bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Observing Initial Steps in Gold‐Catalyzed Alkyne Transformations by Utilizing Bodipy‐Tagged Phosphine–Gold Complexes
Authors: Vasiuta Roman , Plenio Herbert
Published: March 2016

The Pd‐catalyzed reactions of 3‐chloro‐bodipy with R2PH (R=Ph, Cy) provide nonfluorescent bodipy–phosphines 3‐PR2–bodipy 3 a (R=Ph) and 3 b (R=Cy; quantum yield Φ<0.001). Metal complexes such as [AgCl(3 b)] and [AuCl(3 b)] were prepared and shown to display much higher fluorescence (Φ=0.073 and 0.096). In the gold complexes, the level of fluorescence was found to be qualitatively correlated with the electron density at gold. Consequently, the fluorescence brightness of [AuCl(3 b)] increases when the chloro ligand is replaced by a weakly coordinating anion, whereas upon formation of the electron‐rich complex [Au(SR)(3 b)] the fluorescence is almost quenched. Related reactions of [AuCl(3 b)] with [Ag]ONf)] (Nf= nonaflate) and phenyl acetylenes enable the tracking of initial steps in gold‐catalyzed reactions by using fluorescence spectroscopy. Treatment of [AuCl(3 b)] with [Ag(ONf)] gave the respective [Au(ONf)(3 b)] only when employing more than 2.5 equivalents of silver salt. The reaction of the “cationic” gold complex with phenyl acetylenes leads to the formation of the respective dinuclear cationic [{(3 b)Au}2(CCPh)]+ and an increase in the level of fluorescence. The rate of the reaction of [Au(ONf)(3 b)] with PhCCH depends on the amount of silver salt in the reaction mixture; a large excess of silver salt accelerates this transformation. In situ fluorescence spectroscopy thus provides valuable information on the association of gold complexes with acetylenes.
Janus POSS Based on Mixed [2:6] Octakis‐Adduct Regioisomers
Authors: Han Shuai‐Yuan , Wang Xiao‐Man , Shao Yu , Guo Qing‐Yun , Li Yiwen , Zhang Wen‐Bin
Published: March 2016

A series of regioisomeric Janus‐type polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) with multiple, mixed surface functional groups has been successfully synthesized based on the cubic T8‐POSS framework in two consecutive thiol–ene reactions. The first thiol–ene addition of β‐mercaptoethanol leads to a statistical mixture of multi‐adducts where the regioisomers of bis‐adducts (ortho, meta, and para isomers) can be isolated at synthetically useful quantities by flash column chromatography. Then, the second thiol–ene reaction readily installs a variety of functional groups onto the remaining vinyl groups of each regioisomer, providing an easy access to precisely defined, hetero‐bifunctional Janus POSS nano‐building blocks. The configurations and structures of the products have been unambiguously proven by using 1H, 13C, and 29Si NMR spectroscopy as well as MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry.
The Utilization of Amide Groups to Expand and Functionalize Metal‐Organic Frameworks Simultaneously
Authors: Lu Zhiyong , Bai Junfeng , Hang Cheng , Meng Fei , Liu Wenlong , Pan Yi , You Xiaozeng
Published: March 2016

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Junfeng Bai at Nanjing University. The image depicts how to obtain mesoporosity in MOFs by ligand extension with amide spacers. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.201504907.
Controlled Crystallization of Sodium Chloride Nanocrystals in Microdrop­lets Produced by Electrospray from an Ultra‐Dilute Solution
Authors: Zheng Fuqin , Wang Dong , Fang Hairui , Wang Haidong , Wang Meng , Huang Keke , Chen Huanwen , Feng Shouhua
Published: March 2016

Controlled crystallization is very important for crystal growth. The electrospray (ES) technique has attracted great interest thanks to its advantages of facile manipulation of micrometer droplets and the generation of fine and charged droplets with very narrow size dispersion. In this work, nanocrystals with cubic shapes with 32 nm edges were successfully grown from ultra‐dilute NaCl solution (1 µg mL–1) on a millisecond timescale by an ES technique. Dispersed and charged microdroplets were created by ES. In the process, an increase in ion strength and built‐in electric field in microdroplets promoted nucleation and growth. Moreover, solvent evaporation increased solute and charge concentration and decreased the size of the microdroplets, which had a further effect on nucleation and growth. The morphologies of crystals were the competitive results of ion strength and evaporation. Fortunately, these physicochemical properties can be controlled facilely by adjusting the ES parameters. This report suggests potential application of ES technology for controllable crystallization of pharmaceuticals, proteins, etc.
Conventional and Upcoming Sulfur‐Cleaning Technologies for Petroleum Fuel: A Review
Authors: Al‐Degs Yahya S. , El‐Sheikh Amjad H. , Al Bakain Ramia Z. , Newman Alan P. , Al‐Ghouti Mohammad A.
Published: March 2016

Environmental regulations on the quality of liquid fuels continue to create more requirements to produce a near‐to‐zero sulfur content. The hydrodesulfurization process has a high running cost and suffers from incomplete removal of sulfur compounds, particularly alkylated dibenzothiophene. Recently, oxidative and adsorption desulfurization procedures showed high potential to take part in commercial desulfurization. The advantages and disadvantage of the newly proposed procedures are outlined and reviewed. Undoubtedly, adsorptive‐based methods have achieved many advances in this area. Particularly, surface imprinted polymers and metal–organic frameworks have manifested an excellent tendency to remove bulky sulfur compounds with minimum experimental effort. This review presents information about the workability, efficiency, and mechanisms of the current desulfurization methodologies for diesel as a common transportation fuel. More attention is given to adsorptive desulfurization as a promising technology.
Radiation induced grafting of glycidyl methacrylate on teflon scrap for synthesis of dual type adsorbent: Process parameter standardisation
Authors: Chaudhari C. V. , Guin Jhimli Paul , Dubey K. A. , Bhardwaj Y. K. , Varshney L.
Published: March 2016

High energy Co‐60 gamma radiation has been used to graft glycidylmethacrylate (GMA) onto Teflon scrap by mutual radiation grafting technique. Effect of various experimental parameters viz, solvent, solvent mixture, dose, dose rate, monomer concentration, backbone thickness on grafting extent was investigated. The grafting extent decreased with the dose rate and thickness and increased with concentration of GMA. Among the solvent studied acetone–water mixture in which poly(GMA) was soluble was found to be the best solvent for grafting. A kinetic equation Rg = Kg[M] 1.7 D0.1 relating grafting kinetics to monomer concentration and dose rate was deduced. The matrices were characterized for morphology, thermal stability and dye uptake extent. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 35: 1367–1373, 2016
Evolution of overland flow connectivity in bare agricultural plots
Authors: Peñuela Andrés , Darboux Frédéric , Javaux Mathieu , Bielders Charles L.
Published: March 2016

Soil surface roughness not only delays overland flow generation but also strongly affects the spatial distribution and concentration of overland flow. Previous studies generally aimed at predicting the delay in overland flow generation by means of a single parameter characterizing soil roughness. However, little work has been done to find a link between soil roughness and overland flow dynamics. This is made difficult because soil roughness and hence overland flow characteristics evolve differently depending on whether diffuse or concentrated erosion dominates. The present study examined whether the concept of connectivity can be used to link roughness characteristics to overland flow dynamics. For this purpose, soil roughness of three 30‐m2 tilled plots exposed to natural rainfall was monitored for two years. Soil micro‐topography was characterized by means of photogrammetry on a monthly basis. Soil roughness was characterized by the variogram, the surface stream network was characterized by network‐based indices and overland flow connectivity was characterized by Relative Surface Connection function (RSCf) functional connectivity indicator. Overland flow hydrographs were generated by means of a physically‐based overland flow model based on 1‐cm resolution digital elevation models. The development of eroded flow paths at the soil surface not only reduced the delay in overland flow generation but also resulted in a higher continuity of high flow velocity paths, an increase in erosive energy and a higher rate of increase of the overland flow hydrograph. Overland flow dynamics were found to be highly correlated to the RSCf characteristic points. By providing information regarding overland flow dynamics, the RSCf may thus serve as a quantitative link between soil roughness and overland flow generation in order to improve the overland flow hydrograph prediction. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and Cytotoxicity of 1,4‐Dihydropyridines and an Unexpected 1,3‐Oxazin‐6‐one
Authors: Sandjo Louis Pergaud , Kuete Victor , Nana Frederic , Kirsch Gilbert , Efferth Thomas
Published: March 2016

Eight heterocycles have been prepared in a one‐pot reaction manner based on the Hantzsch dihydropyridine synthesis. The synthesis afforded seven dihydropyridines (DHP) and one unexpected 1,3‐oxazin‐6‐one. Their structures were confirmed based on NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. The obtained products have been evaluated for their cytotoxicity against eight cancer cell lines and one normal cell line. Two halogenated DHPs (7 and 8) displayed cytotoxicity toward all the nine tested cancer cell lines with IC50 values from 4.10 to 58.90 μm, while others showed selective activities. DHPs (7 and 8) bearing a Me group at C(2) and C(6) as well as a halogenated substituent at C(4′) were more antiproliferative than the others.
Theoretical strategies toward stabilization of singlet remote N‐heterocyclic carbenes
Authors: Borthakur Bitupon , Silvi Bernard , Dewhurst Rian D. , Phukan Ashwini K.
Published: March 2016

Theoretical investigations predict that the singlet states of ylide‐substituted remote carbenes are significantly stable and comparable to those of experimentally known NHCs. They are also found to be strongly σ‐donating in nature as evident from an evaluation of the carbonyl stretching frequencies (νCO) of their complexes with the [Rh(CO)2Cl] fragment. NICS and QTAIM based bond magnetizability calculations indicate the presence of cyclic electron delocalization in majority of the molecules. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hearing loss and falls: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Jiam Nicole Tin‐Lok , Li Carol , Agrawal Yuri
Published: March 2016

Background

Falls are a devastating condition in older individuals. Identifying potentially modifiable risk factors such as hearing loss would provide a substantial public health benefit.

Objective

To evaluate the current evidence for an association between hearing loss and falls risk.

Data Sources

A systematic search of PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases was performed in July 2014.

Study Eligibility

Studies were eligible for inclusion if they were published in the peer‐reviewed literature. All studies used a predetermined definition of hearing loss. Main outcomes and measurements were fall hospitalization records or self‐reports of falls by structured interview or validated questionnaires.

Study Appraisal and Synthesis

Two investigators independently reviewed the literature related to hearing loss, falls, and older adults. We pooled effect sizes from across the studies and performed a meta‐analysis to compute an overall effect size.

Results and Limitations

Twelve eligible studies were identified. The odds of falling were 2.39 times greater among older adults with hearing loss than older adults with normal hearing (pooled odds ratio 2.39, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.11‐2.68). In sensitivity analyses, we restricted the meta‐analysis to studies where hearing loss was audiometrically defined (N = 6) and observed hearing loss to be associated with a 69% increase in the odds of falling (pooled odds ratio 1.69, 95% CI: 1.18‐2.19). When we further limited to studies that also performed multivariate regression analyses (N = 4), the overall effect size did not appreciably change (pooled odds ratio 1.72, 95% CI: 1.07‐2.37). We observed a potential positive publication bias in the literature. Limitations of the systematic review and meta‐analysis are the cross‐sectional designs of most studies and the heterogeneity across studies (Q = 631, P < .05, I2 = 98.1%).

Conclusions and Relevance

In the published literature, hearing loss is associated with a significantly increased odds of falling in older adults. These findings need to be interpreted in light of the potential for positive publication bias in the literature on this topic.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 126:2587–2596, 2016
Decreased Palpebral Fissure in Patients with Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Sanchez Abraham Marina , Gomez Arevalo Gonzalo , Garcia Silvia S. , Mizraji Gabriel , Chade Anabel , Gershanik Oscar
Published: March 2016

Background

The diagnosis of Parkinson's disease (PD) is based exclusively on clinical criteria established by the Queen Square Brain Bank. On occasion, these clinical symptoms may be subtle and inconclusive; therefore, it becomes necessary to appeal to contributory criteria to establish a correct diagnosis. The authors propose the observation of palpebral fissure (PF) asymmetry as an additional criterion for the diagnosis of PD.

Objectives

The objectives of this study were to determine whether decreased PF (DPF) is more prevalent in patients with PD than in the general population and whether DPF in PD coincides with the side of onset of parkinsonian symptomatology.

Methods

In total, 112 consecutive patients with a diagnosis of PD and 112 control participants without PD were selected between April and June 2014. At the office visit, it was established through clinical observation whether DPF was present. In patients with PD, it was determined whether the DPF was consistent with the side of onset of parkinsonian symptomatology.

Results

Of 112 patients with PD, 39 (35%) had DPF clinically evident DPF, and, in 34 (87%), the DPF was consistent with the laterality of parkinsonian signs. In the control group, only 12% (14 of 112 controls) had PF asymmetry. The difference in prevalence of DPF between these groups was statistically significant (P < 0.0001), with an odds ratio of 3.7 (95% confidence interval, 1.8–7.3). Twenty‐eight of the 39 patients with PD who had PF asymmetry were treated with levodopa.

Conclusions

Although the data are purely observational, it may be concluded that DPF coincidental with the side of initial parkinsonian symptomatology in patients with probable PD is an additional sign worth considering.
Influence of the processing method and antimicrobial agents on properties of starch‐gelatin biodegradable films
Authors: Moreno Olga , Díaz Raúl , Atarés Lorena , Chiralt Amparo
Published: March 2016

Biodegradable films based on corn starch (CS), bovine gelatin (BG), glycerol as a plasticizer, and lysozyme or N‐α‐lauroyl‐l‐arginine ethyl ester monohydrochloride (LAE) as antimicrobial agents were obtained by both extension‐drying (casting) of the aqueous dispersions and melt blending and compression moulding. Microstructural analyses revealed the lack of miscibility between CS and BG, which implied polymer phase separation, with the formation of domains rich in each polymer, with different arrangements for casting and melt blending processes. Thermoprocessed films were more permeable to water vapour (60% − 115%) and oxygen (70% − 355%) compared to the corresponding cast films and exhibited lower stiffness (50% − 75%) and resistance to break (17% − 33%) and greater extensibility (150% − 190%) than casting films. LAE improved the water vapour barrier and reduced the oxygen barrier of both kinds of films, whereas the opposite effect was observed for lysozyme. Antimicrobial activity against Listeria innocua was observed for formulations containing LAE processed by both casting and compression moulding, all of which exhibited a bactericidal effect. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Numerical study of the spin‐up of a tropical low over land during the Australian monsoon
Authors: Tang Shengming , Smith Roger K. , Montgomery Michael T. , Gu Ming
Published: March 2016

An analysis of numerical simulations of tropical low intensification over land is presented. The simulations are carried out using the MM5 mesoscale model with initial and boundary conditions provided by ECMWF analyses. Seven simulations are discussed: a control simulation, five sensitivity simulations in which the initial moisture availability is varied, and one simulation in which the coupling between moisture availability is suppressed. Changing the initial moisture availability adds a stochastic element to the development of deep convection. The results are interpreted in terms of the classical axisymmetric paradigm for tropical cyclone intensification with recent modifications.

Spin‐up over land is favoured by the development of deep convection near the centre of the low circulation. As for tropical cyclones over sea, this convection leads to an overturning circulation that draws absolute angular momentum surfaces inwards in the lower troposphere leading to spin‐up of the tangential winds above the boundary layer. The intensification takes place within a moist monsoonal environment, which appears to be sufficient to support sporadic deep convection. A moisture budget for two mesoscale columns of air encompassing the storm shows that the horizontal import of moisture is roughly equal to the moisture lost by precipitation. Overall, surface moisture fluxes make a small quantitative contribution to the budget although, near the circulation centre, these fluxes appear to play an important role in generating local conditional instability. Suppressing the effect of rainfall on the moisture availability has little effect on the evolution of the low, presumably because, at any one time, deep convection is not sufficiently widespread.
Inelastic scattering and energy loss of swift electron beams in biologically relevant materials
Authors: Garcia‐Molina Rafael , Abril Isabel , Kyriakou Ioanna , Emfietzoglou Dimitris
Published: March 2016

The inelastic mean free path and the stopping power of swift electrons in relevant biomaterials, such as liquid water, DNA, protein, lipid, carotene, sugar, and ice are calculated in the framework of the dielectric formalism. The Mermin Energy Loss Function – Generalized Oscillator Strength model is used to determine the energy loss function of these materials for arbitrary energy and momentum transfer using electron energy‐loss spectroscopy data as input. To ensure the consistency of the model, efforts are made so that both the Kramers–Kronig and f‐sum rules are fulfilled to better than 2%. Our findings indicate sizeable differences in the inelastic mean free path and stopping power among these biomaterials for low‐energy electrons. For example, at 100‐eV electron energy, the inelastic mean free path in protein is 25% smaller than for water and around 10% smaller than for the other biomaterials. The stopping power values of protein, DNA, and sugar are rather similar but 20% larger than for water. Taking into account these results, we conclude that electron interactions with living tissues at the nanometric scale cannot be reliably described using only liquid water as the surrogate of the biological target. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Copper‐Catalyzed N‐Arylation of Tautomerizable Heterocycles with Boronic Acids and Its Application to Synthesis of Oxygenated Carbazoles
Authors: Kumar Karampoori Anil , Kannaboina Prakash , Jaladanki Chaitanya K. , Bharatam Prasad V. , Das Parthasarathi
Published: March 2016

A general and mild strategy has been developed for the selective N‐arylation of tautomerizable heterocycles with a series of arylboronic acids, using CuOTf as the catalyst and 1,10‐Phen as the ligand, under base free conditions at ambient atmosphere. The reaction mechanism explored by using density functional methods revealed that both kinetic and thermodynamic controls favour N‐arylation. This “open‐flask” chemistry successfully applied for N‐arylation of benzo[d] oxazol‐2(3H)‐one and the designed N‐arylated product was subsequently manipulated in synthesizing various naturally occurring oxygenated carbazole alkaloids (e. g. clausenine, clauraila A, clausenal).
Synthesis, Structure, and Luminescent Properties of Lanthanide Coordination Polymers Based on 5‐Hydroxyisophthalate and Phen Ligands
Authors: Hu Min , Yue Ling‐Yu , Liu Chun‐Sen
Published: March 2016

Three lanthanide coordination polymers incorporating 5‐hydroxyisophthalate (L) and phen ligands, [Eu(L)(phen)]n (1) and [Ln(L)(phen)2]n [Ln = Sm (2) and Pr (3)], were synthesized. X‐ray structural analysis reveals that 1 features a (3,6)‐connected 3D rtl topology. Complexes 2 and 3 are isostructural and have 2D sheets with 63 topology. Comparison of the structural differences between 1 and 2 (or 3) suggests that the different metal sources play an important role in the formation of such coordination networks. Compounds 1 and 2 show photoluminescence and their emission properties are closely related to their corresponding central LnIII atoms.
Non-crop plants used as hosts by Drosophila suzukii in Europe
Authors: Kenis Marc , Tonina Lorenzo , Eschen René , van der Sluis Bart , Sancassani Manuel , Mori Nicola , Haye Tim , Helsen Herman
Published: March 2016

The invasive spotted wing drosophila Drosophila suzukii, a fruit fly of Asian origin, is a major pest of a wide variety of berry and stone fruits in Europe. One of the characteristics of this fly is its wide host range. A better knowledge of its host range outside cultivated areas is essential to develop sustainable integrated pest management strategies. Field surveys were carried out during two years in Italy, the Netherlands and Switzerland. Fruits of 165 potential host plant species were collected, including mostly wild and ornamental plants. Over 24,000 D. suzukii adults emerged from 84 plant species belonging to 19 families, 38 of which being non-native. Forty-two plants were reported for the first time as hosts of D. suzukii. The highest infestations were found in fruits of the genera Cornus, Prunus, Rubus, Sambucus and Vaccinium as well as in Ficus carica, Frangula alnus, Phytolacca americana and Taxus baccata. Based on these data, management methods are suggested. Ornamental and hedge plants in the vicinity of fruit crops and orchards can be selected according to their susceptibility to D. suzukii. However, the widespread availability and abundance of non-crop hosts and the lack of efficient native parasitoids suggest the need for an area-wide control approach.
Brief report: Identifying defenders of peer victimization☆
Authors: Meter Diana J. , Card Noel A.
Published: March 2016

Betweenness centrality quantifies the amount of network flow that a network member controls as hypothetical traffic passes between network members. Those with high betweenness centrality within the peer social network based on nominations of liking may be especially important connectors between individuals who do not like each other. This study tested the hypothesis that individuals' betweenness centrality would predict their defending of victimized peers. After controlling for popularity, perception of being liked, and defenders' victimization, betweenness centrality predicted defending. Those found to be connectors within the peer group were more likely to be those who defend peer victims. This investigation showed that analysis of betweenness centrality is a viable way to identify potential defenders in research and also those who could potentially act as mediators.
The impact of menstrual cycle‐related physical symptoms on daily activities and psychological wellness among adolescent girls
Authors: van Iersel Kirsten C. , Kiesner Jeff , Pastore Massimiliano , Scholte Ron H.J.
Published: March 2016

Associations between perimenstrual physical and psychological symptoms have not been adequately studied among adolescent girls. The purpose of the present study was to test a mediation hypothesis postulating that perimenstrual disengagement from daily activities would mediate the association between physical symptoms and psychological symptoms. A non‐clinical sample ofN = 208 Italian adolescent girls (ageM = 16.68 years) completed a 95‐item online retrospective questionnaire regarding perimenstrual symptoms, and how these symptoms affect their daily activities. Structural Equation Modeling was used to test the mediation hypothesis. Results showed that physical and psychological symptoms were strongly associated. More importantly, results supported the hypothesis that perimenstrual disengagement from daily activities mediates the association between physical symptoms and psychological symptoms, but only for depressed mood and cognitive symptoms. This study provides support for a novel theoretical framework linking diverse aspects of menstrual cycle change. Longitudinal research is needed to replicate these findings.
Molecular genetics of early‐onset Alzheimer's disease revisited
Authors: Cacace Rita , Sleegers Kristel , Van Broeckhoven Christine
Published: March 2016

As the discovery of the Alzheimer's disease (AD) genes, APP, PSEN1, and PSEN2, in families with autosomal dominant early‐onset AD (EOAD), gene discovery in familial EOAD came more or less to a standstill. Only 5% of EOAD patients are carrying a pathogenic mutation in one of the AD genes or a apolipoprotein E (APOE) risk allele ε4, most of EOAD patients remain unexplained. Here, we aimed at summarizing the current knowledge of EOAD genetics and its role in ongoing approaches to understand the biology of AD and disease symptomatology as well as developing new therapeutics. Next, we explored the possible molecular mechanisms that might underlie the missing genetic etiology of EOAD and discussed how the use of massive parallel sequencing technologies triggered novel gene discoveries. To conclude, we commented on the relevance of reinvestigating EOAD patients as a means to explore potential new avenues for translational research and therapeutic discoveries.
Methylation profiles in peripheral blood CD4+ lymphocytes versus brain: The relation to Alzheimer's disease pathology
Authors: Yu Lei , Chibnik Lori B. , Yang Jingyun , McCabe Cristin , Xu Jishu , Schneider Julie A. , De Jager Philip L. , Bennett David A.
Published: March 2016

Introduction

We investigated the change in DNA methylation in peripheral blood CD4+ lymphocytes over time, examined the relation between CD4+ lymphocytes and brain methylation, and compared their associations with AD pathology.

Methods

Genome‐wide methylation was measured three times in 41 older persons using Illumina Infinium HumanMethylation450 array. The two CD4+ lymphocytes measures were at study baseline and proximate to death. Brain tissue came from frozen dorsolateral prefrontal cortex.

Results

Global methylation features were conserved across tissue. At individual CpG sites, methylation level was concordant between the two CD4+ lymphocytes but more diffuse between CD4+ lymphocytes and brain. Previous associations of brain methylation with neuritic plaques at target methylation sites were not replicated in CD4+ lymphocytes.

Discussion

There is no strong evidence of change in CD4+ lymphocytes methylation among older persons over an average of 7.5 years. Methylation associations with AD pathology found in neocortex are not directly reflected in CD4+ lymphocytes.
Thermochronology of Early Paleozoic collisional and subduction–collisional structures of Central Asia
Authors: Travin A.V.
Published: March 2016

The thermochronology of the Early Paleozoic collisional and subduction–collisional systems and blueschist complexes of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt has been reconstructed by the proposed method of “through” isotope dating. The evolution of these geologic structures is divided into short synchronous stages of active thermal events related to large-scale mantle–crustal magmatism, high-pressure/low-temperature and high-temperature/low-pressure metamorphism, and intense tectonic deformations. The plume activity of different intensities, both in intraoceanic and intracontinental environments, is presumed to be the deep mechanism of synchronization.
Geochemistry, isotope triad (Nd–Sr–O), and 40Ar–39Ar age of Paleozoic alkaline mafic intrusions of the Kuznetsk Alatau (by the example of the Belaya Gora pluton)
Authors: Vrublevskii V.V. , Grinev O.M. , Izokh A.E. , Travin A.V.
Published: March 2016

We report the first data on 40Ar/39Ar dating, trace-element geochemistry, and isotope (Nd, Sr, O) composition of the Belaya Gora gabbro–foidolite–foyaite intrusive massif, one of typical representatives of the alkaline province of the northeastern Kuznetsk Alatau. The established age of rock-forming amphibole, ~401–403 Ma, is taken as the time of the pluton formation in the Early Devonian. The distribution and ratios of LILE and HFSE in the rocks suggest that the intrusion took place in the setting of “superposition” of Devonian mantle plume on the Early Paleozoic accretion–collision complexes. Therefore, the source of magmatic products had a heterogeneous composition as a result of mixing of plume material with the substances of suprasubduction and crustal substrates. The mantle component might have been a PREMA + EM combination, which is confirmed by the parameters of the Nd isotope composition (ɛNdT - 3.2-4.6; TNd(DM) - 0.8 Ga) of alkaline rocks. The effects of crustal contamination are reflected in the high ratios of strontium and oxygen isotopes (87Sr/88Sr)T = 0.7046–0.7054; δ18O = 8.5–9.2‰, SMOW).
YIELD PERFORMANCE, CARBON ASSIMILATION AND SPECTRAL RESPONSE OF TRITICALE TO WATER STRESS
Authors: MUNJONJI LAWRENCE , AYISI KINGSLEY K. , VANDEWALLE BRAM , DHAU INOS , BOECKX PASCAL , HAESAERT GEERT
Published: March 2016

Water stress is arguably the most limiting factor affecting cereal productivity in the world and its effects are likely to increase due to climate change. It is therefore imperative to have a wide-ranging understanding of water stress effects on crop physiological processes so as to better manage, improve and adapt crops to future climates. A field study was carried out to investigate the influence of four moisture levels on the following: (1) flag leaf CO2 assimilation and flag leaf carbon content; (2) the utility of flag leaf spectral reflectance to monitor leaf water status and as an indicator of biomass and grain yield; and (3) biomass and grain yield performance of four spring triticale genotypes in a dry winter environment (steppe, arid climate). The experiment was carried out in a factorial arrangement of four moisture levels and four spring type triticale genotypes). Soil moisture level significantly influenced biomass accumulation, grain yield, CO2 assimilation, flag leaf carbon content and spectral reflectance. Grain yield levels ranged from 0.8 to 3.5 t ha−1 in 2013 and 1.8 to 4.9 t ha−1 in 2014. CO2 assimilation was significantly higher under well-watered (WW) conditions (9.92 µmol m−2 s−1 in 2013; 11.64 µmol m−2 s−1 in 2014) and decreased gradually with moisture level to 1.82 and 4.74 µmol m−2 s−1 under severe stress (SS) in 2013 and 2014, respectively. Flag leaf carbon content was significantly higher under water limited conditions compared to WW. Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Normalised Difference Water Index (NDWI) and Water Index (WI) were significant and positively correlated to biomass and grain yield. WI was particularly strongly correlated to biomass (0.72***) and grain yield (0.55***). However, no clear varietal effects were detected. This study revealed that carbon tends to accumulate in flag leaves under water stress and that flag leaf carbon content is influenced more by the export capacity of the flag leaves than on CO2 assimilation rate. WI was found to be superior index in monitoring water stress in triticale compared to NDVI and NDWI. Above all, spring triticale proved to be adaptable to steppe (dry) climate of Limpopo and that livestock farmers in the province can successfully grow triticale for silage under MS conditions.
Digital redux: the confluence of technologies and politics in architecture
Authors: Gil Bruno
Published: March 2016

Much has been written on the impact of digital technology and its translation into architectural practice and education. This paper reconsiders this process of integration to question current trends in research and pedagogy. Recent efforts to expand architectural research in schools tend to focus on broadening its spectrum while reinforcing design as research. We argue that the relevance of digital technology to these discussions, and its role in expanding fields of research, depends on different cultures of investigation and their differing institutional contexts. Our interest is in cultures that, as lines of thought, broaden the field of architectural research and make it heterodox, thickening a line of research with multiple interpretations. Tracing early experiences in the ‘paperless’ studios of Columbia's Graduate School of Architecture Planning and Preservation, this paper questions how architectural pedagogies are developing in response to the current normalisation of digital design, with a focus on the Architecture Association's Design Research Lab (DRL) and the Strelka Institute in Moscow.

Ultimately, the main question is addressed: in what ways can the digital be political? By referring to the DRL and Strelka research programmes, two distinct approaches have been critically explored. On the one hand, DRL has been pushing to the limit the idea of research by design, considering autonomous form as the materialisation of change in the design process, while Strelka has been practicing research as the information for design. If digital technology contributes to form generation at DRL, at Strelka it potentiates opinion generation, and the research product is information, rather than form itself. The triangulation of both approaches could eventually suggest a more thorough political expression by means of a digital redux.
Radiation Belt Processes in a Declining Solar Cycle
Authors: Ukhorskiy A. , Mauk B. , Sibeck D. , Kessel R.
Published: March 2016

The Van Allen Probes began an extended mission in November to advance understanding of Earth's radiation belts.
Pterosin B prevents chondrocyte hypertrophy and osteoarthritis in mice by inhibiting Sik3
Authors: Yahara Yasuhito , Takemori Hiroshi , Okada Minoru , Kosai Azuma , Yamashita Akihiro , Kobayashi Tomohito , Fujita Kaori , Itoh Yumi , Nakamura Masahiro , Fuchino Hiroyuki , Kawahara Nobuo , Fukui Naoshi , Watanabe Akira , Kimura Tomoatsu , Tsumaki Noriyuki
Published: March 2016

Osteoarthritis is a common debilitating joint disorder. Risk factors for osteoarthritis include age, which is associated with thinning of articular cartilage. Here we generate chondrocyte-specific salt-inducible kinase 3 (Sik3) conditional knockout mice that are resistant to osteoarthritis with thickened articular cartilage owing to a larger chondrocyte population. We also identify an edible Pteridium aquilinum compound, pterosin B, as a Sik3 pathway inhibitor. We show that either Sik3 deletion or intraarticular injection of mice with pterosin B inhibits chondrocyte hypertrophy and protects cartilage from osteoarthritis. Collectively, our results suggest Sik3 regulates the homeostasis of articular cartilage and is a target for the treatment of osteoarthritis, with pterosin B as a candidate therapeutic.
Including trait-based early warning signals helps predict population collapse
Authors: Clements Christopher F. , Ozgul Arpat
Published: March 2016

Foreseeing population collapse is an on-going target in ecology, and this has led to the development of early warning signals based on expected changes in leading indicators before a bifurcation. Such signals have been sought for in abundance time-series data on a population of interest, with varying degrees of success. Here we move beyond these established methods by including parallel time-series data of abundance and fitness-related trait dynamics. Using data from a microcosm experiment, we show that including information on the dynamics of phenotypic traits such as body size into composite early warning indices can produce more accurate inferences of whether a population is approaching a critical transition than using abundance time-series alone. By including fitness-related trait information alongside traditional abundance-based early warning signals in a single metric of risk, our generalizable approach provides a powerful new way to assess what populations may be on the verge of collapse.
LIG4 mediates Wnt signalling-induced radioresistance
Authors: Jun Sohee , Jung Youn-Sang , Suh Han Na , Wang Wenqi , Kim Moon Jong , Oh Young Sun , Lien Esther M. , Shen Xi , Matsumoto Yoshihisa , McCrea Pierre D. , Li Lei , Chen Junjie , Park Jae-Il
Published: March 2016

Despite the implication of Wnt signalling in radioresistance, the underlying mechanisms are unknown. Here we find that high Wnt signalling is associated with radioresistance in colorectal cancer (CRC) cells and intestinal stem cells (ISCs). We find that LIG4, a DNA ligase in DNA double-strand break repair, is a direct target of β-catenin. Wnt signalling enhances non-homologous end-joining repair in CRC, which is mediated by LIG4 transactivated by β-catenin. During radiation-induced intestinal regeneration, LIG4 mainly expressed in the crypts is conditionally upregulated in ISCs, accompanied by Wnt/β-catenin signalling activation. Importantly, among the DNA repair genes, LIG4 is highly upregulated in human CRC cells, in correlation with β-catenin hyperactivation. Furthermore, blocking LIG4 sensitizes CRC cells to radiation. Our results reveal the molecular mechanism of Wnt signalling-induced radioresistance in CRC and ISCs, and further unveils the unexpected convergence between Wnt signalling and DNA repair pathways in tumorigenesis and tissue regeneration.
Coherent population transfer between uncoupled or weakly coupled states in ladder-type superconducting qutrits
Authors: Xu H. K. , Song C. , Liu W. Y. , Xue G. M. , Su F. F. , Deng H. , Tian Ye , Zheng D. N. , Han Siyuan , Zhong Y. P. , Wang H. , Liu Yu-xi , Zhao S. P.
Published: March 2016

Stimulated Raman adiabatic passage offers significant advantages for coherent population transfer between uncoupled or weakly coupled states and has the potential of realizing efficient quantum gate, qubit entanglement and quantum information transfer. Here we report on the realization of the process in the superconducting Xmon and phase qutrits—two ladder-type three-level systems in which the ground state population is coherently transferred to the second excited state via the dark state subspace. We demonstrate that the population transfer efficiency is no less than 96% and 67% for the two devices, which agree well with the numerical simulation of the master equation. Population transfer via stimulated Raman adiabatic passage is significantly more robust against variations of the experimental parameters compared with that via the conventional resonant π pulse method. Our work opens up a new venue for exploring the process for quantum information processing using the superconducting artificial atoms.
Quantifying the dynamics of the oligomeric transcription factor STAT3 by pair correlation of molecular brightness
Authors: Hinde Elizabeth , Pandžić Elvis , Yang Zhengmin , Ng Ivan H. W. , Jans David A. , Bogoyevitch Marie A. , Gratton Enrico , Gaus Katharina
Published: March 2016

Oligomerization of transcription factors controls their translocation into the nucleus and DNA-binding activity. Here we present a fluorescence microscopy analysis termed pCOMB (pair correlation of molecular brightness) that tracks the mobility of different oligomeric species within live cell nuclear architecture. pCOMB amplifies the signal from the brightest species present and filters the dynamics of the extracted oligomeric population based on arrival time between two locations. We use this method to demonstrate a dependence of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) mobility on oligomeric state. We find that on entering the nucleus STAT3 dimers must first bind DNA to form STAT3 tetramers, which are also DNA-bound but exhibit a different mobility signature. Examining the dimer-to-tetramer transition by a cross-pair correlation analysis (cpCOMB) reveals that chromatin accessibility modulates STAT3 tetramer formation. Thus, the pCOMB approach is suitable for mapping the impact oligomerization on transcription factor dynamics.
Bidirectional regulation of synaptic transmission by BRAG1/IQSEC2 and its requirement in long-term depression
Authors: Brown Joshua C. , Petersen Amber , Zhong Ling , Himelright Miranda L. , Murphy Jessica A. , Walikonis Randall S. , Gerges Nashaat Z.
Published: March 2016

Dysfunction of the proteins regulating synaptic function can cause synaptic plasticity imbalance that underlies neurological disorders such as intellectual disability. A study found that four distinct mutations within BRAG1, an Arf-GEF synaptic protein, each led to X-chromosome-linked intellectual disability (XLID). Although the physiological functions of BRAG1 are poorly understood, each of these mutations reduces BRAG1’s Arf-GEF activity. Here we show that BRAG1 is required for the activity-dependent removal of AMPA receptors in rat hippocampal pyramidal neurons. Moreover, we show that BRAG1 bidirectionally regulates synaptic transmission. On one hand, BRAG1 is required for the maintenance of synaptic transmission. On the other hand, BRAG1 expression enhances synaptic transmission, independently of BRAG1 Arf-GEF activity or neuronal activity, but dependently on its C-terminus interactions. This study demonstrates a dual role of BRAG1 in synaptic function and highlights the functional relevance of reduced BRAG1 Arf-GEF activity as seen in the XLID-associated human mutations.
Covalent functionalization of reduced graphene oxide with porphyrin by means of diazonium chemistry for nonlinear optical performance
Authors: Wang Aijian , Yu Wang , Huang Zhipeng , Zhou Feng , Song Jingbao , Song Yinglin , Long Lingliang , Cifuentes Marie P. , Humphrey Mark G. , Zhang Long , Shao Jianda , Zhang Chi
Published: March 2016

Reduced graphene oxide (RGO)-porphyrin (TPP) nanohybrids (RGO-TPP 1 and RGO-TPP 2) were prepared by two synthetic routes that involve functionalization of the RGO using diazonium salts. The microscopic structures, morphology, photophysical properties and nonlinear optical performance of the resultant RGO-TPP nanohybrids were investigated. The covalent bonding of the porphyrin-functionalized-RGO nanohybrid materials was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. Attachment of the porphyrin units to the surface of the RGO by diazotization significantly improves the solubility and ease of processing of these RGO-based nanohybrid materials. Ultraviolet/visible absorption and steady-state fluorescence studies indicate considerable π-π interactions and effective photo-induced electron and/or energy transfer between the porphyrin moieties and the extended π-system of RGO. The nonlinear optical properties of RGO-TPP 1 and RGO-TPP 2 were investigated by open-aperture Z-scan measurements at 532 nm with both 4 ns and 21 ps laser pulses, the results showing that the chemical nanohybrids exhibit improved nonlinear optical properties compared to those of the benchmark material C60, and the constituent RGO or porphyrins.
The fetal thymus has a unique genomic copy number profile resulting from physiological T cell receptor gene rearrangement
Authors: Valind Anders , Haikal C. , Klasson M. E. K. , Johansson M. C. , Gullander J. , Soller M. , Baldetorp B. , Gisselsson David
Published: March 2016

Somatic mosaicism, the presence of genetically distinct cells within an organism, has been increasingly associated with human morbidity, ranging from being a cause of rare syndromes to a risk factor for common disorders such as malignancy and cardiovascular disease. Previous studies interrogating the normal prevalence of somatic mosaicism have focused on adults. We here present an estimate of the baseline frequency of somatic mosaic copy number variation (CNV) at the time around birth, by sampling eight different organs from a total of five fetuses and newborns. Overall we find a significantly lower frequency of organ specific (i.e. mosaic) CNVs as compared to adults (p = 0.003; Mann-Whitney U-test). The rate of somatic CNV in adults has been estimated to around 2.2 CNV per organ assayed. In contrast, after stringent filtering, we found no organ-private CNVs in fetuses or newborns with exception of the thymus. This organ exhibited a specific genome profile in the form of deletions resulting from polyclonal T-cell receptor rearrangements. This implies that somatic non-immune related CNVs, if present at birth, are typically confined to very small cell populations within organs.
Haptic Edge Detection Through Shear
Authors: Platkiewicz Jonathan , Lipson Hod , Hayward Vincent
Published: March 2016

Most tactile sensors are based on the assumption that touch depends on measuring pressure. However, the pressure distribution at the surface of a tactile sensor cannot be acquired directly and must be inferred from the deformation field induced by the touched object in the sensor medium. Currently, there is no consensus as to which components of strain are most informative for tactile sensing. Here, we propose that shape-related tactile information is more suitably recovered from shear strain than normal strain. Based on a contact mechanics analysis, we demonstrate that the elastic behavior of a haptic probe provides a robust edge detection mechanism when shear strain is sensed. We used a jamming-based robot gripper as a tactile sensor to empirically validate that shear strain processing gives accurate edge information that is invariant to changes in pressure, as predicted by the contact mechanics study. This result has implications for the design of effective tactile sensors as well as for the understanding of the early somatosensory processing in mammals.
miR-isomiRExp: a web-server for the analysis of expression of miRNA at the miRNA/isomiR levels
Authors: Guo Li , Yu Jiafeng , Liang Tingming , Zou Quan
Published: March 2016

MicroRNA (miRNA) locus has been found that can generate a series of varied isomiR sequences. Most studies always focus on determining miRNA level, however, the canonical miRNA sequence is only a specific member in the multiple isomiRs. Some studies have shown that isomiR sequences play versatile roles in biological progress, and the analysis and research should be simultaneously performed at the miRNA/isomiR levels. Based on the biological characteristics of miRNA and isomiR, we developed miR-isomiRExp to analyze expression pattern of miRNA at the miRNA/isomiR levels, provide insights into tracking miRNA/isomiR maturation and processing mechanisms, and reveal functional characteristics of miRNA/isomiR. Simultaneously, we also performed expression analysis of specific human diseases using public small RNA sequencing datasets based on the analysis platform, which may help in surveying the potential deregulated miRNA/isomiR expression profiles, especially sequence and function-related isomiRs for further interaction analysis and study. The miR-isomiRExp platform provides miRNA/isomiR expression patterns and more information to study deregulated miRNA loci and detailed isomiR sequences. This comprehensive analysis will enrich experimental miRNA studies. miR-isomiRExp is available at http://server.malab.cn/miRisomiRExp/.