bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aerosol influence on energy balance of the middle atmosphere of Jupiter
Authors: Zhang Xi , West Robert A. , Irwin Patrick G. J. , Nixon Conor A. , Yung Yuk L.
Published: December 2015

Aerosols are ubiquitous in planetary atmospheres in the Solar System. However, radiative forcing on Jupiter has traditionally been attributed to solar heating and infrared cooling of gaseous constituents only, while the significance of aerosol radiative effects has been a long-standing controversy. Here we show, based on observations from the NASA spacecraft Voyager and Cassini, that gases alone cannot maintain the global energy balance in the middle atmosphere of Jupiter. Instead, a thick aerosol layer consisting of fluffy, fractal aggregate particles produced by photochemistry and auroral chemistry dominates the stratospheric radiative heating at middle and high latitudes, exceeding the local gas heating rate by a factor of 5–10. On a global average, aerosol heating is comparable to the gas contribution and aerosol cooling is more important than previously thought. We argue that fractal aggregate particles may also have a significant role in controlling the atmospheric radiative energy balance on other planets, as on Jupiter.
Appetitive floral odours prevent aggression in honeybees
Authors: Nouvian Morgane , Hotier Lucie , Claudianos Charles , Giurfa Martin , Reinhard Judith
Published: December 2015

Honeybees defend their colonies aggressively against intruders and release a potent alarm pheromone to recruit nestmates into defensive tasks. The effect of floral odours on this behaviour has never been studied, despite the relevance of these olfactory cues for the biology of bees. Here we use a novel assay to investigate social and olfactory cues that drive defensive behaviour in bees. We show that social interactions are necessary to reveal the recruiting function of the alarm pheromone and that specific floral odours—linalool and 2-phenylethanol—have the surprising capacity to block recruitment by the alarm pheromone. This effect is not due to an olfactory masking of the pheromone by the floral odours, but correlates with their appetitive value. In addition to their potential applications, these findings provide new insights about how honeybees make the decision to engage into defence and how conflicting information affects this process.
Correlated compositional and mineralogical investigations at the Chang′e-3 landing site
Authors: Ling Zongcheng , Jolliff Bradley L. , Wang Alian , Li Chunlai , Liu Jianzhong , Zhang Jiang , Li Bo , Sun Lingzhi , Chen Jian , Xiao Long , Liu Jianjun , Ren Xin , Peng Wenxi , Wang Huanyu , Cui Xingzhu , He Zhiping , Wang Jianyu
Published: December 2015

The chemical compositions of relatively young mare lava flows have implications for the late volcanism on the Moon. Here we report the composition of soil along the rim of a 450-m diameter fresh crater at the Chang′e-3 (CE-3) landing site, investigated by the Yutu rover with in situ APXS (Active Particle-induced X-ray Spectrometer) and VNIS (Visible and Near-infrared Imaging Spectrometer) measurements. Results indicate that this region's composition differs from other mare sample-return sites and is a new type of mare basalt not previously sampled, but consistent with remote sensing. The CE-3 regolith derived from olivine-normative basaltic rocks with high FeO/(FeO+MgO). Deconvolution of the VNIS data indicates abundant high-Ca ferropyroxene (augite and pigeonite) plus Fe-rich olivine. We infer from the regolith composition that the basaltic source rocks formed during late-stage magma-ocean differentiation when dense ferropyroxene-ilmenite cumulates sank and mixed with deeper, relatively ferroan olivine and orthopyroxene in a hybridized mantle source.
Global insights into acetic acid resistance mechanisms and genetic stability of Acetobacter pasteurianus strains by comparative genomics
Authors: Wang Bin , Shao Yanchun , Chen Tao , Chen Wanping , Chen Fusheng
Published: December 2015

Acetobacter pasteurianus (Ap) CICC 20001 and CGMCC 1.41 are two acetic acid bacteria strains that, because of their strong abilities to produce and tolerate high concentrations of acetic acid, have been widely used to brew vinegar in China. To globally understand the fermentation characteristics, acid-tolerant mechanisms and genetic stabilities, their genomes were sequenced. Genomic comparisons with 9 other sequenced Ap strains revealed that their chromosomes were evolutionarily conserved, whereas the plasmids were unique compared with other Ap strains. Analysis of the acid-tolerant metabolic pathway at the genomic level indicated that the metabolism of some amino acids and the known mechanisms of acetic acid tolerance, might collaboratively contribute to acetic acid resistance in Ap strains. The balance of instability factors and stability factors in the genomes of Ap CICC 20001 and CGMCC 1.41 strains might be the basis for their genetic stability, consistent with their stable industrial performances. These observations provide important insights into the acid resistance mechanism and the genetic stability of Ap strains and lay a foundation for future genetic manipulation and engineering of these two strains.
Prediction of novel stable compounds in the Mg-Si-O system under exoplanet pressures
Authors: Niu Haiyang , Oganov Artem R. , Chen Xing-Qiu , Li Dianzhong
Published: December 2015

The Mg-Si-O system is the major Earth and rocky planet-forming system. Here, through quantum variable-composition evolutionary structure explorations, we have discovered several unexpected stable binary and ternary compounds in the Mg-Si-O system. Besides the well-known SiO2phases, we have found two extraordinary silicon oxides, SiO3and SiO, which become stable at pressures above 0.51 TPa and 1.89 TPa, respectively. In the Mg-O system, we have found one new compound, MgO3, which becomes stable at 0.89 TPa. We find that not only the (MgO)x·(SiO2)ycompounds, but also two (MgO3)x·(SiO3)ycompounds, MgSi3O12and MgSiO6, have stability fields above 2.41 TPa and 2.95 TPa, respectively. The highly oxidized MgSi3O12can form in deep mantles of mega-Earths with masses above 20 M⊕(M⊕:Earth’s mass). Furthermore, the dissociation pathways of pPv-MgSiO3are also clarified and found to be different at low and high temperatures. The low-temperature pathway is MgSiO3⇒ Mg2SiO4+ MgSi2O5⇒ SiO2+ Mg2SiO4⇒ MgO + SiO2, while the high-temperature pathway is MgSiO3⇒ Mg2SiO4+ MgSi2O5⇒ MgO + MgSi2O5⇒ MgO + SiO2. Present results are relevant for models of the internal structure of giant exoplanets and for understanding the high-pressure behavior of materials.
Association between maternal obesity and offspring Apgar score or cord pH: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhu Tingting , Tang Jun , Zhao Fengyan , Qu Yi , Mu Dezhi
Published: December 2015

Previous results are inconsistent regarding the association between maternal obesity and Apgar score or cord pH in humans. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between maternal pre-pregnancy and pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and infant Apgar score or cord pH. We conducted a systematic review of studies published in English before 20 August 2015 using PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library. Eleven cohort studies with a total of 2,586,265 participants finally met our inclusion criteria. Pooled results revealed the following factors associated with Apgar score <7 at 5 minutes: overweight (odds ratio [OR] 1.13; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08–1.20), obese (OR 1.40; 95% CI, 1.27–1.54) and very obese (OR 1.71; 95% CI, 1.55–1.89). The pooled analysis also revealed that maternal overweight or obesity increased the risk for Apgar score <7 at 1 minute. There was no association between maternal BMI and neonatal cord pH. Thus, this study suggests that maternal overweight and obesity affect baby’s condition immediately after birth in general. More studies are needed to confirm these results and detect the influence of variables across studies.
3D Image-Guided Automatic Pipette Positioning for Single Cell Experiments in vivo
Authors: Long Brian , Li Lu , Knoblich Ulf , Zeng Hongkui , Peng Hanchuan
Published: December 2015

We report a method to facilitate single cell, image-guided experiments including in vivo electrophysiology and electroporation. Our method combines 3D image data acquisition, visualization and on-line image analysis with precise control of physical probes such as electrophysiology microelectrodes in brain tissue in vivo. Adaptive pipette positioning provides a platform for future advances in automated, single cell in vivo experiments.
Genome-wide analysis of microRNAs identifies the lipid metabolism pathway to be a defining factor in adipose tissue from different sheep
Authors: Miao Xiangyang , Luo Qingmiao , Qin Xiaoyu , Guo Yuntao
Published: December 2015

MicroRNAs are short (17–24 nt) non-coding RNAs that are involved in post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression in multicellular organisms by affecting both the stability and translation of mRNAs. In recent years, deep sequencing of the transcriptome is increasingly being utilized with the promise of higher sensitivity for the identification of differential expression patterns as well as the opportunity to discover new transcripts, including new alternative isoforms and miRNAs. Here, we utilized RNA-seq technology to perform a genome-wide analysis of miRNAs from the adipose tissue of the two species of sheep to look for clues that might explain the fat deposition differences between the sheep. The RNA-seq analysis detected 3132 miRNAs from the adipose tissue of the Small-tail Han and Dorset sheep, of which 2893 were defined as potential new miRNAs. In addition, 54 miRNAs were differentially expressed between the two breeds of sheep. Gene ontology and pathway analyses of the predicted target genes that negatively associated with the differentially expressed miRNAs revealed that there was less active lipid metabolism in the adipose tissue of Small Tail Han sheep. This study can help understand the underling mechanisms responsible for the morphological differences related to fat deposition between two breeds of sheep.
Color Range and Color Distribution of Healthy Human Gingiva: a Prospective Clinical Study
Authors: Ho Daniel K. , Ghinea Razvan , Herrera Luis J. , Angelov Nikola , Paravina Rade D.
Published: December 2015

The aim of this study is to compile a comprehensive database on color range and color distribution of healthy human gingiva by age, gender and ethnicity. Spectral reflection of keratinized gingiva at upper central incisors was measured by spectroradiometer and converted into CIELAB values. Lightness range (ΔL*) for all groups together was 26.8. Corresponding a* (green-red) and b* (blue-yellow) ranges (Δa* and Δb*) were 18.3 and 13.0. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were recorded by age for L* and a* coordinates, by gender for b* coordinate and by ethnicity for L*, a* and b* coordinates. R2-values between color coordinates were 0.01 (L*/a*), 0.03 (L*/b*) and 0.12 (a*/b*). The smallest color differences were recorded between age groups 46–60 and 60 + (ΔE* = 0.9) and between Caucasians and Hispanics (ΔE* = 1.1). Color difference by gender was 1.3. When total L*a*b* ranges were divided into four equal segments, 51.7% of subjects had L* value within the third segment (from lightest to darkest), 47.1% had a* value within the third segment (from less red to redder) and 59.3% had b* value within the second segment (from less yellow to yellower). It was found that ethnicity and age had statistically significant influence on the color of human gingiva.
From immobilized cells to motile cells on a bed-of-nails: effects of vertical nanowire array density on cell behaviour
Authors: Persson Henrik , Li Zhen , Tegenfeldt Jonas O. , Oredsson Stina , Prinz Christelle N.
Published: December 2015

The field of vertical nanowire array-based applications in cell biology is growing rapidly and an increasing number of applications are being explored. These applications almost invariably rely on the physical properties of the nanowire arrays, creating a need for a better understanding of how their physical properties affect cell behaviour. Here, we investigate the effects of nanowire density on cell migration, division and morphology for murine fibroblasts. Our results show that few nanowires are sufficient to immobilize cells, while a high nanowire spatial density enables a ”bed-of-nails” regime, where cells reside on top of the nanowires and are fully motile. The presence of nanowires decreases the cell proliferation rate, even in the “bed-of-nails” regime. We show that the cell morphology strongly depends on the nanowire density. Cells cultured on low (0.1 μm−2) and medium (1 μm−2) density substrates exhibit an increased number of multi-nucleated cells and micronuclei. These were not observed in cells cultured on high nanowire density substrates (4 μm−2). The results offer important guidelines to minimize cell-function perturbations on nanowire arrays. Moreover, these findings offer the possibility to tune cell proliferation and migration independently by adjusting the nanowire density, which may have applications in drug testing.
Gut bacterial diversity of the tribes of India and comparison with the worldwide data
Authors: Dehingia Madhusmita , Thangjam devi Kanchal , Talukdar Narayan C. , Talukdar Rupjyoti , Reddy Nageshwar , Mande Sharmila S. , Deka Manab , Khan Mojibur R.
Published: December 2015

The gut bacteria exert phenotypic traits to the host but the factors which determine the gut bacterial profile (GBP) is poorly understood. This study aimed to understand the effect of ethnicity and geography on GBP of Mongoloid and Proto-Australoid tribes of India. Fecal bacterial diversity was studied in fifteen tribal populations representing four geographic regions (Assam, Telangana, Manipur and Sikkim) by DGGE followed by NGS analysis on Illumina MiSeq platform. Geography and diet had significant effect on GBP of the Indian tribes which was dominated by Prevotella. The effects were more prominent with lower taxonomic levels, indicating probable functional redundancy of the core GBP. A comparison with the worldwide data revealed that GBP of the Indian population was similar to the Mongolian population (Mongolia). The bacterial genera Faecalibacterium, Eubacterium, Clostridium, Blautia, Ruminococcus and Roseburia were found to be core genera in the representative populations of the world.
Braid Entropy of Two-Dimensional Turbulence
Authors: Francois Nicolas , Xia Hua , Punzmann Horst , Faber Benjamin , Shats Michael
Published: December 2015

The evolving shape of material fluid lines in a flow underlies the quantitative prediction of the dissipation and material transport in many industrial and natural processes. However, collecting quantitative data on this dynamics remains an experimental challenge in particular in turbulent flows. Indeed the deformation of a fluid line, induced by its successive stretching and folding, can be difficult to determine because such description ultimately relies on often inaccessible multi-particle information. Here we report laboratory measurements in two-dimensional turbulence that offer an alternative topological viewpoint on this issue. This approach characterizes the dynamics of a braid of Lagrangian trajectories through a global measure of their entanglement. The topological length "Equation missing" of material fluid lines can be derived from these braids. This length is found to grow exponentially with time, giving access to the braid topological entropy "Equation missing". The entropy increases as the square root of the turbulent kinetic energy and is directly related to the single-particle dispersion coefficient. At long times, the probability distribution of "Equation missing" is positively skewed and shows strong exponential tails. Our results suggest that "Equation missing" may serve as a measure of the irreversibility of turbulence based on minimal principles and sparse Lagrangian data.
PSIP1/LEDGF: a new gene likely involved in sensorineural progressive hearing loss
Authors: Girotto Giorgia , Scheffer Déborah I. , Morgan Anna , Vozzi Diego , Rubinato Elisa , Di Stazio Mariateresa , Muzzi Enrico , Pensiero Stefano , Giersch Anne B. , Corey David P. , Gasparini Paolo
Published: December 2015

Hereditary Hearing Loss (HHL) is an extremely heterogeneous disorder. Approximately 30 out of 80 known HHL genes are associated with autosomal dominant forms. Here, we identified PSIP1/LEDGF (isoform p75) as a novel strong candidate gene involved in dominant HHL. Using exome sequencing we found a frameshift deletion (c.1554_1555del leading to p.E518Dfs*2) in an Italian pedigree affected by sensorineural mild-to-moderate HHL but also showing a variable eye phenotype (i.e. uveitis, optic neuropathy). This deletion led to a premature stop codon (p.T519X) with truncation of the last 12 amino acids. PSIP1 was recently described as a transcriptional co-activator regulated by miR-135b in vestibular hair cells of the mouse inner ear as well as a possible protector against photoreceptor degeneration. Here, we demonstrate that it is ubiquitously expressed in the mouse inner ear. The PSIP1 mutation is associated with a peculiar audiometric slope toward the high frequencies. These findings indicate that PSIP1 likely plays an important role in HHL.
Microscopic optical buffering in a harmonic potential
Authors: Sumetsky M.
Published: December 2015

In the early days of quantum mechanics, Schrödinger noticed that oscillations of a wave packet in a one-dimensional harmonic potential well are periodic and, in contrast to those in anharmonic potential wells, do not experience distortion over time. This original idea did not find applications up to now since an exact one-dimensional harmonic resonator does not exist in nature and has not been created artificially. However, an optical pulse propagating in a bottle microresonator (a dielectric cylinder with a nanoscale-high bump of the effective radius) can exactly imitate a quantum wave packet in the harmonic potential. Here, we propose a tuneable microresonator that can trap an optical pulse completely, hold it as long as the material losses permit and release it without distortion. This result suggests the solution of the long standing problem of creating a microscopic optical buffer, the key element of the future optical signal processing devices.
Classical hypercorrelation and wave-optics analogy of quantum superdense coding
Authors: Li Pengyun , Sun Yifan , Yang Zhenwei , Song Xinbing , Zhang Xiangdong
Published: December 2015

We report the first experimental realization of classical hypercorrelation, correlated simultaneously in every degree of freedom (DOF), from observing a Bell-type inequality violation in each DOF: polarization and orbital angular momentum (OAM). Based on such a classical hypercorrelation, we have realized the analogy of quantum superdense coding in classical optics. Comparing it with quantum superdense coding using pairs of photons simultaneously entangled in polarization and OAM, we find that it exhibits many advantages. It is not only very convenient to realize in classical optics, the attainable channel capacity in the experiment for such a superdense coding can also reach 3 bits, which is higher than that (2.8 bits) of usual quantum one. Our findings can not only give novel insight into quantum physics, they may also open a new field of applications in the classical optical information process.
Body part-centered and full body-centered peripersonal space representations
Authors: Serino Andrea , Noel Jean-Paul , Galli Giulia , Canzoneri Elisa , Marmaroli Patrick , Lissek Hervé , Blanke Olaf
Published: December 2015

Dedicated neural systems represent the space surrounding the body, termed Peripersonal space (PPS), by integrating visual or auditory stimuli occurring near the body with somatosensory information. As a behavioral proxy to PPS, we measured participants’ reaction time to tactile stimulation while task-irrelevant auditory or visual stimuli were presented at different distances from their body. In 7 experiments we delineated the critical distance at which auditory or visual stimuli boosted tactile processing on the hand, face and trunk as a proxy of the PPS extension. Three main findings were obtained. First, the size of PPS varied according to the stimulated body part, being progressively bigger for the hand, then face and largest for the trunk. Second, while approaching stimuli always modulated tactile processing in a space-dependent manner, receding stimuli did so only for the hand. Finally, the extension of PPS around the hand and the face varied according to their relative positioning and stimuli congruency, whereas the trunk PPS was constant. These results suggest that at least three body-part specific PPS representations exist, differing in extension and directional tuning. These distinct PPS representations, however, are not fully independent from each other, but referenced to the common reference frame of the trunk.
Wireless thin film transistor based on micro magnetic induction coupling antenna
Authors: Jun Byoung Ok , Lee Gwang Jun , Kang Jong Gu , Kim Seunguk , Choi Ji-Woong , Cha Seung Nam , Sohn Jung Inn , Jang Jae Eun
Published: December 2015

A wireless thin film transistor (TFT) structure in which a source/drain or a gate is connected directly to a micro antenna to receive or transmit signals or power can be an important building block, acting as an electrical switch, a rectifier or an amplifier, for various electronics as well as microelectronics, since it allows simple connection with other devices, unlike conventional wire connections. An amorphous indium gallium zinc oxide (α-IGZO) TFT with magnetic antenna structure was fabricated and studied for this purpose. To enhance the induction coupling efficiency while maintaining the same small antenna size, a magnetic core structure consisting of Ni and nanowires was formed under the antenna. With the micro-antenna connected to a source/drain or a gate of the TFT, working electrical signals were well controlled. The results demonstrated the device as an alternative solution to existing wire connections which cause a number of problems in various fields such as flexible/wearable devices, body implanted devices, micro/nano robots and sensors for the ‘internet of things’ (IoT).
Peptides derived from CXCL8 based on in silico analysis inhibit CXCL8 interactions with its receptor CXCR1
Authors: Jiang Shinn-Jong , Liou Je-Wen , Chang Chun-Chun , Chung Yi , Lin Lee-Fong , Hsu Hao-Jen
Published: December 2015

Chemokine CXCL8 is crucial for regulation of inflammatory and immune responses via activating its cognate receptor CXCR1. In this study, molecular docking and binding free energy calculations were combined to predict the initial binding event of CXCL8 to CXCR1 for peptide drug design. The simulations reveal that in the initial binding, the N-loop of CXCL8 interacts with the N-terminus of CXCR1, which is dominated by electrostatic interactions. The derived peptides from the binding region of CXCL8 are synthesized for further confirmation. Surface plasmon resonance analyses indicate that the CXCL8 derived peptide with 14 residues is able to bind to the receptor CXCR1 derived peptide with equilibrium KD of 252 μM while the peptide encompassing a CXCL8 K15A mutation hardly binds to CXCR1 derived peptide (KD = 1553 μM). The cell experiments show that the designed peptide inhibits CXCL8-induced and LPS-activated monocytes adhesion and transmigration. However, when the peptides were mutated on two lysine residues (K15 and K20), the inhibition effects were greatly reduced indicating these two amino acids are key residues for the initial binding of CXCL8 to CXCR1. This study demonstrates that in silico prediction based functional peptide design can be effective for developing anti-inflammation drugs.
Functions of miR-146a and miR-222 in Tumor-associated Macrophages in Breast Cancer
Authors: Li Yanshuang , Zhao Lianmei , Shi Bianhua , Ma Sisi , Xu Zhenbiao , Ge Yehua , Liu Yanxin , Zheng Dexian , Shi Juan
Published: December 2015

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) play critical roles in promoting tumor progression and invasion. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying TAM regulation remain to be further investigated and may make significant contributions to cancer treatment. Mammalian microRNAs (miRNAs) have recently been identified as important regulators of gene expression that function by repressing specific target genes mainly at the post-transcriptional level. However, systematic studies of the functions and mechanisms of miRNAs in TAMs in tumor tissues are rare. In this study, miR-146a and miR-222 were shown to be significantly decreased in TAMs associated with the up-regulated NF-κB p50 subunit. miR-146a promoted the expression of some M2 macrophage phenotype molecules and miR-146a antagomir transfected RAW264.7 monocyte-macrophage cells inhibited 4T1 tumor growth in vivo. Meanwhile, overexpression of miR-222 inhibited TAM chemotaxis and miR-222 in TAMs inhibited 4T1 tumor growth by targeting CXCL12 and inhibiting CXCR4. These data revealed that miRNAs influence breast tumor growth by promoting the M2 type polarization or regulating the recruitment of TAMs. These observations suggest that endogenous miRNAs may exert an important role in controlling the polarization and function of TAMs in breast cancer.
Dynamical transition of heat transport in a physical gel near the sol-gel transition
Authors: Kobayashi Kazuya U. , Oikawa Noriko , Kurita Rei
Published: December 2015

We experimentally study heat transport in a gelatin solution near a reversible sol-gel transition point where viscosity strongly depends on temperature. We visualize the temperature field and velocity field using thermochromic liquid crystals and polystyrene latex particles, respectively. During the initial stages of heating, we find that heat transport undergoes a dynamical transition from conductive to convective. Subsequently, during later stages, we observe that the transport dynamics are much more complex than conventional thermal convections. At the sample’s surface we observe the formation of stagnant domains, which lack fluid flow. Their formation is not due to the effects of local cooling. We determine that it is the dynamics of these stagnant domains that induce convective-conductive-convective transitions.
Effects of Spaceflight on Bone Microarchitecture in the Axial and Appendicular Skeleton in Growing Ovariectomized Rats
Authors: Keune Jessica A. , Branscum Adam J. , Iwaniec Urszula T. , Turner Russell T.
Published: December 2015

This study investigated the effects of a 14-day spaceflight on bone mass, density and microarchitecture in weight bearing (femur and humerus) and non-weight bearing (2ndlumbar vertebra and calvarium) bones in the context of ovarian hormone insufficiency. 12-week-old Fisher 344 rats were ovariectomized 2 weeks before flight and randomized into one of three groups: 1) baseline (n = 6), 2) ground control (n = 12) or 3) spaceflight (n = 12). Additional ground-based ovary-intact rats provided age-matched reference values at baseline (n = 8) and landing (n = 10). Ovariectomy resulted in bone- and bone compartment-specific deficits in cancellous bone volume fraction. Spaceflight resulted in lower cortical bone accrual in the femur but had no effect on cortical bone in the humerus or calvarium. Cancellous bone volume fraction was lower in flight animals compared to ground control animals in lumbar vertebra and distal femur metaphysis and epiphysis; significant differences were not detected in the distal humerus. Bone loss (compared to baseline controls) in the femur metaphysis was associated with lower trabecular number, whereas trabecular thickness and number were lower in the epiphysis. In summary, the effect of spaceflight on bone microarchitecture in ovariectomized rats was bone-and bone compartment-specific but not strictly related to weight bearing.
Parallel Analysis of 124 Universal SNPs for Human Identification by Targeted Semiconductor Sequencing
Authors: Zhang Suhua , Bian Yingnan , Zhang Zheren , Zheng Hancheng , Wang Zheng , Zha Lagabaiyila , Cai Jifeng , Gao Yuzhen , Ji Chaoneng , Hou Yiping , Li Chengtao
Published: December 2015

SNPs, abundant in human genome with lower mutation rate, are attractive to genetic application like forensic, anthropological and evolutionary studies. Universal SNPs showing little allelic frequency variation among populations while remaining highly informative for human identification were obtained from previous studies. However, genotyping tools target only dozens of markers simultaneously, limiting their applications. Here, 124 SNPs were simultaneous tested using Ampliseq technology with Ion Torrent PGM platform. Concordance study was performed with 2 reference samples of 9947A and 9948 between NGS and Sanger sequencing. Full concordance were obtained except genotype of rs576261 with 9947A. Parameter of FMAR (%) was introduced for NGS data analysis for the first time, evaluating allelic performance, sensitivity testing and mixture testing. FMAR values for accurate heterozygotes should be range from 50% to 60%, for homozygotes or Y-SNP should be above 90%. SNPs of rs7520386, rs4530059, rs214955, rs1523537, rs2342747, rs576261 and rs12997453 were recognized as poorly performing loci, either with allelic imbalance or with lower coverage. Sensitivity testing demonstrated that with DNA range from 10 ng-0.5 ng, all correct genotypes were obtained. For mixture testing, a clear linear correlation (R2 = 0.9429) between the excepted FMAR and observed FMAR values of mixtures was observed.
Characterization of marine diatom-infecting virus promoters in the model diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum
Authors: Kadono Takashi , Miyagawa-Yamaguchi Arisa , Kira Nozomu , Tomaru Yuji , Okami Takuma , Yoshimatsu Takamichi , Hou Liyuan , Ohama Takeshi , Fukunaga Kazunari , Okauchi Masanori , Yamaguchi Haruo , Ohnishi Kohei , Falciatore Angela , Adachi Masao
Published: December 2015

Viruses are considered key players in phytoplankton population control in oceans. However, mechanisms that control viral gene expression in prominent microalgae such as diatoms remain largely unknown. In this study, potential promoter regions isolated from several marine diatom-infecting viruses (DIVs) were linked to the egfp reporter gene and transformed into the Pennales diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum. We analysed their activity in cells grown under different conditions. Compared to diatom endogenous promoters, novel DIV promoter (ClP1) mediated a significantly higher degree of reporter transcription and translation. Stable expression levels were observed in transformants grown under both light and dark conditions and high levels of expression were reported in cells in the stationary phase compared to the exponential phase of growth. Conserved motifs in the sequence of DIV promoters were also found. These results allow the identification of novel regulatory regions that drive DIV gene expression and further examinations of the mechanisms that control virus-mediated bloom control in diatoms. Moreover, the identified ClP1 promoter can serve as a novel tool for metabolic engineering of diatoms. This is the first report describing a promoter of DIVs that may be of use in basic and applied diatom research.
High sensitive and direct fluorescence detection of single viral DNA sequences by integration of double strand probes onto microgels particles
Authors: Aliberti A. , Cusano A. M. , Battista E. , Causa F. , Netti P. A.
Published: December 2015

A novel class of probes for fluorescence detection was developed and combined to microgel particles for a high sensitive fluorescence detection of nucleic acids.
Simultaneous determination of fluorescent whitening agents (FWAs) and photoinitiators (PIs) in food packaging coated paper products by the UPLC-MS/MS method using ESI positive and negative switching modes
Authors: Wu Zhijiang , Xu Yansheng , Li Mianchang , Guo Xindong , Xian Yanping , Dong Hao
Published: December 2015

A sensitive ultra-high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method is established for the simultaneous determination of FWAs and PIs in food packaging.
Mechanistic evaluation of the size dependent antimicrobial activity of water soluble QDs
Authors: Tyagi Aakriti , Rawat Kamla , Verma Anita K. , Bohidar H. B.
Published: December 2015

Water soluble size variable (2.43–5.09 nm) CdSe quantum dots.
Highly chemoselective ligation of thiol- and amino-peptides on a bromomaleimide core
Authors: Ramesh Suhas , Cherkupally Prabhakar , Govender Thavendran , Kruger Hendrik G. , Albericio Fernando , de la Torre Beatriz G.
Published: December 2015

Application of a bromomaleimide core allows for the incorporation of three different peptides.
Unified biogenesis of ambiguine, fischerindole, hapalindole and welwitindolinone: identification of a monogeranylated indolenine as a cryptic common biosynthetic intermediate by an unusual magnesium-dependent aromatic prenyltransferase
Authors: Liu Xinyu , Hillwig Matthew L. , Koharudin Leonardus M. I. , Gronenborn Angela M.
Published: December 2015

Indolenine 2 was identified as a cryptic common biosynthetic intermediate to all hapalindole-type alkaloids.
Evaluating bulk Nb2O2F3for Li-battery electrode applications
Authors: Araujo Rafael B. , Ahuja Rajeev
Published: December 2015

This investigation has the primary objective of elucidating the lithium intercalation process in the crystal structure of a new niobium oxyfluoride compound Nb2O2F3.
Sodium modified molybdenum sulfide via molten salt electrolysis as an anode material for high performance sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Wang Shuai , Tu Jiguo , Yuan Yan , Ma Rui , Jiao Shuqiang
Published: December 2015

The paper reports a facile and cost effective method for fabricating sodium molybdenum sulfide nanoparticles through using MoS2sheets as the precursor by sodium-modification.
Can the current density map topology be extracted from the nucleus independent chemical shifts?
Authors: Van Damme Sofie , Acke Guillaume , Havenith Remco W. A. , Bultinck Patrick
Published: December 2015

It is shown that no unique current density topology can be obtained from (sets of) NICS values. Therefore, the use of NICS indices as aromaticity indices without prior analysis of the current density map is strongly discouraged.
Phosphonium-based aminophosphines as bifunctional ligands for sequential catalysis of one-pot hydroformylation–acetalization of olefins
Authors: Wang Peng , Liu Huan , Li Yong-Qi , Zhao Xiao-Li , Lu Yong , Liu Ye
Published: December 2015

A series of ionic phosphonium-based aminophosphinesL1–L3were prepared and fully characterized, in each of which the involved bifunctional moieties of the phosphine fragment and Lewis acidic phosphonium were linked together by stable chemical bonds and bridged by one N-atom.
A novel fractional crystallization route to porous TiO2–Fe2O3 composites: large scale preparation and high performances as a photocatalyst and Li-ion battery anode
Authors: Li Li , Zhang Jianbo , Zhu Qingshan
Published: December 2015

Meso–macroporous TiO2–Fe2O3 composites with tunable structures and properties were prepared via a heat-treatment induced fractional crystallization strategy in a fluidized bed.
Exploring the effects of landscape structure on aerosol optical depth (AOD) patterns using GIS and HJ-1B images
Authors: Ye Luping , Fang Linchuan , Tan Wenfeng , Wang Yunqiang , Huang Yu
Published: December 2015

A GIS approach and HJ-1B images were employed to determine the effect of landscape structure on aerosol optical depth (AOD) patterns.
Inhibition of α-glucosidase by vitamin D3 and the effect of vitamins B1 and B2
Authors: Peng Xi , Zhang Guowen , Zeng Li
Published: December 2015

Vitamin D3 occupies the active site of α-glucosidase to avoid the entry of the substrate and causes the inhibition of α-glucosidase.
Rational design and interaction studies of combilexins towards duplex DNA
Authors: K. V. Dileep , V. Vijeesh , C. Remya
Published: December 2015

Combilexins interact more strongly with DNA than any other class of DNA binders.
Coupling calcium dynamics and mitochondrial bioenergetic: an in silico study to simulate cardiomyocyte dysfunction
Authors: Das Phonindra Nath , Pedruzzi Gabriele , Bairagi Nandadulal , Chatterjee Samrat
Published: December 2015

The coupling of intracellular Ca2+dynamics with mitochondrial bioenergetic is crucial for the functioning of cardiomyocytes both in healthy and disease conditions.
Design, synthesis and evaluation of a novel π–π stacking nano-intercalator as an anti-tumor agent
Authors: Zhu Haimei , Song Yuanbo , Wang Yuji , Zhao Ming , Ren Yi , Wang Yaonan , Zhao Shurui , Wu Jianhui , Peng Shiqi
Published: December 2015

A strategy for designing safe and effective π–π stacking nano-intercalators as anti-tumor agents was presented for the first time.
Cellular uptake of metallated cobalamins
Authors: Tran Mai Thanh Quynh , Stürup Stefan , Lambert Ian Henry , Gammelgaard Bente , Furger Evelyne , Alberto Roger
Published: December 2015

Cellular uptake of vitamin B12-cisplatin conjugates was estimatedviadetection of their metal constituents (Co, Pt, and Re) by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).
Dinuclear nickel complexes of divergent Ni⋯Ni separation showing ancillary ligand addition and bio-macromolecular interaction
Authors: Mahapatra Tufan Singha , Chaudhury Susmitnarayan , Dasgupta Swagata , Bertolasi Valerio , Ray Debashis
Published: December 2015

Reactions of ligand HL with nickel(ii) salts produce a family of five [Ni2] complexes of varying co-ligand environments and intermetallic separations and show prominent interactions with HSA and CT-DNA.
Layer-by-layer thinning of two-dimensional MoS2films by using a focused ion beam
Authors: Wang Ding , Wang Yuqiu , Chen Xiaodong , Zhu Yuankun , Zhan Ke , Cheng Hongbin , Wang Xianying
Published: December 2015

Layer-by-layer thinning of a CVD grown 2D MoS2film can be realized by the FIB technique with appropriate operating parameters.
Photoinduced charge generation rates in soluble P3HT : PCBM nano-aggregates predict the solvent-dependent film morphology
Authors: Roy Palas , Jha Ajay , Dasgupta Jyotishman
Published: December 2015

Spectroscopic evidence for the intermediate polymer : fullerene : solvent ternary phase which seeds the eventual film nano-morphology is determined by evaluation of the photoinduced polaron generation rates in solution.
Integration of inorganic nanostructures with polydopamine-derived carbon: tunable morphologies and versatile applications
Authors: Kong Junhua , Seyed Shahabadi Seyed Ismail , Lu Xuehong
Published: December 2015

An overview of the state-of-the-art research aspects of polydopamine-derived carbon, including chemical structures, tunable morphologies, various applications and prospects, is presented.
Mucin-mediated nanocarrier disassembly for triggered uptake of oligonucleotides as a delivery strategy for the potential treatment of mucosal tumours
Authors: Martirosyan A. , Olesen M. J. , Fenton R. A. , Kjems J. , Howard K. A.
Published: December 2015

This work demonstrates gastric mucin-triggered nanocarrier disassembly for release of antisense oligonucleotides and consequent unassisted cellular entry as a novel oral delivery strategy.
14.7% efficient mesoscopic perovskite solar cells using single walled carbon nanotubes/carbon composite counter electrodes
Authors: Li Hao , Cao Kun , Cui Jin , Liu Shuangshuang , Qiao Xianfeng , Shen Yan , Wang Mingkui
Published: December 2015

Single-walled carbon nanotubes can help charge extraction in mesoscopic CH3NH3PbI3-based perovskite solar cells using TiO2/Al2O3/carbon as a scaffold.
Helical sense selective domains and enantiomeric superhelices generated by Langmuir–Schaefer deposition of an axially racemic chiral helical polymer
Authors: Rodríguez R. , Ignés-Mullol J. , Sagués F. , Quiñoá E. , Riguera R. , Freire F.
Published: December 2015

An axially racemic chiral helical polymer generates left- and right-handed monolayers and enantiomeric superhelices by LS deposition.
Intracellular bottom-up generation of targeted nanosensors for single-molecule imaging
Authors: Hou Yanyan , Arai Satoshi , Kitaguchi Tetsuya , Suzuki Madoka
Published: December 2015

A convenient three-step method to generate brighter nanoprobes inside living cells was presented for tracking or sensing localized cellular activities.
Exploiting ortho-substitution effect on formation of oxygen-containing [10]paracyclophane through ring-closing metathesis
Authors: Yang Li , Song Liqiang , Huang Chong , Huang Mingzheng , Liu Bo
Published: December 2015

The synthesis of strained paracyclophanes is facilitated byortho-substitution effect on phenyl ring.
Investigations on the wettability of graphene on a micron-scale hole array substrate
Authors: Zhao Yun , Wang Gang , Huang Wenbin , Fan Xiaokun , Deng Ya , Zhang Jian , Wei Tongbo , Duan Ruifei , Wang Junxi , Sun Lianfeng
Published: December 2015

When graphene almost completely complies with the morphology of a SiO2 micron-scale hole array (MSHA) substrate, the effect of graphene's surface morphology to the wettability of graphene will be greatly facilitated by the regulation effect of MSHA.
The metamorphosis of vascular stents: passive structures to smart devices
Authors: Roopmani Purandhi , Sethuraman Swaminathan , Satheesh Santhosh , Maheswari Krishnan Uma
Published: December 2015

The role of nanotechnology enabled techniques in the evolution of vascular stents.
Au(i) N-heterocyclic carbenes from bis-imidazolium amphiphiles: synthesis, cytotoxicity and incorporation onto gold nanoparticles
Authors: Rodrigues M. , Russo L. , Aguiló E. , Rodríguez L. , Ott I. , Pérez-García L.
Published: December 2015

Bis-imidazolium amphiphiles capable of forming Au(i) N-heterocyclic carbenes and gold nanoparticles for potential cancer therapy.
Oxidative decontamination of chemical warfare agent VX and its simulant using N,N-dichlorovaleramide
Authors: Gutch Pranav Kumar , Mazumder Avik , Raviraju Gundapu
Published: December 2015

The efficient, operationally simple and safe oxidative decontamination of chemical warfare agentO-ethyl-S-2-(N,N-diisopropylaminoethyl)methylphosphonothioate (VX) and its non-toxic simulantO,S-diethyl methylphosphonothioate (OSDEMP) has been reported.
Self-assembled thermosensitive nanoparticles based on oligoethylene glycol dendron conjugated doxorubicin: preparation, and efficient delivery of free doxorubicin
Authors: Zhao Yanna , Zhao Jing , Hao Chunying , Han Meihua , Wang Mincan , Guo Yifei , Wang Xiangtao
Published: December 2015

An amphiphilic dendron–drug conjugate was synthesized via oligoethylene glycol (OEG) dendrons coupled with anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX).
Enhancement of the oxygen evolution reaction in Mn3+-based electrocatalysts: correlation between Jahn–Teller distortion and catalytic activity
Authors: Hirai Shigeto , Yagi Shunsuke , Seno Akihiro , Fujioka Masaya , Ohno Tomoya , Matsuda Takeshi
Published: December 2015

The suppression of the Jahn–Teller distortion elevates the oxygen evolution reaction activity for Mn3−xCoxO4 (0 ≤ x < 1).
Electron field emission from graphene oxide wrinkles
Authors: Viskadouros Georgios , Konios Dimitrios , Kymakis Emmanuel , Stratakis Emmanuel
Published: December 2015

We report a simple and general solution-based methodology to support reduced graphene oxide layers (rGO) onto micro-spikes engraved on Si to produce high-aspect ratio wrinkles and sharp protrusions.
Structural, optical and photoelectrical properties of Cu2O films electrodeposited at different pH
Authors: Wang Chang , Xu Jianping , Shi Shaobo , Zhang Yuzhu , Liu Zeming , Zhang Xuguang , Yin Shougen , Li Lan
Published: December 2015

Band alignment for bare ZnO, Cu2O and Cu2O/ZnO composites and I–t curves of Au/Cu2O/ZnO/FTO devices at zero bias under 450 nm illumination.
Rapid threefold cross-couplings with sterically bulky triarylbismuths under Pd–Cu dual catalysis
Authors: Rao Maddali L. N. , Dhanorkar Ritesh J.
Published: December 2015

The threefold cross-coupling reactivity of sterically highly demanding bulky triarylbismuths was addressed with task specific Pd–Cu dual catalytic conditions.
Synthesis and properties of ω-pentadecalactone-co-δ-hexalactone copolymers: a biodegradable thermoplastic elastomer as an alternative to poly(ε-caprolactone)
Authors: Fernández Jorge , Etxeberria Agustin , Sarasua Jose-Ramon
Published: December 2015

The copolymerization of ω-pentadecalactone with δ-hexalactone creates a new kind of low glass transition polyester that shows improved biodegradability and flexibility in comparison to poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL).
Hierarchical growth of ZnO nanorods over SnO2 seed layer: insights into electronic properties from photocatalytic activity
Authors: Da Silva Luís F. , Lopes Osmando F. , Catto Ariadne C. , Avansi Waldir , Bernardi Maria I. B. , Li Máximo Siu , Ribeiro Caue , Longo Elson
Published: December 2015

The ZnO–SnO2 heterojunction catalyst was prepared via a hydrothermal treatment route. The heterojunction exhibited a superior photocatalytic performance in comparison to SnO2 and ZnO, attributed to the good charge separation.
Field-induced slow relaxation of magnetization in dinuclear and trinuclear CoIII⋯MnIII complexes
Authors: Nemec Ivan , Herchel Radovan , Trávníček Zdeněk , Šilha Tomáš
Published: December 2015

Magnetic anisotropy and field-induced slow relaxation of magnetization were studied in dinuclear and trinuclear heterobimetallic CoIII⋯MnIII complexes.
In vivo detection of fluoride at trace levels and its removal from raw water at neutral pH utilizing a cyanobacterium pigment as a luminescent probe
Authors: Chatterjee Mousumi , Ghosh Chandan , Barman Milan K. , Srivastava Bhavya , Roy Dipika , Mandal Bhabatosh
Published: December 2015

A selective method has been developed for trace level (0.01 mg L−1) fluoride detection in HEPES buffer in the presence of interfering ions (such as Cl−, I−, Br−, SO42−, ClO4−, and CH3COO−) using a cyanobacterium as a luminescent probe.
Vanadium(v) phenolate complexes for ring opening homo- and co-polymerisation of ε-caprolactone, l-lactide and rac-lactide
Authors: Ge Feijie , Dan Yi , Al-Khafaji Yahya , Prior Timothy J. , Jiang Long , Elsegood Mark R. J. , Redshaw Carl
Published: December 2015

Vanadium(v) di-, tri- and tetra-phenolate complexes have been screened for their ability to ring open homo- (and co-) polymerise ε-caprolactone, l-lactide and rac-lactide.
High-performance SPEEK/amino acid salt membranes for CO2 separation
Authors: Qin Yun , Lv Jianfei , Fu Xin , Guo Ruili , Li Xueqin , Zhang Jianshu , Wei Zhong
Published: December 2015

The CO2 permeability and CO2/CH4 selectivity of SPEEK/amino acid salt membranes surpassed the 2008 Robeson upper bound limit.
A novel route for preparation of Mn-containing hollow framework TS-1, and its selective allylic oxidation of cyclohexene
Authors: Zou Guoqiang , Jing Dai , Zhong Wenzhou , Zhao Feiping , Mao Liqiu , Xu Qiong , Xiao Jiafu , Yin Dulin
Published: December 2015

TS-1 (MTS-1) was preparedviasimple recrystallization of TS-1 in the presence of TPAOH and manganese(iii)–acetylacetonate, and its catalytic performance was tested for aerobic oxidation of cyclohexene without solvents.
Sequential detection of mercury(ii) and thiol-containing amino acids by a fluorescent chemosensor
Authors: You Ga Rim , Lee Sun Young , Lee Jae Jun , Kim Yong Sung , Kim Cheal
Published: December 2015

A selective fluorescent chemosensor1was developed for the sequential detection of Hg2+and cysteine or glutathione.
Location dependent coordination chemistry and MRI relaxivity, in de novo designed lanthanide coiled coils
Authors: Berwick Matthew R. , Slope Louise N. , Smith Caitlin F. , King Siobhan M. , Newton Sarah L. , Gillis Richard B. , Adams Gary G. , Rowe Arthur J. , Harding Stephen E. , Britton Melanie M. , Peacock Anna F. A.
Published: December 2015

Lanthanide binding site translation linearly along a coiled coil has a large impact on stability, coordination chemistry, and MRI relaxivity.
Nonequilibrium phase transitions, fluctuations and correlations in an active contractile polar fluid
Authors: Gowrishankar Kripa , Rao Madan
Published: December 2015

We study the patterning and fluctuations of an active polar fluid on a two-dimensional substrate (Left: Phase Diagram of Patterns).