference miRNAs. Stability ranking for snoRNAs varied between cards A and B. In conclusion, we suggest the geometric mean of the most stable reference miRNAs found in GeNormPlus (miR-26b-5p), NormFinder (miR-28-5p) and snoRNAs (RNU44) as reference. It should be considered that significant differences could be missed using one particular normalization method. As a starting point for glomerular miRNA studies in IgA nephropathy we provide a library of miRNAs.
Migratory management and environmental conditions affect lifespan and oxidative stress in honey bees
Authors: Simone-Finstrom Michael , Li-Byarlay Hongmei , Huang Ming H. , Strand Micheline K. , Rueppell Olav , Tarpy David R.
Published: August 2016

Most pollination in large-scale agriculture is dependent on managed colonies of a single species, the honey bee Apis mellifera. More than 1 million hives are transported to California each year just to pollinate the almonds and bees are trucked across the country for various cropping systems. Concerns have been raised about whether such “migratory management” causes bees undue stress; however to date there have been no longer-term studies rigorously addressing whether migratory management is detrimental to bee health. To address this issue, we conducted field experiments comparing bees from commercial and experimental migratory beekeeping operations to those from stationary colonies to quantify effects on lifespan, colony health and productivity and levels of oxidative damage for individual bees. We detected a significant decrease in lifespan of migratory adult bees relative to stationary bees. We also found that migration affected oxidative stress levels in honey bees, but that food scarcity had an even larger impact; some detrimental effects of migration may be alleviated by a greater abundance of forage. In addition, rearing conditions affect levels of oxidative damage incurred as adults. This is the first comprehensive study on impacts of migratory management on the health and oxidative stress of honey bees.
Improving spatial prioritisation for remote marine regions: optimising biodiversity conservation and sustainable development trade-offs
Authors: Moore Cordelia H. , Radford Ben T. , Possingham Hugh P. , Heyward Andrew J. , Stewart Romola R. , Watts Matthew E. , Prescott Jim , Newman Stephen J. , Harvey Euan S. , Fisher Rebecca , Bryce Clay W. , Lowe Ryan J. , Berry Oliver , Espinosa-Gayosso Alexis , Sporer Errol , Saunders Thor
Published: August 2016

Creating large conservation zones in remote areas, with less intense stakeholder overlap and limited environmental information, requires periodic review to ensure zonation mitigates primary threats and fill gaps in representation, while achieving conservation targets. Follow-up reviews can utilise improved methods and data, potentially identifying new planning options yielding a desirable balance between stakeholder interests. This research explored a marine zoning system in north-west Australia–a biodiverse area with poorly documented biota. Although remote, it is economically significant (i.e. petroleum extraction and fishing). Stakeholder engagement was used to source the best available biodiversity and socio-economic data and advanced spatial analyses produced 765 high resolution data layers, including 674 species distributions representing 119 families. Gap analysis revealed the current proposed zoning system as inadequate, with 98.2% of species below the Convention on Biological Diversity 10% representation targets. A systematic conservation planning algorithm Maxan provided zoning options to meet representation targets while balancing this with industry interests. Resulting scenarios revealed that conservation targets could be met with minimal impacts on petroleum and fishing industries, with estimated losses of 4.9% and 7.2% respectively. The approach addressed important knowledge gaps and provided a powerful and transparent method to reconcile industry interests with marine conservation.
Treatment of surgical brain injury by immune tolerance induced by intrathymic and hepatic portal vein injection of brain antigens
Authors: Yang Weijian , Liu Yong , Liu Baolong , Tan Huajun , Lu Hao , Wang Hong , Yan Hua
Published: August 2016

Surgical brain injury (SBI) defines complications induced by intracranial surgery, such as cerebral edema and other secondary injuries. In our study, intrathymic and hepatic portal vein injection of allogeneic myelin basic protein (MBP) or autogeneic brain cell suspensions were administered to a standard SBI model. Serum pro-inflammatory IL-2, anti-inflammatory IL-4 concentrations and the CD4+T/CD8+T ratio were measured at 1, 3, 7, 14 and 21 d after surgery to verify the establishment of immune tolerance. Furthermore, we confirmed neuroprotective effects by evaluating neurological scores at 1, 3, 7, 14 and 21 d after SBI. Anti-Fas ligand (FasL) immunohistochemistry and TUNEL assays of brain sections were tested at 21 d after surgery. Intrathymic injections of MBP or autogeneic brain cell suspensions functioned by both suppressing secondary inflammatory reactions and improving prognoses, whereas hepatic portal vein injections of autogeneic brain cell suspensions exerted a better effect than MBP. Intrathymic and hepatic portal vein injections of MBP had equal effects on reducing secondary inflammation and improving prognoses. Otherwise, hepatic portal vein injections of autogeneic brain cell suspensions had better outcomes than intrathymic injections of autogeneic brain cell suspensions. Moreover, the benefit of injecting antigens into the thymus was outweighed by hepatic portal vein injections.
Pulsed electromagnetic fields promote osteogenesis and osseointegration of porous titanium implants in bone defect repair through a Wnt/β-catenin signaling-associated mechanism
Authors: Jing Da , Zhai Mingming , Tong Shichao , Xu Fei , Cai Jing , Shen Guanghao , Wu Yan , Li Xiaokang , Xie Kangning , Liu Juan , Xu Qiaoling , Luo Erping
Published: August 2016

Treatment of osseous defects remains a formidable clinical challenge. Porous titanium alloys (pTi) have been emerging as ideal endosseous implants due to the excellent biocompatibility and structural properties, whereas inadequate osseointegration poses risks for unreliable long-term implant stability. Substantial evidence indicates that pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF), as a safe noninvasive method, inhibit osteopenia/osteoporosis experimentally and clinically. We herein investigated the efficiency and potential mechanisms of PEMF on osteogenesis and osseointegration of pTi in vitro and in vivo. We demonstrate that PEMF enhanced cellular attachment and proliferation and induced well-organized cytoskeleton for in vitro osteoblasts seeded in pTi. PEMF promoted gene expressions in Runx2, OSX, COL-1 and Wnt/β-catenin signaling. PEMF-stimulated group exhibited higher Runx2, Wnt1, Lrp6 and β-catenin protein expressions. In vivo results via μCT and histomorphometry show that 6-week and 12-week PEMF promoted osteogenesis, bone ingrowth and bone formation rate of pTi in rabbit femoral bone defect. PEMF promoted femoral gene expressions of Runx2, BMP2, OCN and Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Together, we demonstrate that PEMF improve osteogenesis and osseointegration of pTi by promoting skeletal anabolic activities through a Wnt/β-catenin signaling-associated mechanism. PEMF might become a promising biophysical modality for enhancing the repair efficiency and quality of pTi in bone defect.
A mutagenic study identifying critical residues for the structure and function of rice manganese transporter OsMTP8.1
Authors: Chen Xi , Li Jiyu , Wang Lihua , Ma Gang , Zhang Wei
Published: August 2016

Rice (Oryza sativa) MTP8.1 (OsMTP8.1) is a tonoplast-localized manganese transporter of the cation diffusion facilitator family. Here we present a structure-function analysis ofOsMTP8.1 based on the site-directed and random mutagenesis and complementation assays in manganese hypersensitive yeast, in combination with three-dimensional (3D) structure modeling based on the crystal structure of theEscherichia coliCDF family member,EcYiiP. Two metal-binding sites are conserved inOsMTP8.1 withEcYiiP, one is between transmembrane helices TM2 and TM5, the other is the cytoplasmic C-terminus. In addition to these two metal-binding sites, there may exist other Mn-binding sites such as that at the very end of the CTD. Two residues (R167 and L296) may play an important role for the hinge-like movement of CTDs. Several mutations such as E357A and V374D may affect dimer formation and S132A may induce a conformational change, resulting in a loss of transport function or modification in metal selectivity. The N-terminus ofOsMTP8.1 was not functional for Mn transport activity and the real function of NTD remains to be investigated in the future. The findings of the present study illustrate the structure-function relationship ofOsMTP8.1 in Mn transport activity, which may also be applied to other plant Mn-CDF proteins.
Enhanced Capacitance of Hybrid Layered Graphene/Nickel Nanocomposite for Supercapacitors
Authors: Mohd Zaid Norsaadatul Akmal , Idris Nurul Hayati
Published: August 2016

In this work, Ni nanoparticles were directly decorated on graphene (G) nanosheets via mechanical ball milling. Based on transmission electron microscopy observations, the Ni nanoparticles were well dispersed and attached to the G nanosheet without any agglomerations. Electrochemical results showed that the capacitance of a G/Ni nanocomposite was 275 F g−1 at a current density of 2 A g−1, which is higher than the capacitance of bare G (145 F g−1) and bare Ni (3 F g−1). The G/Ni electrode also showed superior performance at a high current density, exhibiting a capacitance of 190 F g−1 at a current density of 5 A g−1 and a capacitance of 144 F g−1 at a current density of 10 A g−1. The equivalent series resistance for G/Ni nanocomposites also decreased. The enhanced performance of this hybrid supercapacitor is best described by the synergistic effect, i.e. dual charge-storage mechanism, which is demonstrated by electrical double layer and pseudocapacitance materials. Moreover, a high specific surface area and electrical conductivity of the materials enhanced the capacitance. These results indicate that the G/Ni nanocomposite is a potential supercapacitor.
Carotid plaque and bone density and microarchitecture in psoriatic arthritis: the correlation with soluble ST2
Authors: Shen Jiayun , Shang Qing , Wong Chun-Kwok , Li Edmund K. , Kun Emily W. , Cheng Isaac T. , Li Martin , Li Tena K. , Zhu Tracy Y. , Yu Cheuk-Man , Qin Ling , Tam Lai-Shan
Published: August 2016

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) patients have increased risk of both atherosclerosis and osteoporosis. Previous studies revealed that IL-33/ST2 axis may be related to both conditions; however, these associations were never evaluated in a single patients’ group. Here we explored the association among plasma levels of IL-33 and its decoy receptor soluble ST2 (sST2), carotid plaque determined by ultrasound and volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD)/microstructure of distal radius measured by high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) in 80 PsA patients (55% male; 53.0 ± 10.1 years). Plasma sST2 levels were significantly higher in 33 (41%) patients with carotid plaques (11.2 ± 4.5 vs 7.7 ± 3.7 ng/ml, P < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, sST2 was an independent explanatory variable associated with carotid plaques (OR = 1.296, 95% CI: [1.091,1.540]; P = 0.003). After adjustment for the osteoporotic risk factors, sST2 was significantly associated with higher cortical porosity (β = 0.184, [0.042,0.325]; P = 0.012) and cortical pore volume (2.247, [0.434,4.060]; P = 0.016); and had a trend to be associated with lower cortical vBMD (−2.918, [−6.111,0.275]; P = 0.073). IL-33 was not associated with carotid plaque or vBMD/microstructure. In conclusion, plasma sST2 levels were independently correlated with both carotid plaque and compromised cortical vBMD/microstructure in PsA patients. IL-33/ST2 axis may be a link between accelerated atherosclerosis and osteoporosis in PsA.
Metamaterial-enhanced vibrational absorption spectroscopy for the detection of protein molecules
Authors: Bui Tung S. , Dao Thang D. , Dang Luu H. , Vu Lam D. , Ohi Akihiko , Nabatame Toshihide , Lee YoungPak , Nagao Tadaaki , Hoang Chung V.
Published: August 2016

From visible to mid-infrared frequencies, molecular sensing has been a major successful application of plasmonics because of the enormous enhancement of the surface electromagnetic nearfield associated with the induced collective motion of surface free carriers excited by the probe light. However, in the lower-energy terahertz (THz) region, sensing by detecting molecular vibrations is still challenging because of low sensitivity, complicated spectral features, and relatively little accumulated knowledge of molecules. Here, we report the use of a micron-scale thin-slab metamaterial (MM) architecture, which functions as an amplifier for enhancing the absorption signal of the THz vibration of an ultrathin adsorbed layer of large organic molecules. We examined bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a prototype large protein molecule and Rhodamine 6G (Rh6G) and 3,3′-diethylthiatricarbocyanine iodide (DTTCI) as examples of small molecules. Among them, our MM significantly magnified only the signal strength of bulky BSA. On the other hand, DTTCI and Rh6G are inactive, as they lack low-frequency vibrational modes in this frequency region. The results obtained here clearly demonstrate the promise of MM-enhanced absorption spectroscopy in the THz region for detection and structural monitoring of large biomolecules such as proteins or pathogenic enzymes.
Chemically Inhomogeneous RE-Fe-B Permanent Magnets with High Figure of Merit: Solution to Global Rare Earth Criticality
Authors: Jin Jiaying , Ma Tianyu , Zhang Yujing , Bai Guohua , Yan Mi
Published: August 2016

The global rare earth (RE) criticality, especially for those closely-relied Nd/Pr/Dy/Tb in the 2:14:1-typed permanent magnets (PMs), has triggered tremendous attempts to develop new alternatives. Prospective candidates La/Ce with high abundance, however, cannot provide an equivalent performance due to inferior magnetic properties of (La/Ce)2Fe14B to Nd2Fe14B. Here we report high figure-of-merit La/Ce-rich RE-Fe-B PMs, where La/Ce are inhomogeneously distributed among the 2:14:1 phase. The resultant exchange coupling within an individual grain and magnetostatic interactions across grains ensure much superior performance to the La/Ce homogeneously distributed magnet. Maximum energy product (BH)max of 42.2 MGOe is achieved even with 36 wt. % La-Ce incorporation. The cost performance, (BH)max/cost, has been raised by 27.1% compared to a 48.9 MGOe La/Ce-free commercial magnet. The construction of chemical heterogeneity offers recipes to develop commercial-grade PMs using the less risky La/Ce and also provides a promising solution to the REs availability constraints.
Polygonatum sibiricum polysaccharide inhibits osteoporosis by promoting osteoblast formation and blocking osteoclastogenesis through Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway
Authors: Du Li , Nong Meng-Ni , Zhao Jin-Min , Peng Xiao-Ming , Zong Shao-Hui , Zeng Gao-Feng
Published: August 2016

Bone homeostasis is maintained by a balance between bone formation by osteoblasts and bone resorption by osteoclasts. Osteoporosis occurs when osteoclast activity surpasses osteoblast activity. Our previous studies showed the plant-derived natural polysaccharide (Polygonatum sibiricum polysaccharide or PSP) had significant anti-ovariectomy (OVX)-induced osteoporosis effects in vivo, but the mechanisms of PSP’s anti-osteoporosis effect remains unclear. In this study, we assessed PSP’s effect on the generation of osteoblast and osteoclast in vitro. This study showed that PSP promoted the osteogenic differentiation of mouse bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) without affecting BMPs signaling pathway. This effect was due to the increased nuclear accumulation of β-catenin, resulting in a higher expression of osteoblast-related genes. Furthermore, the study showed PSP could inhibit the receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclastogenesis and exert prophylatic protection against LPS-induced osteolysis in vivo. This effect was also related to the increased nuclear accumulation of β-catenin, resulting in the decreased expression of osteoclast-related genes. In conclusion, our results showed that PSP effectively promoted the osteogenic differentiation of mouse BMSCs and suppressed osteoclastogenesis; therefore, it could be used to treat osteoporosis.
Greener Processing Routes for Reactions and Separations Based on Use of Ultrasound and Hydrodynamic Cavitation
Authors: Gogate Parag R.
Published: August 2016

Cavitational reactors, based on the use of ultrasound and fluid energy as the alternate energy source, offer significant promise for the intensification of physical and chemical processing applications. The chapter provides a detailed overview of the greener processing approaches for different chemical reactions as well as separations, highlighting the basic mechanisms for the expected intensification. The chapter also explains the different configurations of cavitational reactors that have been commonly used along with possible recommendations for designs suitable for large-scale processing. It appears that multiple frequency, multiple transducer-based sonochemical reactors and orifice plate type configurations, in the case of hydrodynamic cavitation, appear to be most suitable designs for large-scale processing. Guidelines for the selection of optimal operating/geometric parameters have also been provided. The two approaches of inducing cavitation (acoustic and hydrodynamic cavitation) have been compared on the basis of the energy transfer efficiencies and expected benefits for the specific application. It has been established that hydrodynamic cavitation reactors are more energy efficient for the specific applications discussed in the work. The major applications discussed in the work include chemical synthesis, wastewater treatment, crystallization, adsorption, distillation and extraction. The discussion is concentrated on clearly quantifying the expected benefits in comparison to the conventional approaches, as far as possible. Overall, it appears that considerable economic savings are possible based on the effective utilization of the spectacular effects of cavitation in chemical and physical processing.
Photocatalysis: Past Achievements and Future Trends
Authors: Khodadadian Fatemeh , Nasalevich Maxim , Kapteijn Freek , Stankiewicz Andrzej I. , Lakerveld Richard , Gascon Jorge
Published: August 2016

Photocatalysis holds great promise to enable sustainable chemical processes related to, for example, the production of renewable fuels or prevention of pollution through advanced oxidation. However, despite significant progress and continuing interest from academia, industry and policy makers, key challenges have to be overcome. First, ideal photocatalytic materials should obey stringent requirements related to stability, cost, bandgap compatibility, availability of raw materials, and photon efficiency. In spite of certain limitations, such as an undesirable band gap, titania remains the frontrunner in terms of research and commercial applications. This chapter briefly discusses strategies to expand the allowable bandgap of photocatalytic materials. A key focus is on the use of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). MOFs have an organic–inorganic structure, exhibit a high surface area and can be tuned with tremendous flexibility, which makes them promising candidates to advance photocatalysis. Second, the development of photocatalytic reactors is discussed. The design and operation of photocatalytic reactors is not trivial due to requirements for efficient contact of reactants with the catalyst and efficient utilization of photons. The former requirement is common for any heterogeneous catalytic reactor whereas the latter is unique for photocatalysis. Consequently, numerous reactor configurations have been designed specifically for photocatalysis of which a selection is reviewed in this chapter. Recent advances in simulation and optimization of mathematical models of photocatalytic reactors offer an important support for design. Furthermore, novel solid-state light sources provide opportunities for increased robustness, reduced costs and improved flexibility for the design and operation of future photocatalytic reactors.
Photocatalytic Reactors in Environmental Applications
Authors: Leblebici M. Enis , Stefanidis Georgios D. , Van Gerven Tom
Published: August 2016

Photocatalytic reactor design is a challenge which inherits the existing mass transfer issues of conventional catalysis with the addition of photon transfer issues. For more than three decades, many research teams have taken the challenge and various new design concepts have emerged to overcome the limitations. The majority of the research on photocatalytic reactor design was put to use on reactors with environmental applications, namely, wastewater treatment. This work is a review on the most important design concepts which had a high impact on the photocatalytic reactor designs. Another aspect covered in this work is the methods for comparing the wastewater treatment reactors. Several benchmarks have been considered and the new photocatalytic space–time yield benchmark measure has been demonstrated by comparing three different designs. With the aid of the new benchmark measure and the extensive state of the art, a new direction in the research on photocatalytic wastewater treatment is indicated, namely, lighting design instead of new geometries.
Higee Technologies and Their Applications to Green Intensified Processing
Authors: Boodhoo Kamelia V. K.
Published: August 2016

Higee technologies which involve the application of high gravity fields, typically of the order of 100–1000 g, in order to intensify the fluid dynamics, mixing and heat/mass transfer in processing fluids, have long been considered promising candidates for achieving process intensification. This chapter explores the recent advancements in applying well known Higee technologies such as the spinning disc reactor (SDR) and rotating packed beds (RPB) as well as more recent versions of the latter such as the rotor–stator SDR (RSSDR) and the rotating zig-zag bed (RZB) for achieving green processing benefits. Examples of several industrially-relevant applications such as polymerisation, reactive-precipitation, catalytic and enzymatic transformations and CO2 sequestration amongst others are presented and discussed.
Single molecular tuning of the charge balance in blue-emitting iridium dendrimers for efficient nondoped solution-processed phosphorescent OLEDs
Authors: Wang Yang , Lu Yaoming , Gao Baoxiang , Wang Shumeng , Ding Junqiao , Wang Lixiang , Jing Xiabin , Wang Fosong
Published: August 2016

Charge balance modulation at a single dendritic molecule is demonstrated to be far superior to physical blending due to the elimination of phase segregation, leading to improved EQEs and negligible efficiency roll-off.
Acidity constants and redox potentials of uranyl ions in hydrothermal solutions
Authors: Liu Xiandong , Cheng Jun , He Mengjia , Lu Xiancai , Wang Rucheng
Published: August 2016

We report a first principles molecular dynamics (FPMD) study of the structures, acidity constants (pKa) and redox potentials (E0) of uranyl (UO22+) from ambient conditions to 573 K.
Concentrations, gas–particle distributions, and source indicator analysis of brominated flame retardants in air at Toolik Lake, Arctic Alaska
Authors: Davie-Martin Cleo L. , Hageman Kimberly J. , Chin Yu-Ping , Nistor Benjamin J. , Hung Hayley
Published: August 2016

Concentrations for two-day integrated samples, gas–particle distributions, and potential sources of atmospheric PBDEs and BTBPE in Arctic Alaska are reported.
Effects of surface coating character and interactions with natural organic matter on the colloidal stability of gold nanoparticles
Authors: Surette M. C. , Nason J. A.
Published: August 2016

Character of engineered surface coatings plays a significant role in controlling ENM interactions with model NOM macromolecules.
To grow is not enough: impact of noise on cell environmental response and fitness
Authors: Rochman Nash , Si Fangwei , Sun Sean X.
Published: August 2016

Quantitative single cell measurements have shown that cell cycle duration (the time between cell divisions) for diverse cell types is a noisy variable. This work highlights how this noise may impact cell fitness through adaptability.
Corona discharge induced plasma spectroscopy (CDIPS) for quantitative analysis of gas mixtures
Authors: Vorobioff J. , Boggio N. , Moncayo S. , Caceres J. O. , Rinaldi C. A.
Published: August 2016

The capability of the Corona Discharge Induced Plasma Spectroscopy (CDIPS) technique has been demonstrated for quantitative analysis of nitrogen–oxygen mixtures.
Synthesis and complexing properties of cyclic benzylopeptoids – a new family of extended macrocyclic peptoids
Authors: Meli A. , Gambaro S. , Costabile C. , Talotta C. , Della Sala G. , Tecilla P. , Milano D. , Tosolini M. , Izzo I. , De Riccardis F.
Published: August 2016

Members of a new class of cyclic “extended” peptoids (the “benzylopeptoids”) efficiently capture sodium ions with different stoichiometries depending on the ring morphology.
A novel sulfamethazine-based pH-sensitive copolymer for injectable radiopaque embolic hydrogels with potential application in hepatocellular carcinoma therapy
Authors: Nguyen Quang Vinh , Lym Jae Seung , Huynh Cong Truc , Kim Bong Sup , Jae Hwan Jun , Kim Young Il , Lee Doo Sung
Published: August 2016

After transcatheter delivery through hepatic artery, a hydrogel can be formed within tumor vasculature by the decrease of environmental pH, block the blood vessel and control the release of loaded anticancer drugs.
Direct arylation of fluoroarenes toward linear, bent-shaped and branched π-conjugated polymers: polycondensation post-polymerization approaches
Authors: Hayashi Shotaro , Togawa Yuki , Kojima Yoshihisa , Koizumi Toshio
Published: August 2016

A direct arylation polycondensation of fluoroarenes with 2,7-dibromo-9,9-dioctylfluorene,F8, was achieved in a low polar solvent, toluene.
The effects of the photo-induced proton generation on the assembly formation of dual-temperature and pH responsive block copolymers
Authors: Kotsuchibashi Yohei , Takiguchi Tomomi , Ebara Mitsuhiro , Aoyagi Takao
Published: August 2016

The effects caused by photo-induced proton generation on the assembly formation of dual-temperature/pH-responsive block copolymers are investigated.
Tunable dynamic hydrophobic attachment of guest molecules in amphiphilic core–shell polymers
Authors: Reichenwallner Jörg , Thomas Anja , Nuhn Lutz , Johann Tobias , Meister Annette , Frey Holger , Hinderberger Dariush
Published: August 2016

In this study, synthesis and dynamic properties of amphiphilic core–shell polymers are reported as monitored through their interaction with small amphiphilic ligands. Our findings point to a most complex self-assembling nature of those host and guest molecules.
Physical vapor deposited highly oriented V2O5 thin films for electrocatalytic oxidation of hydrazine
Authors: Thiagarajan Shrividhya , Thaiyan Mahalingam , Ganesan Ravi
Published: August 2016

The proposed work is focused on the effect of substrates on the electrocatalytic performance of physical vapor deposited vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) films.
Investigation of multilevel data memory using filament and polarization control
Authors: Hou Pengfei , Wang Jinbin , Zhong Xiangli
Published: August 2016

Multi-state storage memory is a breakthrough for further improving the density in random access memory.