bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
miR-27a attenuates adipogenesis and promotes osteogenesis in steroid-induced rat BMSCs by targeting PPARγ and GREM1
Authors: Gu Chenxi , Xu Yan , Zhang Shanfeng , Guan Hongya , Song Shi , Wang Xiuli , Wang Yisheng , Li Yuebai , Zhao Guoqiang
Published: December 2016

The imbalance between adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). Several microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in regulating adipogenesis and osteogenesis. In this study, we established a steroid-induced ONFH rat model to identify the potential relevant miRNAs. We identified 9 up-regulated and 28 down-regulated miRNAs in the ONFH rat model. Of these, miR-27a was down-regulated and negatively correlated with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and gremlin 1 (GREM1) expression. Further studies confirmed that PPARγ and GREM1 were direct targets of miRNA-27a. Additionally, adipogenic differentiation was enhanced by miR-27a down-regulation, whereas miRNA-27a up-regulation attenuated adipogenesis and promoted osteogenesis in steroid-induced rat BMSCs. Moreover, miRNA-27a up-regulation had a stronger effect on adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation in steroid-induced rat BMSCs than si-PPARγ and si-GREM1. In conclusion, we identified 37 differentially expressed miRNAs in the steroid-induced ONFH model, of which miR-27a was down-regulated. Our results showed that miR-27a up-regulation could inhibit adipogenesis and promote osteogenesis by directly targeting PPARγ and GREM1. Thus, miR-27a is likely a key regulator of adipogenesis in steroid-induced BMSCs and a potential therapeutic target for ONFH treatment.
Real-time PCR-based serotyping of Streptococcus agalactiae
Authors: Breeding Kathleen M. , Ragipani Bhavana , Lee Kun-Uk David , Malik Martin , Randis Tara M. , Ratner Adam J.
Published: December 2016

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is an encapsulated, gram-positive pathogen that is an important cause of neonatal invasive infections, including sepsis and meningitis. There are ten known GBS serotypes based on distinct capsule compositions (Ia, Ib, II-IX), and current candidate capsular polysaccharide conjugate vaccines target only a subset of these. Serotyping of GBS isolates is important for understanding local epidemiology and for monitoring for serotype replacement or capsular switching. However, serotyping generally requires either latex agglutination, multiplex PCR with analysis of band sizes, or analysis of whole genome sequences–all techniques that are either expensive or not widely available. Here we report the development of a robust real-time PCR assay for determining GBS serotypes. Using both a diverse reference set of strains encompassing all ten serotypes and a collection of clinical isolates, we demonstrate concordance between real-time PCR serotyping and latex agglutination. We propose that real-time PCR serotyping represents an attractive alternative to current serotyping methods and may allow for improved acquisition of GBS serotype data.
Determination of silver in soft silicone wound dressings using dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid digestion and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy
Authors: Hallerstig L. M. , Granath P. , Lindgren L. , Tranberg M.
Published: December 2016

Silver was determined in soft silicone wound dressings using dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid digestion as a novel approach.
Atomic models for anionic ligand passivation of cation-rich surfaces of IV–VI, II–VI, and III–V colloidal quantum dots
Authors: Ko Jae-Hyeon , Yoo Dongsuk , Kim Yong-Hyun
Published: December 2016

Cation-rich (100) and (111) facets of colloidal quantum dots could be greatly stabilized by dimerization or amine–anion co-passivation.
Mixed valence copper–sulfur clusters of highest nuclearity: a Cu8 wheel and a Cu16 nanoball
Authors: Maji Ram Chandra , Das Partha Pratim , Bhandari Anirban , Mishra Saikat , Maji Milan , Ghiassi Kamran B. , Olmstead Marilyn M. , Patra Apurba K.
Published: December 2016

The synthesis, structure and properties of highest nuclearity spin delocalized mixed valence (MV) copper–sulfur clusters, a Cu8 nanowheel and a Cu16 nanoball containing Cu2S2 and (μ4-S)Cu4 units resembling CuA and CuZ sites, respectively, are reported.
Rh(0)/Rh(iii) core–shell nanoparticles as heterogeneous catalysts for cyclic carbonate synthesis
Authors: Jung Younjae , Shin Taeil , Kim Kiseong , Byun Hyeeun , Cho Sung June , Kim Hyunwoo , Song Hyunjoon
Published: December 2016

Rh(0)/Rh(iii) core–shell nanoparticles, generated by surface oxidation with N-bromosuccinimide, exhibited high activity and excellent recyclability for cyclic carbonate synthesis.
Optimization of Fe3O4 nanozyme activity via single amino acid modification mimicking an enzyme active site
Authors: Fan Kelong , Wang Hui , Xi Juqun , Liu Qi , Meng Xiangqin , Duan Demin , Gao Lizeng , Yan Xiyun
Published: December 2016

Histidine modification effectively improved the affinity of Fe3O4 nanozyme to H2O2, enhancing its catalytic efficiency by mimicking peroxidase active site.
A self-assembled white-light-emitting system in aqueous medium based on a macrocyclic amphiphile
Authors: Geng Wen-Chao , Liu Yan-Cen , Wang Yu-Ying , Xu Zhe , Zheng Zhe , Yang Cheng-Bo , Guo Dong-Sheng
Published: December 2016

White light emission was successfully achieved with high quantum yield in a novel FRET platform based on a macrocyclic amphiphile.
Correction: Revealing instability and irreversibility in nonaqueous sodium–O2 battery chemistry
Authors: Sayed Sayed Youssef , Yao Koffi P. C. , Kwabi David G. , Batcho Thomas P. , Amanchukwu Chibueze V. , Feng Shuting , Thompson Carl V. , Shao-Horn Yang
Published: December 2016

Correction for ‘Revealing instability and irreversibility in nonaqueous sodium–O2 battery chemistry’ by Sayed Youssef Sayed et al., Chem. Commun., 2016, 52, 9691–9694.
Probing helical transitions in a DNA duplex
Authors: Chakraborty Debayan , Wales David J.
Published: December 2016

Conformational switch from B-DNA to Z-DNA, an energy landscape perspective.
Polar solvent fluctuations drive proton transfer in hydrogen bonded complexes of carboxylic acid with pyridines: NMR, IR and ab initio MD study
Authors: Koeppe B. , Pylaeva S. A. , Allolio C. , Sebastiani D. , Nibbering E. T. J. , Denisov G. S. , Limbach H.-H. , Tolstoy P. M.
Published: December 2016

Dual bands in IR spectra show that an ensemble of short-living solvatomers creates a dual-maximum distribution of proton positions in a series of strongly OHN-bonded complexes of chloroacetic acid with nitrogen bases in CD2Cl2.
A driving force for polypeptide and protein collapse
Authors: Merlino Antonello , Pontillo Nicola , Graziano Giuseppe
Published: December 2016

Polypeptide collapse is driven by the solvent-excluded volume decrease, the presence of nonpolar side chains is not so important.
Beyond the electrostatic model: the significant roles of orbital interaction and the dispersion effect in aqueous–π systems
Authors: Zhao Rundong , Zhang Rui-Qin
Published: December 2016

The importance of orbital interaction in aqueous–π interactions is explored in detail and a unified description is proposed.
The mechanism of H2 and H2O desorption from bridging hydroxyls of a TiO2(110) surface
Authors: Wang Ruimin , Fan Hongjun
Published: December 2016

With an increase in BBO vacancies (created by H2O desorption), the H2 desorption barrier decreases, while the H2O desorption barrier increases.
Biomimetic synthesis of cerium oxide nanosquares on RGO and their enhanced photocatalytic activities
Authors: Qian Junchao , Cao Yunyue , Chen Zhigang , Liu Chengbao , Lu Xiaowang
Published: December 2016

A simple biotemplate method was successfully employed to prepare CeO2 SQD functionalized biomorphic RGO composites for use in photocatalytic water splitting.
Unexpected alkane elimination from cationic group 13 dialkyls in a reaction with a macrocyclic polyamine
Authors: Mukherjee Debabrata , Spaniol Thomas P. , Okuda Jun
Published: December 2016

A macrocyclic polyamine 1,4,7-trimethyl-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane, (Me3TACD)H formed thermally stable adducts with MR3 (M = Al, In) but released RH from reactions with [MR2]+.
Astaxanthin in cardiovascular health and disease: mechanisms of action, therapeutic merits, and knowledge gaps
Authors: Visioli Francesco , Artaria Christian
Published: December 2016

Cardiovascular disease is the main contributor to morbidity and mortality worldwide.
Highly efficient and selective biocatalytic production of glucosamine from chitin
Authors: Lv Y. M. , Laborda P. , Huang K. , Cai Z. P. , Wang M. , Lu A. M. , Doherty C. , Liu L. , Flitsch S. L. , Voglmeir J.
Published: December 2016

N-Acetyl glucosamine (GlcNAc) is one of the most abundant biomolecules on Earth and is cheaply available from chitin, a major component of crustaceans.
Reductive fractionation of woody biomass into lignin monomers and cellulose by tandem metal triflate and Pd/C catalysis
Authors: Huang Xiaoming , Morales Gonzalez Olivia M. , Zhu Jiadong , Korányi Tamás I. , Boot Michael D. , Hensen Emiel J. M.
Published: December 2016

A catalytic process for the upgrading of woody biomass into mono-aromatics, hemi-cellulose sugars and a solid cellulose-rich carbohydrate residue is presented.
Pd/C catalyzed phenoxycarbonylation using N-formylsaccharin as a CO surrogate in propylene carbonate, a sustainable solvent
Authors: Gautam Prashant , Kathe Prasad , Bhanage Bhalchandra M.
Published: December 2016

Recyclable and commercially available Pd/C catalyzes the phenoxycarbonylation reaction usingN-formylsaccharin as a CO surrogate in propylene carbonate as an environmentally benign and sustainable polar aprotic solvent under co-catalyst free, ligand free and additive free conditions.
A novel approach for quantitative LIBS fluorine analysis using CaF emission in calcium-free samples
Authors: Alvarez-Llamas C. , Pisonero J. , Bordel N.
Published: December 2016

The application of a new methodology for direct solid analysis of fluorine by LIBS is evaluated. This approach, based on the nebulization of a Ca solution over a fluorine-containing sample, allows the F quantification using the emission of the CaF molecular bands.
High contrast photoelectrochromic device with CdS quantum dot sensitized photoanode
Authors: Luo Gui , Shen Kui , Wu Xingming , Zheng Jianming , Xu Chunye
Published: December 2016

The photoelectrochromic device with a CdS sensitized photoanode exhibits controllable photovoltaic conversion and high optical contrast.
Selective heterogeneous nucleation of gold nanoparticles on one-dimensional cadmium silicate for enhanced nonlinear optical responses
Authors: Wang Haiyan , Zheng Chan , Dai Pinqiang
Published: December 2016

A facile route to uniformly assemble Au nanoparticles (NPs) on the surface of cadmium metasilicate (CdSiO3) nanowires (NWs) via a heterogeneous nucleation process was demonstrated.
Synthesis of Te-doped ZnO nanowires with promising field emission behavior
Authors: Jamali-Sheini Farid
Published: December 2016

In the current study, a successful synthesis of ZnO nanowire films doped with Te was performed through electrodeposition on the zinc foil followed by annealing in air for 4 hours at 400 °C.
Gas phase dehydration of glycerol catalyzed by gamma Al2O3 supported V2O5: a statistical approach for simultaneous optimization
Authors: Mahdavi Vahid , Monajemi Ali
Published: December 2016

Selective gas-phase dehydration of glycerol to acrolein over V2O5/γ-Al2O3 catalysts was investigated.
c-Myc co-ordinates mRNA cap methylation and ribosomal RNA production
Authors: Dunn Sianadh , Lombardi Olivia , Cowling Victoria H.
Published: December 2016

The mRNA cap is a structure added to RNA pol II transcripts in eukaryotes, which recruits factors involved in RNA processing, nuclear export and translation initiation. RNA guanine-7 methyltransferase (RNMT)–RNA-activating miniprotein (RAM), the mRNA cap methyltransferase complex, completes the basic functional mRNA cap structure, cap 0, by methylating the cap guanosine. Here, we report that RNMT–RAM co-ordinates mRNA processing with ribosome production. Suppression of RNMT–RAM reduces synthesis of the 45S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) precursor. RNMT–RAM is required for c-Myc expression, a major regulator of RNA pol I, which synthesises 45S rRNA. Constitutive expression of c-Myc restores rRNA synthesis when RNMT–RAM is suppressed, indicating that RNMT–RAM controls rRNA production predominantly by controlling c-Myc expression. We report that RNMT–RAM is recruited to the ribosomal DNA locus, which may contribute to rRNA synthesis in certain contexts.
Translational regulation of mitochondrial biogenesis
Authors: Zhang Yi , Xu Hong
Published: December 2016

Mitochondria are generated by the expression of genes on both nuclear and mitochondrial genome. Mitochondrial biogenesis is highly plastic in response to cellular energy demand, developmental signals and environmental stimuli. Mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway regulates mitochondrial biogenesis to co-ordinate energy homeostasis with cell growth. The local translation of mitochondrial proteins on the outer membrane facilitates their efficient import and thereby allows prodigious mitochondrial biogenesis during rapid cell growth and proliferation. We postulate that the local translation may also allow cells to promote mitochondrial biogenesis selectively based on the fitness of individual organelle. MDI–Larp complex promotes the biogenesis of healthy mitochondria and thereby is essential for the selective transmission of healthy mitochondria. On the other hand, PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1)–Pakin activates protein synthesis on damaged mitochondria to maintain the organelle homeostasis and activity. We also summarize some recent progress on miRNAs' regulation on mitochondrial biogenesis.
Modelling GTPase dynamics to understand RhoA-driven cancer cell invasion
Authors: Hetmanski Joseph H.R. , Schwartz Jean-Marc , Caswell Patrick T.
Published: December 2016

Metastasis, initially driven by cells migrating and invading through the local environment, leads to most cancer-associated deaths. Cells can use a variety of modes to move in vitro, all of which depend on Rho GTPases at some level. While traditionally it was thought that Rac1 activity drives protrusive lamellipodia at the leading edge of a polarised cell while RhoA drives rear retraction, more recent work in 3D microenvironments has revealed a much more complicated picture of GTPase dynamics. In particular, RhoA activity can dominate the leading edge polymerisation of actin to form filopodial actin-spike protrusions that drive more invasive cell migration. We recently described a potential mechanism to abrogate this pro-invasive localised leading edge Rac1 to RhoA switch via manipulation of a negative feedback loop that was revealed by adopting a logical modelling approach. Both challenging dogma and taking a formal, mathematical approach to understanding signalling involved in motility may be vital to harnessing harmful cell migration and preventing metastasis in future research.
Structure and function of bacterial H-NS protein
Authors: Grainger David C.
Published: December 2016

The histone-like nucleoid structuring (H-NS) protein is a major component of the folded chromosome in Escherichia coli and related bacteria. Functions attributed to H-NS include management of genome evolution, DNA condensation, and transcription. The wide-ranging influence of H-NS is remarkable given the simplicity of the protein, a small peptide, possessing rudimentary determinants for self-association, hetero-oligomerisation and DNA binding. In this review, I will discuss our understanding of H-NS with a focus on these structural elements. In particular, I will consider how these interaction surfaces allow H-NS to exert its different effects.
L'RRK de Triomphe: a solution for LRRK2 GTPase activity?
Authors: Nixon-Abell Jonathon , Berwick Daniel C. , Harvey Kirsten
Published: December 2016

Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) is a central protein in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD), yet its normal function has proved stubbornly hard to elucidate. Even though it remains unclear how pathogenic mutations affect LRRK2 to cause PD, recent findings provide increasing cause for optimism. We summarise here the developing consensus over the effect of pathogenic mutations in the Ras of complex proteins and C-terminal of Roc domains on LRRK2 GTPase activity. This body of work has been greatly reinforced by our own study of the protective R1398H variant contained within the LRRK2 GTPase domain. Collectively, data point towards the pathogenicity of GTP-bound LRRK2 and strengthen a working model for LRRK2 GTPase function as a GTPase activated by dimerisation. Together with the identification of the protective R1398H variant as a valuable control for pathogenic mutations, we have no doubt that these triumphs for the LRRK2 field will accelerate research towards resolving LRRK2 function and towards new treatments for PD.
Immunoglobulins and their receptors, and subversion of their protective roles by bacterial pathogens
Authors: Woof Jenny M.
Published: December 2016

Immunoglobulins (Igs) play critical roles in immune defence against infectious disease. They elicit potent elimination processes such as triggering complement activation and engaging specific Fc receptors present on immune cells, resulting in phagocytosis and other killing mechanisms. Many important pathogens have evolved mechanisms to subvert or evade Ig-mediated defence. One such mechanism used by several pathogenic bacteria features proteins that bind the Ig Fc region and compromise engagement of host effector molecules. Examples include different IgA-binding proteins produced by Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, and group B streptococci, all of which interact with the same interdomain region on IgA Fc. Since this region also forms the interaction site for the major human IgA-specific Fc receptor CD89, the bacteria are able to evade CD89-mediated clearance mechanisms. Similar disruption of Ig effector function by pathogen Ig-binding proteins is evident in other species. Remarkably, all the Ig-binding proteins studied in detail to date are seen to target the CH2–CH3 domain interface in the Ig Fc region, suggesting a common mode of immune evasion. A second Ig subversion mechanism that has evolved independently in numerous pathogens involves proteases that cleave Ig molecules within their hinge regions, uncoupling the antigen recognition capability of the Fab region from clearance mechanisms elicited by the Fc region. The emerging understanding of the structural basis for the recognition of Igs as substrates for these proteases and as interaction partners for Ig-binding proteins may open up new avenues for treatment or vaccination.
Robust dynamic decoupling control for permanent magnet spherical actuators based on extended state observer
Authors: Liu Jingmeng , Deng Huiyang , Chen Weihai , Bai Shaoping
Published: December 2016

This study presents a robust dynamic decoupling control strategy to solve the trajectory tracking problem for the permanent magnet spherical actuator (PMSA). The dynamic model of PMSA obtained by the Lagrange–Euler formalism is obviously a multi‐variable non‐linear system with strong cross‐couplings. Furthermore, uncertainties such as model errors and external disturbances will also affect the precision of the control system. In the active disturbance rejection control (ADRC) framework, the decoupling problem can be reformulated as disturbance rejection by merging the cross channel interference into the lumped disturbance, which consists of internal dynamics and external disturbances. The lumped disturbance is then estimated using extended state observer (ESO) and canceled out in the control law. Herein, the linear active disturbance rejection control is selected for PMSAs, as the tuning process can be greatly simplified by making all the parameters of ESO or controller a function of bandwidth. Simulations and experiments are presented to corroborate the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed strategy, showing that the proposed control algorithm can decouple and linearise the system in the presence of model errors as well as the load and random disturbances. Meanwhile, the modified system has better static and dynamic performances with strong robustness to uncertainties.
The nature of the chemical bond in Be2+, Be2, Be2−, and Be3
Authors: Kalemos Apostolos
Published: December 2016

The present study focuses on the Be2+, Be2, Be2−, and Be3 species with the aim to unveil their bonding pattern. The ground states of the above molecules are examined mainly through multi reference configuration interaction methods using an aug-cc-pVQZ basis set. Previous work is scrutinized with an eye to the instability problems inherent in various Hartree-Fock schemes. Under this point of view, we rationalize previous findings and put them in a unified context of what and why should be done in similar hard to crack cases. In all the above species, the covalently bound ground states are formed just because the Be atom is found in its first excited 3P(2s12p1) state.
Stable isomers and electronic, vibrational, and optical properties of WS2 nano-clusters: A first-principles study
Authors: Hafizi Roohollah , Hashemifar S. Javad , Alaei Mojtaba , Jangrouei MohammadReza , Akbarzadeh Hadi
Published: December 2016

In this paper, we employ an evolutionary algorithm along with the full-potential density functional theory (DFT) computations to perform a comprehensive search for the stable structures of stoichiometric (WS2)n nano-clusters (n = 1 − 9), within three different exchange-correlation functionals. Our results suggest that n = 5 and 8 are possible candidates for the low temperature magic sizes of WS2 nano-clusters while at temperatures above 500 Kelvin, n = 7 exhibits a comparable relative stability with n = 8. The electronic properties and energy gap of the lowest energy isomers were computed within several schemes, including semilocal Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof and Becke-Lee-Yang-Parr functionals, hybrid B3LYP functional, many body based DFT+GW approach, ΔSCF method, and time dependent DFT calculations. Vibrational spectra of the lowest lying isomers, computed by the force constant method, are used to address IR spectra and thermal free energy of the clusters. Time dependent density functional calculation in a real time domain is applied to determine the full absorption spectra and optical gap of the lowest energy isomers of the WS2 nano-clusters.
Mid-infrared gas absorption sensor based on a broadband external cavity quantum cascade laser
Authors: Sun Juan , Deng Hao , Liu Ningwu , Wang Hongliang , Yu Benli , Li Jingsong
Published: December 2016

We developed a laser absorption sensor based on a pulsed, broadband tunable external cavity quantum cascade laser (ECQCL) centered at 1285 cm−1. Unlike traditional infrared spectroscopy system, a quartz crystal tuning fork (QCTF) as a light detector was used for laser signal detection. Fast Fourier transform was applied to extract vibration intensity information of QCTF. The sensor system is successfully tested on nitrous oxide (N2O) spectroscopy measurements and compared with a standard infrared detector. The wide wavelength tunability of ECQCL will allow us to access the fundamental vibrational bands of many chemical agents, which are well-suited for trace explosive, chemical warfare agent, and toxic industrial chemical detection and spectroscopic analysis.
Wave excited motion of a body floating on water confined between two semi-infinite ice sheets
Authors: Ren K. , Wu G. X. , Thomas G. A.
Published: December 2016

The wave excited motion of a body floating on water confined between two semi-infinite ice sheets is investigated. The ice sheet is treated as an elastic thin plate and water is treated as an ideal and incompressible fluid. The linearized velocity potential theory is adopted in the frequency domain and problems are solved by the method of matched eigenfunctions expansion. The fluid domain is divided into sub-regions and in each sub-region the velocity potential is expanded into a series of eigenfunctions satisfying the governing equation and the boundary conditions on horizontal planes including the free surface and ice sheets. Matching is conducted at the interfaces of two neighbouring regions to ensure the continuity of the pressure and velocity, and the unknown coefficients in the expressions are obtained as a result. The behaviour of the added mass and damping coefficients of the floating body with the effect of the ice sheets and the excitation force are analysed. They are found to vary oscillatorily with the wave number, which is different from that for a floating body in the open sea. The motion of the body confined between ice sheets is investigated, in particular its resonant behaviour with extremely large motion found to be possible under certain conditions. Standing waves within the polynya are also observed.
Guiding and confinement of interface acoustic waves in solid-fluid pillar-based phononic crystals
Authors: Razip Wee M. F. Mohd , Addouche Mahmoud , Siow Kim S. , Zain A. R. Md , Elayouch Aliyasin , Chollet Franck , Khelif Abdelkrim
Published: December 2016

Pillar-based phononic crystals exhibit some unique wave phenomena due to the interaction between surface acoustic modes of the substrate and local resonances supported by pillars. In this paper, we extend the investigations by taking into account the presence of a liquid medium. We particularly demonstrate that local resonances dramatically decrease the phase velocity of Scholte-Stoneley wave, which leads to a slow wave at the solid/fluid interface. Moreover, we show that increasing the height of pillars introduces a new set of branches of interface modes and drastically affects the acoustic energy localization. Indeed, while some modes display a highly confined pressure between pillars, others exponentially decay in the fluid or only propagate in the solid without disturbing the fluid pressure. These theoretical results, performed by finite element method, highlight a new acoustic wave confinement suitable in various applications such as acoustophoresis, lab on chip and microfluidics.
Tunable transportable spectroradiometer based on an acousto-optical tunable filter: Development and optical performance
Authors: Kozlova O. , Sadouni A. , Truong D. , Briaudeau S. , Himbert M.
Published: December 2016

We describe a high-performance, transportable, versatile spectroradiometer based on an acousto-optical tunable filter (AOTF). The instrument was developed for temperature metrology, namely, to determine the thermodynamic temperature of black bodies above the Ag freezing point (961.78 °C). Its main design feature is the attenuation of the diffraction side lobes (and, thus, out-of-band stray light) thanks to the use of a double-pass configuration. The radiofrequency tuning of the AOTF allows continuous, fine, and rapid wavelength control over a wide spectral range (650 nm–1000 nm). The instrument tunability can be easily calibrated with an Ar spectral lamp with reproducibility within 10 pm over one week. The instrument was characterised in terms of relative signal stability (few 10−4) and wavelength stability (1 pm) over several hours. The spectral responsivity of the instrument was calibrated with two complementary methods: tuning of the wavelength of the optical source or tuning the radiofrequency of the AOTF. Besides the application for thermodynamic temperature determination at the lowest uncertainty level, this instrument can also be used for multispectral non-contact thermometry of processed materials of non-grey and non-unitary emissivity (in the glass or metallurgical industries).
An integrated mirror and surface ion trap with a tunable trap location
Authors: Van Rynbach Andre , Maunz Peter , Kim Jungsang
Published: December 2016

We report a demonstration of a surface ion trap fabricated directly on a highly reflective mirror surface, which includes a secondary set of radio frequency (RF) electrodes allowing for translation of the quadrupole RF null location. We introduce a position-dependent photon scattering rate for a 174Yb+ ion in the direction perpendicular to the trap surface using a standing wave of retroreflected light off the mirror surface directly below the trap. Using this setup, we demonstrate the capability of fine-tuning the RF trap location with nanometer scale precision and characterize the charging effects of the dielectric mirror surface upon exposure to ultra-violet light.
The antiphase boundary in half-metallic Heusler alloy Co2Fe(Al,Si): atomic structure, spin polarization reversal, and domain wall effects
Authors: Nedelkoski Zlatko , Sanchez Ana M. , Ghasemi Arsham , Hamaya Kohei , Evans Richard F. L. , Bell Gavin R. , Hirohata Atsufumi , Lazarov Vlado K.
Published: December 2016

Atomic resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy reveals the presence of an antiphase boundary in the half-metallic Co2Fe(Al,Si) full Heusler alloy. By employing the density functional theory calculations, we show that this defect leads to reversal of the sign of the spin-polarization in the vicinity of the defect. In addition, we show that this defect reduces the strength of the exchange interactions, without changing the ferromagnetic ordering across the boundary. Atomistic spin calculations predict that this effect reduces the width of the magnetic domain wall compared to that in the bulk.
Minority carrier recombination of ordered Ga0.51In0.49P at high temperatures
Authors: Dagan R. , Rosenwaks Y. , Kribus A. , Walker A. W. , Ohlmann J. , Dimroth F.
Published: December 2016

The minority carrier lifetime of high-quality ordered GaInP lattice matched to GaAs and the surface recombination velocity at its interface to AlInP were measured using time-resolved photo-luminescence in the temperature range of 77–500 K. The surface recombination velocity was found to be relatively low (under  500 cm/s) over the measured temperature range. The effective lifetime increased with a temperature up to around   300 K, and then decreased in the 300–500 K range. The variations in the effective lifetime, caused by the variations in the bulk lifetime, are explained by considering the separate contributions of radiative and non-radiative recombination and their respective temperature dependencies.
Fabrication of a nanometer thick nitrogen delta doped layer at the sub-surface region of (100) diamond
Authors: Chandran Maneesh , Michaelson Shaul , Saguy Cecile , Hoffman Alon
Published: December 2016

In this letter, we report on the proof of a concept of an innovative delta doping technique to fabricate an ensemble of nitrogen vacancy centers at shallow depths in (100) diamond. A nitrogen delta doped layer with a concentration of ∼1.8 × 1020 cm−3 and a thickness of a few nanometers was produced using this method. Nitrogen delta doping was realized by producing a stable nitrogen terminated (N-terminated) diamond surface using the RF nitridation process and subsequently depositing a thin layer of diamond on the N-terminated diamond surface. The concentration of nitrogen on the N-terminated diamond surface and its stability upon exposure to chemical vapor deposition conditions are determined by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis. The SIMS profile exhibits a positive concentration gradient of 1.9 nm/decade and a negative gradient of 4.2 nm/decade. The proposed method offers a finer control on the thickness of the delta doped layer than the currently used ion implantation and delta doping techniques.
Shape-adaptable hyperlens for acoustic magnifying imaging
Authors: Zhang Hongkuan , Zhou Xiaoming , Hu Gengkai
Published: December 2016

Previous prototypes of acoustic hyperlens consist of rigid channels, which are unable to adapt in shape to the object under detection. We propose to overcome this limitation by employing soft plastic tubes that could guide acoustics with robustness against bending deformation. Based on the idea of soft-tube acoustics, acoustic magnifying hyperlens with planar input and output surfaces has been fabricated and validated experimentally. The shape-adaption capability of the soft-tube hyperlens is demonstrated by a controlled experiment, in which the magnifying super-resolution images remain stable when the lens input surface is curved. Our study suggests a feasible route toward constructing the flexible channel-structured acoustic metamaterials with the shape-adaption capability, opening then an additional degree of freedom for full control of sound.
Thermomechanical response of thermoelectrics
Authors: Music Denis , Geyer Richard W. , Keuter Philipp
Published: December 2016

We have theoretically investigated the product of elastic modulus and linear coefficient of thermal expansion for 20 thermoelectrics. The product is inversely proportional to equilibrium volume, which is consistent with the Debye-Grüneisen model. Oxides exhibit larger products, while the products of Te-containing thermoelectrics are considerably smaller. This is likely due to strong bonding in these oxides, which makes them prone to thermal stress, thermal shock, and thermal fatigue. As this product is rarely available in literature and the equilibrium volume is easily measurable, this work provides a quick estimation for the thermomechanical response of thermoelectric phases.
Effect of quantity and source of rumen nitrogen on the efficiency of microbial protein synthesis in steers consuming tropical forage
Authors: Bowen M. K. , Poppi D. P. , McLennan S. R.
Published: December 2016

Low values for the efficiency of microbial protein synthesis (EMPS) in cattle consuming tropical forages are related to low rumen degradable crude protein (RDP) intakes. This study examined the effect on the EMPS of the quantity and source of nitrogen (N) supplied to the rumen of eight entire and four rumen-fistulated Brahman steers consuming mature tropical grass hay (57.3 g crude protein/kg DM). Four treatment diets were fed in a Latin square design and included a basal diet of mature pangola grass (Digitaria eriantha) hay (control) and hay plus supplements estimated to provide 150 g RDP/kg digestible organic matter intake (DOMI), as urea or casein, or 300 g RDP/kg DOMI as casein. The EMPS was only increased (P < 0.05) above that for the control diet (167 vs 123 g microbial crude protein (MCP)/kg DOMI) when RDP was provided at the highest rate of 293 g/kg DOMI. This increase was also associated with an ~4-fold increase in the concentration of NH3-N (277 vs 73 mg/L) and of branched-chain volatile fatty acids (44 vs 10 mmol/mol of total volatile fatty acids) in rumen fluid of the steers. However, the source of rumen degradable N (urea or casein) had no effect on the EMPS (109–115 g MCP/kg DOMI) when supplied at ~150 g RDP/kg DOMI. There was no effect of treatment on in vivo neutral detergent fibre digestibility (599 g/kg DM) or the rate (0.037/h) or extent (potential degradable fraction: 636 g/kg OM) of in sacco disappearance of pangola grass hay. In addition, rumen particle dilution rate was unaffected by treatment (0.022/h) and rumen fluid dilution rate, although showing some treatment differences (0.048–0.062/h), was poorly correlated with EMPS. It was concluded that only high amounts of RDP supply to the rumen, in the form of true protein, resulted in increased EMPS whereas at the lower intakes of RDP formulated to achieve EMPS in the range suggested in the feeding standards (130–170 g MCP/kg DOMI) there was no difference in providing the RDP as non-protein N or degradable-protein.
Reductive carboxylation is a major metabolic pathway in the retinal pigment epithelium
Authors: Du Jianhai , Yanagida Aya , Knight Kaitlen , Engel Abbi L. , Vo Anh Huan , Jankowski Connor , Sadilek Martin , Tran Van Thi Bao , Manson Megan A. , Ramakrishnan Aravind , Hurley James B. , Chao Jennifer R.
Published: December 2016

Significance

In the vertebrate eye, a monolayer of cells, called the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), is between the choroidal blood supply and the retina. The RPE provides metabolic support for the retina, including delivery of glucose and other nutrients. Here, we show that reductive carboxylation of α-ketoglutarate, a type of metabolism that supports growth and survival of cancer cells, is a prominent feature of RPE cells. We show that extreme oxidative stress can overwhelm the reductive carboxylation pathway. However, we also found that the RPE can be protected from extreme oxidative stress by supplementation with an NAD
+
precursor or α-ketoglutarate.
Unique attributes of cyanobacterial metabolism revealed by improved genome-scale metabolic modeling and essential gene analysis
Authors: Broddrick Jared T. , Rubin Benjamin E. , Welkie David G. , Du Niu , Mih Nathan , Diamond Spencer , Lee Jenny J. , Golden Susan S. , Palsson Bernhard O.
Published: December 2016

Significance

Genome-scale models of metabolism are important tools for metabolic engineering and production strain development. We present an experimentally validated and manually curated model of metabolism in
Synechococcus elongatus
PCC 7942 that (
i
) leads to discovery of unique metabolic characteristics, such as the importance of a truncated, linear TCA pathway, (
ii
) highlights poorly understood areas of metabolism as exemplified by knowledge gaps in nucleotide salvage, and (
iii
) accurately quantifies light input and self-shading. We now have a metabolic model that can be used as a basis for metabolic design in
S. elongatus
.
Distinct cortical and striatal actions of a β-arrestin–biased dopamine D2 receptor ligand reveal unique antipsychotic-like properties
Authors: Urs Nikhil M. , Gee Steven M. , Pack Thomas F. , McCorvy John D. , Evron Tama , Snyder Joshua C. , Yang Xiaobao , Rodriguiz Ramona M. , Borrelli Emiliana , Wetsel William C. , Jin Jian , Roth Bryan L. , O’Donnell Patricio , Caron Marc G.
Published: December 2016

Significance

Schizophrenia is a debilitating psychiatric disorder characterized by positive, negative, and cognitive symptoms. Current antipsychotic drugs, including D2 receptor (D2R) partial agonist aripiprazole, antagonize excess striatal dopamine (DA) neurotransmission and reverse positive symptoms but are not efficacious at reversing cortical-related cognitive symptoms. Here, we show using pharmacological, behavioral, and electrophysiological approaches that a β-arrestin2 (βarr2)-biased D2R ligand has opposite antagonist and agonist actions in the striatum and cortex, respectively. This phenomenon is regulated by differential expression levels of signal transducer proteins G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 and βarr2. Thus, D2R-βarr2–biased ligands have the potential to simultaneously target excess striatal and deficient cortical DA neurotransmission and provide more broadly effective therapies for schizophrenia.
Current development in wood protection against insect and fungal pests.
Authors: Ewart D. , Dhang P.
Published: December 2016

Wood is the only renewable building material available for growing human population across the world. The creation and shaping of wood use much less energy than most other building materials, giving wood products a significantly lower carbon footprint. However, wood has a shorter service life and is susceptible to damage by pests compared with other building materials. This mini review focuses on the current development on wood preservation such as the use of conventional biocides, and chemical modifications, as methods to give them a longer service life.
DNA Barcoding Elucidates Cyprinid Reproductive Interactions in a Southwest Virginia Stream
Authors: Peoples Brandon K. , Cooper Pearce , Frimpong Emmanuel A. , Hallerman Eric M.
Published: December 2016

Chubs Nocomis spp. (Cyprinidae) in freshwater streams build conspicuous gravel mounds upon which they and other nest‐associative cyprinids spawn. Our understanding of such interactions is incomplete and hindered by the inability to observe all interactions directly and to identify the larvae that emerge from the mounds based on morphological traits. We used visual surveys and DNA barcoding to identify cyprinids that were associated with the nests of spawning chub in Catawba Creek, a small tributary of the James River in southwestern Virginia. All individual fish on nests were identified to species and categorized as spawning or feeding. Eggs were subsequently removed from the nests and hatched in captivity, and DNA was extracted from the larvae. The DNA sequences for region 3 of the mitochondrial cytochrome‐c oxidase I gene in individual larvae were amplified, and the resulting sequences were compared to entries in GenBank by using the Basic Local Alignment Search Tool for nucleotide data. Of the 75 larval fish that were assayed, 56 (75%) were genetically identified. Species‐level identification of the larval cyprinids was straightforward except with regard to Nocomis, for which cryptic taxonomy is currently unresolved. Four cyprinid species were identified among the larvae sampled from Nocomis nests; of those species, the Central Stoneroller Campostoma anomalum and Rosyside Dace Clinostomus funduloides had not been previously witnessed to spawn on chub nests. Central Stonerollers had been observed to perform activities that were more indicative of nest predation than spawning; hence, the presence of their eggs on Nocomis nests suggests that the activity of Central Stonerollers is not entirely antagonistic.

Received June 2, 2016; accepted September 19, 2016 Published online December 2, 2016
Facing institutional change in Mostar: a litmus test for Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Zdeb Aleksandra
Published: December 2016

The reconstruction of Mostar could have been a symbol of renewed multiethnic coexistence. Instead, it has become a synonym for failed institutions and divisions, mirroring the difficulties of the whole country. While imposition of both the 1996 and 2004 statutes establishing the city's administrative units was connected with crisis, the city has also faced two major deadlocks, in 2008–2009 and 2012. In the first, a solution was imposed by the international community's High Representative (HR). But the second remains unresolved, as the HR resists intervening. The aim of the paper is to analyze these impasses – moments when institutional change should have occurred, but for some reason did not. Even the solutions – acts of external imposition – might be treated at best as institutional pseudo-change that shows that imposed institutions have a particular inertia that resists change. The topic will be presented from the perspective of historical institutionalism, with special emphasis on the path-dependency approach, which refers here not only to the formal institutional structure of the city, but also to the decision-making processes in the moments of stalemate.
“Socialist in content, national in form:” the making of Soviet national art and the case of Buryatia
Authors: Tagangaeva Maria
Published: December 2016

This article examines the fine art of the Soviet national republics and its discourse in the Soviet Union, which were considerably shaped under the influence of socialist realism and Soviet nationality policy. While examining the central categories of Soviet artistic discourse such as the “national form,” “national distinctness,” and “tradition,” as well as cultural and scientific institutions responsible for the image of art of non-Russian nationalities, the author reveals the existence of a number of colonial features and discursive and institutional practices that foster a cultural divide between Russian and non-Russian culture and contribute to the marginalization of art. Special attention is paid to the implications of this discursive shaping for the local artistic scene in Buryatia.
Two new triterpenoids from the roots of Pinus densiflora
Authors: Otaka Junnosuke , Komatsu Masabumi , Miyazaki Yasumasa , Futamura Yushi , Osada Hiroyuki
Published: December 2016

Chemical investigation of the roots of Pinus densiflora led to the isolation of two new triterpenoids, (24S)-3β-methoxy-24,25-epoxy-lanost-9(11)-ene (1) and 29-acetoxy-3α-methoxyserrat-14-en-21α-ol (2), together with three known serratene-type triterpenoids (3–5) and four known diterpenoids (6–9). Their structures were determined by spectroscopic analyses.
The Christians of Jerusalem during the British Mandate, 1917–48
Authors: Alnaimatt Fawaz Awdat
Published: December 2016

This study sheds a light on the history of the Christians of Jerusalem during the period of occupation and the British Mandate, 1917–48. It relies on a set of sources and references, among the most important of which are reports, telegrams, messages and letters exchanged between the British leadership in Palestine and the British Foreign Ministry as well as the Ministry of British Colonies (British Colonial Administration); in addition to Palestinian daily and weekly newspapers; as well as modern sources, studies and memoirs.
Restricting invariants of unitary reflection groups
Authors: Amend Nils , Berardinelli Angela , Douglass J. , Röhrle Gerhard
Published: December 2016

Suppose that

G
G

is a finite, unitary reflection group acting on a complex vector space

V
V

and

X
X

is the fixed point subspace of an element of

G
G

. Define

N
N

to be the setwise stabilizer of

X
X

in

G
G

,

Z
Z

to be the pointwise stabilizer, and

C
=
N

/

Z

C=N/Z

. Then restriction defines a homomorphism from the algebra of

G
G

-invariant polynomial functions on

V
V

to the algebra of

C
C

-invariant functions on

X
X

. Extending earlier work by Douglass and Röhrle for Coxeter groups, we characterize when the restriction mapping is surjective for arbitrary unitary reflection groups

G
G

in terms of the exponents of

G
G

and

C
C

and their reflection arrangements. A consequence of our main result is that the variety of

G
G

-orbits in the

G
G

-saturation of

X
X

is smooth if and only if it is normal.
Quotients of del Pezzo surfaces of high degree
Authors: Trepalin Andrey
Published: December 2016

In this paper we study quotients of del Pezzo surfaces of degree four and more over arbitrary field

k
\Bbbk

of characteristic zero by finite groups of automorphisms. We show that if a del Pezzo surface

X
X

contains a point defined over the ground field and the degree of

X
X

is at least five, then the quotient is always

k
\Bbbk

-rational. If the degree of

X
X

is equal to four, then the quotient can be non-

k
\Bbbk

-rational only if the order of the group is

1
1

,

2
2

, or

4
4

. For these groups we construct examples of non-

k
\Bbbk

-rational quotients.
Cognitive Impairment and Tramadol Dependence
Authors: Bassiony Medhat M. , Youssef Usama M. , Hassan Mervat S. , Salah El-Deen Ghada M. , El-gohari Hayam , Abdelghani Mohamed , Abdalla Ahmed , Ibrahim Dalia H.
Published: December 2016

Background and Objective

Cognitive impairment is one of the consequences of substance abuse. Tramadol abuse is a public health problem in Egypt. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence and correlates of cognitive impairment among tramadol-abuse patients and control subjects.

Methods

This study included 100 patients with tramadol abuse and 100 control subjects (matched for age, sex, and education) who were recruited from Zagazig University Hospital, Egypt. Patients were divided into 2 groups: patients who used tramadol only (tramadol-alone group) and patients who used tramadol and other substances (polysubstance group). The participants were interviewed using Montreal Cognitive Assessment test and had urine screening for drugs.

Results

Twenty-four percent of the cases used tramadol alone, whereas the remaining used tramadol and other substances, mainly cannabis (66%) and benzodiazepines (27%). Tramadol-abuse patients were about 3 times more likely to have cognitive impairment than control subjects (81% vs 28%). Tramadol-alone patients were more than 2 times more likely to have cognitive impairment than control subjects (67% vs 28%). Cognitive impairment was significantly associated with polysubstance abuse. There was no association between cognitive impairment and sociodemographic or clinical factors.

Conclusions

Cognitive impairment occurs commonly among tramadol-abuse patients. Memory impairment is the most common cognitive domain to be affected. There is a significant association between cognitive impairment and polysubstance abuse.