bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance of Newly Developed Weed-Competitive Rice Cultivars under Lowland and Upland Weedy Conditions
Authors: Dimaano Niña Gracel B. , Ali Jauhar , Sta. Cruz Pompe C. , Baltazar Aurora M. , Diaz Maria Genaleen Q. , Acero Bart L. , Li Zhikang
Published: October 2017

Four early-generation backcross populations (BC1F2) derived from one common recipient parental background, Weed Tolerant Rice 1 (‘WTR1’), and four different donor parents (‘Y134’, ‘Zhong 143’, ‘Khazar’, and ‘Cheng Hui-448’) were tested to identify suitable donor and recipient parents for weed competitiveness and to standardize evaluation of the weed-competitive ability in rice. ‘GSR IR2-6’ (G-6) derived from a backcross of WTR1/Y134//WTR1 was selected as the best population and was advanced for phenotypic experiments in the 2014 dry season. The introgression lines (ILs) derived from the G-6 population were evaluated for seed germination and seedling vigor in greenhouse conditions and for weed-competitive ability under field conditions (upland weed-free, upland weedy, and lowland weedy). Parents and checks were included for comparison. Selection pressure for weed competitiveness was relatively stronger in upland conditions than in lowland conditions. After three rounds of selection and based on their relative grain yield performances across conditions, a total of 21 most-promising introgression fixed lines showing superior traits and weed-competitive ability were identified. G-6-L2-WL-3, G-6-RF6-WL-3, G-6-L15-WU-1,G-6-Y16-WL-2, and G-6-L6-WU-3 were the top ILs in lowland weedy conditions, whereas G-6-Y7-WL-3, G-6-Y6-WU-3, G-6-Y3-WL-3, and G-6-Y8-WU-1 were the highest yielding in upland weedy conditions. The use of weed-competitive rice cultivars in African and Asian countries will be a highly effective strategy to reduce production costs and provide alternative solutions to the unavailability of herbicides. Competitive rice varieties will also significantly improve grain yields in aerobic rice systems and can become an important strategy for successful upland rice production.
PTP4A1 promotes TGFβ signaling and fibrosis in systemic sclerosis
Authors: Sacchetti Cristiano , Bai Yunpeng , Stanford Stephanie M. , Di Benedetto Paola , Cipriani Paola , Santelli Eugenio , Piera-Velazquez Sonsoles , Chernitskiy Vladimir , Kiosses William B. , Ceponis Arnold , Kaestner Klaus H. , Boin Francesco , Jimenez Sergio A. , Giacomelli Roberto , Zhang Zhong-Yin , Bottini Nunzio
Published: October 2017

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease characterized by fibrosis of skin and internal organs. Protein tyrosine phosphatases have received little attention in the study of SSc or fibrosis. Here, we show that the tyrosine phosphatase PTP4A1 is highly expressed in fibroblasts from patients with SSc. PTP4A1 and its close homolog PTP4A2 are critical promoters of TGFβ signaling in primary dermal fibroblasts and of bleomycin-induced fibrosis in vivo. PTP4A1 promotes TGFβ signaling in human fibroblasts through enhancement of ERK activity, which stimulates SMAD3 expression and nuclear translocation. Upstream from ERK, we show that PTP4A1 directly interacts with SRC and inhibits SRC basal activation independently of its phosphatase activity. Unexpectedly, PTP4A2 minimally interacts with SRC and does not promote the SRC–ERK–SMAD3 pathway. Thus, in addition to defining PTP4A1 as a molecule of interest for TGFβ-dependent fibrosis, our study provides information regarding the functional specificity of different members of the PTP4A subclass of phosphatases.
Macrophage VLDLR mediates obesity-induced insulin resistance with adipose tissue inflammation
Authors: Shin Kyung Cheul , Hwang Injae , Choe Sung Sik , Park Jeu , Ji Yul , Kim Jong In , Lee Gha Young , Choi Sung Hee , Ching Jianhong , Kovalik Jean-Paul , Kim Jae Bum
Published: October 2017

Obesity is closely associated with increased adipose tissue macrophages (ATMs), which contribute to systemic insulin resistance and altered lipid metabolism by creating a pro-inflammatory environment. Very low-density lipoprotein receptor (VLDLR) is involved in lipoprotein uptake and storage. However, whether lipid uptake via VLDLR in macrophages affects obesity-induced inflammatory responses and insulin resistance is not well understood. Here we show that elevated VLDLR expression in ATMs promotes adipose tissue inflammation and glucose intolerance in obese mice. In macrophages, VLDL treatment upregulates intracellular levels of C16:0 ceramides in a VLDLR-dependent manner, which potentiates pro-inflammatory responses and promotes M1-like macrophage polarization. Adoptive transfer of VLDLR knockout bone marrow to wild-type mice relieves adipose tissue inflammation and improves insulin resistance in diet-induced obese mice. These findings suggest that increased VLDL-VLDLR signaling in ATMs aggravates adipose tissue inflammation and insulin resistance in obesity.
Immunosenescence patterns differ between populations but not between sexes in a long-lived mammal
Authors: Cheynel L. , Lemaître J.-F. , Gaillard J.-M. , Rey B. , Bourgoin G. , Ferté H. , Jégo M. , Débias F. , Pellerin M. , Jacob L. , Gilot-Fromont E.
Published: October 2017

In animals, physiological mechanisms underlying reproductive and actuarial senescence remain poorly understood. Immunosenescence, the decline in the ability to display an efficient immune response with increasing age, is likely to influence both reproductive and actuarial senescence through increased risk of disease. Evidence for such a link has been reported from laboratory animal models but has been poorly investigated in the wild, where variation in resource acquisitions usually drives life-history trade-offs. We investigated immunosenescence patterns over 7 years in both sexes of two contrasting roe deer populations (Capreolus capreolus). We first measured twelve immune markers to obtain a thorough identification of innate and adaptive components of immunity and assessed, from the same individuals, the age-dependent variation observed in parasitic infections. Although the level of innate traits was maintained at old age, the functional innate immune traits declined with increasing age in one of two populations. In both populations, the production of inflammatory markers increased with advancing age. Finally, the adaptive response declined in late adulthood. The increasing parasite burden with age we reported suggests the effective existence of immunosenescence. Age-specific patterns differed between populations but not between sexes, which indicate that habitat quality could shape age-dependent immune phenotype in the wild.
Focal Spot and Wavefront Sensing of an X-Ray Free Electron laser using Ronchi shearing interferometry
Authors: Nagler Bob , Aquila Andrew , Boutet Sébastien , Galtier Eric C. , Hashim Akel , S. Hunter Mark , Liang Mengning , Sakdinawat Anne E. , Schroer Christian G. , Schropp Andreas , Seaberg Matthew H. , Seiboth Frank , van Driel Tim , Xing Zhou , Liu Yanwei , Lee Hae Ja
Published: October 2017

The Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) is an X-ray source of unmatched brilliance, that is advancing many scientific fields at a rapid pace. The highest peak intensities that are routinely produced at LCLS take place at the Coherent X-ray Imaging (CXI) instrument, which can produce spotsize at the order of 100 nm, and such spotsizes and intensities are crucial for experiments ranging from coherent diffractive imaging, non-linear x-ray optics and high field physics, and single molecule imaging. Nevertheless, a full characterisation of this beam has up to now not been performed. In this paper we for the first time characterise this nanofocused beam in both phase and intensity using a Ronchi Shearing Interferometric technique. The method is fast, in-situ, uses a straightforward optimization algoritm, and is insensitive to spatial jitter.
Hippurate as a metabolomic marker of gut microbiome diversity: Modulation by diet and relationship to metabolic syndrome
Authors: Pallister Tess , Jackson Matthew A. , Martin Tiphaine C. , Zierer Jonas , Jennings Amy , Mohney Robert P. , MacGregor Alexander , Steves Claire J. , Cassidy Aedin , Spector Tim D. , Menni Cristina
Published: October 2017

Reduced gut microbiome diversity is associated with multiple disorders including metabolic syndrome (MetS) features, though metabolomic markers have not been investigated. Our objective was to identify blood metabolite markers of gut microbiome diversity, and explore their relationship with dietary intake and MetS. We examined associations between Shannon diversity and 292 metabolites profiled by the untargeted metabolomics provider Metabolon Inc. in 1529 females from TwinsUK using linear regressions adjusting for confounders and multiple testing (Bonferroni: P < 1.71 × 10−4). We replicated the top results in an independent sample of 420 individuals as well as discordant identical twin pairs and explored associations with self-reported intakes of 20 food groups. Longitudinal changes in circulating levels of the top metabolite, were examined for their association with food intake at baseline and with MetS at endpoint. Five metabolites were associated with microbiome diversity and replicated in the independent sample. Higher intakes of fruit and whole grains were associated with higher levels of hippurate cross-sectionally and longitudinally. An increasing hippurate trend was associated with reduced odds of having MetS (OR: 0.795[0.082]; P = 0.026). These data add further weight to the key role of the microbiome as a potential mediator of the impact of dietary intake on metabolic status and health.
Distinct retinoic acid receptor (RAR) isotypes control differentiation of embryonal carcinoma cells to dopaminergic or striatopallidal medium spiny neurons
Authors: Podleśny-Drabiniok Anna , Sobska Joanna , de Lera Angel R. , Gołembiowska Krystyna , Kamińska Katarzyna , Dollé Pascal , Cebrat Małgorzata , Krężel Wojciech
Published: October 2017

Embryonal carcinoma (EC) cells are pluripotent stem cells extensively used for studies of cell differentiation. Although retinoic acid (RA) is a powerful inducer of neurogenesis in EC cells, it is not clear what specific neuronal subtypes are generated and whether different RAR isotypes may contribute to such neuronal diversification. Here we show that RA treatment during EC embryoid body formation is a highly robust protocol for generation of striatal-like GABAergic neurons which display molecular characteristics of striatopallidal medium spiny neurons (MSNs), including expression of functional dopamine D2 receptor. By using RARα, β and γ selective agonists we show that RARγ is the functionally dominant RAR in mediating RA control of early molecular determinants of MSNs leading to formation of striatopallidal-like neurons. In contrast, activation of RARα is less efficient in generation of this class of neurons, but is essential for differentiation of functional dopaminergic neurons, which may correspond to a subpopulation of inhibitory dopaminergic neurons expressing glutamic acid decarboxylasein vivo.
Multi-modal sexual displays in Australian humpback dolphins
Authors: Allen S. J. , King S. L. , Krützen M. , Brown A. M.
Published: October 2017

Sexual displays enriched by object carrying serve to increase individual male fitness, yet are uncommon phenomena in the animal kingdom. While they have been documented in a variety of taxa, primarily birds, they are rare outside non-human mammals. Here, we document marine sponge presenting associated with visual and acoustic posturing found in several, geographically widespread populations of Australian humpback dolphins (Sousa sahulensis) over ten years of observation. Only adult males presented marine sponges, typically doing so in the presence of sexually mature females, although social groups predominantly consisted of mixed age and sex classes. Male humpback dolphins appear to be using sponges for signalling purposes in multi-modal sexual displays. Further, based on limited behavioural and genetic data, we hypothesise that pairs of adult male Sousa form at least temporary coalitions or alliances. The use of objects in sexual displays by non-human mammals is rare and, moreover, cooperation between males in the pursuit of an indivisible resource is an evolutionary hurdle relatively few species have overcome. These findings suggest a hitherto unrecognised level of social complexity in humpback dolphins.
Breast-Lesion Characterization using Textural Features of Quantitative Ultrasound Parametric Maps
Authors: Sadeghi-Naini Ali , Suraweera Harini , Tran William Tyler , Hadizad Farnoosh , Bruni Giancarlo , Rastegar Rashin Fallah , Curpen Belinda , Czarnota Gregory J.
Published: October 2017

This study evaluated, for the first time, the efficacy of quantitative ultrasound (QUS) spectral parametric maps in conjunction with texture-analysis techniques to differentiate non-invasively benign versus malignant breast lesions. Ultrasound B-mode images and radiofrequency data were acquired from 78 patients with suspicious breast lesions. QUS spectral-analysis techniques were performed on radiofrequency data to generate parametric maps of mid-band fit, spectral slope, spectral intercept, spacing among scatterers, average scatterer diameter, and average acoustic concentration. Texture-analysis techniques were applied to determine imaging biomarkers consisting of mean, contrast, correlation, energy and homogeneity features of parametric maps. These biomarkers were utilized to classify benign versus malignant lesions with leave-one-patient-out cross-validation. Results were compared to histopathology findings from biopsy specimens and radiology reports on MR images to evaluate the accuracy of technique. Among the biomarkers investigated, one mean-value parameter and 14 textural features demonstrated statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) between the two lesion types. A hybrid biomarker developed using a stepwise feature selection method could classify the legions with a sensitivity of 96%, a specificity of 84%, and an AUC of 0.97. Findings from this study pave the way towards adapting novel QUS-based frameworks for breast cancer screening and rapid diagnosis in clinic.
Engineering a short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase for the stereoselective production of (2S,3R,4S)-4-hydroxyisoleucine with three asymmetric centers
Authors: Shi Xuan , Miyakawa Takuya , Nakamura Akira , Hou Feng , Hibi Makoto , Ogawa Jun , Kwon Yeondae , Tanokura Masaru
Published: October 2017

Fenugreek is a dietary supplement for anti-aging and human health. (2S,3R,4S)-4-hydroxyisoleucine (4-HIL), which is extracted from fenugreek seeds, is expected to be a promising orally active drug for diabetes and diabetic nephropathy because of its insulinotropic effect. Although several chemical synthesis methods of 4-HIL have been proposed, these methods require multistep reactions to control the stereochemistry of 4-HIL. In this study, we modified the key enzyme 4-HIL dehydrogenase (HILDH) to overcome the biggest limitation in commercial-scale production of 4-HIL. As a result, an effective one-step carbonyl reduction to produce (2S,3R,4S)-4-HIL was successfully accomplished with strict stereoselectivity (>99% de). Mass production of (2S,3R,4S)-4-HIL by our synthetic method could have a significant contribution to the prevention of diabetes, dyslipidemia, and Alzheimer’s disease. (120 words/200 words)
Cyclobutane-1,3-Diacid (CBDA): A Semi-Rigid Building Block Prepared by [2+2] Photocyclization for Polymeric Materials
Authors: Wang Zhihan , Miller Benjamin , Mabin Micah , Shahni Rahul , Wang Zijun D. , Ugrinov Angel , Chu Qianli R.
Published: October 2017

A previously overlooked building block, cyclobutane-1,3-diacid (CBDA), is introduced to materials synthesis due to its great potentials. As an example of CBDA, α-truxillic acid or 2,4-diphenylcyclobutane-1,3-dicarboxylic acid, was readily synthesized from commercially available trans-cinnamic acid. This CBDA showed outstanding stability both in sunlight and upon heating. While its two carboxylic acid groups can be readily utilized in connecting with other molecules to form new materials, the cyclobutane ring was able to tolerate acid and base treatments showing good chemical stability. A series of cyclobutane-containing polymers (CBPs), namely poly-α-truxillates, were obtained by condensation between α-truxillic acid and diols including ethylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,5-petanediol, and 1,6-hexanediol. The structures of these poly-α-truxillates were analyzed by NMR, FT-IR, and HRMS. Powder X-ray diffraction results of the poly-α-truxillates indicated that they are semi-crystalline materials. Preliminary thermal, chemical, and photochemical tests showed that the poly-α-truxillates exhibited comparable stabilities to PET.
Photosensing and Thermosensing by Phytochrome B Require Both Proximal and Distal Allosteric Features within the Dimeric Photoreceptor
Authors: Burgie E. Sethe , Bussell Adam N. , Lye Shu-Hui , Wang Tong , Hu Weiming , McLoughlin Katrice E. , Weber Erin L. , Li Huilin , Vierstra Richard D.
Published: October 2017

Phytochromes (Phys) encompass a diverse collection of bilin-containing photoreceptors that help plants and microorganisms perceive light through photointerconversion between red light (Pr) and far-red light (Pfr)-absorbing states. In addition, Pfr reverts thermally back to Pr via a highly enthalpic process that enables temperature sensation in plants and possibly other organisms. Through domain analysis of the Arabidopsis PhyB isoform assembled recombinantly, coupled with measurements of solution size, photoconversion, and thermal reversion, we identified both proximal and distal features that influence all three metrics. Included are the downstream C-terminal histidine kinase-related domain known to promote dimerization and a conserved patch just upstream of an N-terminal Period/Arnt/Sim (PAS) domain, which upon removal dramatically accelerates thermal reversion. We also discovered that the nature of the bilin strongly influences Pfr stability. Whereas incorporation of the native bilin phytochromobilin into PhyB confers robust Pfr → Pr thermal reversion, that assembled with the cyanobacterial version phycocyanobilin, often used for optogenetics, has a dramatically stabilized Pfr state. Taken together, we conclude that Pfr acquisition and stability are impacted by a collection of opposing allosteric features that inhibit or promote photoconversion and reversion of Pfr back to Pr, thus allowing Phys to dynamically measure light, temperature, and possibly time.
Deterioration of the Hanson Logboat: chemical and imaging assessment with removal of polyethylene glycol conserving agent
Authors: Pinder Adam P. , Panter Ian , Abbott Geoffrey D. , Keely Brendan J.
Published: October 2017

The state of preservation of wood in two samples from the Hanson Logboat, currently on display in Derby Museum and Art Gallery, was analysed using elemental analysis (EA), pyrolysis–gas chromatography/flame ionisation detection (Py-GC/FID), pyrolysis–gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py–GC/MS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The samples were collected in 2003, after the boat had undergone conservation, and in 2011 after the condition of the boat began to deteriorate. Solvent extraction enabled removal of polyethylene glycol, with which the wood had been impregnated during conservation, allowing the degradation of the cellulose and lignin polymeric components of the woods to be assessed. Elemental compositions (C, H, N, O, S), Py–GC/FID, Py-GC/MS and SEM imaging reveal extensive degradation of the wood polymers during the eight year period since conservation.
Controlling the Overfitting of Heritability in Genomic Selection through Cross Validation
Authors: Jia Zhenyu
Published: October 2017

In genomic selection (GS), all the markers across the entire genome are used to conduct marker-assisted selection such that each quantitative trait locus of complex trait is in linkage disequilibrium with at least one marker. Although GS improves estimated breeding values and genetic gain, in most GS models genetic variance is estimated from training samples with many trait-irrelevant markers, which leads to severe overfitting in the calculation of trait heritability. In this study, we demonstrated overfitting heritability due to the inclusion of trait-irrelevant markers using a series of simulations, and such overfitting can be effectively controlled by cross validation experiment. In the proposed method, the genetic variance is simply the variance of the genetic values predicted through cross validation, the residual variance is the variance of the differences between the observed phenotypic values and the predicted genetic values, and these two resultant variance components are used for calculating the unbiased heritability. We also demonstrated that the heritability calculated through cross validation is equivalent to trait predictability, which objectively reflects the applicability of the GS models. The proposed method can be implemented with the Mixed Procedure in SAS or with our R package “GSMX” which is publically available at https://cran.r-project.org/web/packages/GSMX/index.html.
HIV-1 sequences in the epidemic suggest an alternative pathway for the generation of the Long Terminal Repeats
Authors: Cappy Pierre , Moisan Alice , De Oliveira Fabienne , Plantier Jean-Christophe , Negroni Matteo
Published: October 2017

To generate the long-terminal repeats (LTR) that border the integrated viral genome, two-strand transfer steps must occur during reverse transcription. Analysis of the genetic polymorphisms that are present in the LTR of HIV-1 heterozygous virions in single infection cycle studies has revealed which of the two copies of genomic RNAs is used for each transfer event. Thus, the first event of strand transfer has been described to be either intra- or intermolecular, while the second event is generally intramolecular. Here, we repeated these analyses using sequences from HIV databases and extended the study to the regions surrounding the LTR. We observed a striking correlation between the pattern of recombination in the LTR and the phylogenetic origin of the surrounding sequences. This correlation suggests that the second-strand transfer can be either intra- or intermolecular and, interestingly, could reflect an effect of proximity between nucleic acids that would guide this transfer. This factor could be particularly relevant for heterozygous viruses containing highly divergent genomic RNAs, such as those considered in the present study.
Mast cell involvement in glucose tolerance impairment caused by chronic mild stress with sleep disturbance
Authors: Chikahisa Sachiko , Harada Saki , Shimizu Noriyuki , Shiuchi Tetsuya , Otsuka Airi , Nishino Seiji , Séi Hiroyoshi
Published: October 2017

We have developed a chronic mild stress (MS) mouse model by simply rearing mice on a wire net for 3 weeks and investigated the effects of MS on glucose homeostasis and sleep. MS mice showed impaired glucose tolerance and disturbed sleep. One-week treatment with a histamine H1 receptor antagonist (H1RA) ameliorated the glucose intolerance and improved sleep quality in MS mice. MS mice showed an increased number of mast cells in both adipose tissue and the brain. Inhibition of mast cell function ameliorated the impairment in both glucose tolerance and sleep. Together, these findings indicate that mast cells may represent an important pathophysiological mediator in sleep and energy homeostasis.
ROCK inhibition with Fasudil induces beta-catenin nuclear translocation and inhibits cell migration of MDA-MB 231 human breast cancer cells
Authors: Guerra Fabiana Sélos , Oliveira Ramon Guerra de , Fraga Carlos Alberto Manssour , Mermelstein Claudia dos Santos , Fernandes Patricia Dias
Published: October 2017

Tumor aggressiveness is usually associated with metastasis. MDA-MB 231, a triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), is an aggressive type of breast cancer and associated with early metastasis. The Rho/ROCK pathway is a key regulator of cell motility involving cytoskeleton regulation through stabilization of actin filaments and stress fiber formation. In this study we show that Fasudil, a ROCK inhibitor, inhibited the migration of MDA-MB 231 and A549 cells, without altering the viability of these cells at the concentration of 10 μM, modified tumor cell morphology, with disorganization of stress fibers and promotes activation of the canonical-Wnt/beta-catenin pathway. Therefore, Fasudil present a promising approach to the prevention of breast cancer metastasis through a different mechanism of action from the well-known one.
A versatile rhodium(iii) catalyst for direct acyloxylation of aryl and alkenyl C–H bonds with carboxylic acids
Authors: Chen Changjun , Pan Yixiao , Zhao Haoqiang , Xu Xin , Xu Jianbin , Zhang Zongyao , Xi Siqi , Xu Lijin , Li Huanrong
Published: October 2017

Rh(iii)-Catalyzed highly regioselective direct acyloxylation of aryl and alkenyl sp2 C–H bonds with various carboxylic acids has been developed.
High density oxidative plasma unzipping of multiwall carbon nanotubes
Authors: Thomas Rajesh , Hembram K. P. S. S. , Kumar B. V. Mohan , Rao G. Mohan
Published: October 2017

Oxidative plasma-assisted unzipping of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) to transform them into petal like nano ribbons, releasing excessive strain with various plasma exposure times.
Heterogeneous catalytic synthesis of quinoline compounds from aniline and C1–C4 alcohols over zeolite-based catalysts
Authors: Huang Chen , Li An , Chao Zi-Sheng
Published: October 2017

The synthesis of quinolines from aniline and a C1–C4 alcohol was conducted under gas-phase reaction conditions over a series of zeolite-based catalysts.
Optimization of a minimal synergistic enzyme system for hydrolysis of raw cassava pulp
Authors: Bunterngsook Benjarat , Laothanachareon Thanaporn , Natrchalayuth Suda , Lertphanich Sirithorn , Fujii Tatsuya , Inoue Hiroyuki , Youngthong Chalermkiart , Chantasingh Duriya , Eurwilaichitr Lily , Champreda Verawat
Published: October 2017

Cassava pulp is an underused agricultural by-product comprising residual starch granules entrapped in cell wall polysaccharides, making it unique from other lignocellulosic wastes in terms of enzymatic processing.
Insights into the heterogeneous distribution of SERS effect in plasmonic hot spots between Au@SiO2monolayer film and gold single crystal plates
Authors: Wei Chao , Zhang Chenjie , Zhang Jing , Xu Minmin , Yuan Yaxian , Yao Jianlin
Published: October 2017

Plasmonic hot spots, capable of confining strong electromagnetic fields near metallic surfaces, are particularly essential to a variety of enhanced spectroscopic techniques.
Hydrogenation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural to 2,5 dimethylfuran over nickel supported tungsten oxide nanostructured catalyst
Authors: Siddiqui Nazia , Roy Anupam Singha , Goyal Reena , Khatun Rubina , Pendem Chandrashekar , Chokkapu Appala Naidu , Bordoloi Ankur , Bal Rajaram
Published: October 2017

2,5 Dimethylfuran (DMF) can be considered as a promising new generation alternative fuel, which has the potential to solve the fossil fuel shortage and also the ongoing global warming issues.
Paternal Diet and Obesity: Effects on Reproduction
Authors: Polotsky Alex , Aly Jasmine
Published: October 2017

Although most research has focused on maternal obesity, there is growing data to indicate that obesity in the father can affect reproduction. Supporting data come from both mouse and human studies. Murine studies found that obese male mice exhibited decreased motility and reduced hyperactivated progression versus lean mice. Obese mice also exhibited sperm with increased levels of intracellular and mitochondrial levels of reactive oxygen species, increased sperm damage, and lower levels of capacitation, which has been shown to be associated with poor fertilization rates following in vitro fertilization, defective preimplantation embryonic development, and high rates of miscarriage and morbidity in the offspring. Furthermore, diet-induced paternal obesity was found to initiate intergenerational transmission of obesity and insulin resistance in two generations of murine offspring. Meta-analysis from human studies found obese males were more likely to demonstrate sperm DNA fragmentation, infertility, decreased live birth per cycle of assisted reproduction technology, and increased absolute risk of pregnancy nonviability, with no consistent effect on conventional semen parameters. There is a need for future studies to expound on the mechanisms of sperm DNA damage and the impact of weight loss in reversing this damage.
Pharmacologic Treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Alternate and Future Paths
Authors: Legro Richard , Duguech Luciana
Published: October 2017

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex disorder which interacts with other genetic and environmental factors to cause dysregulation of steroidogenesis and anovulation as well as insulin resistance. Treatments which address the long-term effects of this unique combination of reproductive and metabolic dysfunction are needed. Over the past decade, new insights into the genetic factors of PCOS and biotechnological advances have led to potential treatments for women with PCOS. These treatments include both new potent pharmaceutical compounds and repurposed drugs which target different steps in metabolic-reproductive pathways to improve long-term health of women with PCOS. These new therapies target key enzymes involved in steroidogenesis, regulatory pathways of gonadotropin secretion, or lower oxidative stress. We review in this article the current common treatments of PCOS, recent developments in the field, and current information on the mode of action, efficacy, and safety of emerging therapeutic compounds.
Midterm Results of Four-Corner Fusion Using Dorsal Circular Plate Fixation
Authors: Deglmann Claus , Celigoj Vanja , Lukas Bernhard , Elgammal Ahmed
Published: October 2017

Purpose The purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate the results of four-corner fusion using dorsal circular plate.

Methods We operated on 20 patients between 2009 and 2011.

Results At a mean follow-up period of 30 months (range: 14–62, SD: 16), the mean VAS improved from 8 (range: 4–10, SD: 2) preoperatively to 4 (range: 0–8, SD: 2). Function measured with the DASH score improved from 37 (range: 10–75, SD: 18) to 26 (range: 2.5–64, SD: 19). Eighteen patients in our series showed full consolidation and two patients showed persistent nonunion. Three cases required plate removal due to dorsal impingement.

Conclusion  Four-corner fusion using dorsal circular plate showed satisfactory results in this study, but it did not show superior results compared with simpler fixation methods mentioned in the literature, such as K-wires or screw fixation. Currently, we are principally using K-wires as a fixation method of choice in our four-corner fusion procedures.

Level of Evidence  Level II.
Synthesis of mesoporous Cr/ZSM-5 and W-Cr/ZSM-5 zeolite catalysts for oxidation of unsaturated fatty acid
Authors: Hoang Phan Huy , Nhung Nguyen Thi , Dien Le Quang
Published: October 2017

The mesoporous Cr/ZSM-5 and W-Cr/ZSM-5 zeolites have been successfully synthesized by loading chromium and tungsten on zeolite support. The metal loaded ZSM-5 catalysts were analyzed by several characterizations such as XRD, SEM-EDS, TEM, and BET. The catalytic activities and recycle efficiency were also investigated by applying catalysts for oxidation of oleic acid. These catalysts exhibited the high catalytic efficiency for cleavage of double bond with the use of H2O2. The oleic conversion of 88.7% and 93.3% could be achieved for Cr/ZSM-5 and W-Cr/ZSM-5 catalyst, respectively. Moreover, the modified ZSM-5 catalysts also demonstrated a long life time and high stability.
X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy investigations of band offsets in Ga0.02Zn0.98O/ZnO heterojunction for UV photodetectors
Authors: Singh Karmvir , Rawal Ishpal , Punia Rajesh , Dhar Rakesh
Published: October 2017

Here, we report the valence and conduction band offset measurements in pure ZnO and the Ga0.02Zn0.98O/ZnO heterojunction by X-Ray photoelectron spectroscopy studies for UV photodetector applications. For detailed investigations on the band offsets and UV photodetection behavior of Ga0.02Zn0.98O/ZnO heterostructures, thin films of pristine ZnO, Ga-doped ZnO (Ga0.02Zn0.98O), and heterostructures of Ga-doped ZnO with ZnO (Ga0.02Zn0.98O/ZnO) were deposited using a pulsed laser deposition technique. The deposited thin films were characterized by X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, and UV-Vis spectroscopy. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy studies were carried out on all the thin films for the investigation of valence and conduction band offsets. The valence band was found to be shifted by 0.28 eV, while the conduction band has a shifting of −0.272 eV in the Ga0.02Zn0.98O/ZnO heterojunction as compared to pristine ZnO thin films. All the three samples were analyzed for photoconduction behavior under UVA light of the intensity of 3.3 mW/cm2, and it was observed that the photoresponse of pristine ZnO (19.75%) was found to increase with 2 wt. % doping of Ga (22.62%) and heterostructured thin films (29.10%). The mechanism of UV photodetection in the deposited samples has been discussed in detail, and the interaction of chemisorbed oxygen on the ZnO surface with holes generated by UV light exposure has been the observed mechanism for the change in electrical conductivity responsible for UV photoresponse on the present deposited ZnO films.
Influence of metal electrode on the performance of ZnO based resistance switching memories
Authors: Wang Xueting , Qian Haolei , Guan Liao , Wang Wei , Xing Boran , Yan Xiaoyuan , Zhang Shucheng , Sha Jian , Wang Yewu
Published: October 2017

Resistance random access memory (RRAM) is considered a promising candidate for the next generation of non-volatile memory. In this work, we fabricate metal (Ag, Ti, or Pt)/ZnO/Pt RRAM cells and then systematically investigate the effects of different top electrodes and their performance. With the formation and rupture of Ag-bridge and the shapeless oxygen vacancy filaments under a series of positive and negative bias, the set and reset processes have been successfully conducted in the Ag/ZnO/Pt device with very low work voltage, high on-off ratio, and good endurance. When applying the voltage bias to the Ti/ZnO/Pt device, the interfacial oxygen ions' migration causes the redox reaction of the conducting filament's oxygen vacancies, leading to the formation and rupture of the conducting filaments but in a relatively poor endurance. At the same time, for the Pt/ZnO/Pt device, once the filaments in the functional layer consisting of oxygen vacancies are formed, it is difficult to disrupt, resulting in the permanent low resistance state after a forming-like process. The results demonstrated that the devices with a metallic conductive bridge mechanism show much better switching behaviors than those with an oxygen ion/vacancy filament mechanism.
Significantly extended cutoff wavelength of very long-wave infrared detectors based on InAs/GaSb/InSb/GaSb superlattices
Authors: Jiang Dongwei , Han Xi , Hao Hongyue , Sun Yaoyao , Jiang Zhi , Lv Yuexi , Guo Chunyan , Wang Guowei , Xu Yingqiang , Yu Yang , Niu Zhichuan
Published: October 2017

The authors report significant tunability of the bandgap in very long-wave infrared (VLWIR) InAs/GaSb/InSb/GaSb superlattices. Calculations using the empirical tight binding method have shown the flexibility in tuning the energy levels of the valence band by inserting a thin InSb layer in the middle of the GaSb layer of a normal type-II binary InAs/GaSb superlattice. Through the experimental realization of several barrier structure photodiodes with 15 ML InAs/7 ML GaSb active region, the cutoff wavelength was extended from 14.5 μm to 18.2 μm by inserting 0.6 ML InSb at different locations in GaSb layer. The agreement between the theoretical predictions and the experimental measurement suggests a way to exploit this advantage for the realization of very long-wave infrared detection without increasing the thickness of InAs layer. At 77 K, the quantum efficiency of a very long-wave detector with the cutoff wavelength of 16.9 μm reached at a maximum value of 30%, and the R0A is kept at a stable value of 10 Ω cm2 with the peak detectivity of 2.73 × 1011 cm Hz1/2/W. The operability and the uniformity in responsivity of the 320 × 256 very long-wave focal plane arrays were 88% and 80%. The noise equivalent temperature difference at 65 K presents a peak at 25 mK, corresponding to an average value of 60 mK, with an integration time of 0.5 ms, a 300 K background, and f/2 optics.
Nanosecond microscopy of capacitance at SiO2/4H-SiC interfaces by time-resolved scanning nonlinear dielectric microscopy
Authors: Yamagishi Y. , Cho Y.
Published: October 2017

The time-resolved measurement of capacitance is a powerful method in the evaluation of defects in semiconductors, carrier dynamics in quantum dots, and photo-induced dynamics in photovoltaic materials. In this study, we demonstrate time-resolved capacitance measurements at the nanoscale using scanning nonlinear dielectric microscopy. We detected the capacitance transient of SiO2/4H-SiC interfaces triggered by the application of a 3 ns pulse, showing the high temporal resolution of the developed method. We exemplified the method with the evaluation of the density and activation energy of defects at SiO2/4H-SiC interfaces that verified the quantitative capability and high sensitivity of the method. Two-dimensional mapping of the interface states showed nanoscale inhomogeneous contrasts, implying that the physical origin of the defects at SiO2/4H-SiC interfaces is microscopically clustered.
High-quality AlN film grown on a nanosized concave–convex surface sapphire substrate by metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy
Authors: Yoshikawa Akira , Nagatomi Takaharu , Morishita Tomohiro , Iwaya Motoaki , Takeuchi Tetsuya , Kamiyama Satoshi , Akasaki Isamu
Published: October 2017

We developed a method for fabricating high-crystal-quality AlN films by combining a randomly distributed nanosized concavo–convex sapphire substrate (NCC-SS) and a three-step growth method optimized for NCC-SS, i.e., a 3-nm-thick nucleation layer (870 °C), a 150-nm-thick high-temperature layer (1250 °C), and a 3.2-μm-thick medium-temperature layer (1110 °C). The NCC-SS is easily fabricated using a conventional metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy reactor equipped with a showerhead plate. The resultant AlN film has a crack-free and single-step surface with a root-mean-square roughness of 0.5 nm. The full-widths at half-maxima of the X-ray rocking curve were 50/250 arcsec for the (0002)/(10–12) planes, revealing that the NCC surface is critical for achieving such a high-quality film. Hexagonal-pyramid-shaped voids at the AlN/NCC-SS interface and confinement of dislocations within the 150-nm-thick high-temperature layer were confirmed. The NCC surface feature and resultant faceted voids play an important role in the growth of high-crystal-quality AlN films, likely via localized and/or disordered growth of AlN at the initial stage, contributing to the alignment of high-crystal-quality nuclei and dislocations.
Nitrous oxide emissions are enhanced in a warmer and wetter world
Authors: Griffis Timothy J. , Chen Zichong , Baker John M. , Wood Jeffrey D. , Millet Dylan B. , Lee Xuhui , Venterea Rodney T. , Turner Peter A.
Published: October 2017

Significance

N
2
O has 300 times the global warming potential of CO
2
on a 100-y timescale, and is of major importance for stratospheric ozone depletion. The climate sensitivity of N
2
O emissions is poorly known, which makes it difficult to project how changing fertilizer use and climate will impact radiative forcing and the ozone layer. Here, atmospheric inverse analyses reveal that direct and indirect N
2
O emissions from the US Corn Belt are highly sensitive to perturbations in temperature and precipitation. We combine top-down constraints on these emissions with a land surface model to evaluate the climate feedback on N
2
O emissions. Our results show that, as the world becomes warmer and wetter, such feedbacks will pose a major challenge to N
2
O mitigation efforts.
Estradiol modulates the efficacy of synaptic inhibition by decreasing the dwell time of GABAAreceptors at inhibitory synapses
Authors: Mukherjee Jayanta , Cardarelli Ross A. , Cantaut-Belarif Yasmine , Deeb Tarek Z. , Srivastava Deepak P. , Tyagarajan Shiva K. , Pangalos Menelas N. , Triller Antoine , Maguire Jamie , Brandon Nicholas J. , Moss Stephen J.
Published: October 2017

Significance

Our knowledge of how estrogen signaling can influence inhibitory synaptic transmission is rudimentary and is addressed here. Collectively, our data suggest that estrogen modulates the dynamics of surface GABAAreceptors and hence efficacy of synaptic inhibition, via a postsynaptic mechanism that relies on disrupting the postsynaptic scaffold. This regulatory mechanism may have profound effects on the efficacy of neuronal inhibition and therefore synaptic plasticity and thus play a role in the pathophysiology of estrogen-related seizure and cognitive disorders.
Entropy and optimality in river deltas
Authors: Tejedor Alejandro , Longjas Anthony , Edmonds Douglas A. , Zaliapin Ilya , Georgiou Tryphon T. , Rinaldo Andrea , Foufoula-Georgiou Efi
Published: October 2017

Significance

River deltas are critically important Earthscapes at the land–water interface, supporting dense populations and diverse ecosystems while also providing disproportionately large food and energy resources. Deltas exhibit complex channel networks that dictate how water, sediment, and nutrients are spread over the delta surface. By adapting concepts from information theory, we show that a range of field and numerically generated deltas obey an optimality principle that suggests that deltas self-organize to increase the diversity of sediment transport pathways across the delta channels to the shoreline. We suggest that optimal delta configurations are also more resilient because the same mechanism that diversifies the delivery of fluxes to the shoreline also enhances the dampening of possible perturbations.
Synchrony and pattern formation of coupled genetic oscillators on a chip of artificial cells
Authors: Tayar Alexandra M. , Karzbrun Eyal , Noireaux Vincent , Bar-Ziv Roy H.
Published: October 2017

Significance

Synchrony, entrainment, and pattern formation are nonlinear modes of communication and collective behavior in living systems across scales. We aim to understand these complex processes by building them bottom-up in a minimal environment to unravel basic rules governing their behavior. However, it has so far been challenging to emulate spatially distributed coupled gene expression cellular reactions. We show a microfluidic device of a confined coupled system of DNA compartments programmed with nonlinear genetic oscillator and diffusion-based communication. This approach provides unique control of experimental parameters, which reveals a rich phenomenology of cell-free gene expression patterns in space and time.
Epigenetic mechanisms modulate differences in
Drosophila
foraging behavior
Authors: Anreiter Ina , Kramer Jamie M. , Sokolowski Marla B.
Published: October 2017

Significance

Individuals of the same species display remarkable variation in behavior even in identical contexts, but the molecular mechanisms that underlie this variation are still poorly understood. Here we present important findings on the regulation of behavioral variation. We show that epigenetic regulation interacts with genetic variation, and provide causal evidence that this mechanism underlies distinct foraging behavioral strategies. More globally, our findings show that individuals within a species may behave differently due to the epigenetic control of gene expression.
What does ‘emergency’ mean?
Authors: Levonian Raluca-Mihaela
Published: October 2017

This article analyzes political interviews, focusing on the corrections made by the interviewees in their answers, from a comparative perspective. The data included both Romanian and Italian language interviews, published in print and online media. Two criteria for the classification of corrections have been identified, one regarding the target of the correction and one regarding the form in which the correction is made. The results show that content-oriented corrections are the most frequent type in both corpora, while mitigated corrections appeared more often in the Italian corpus than in the Romanian one. The politicians interviewed use corrections in order to reject the interviewer’s stance and to demonstrate a better understanding or knowledge of the topic discussed.
The Bakhtin case
Authors: Létourneau Alain
Published: October 2017

Studies about dialogue are conducted in a descriptive perspective, but also in a so-called normative approach or tradition. Taking Bakhtin’s case, I consider this tension and show how it can be treated as a question of disciplines and interdisciplinarity, which permits us to understand how they are both necessary and complement each other. This disciplinary angle can be relevant to understand Bakhtin’s own work but also other research paths. Showing then how this way of structuring research is lacking certain elements notably the evaluative aspect of any discourse and discourse study, I develop the hypothesis according to which a triad of terms might be more useful to reflect and study dialogue than just the descriptive/normative dyad, suggesting the introduction of Peircian categories.
Using social injunctive norms to nudge users to build green houses / El empleo de normas prescriptivas sociales para animar a los usuarios a construir casas ecológicas
Authors: Corrégé Jean-Baptiste , Clavel Céline , Christophe Julien , Ammi Mehdi
Published: October 2017

We propose a study that aims to evaluate the impact of social injunctive normative messages on users of a building renovation application. We used software that allowed participants to design renovation projects from an existing building and test different configurations. The main objective of this research was to evaluate the efficiency of injunctive social norms in order to incentivize energy-efficient renovation. We compared three groups varying in the presence or absence of the normative message and its salience. Results showed that compared to the control group, the salient injunctive norm group designs significantly more energy efficient buildings. We also found a marginally significant difference between non-salient injunctive norm and salient injunctive norm groups. Results have several implications for both social norm researchers and designers of similar applications.