bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Void Galaxy Survey: Morphology and Star Formation Properties of Void Galaxies
Authors: Beygu Burcu , Kreckel Kathryn , van der Hulst Thijs , Peletier Reynier , Jarrett Tom , van de Weygaert Rien , van Gorkom Jacqueline H. , Aragón-Calvo Miguel
Published: October 2016

We present the structural and star formation properties of 59 void galaxies as part of the Void Galaxy Survey (VGS). Our aim is to study in detail the physical properties of these void galaxies and study the effect of the void environment on galaxy properties. We use Spitzer 3.6μ and B-band imaging to study the morphology and color of the VGS galaxies. For their star formation properties, we use Hα and GALEX near-UV imaging. We compare our results to a range of galaxies of different morphologies in higher density environments. We find that the VGS galaxies are in general disk dominated and star forming galaxies. Their star formation rates are, however, often less than 1 M⊙ yr-1. There are two early-type galaxies in our sample as well. In reversus MBparameter space, VGS galaxies occupy the same space as dwarf irregulars and spirals.
Zur Bedeutung funktionaler und dysfunktionaler Emotionsregulations- strategien für die depressive Symptomatik bei Jugendlichen
Authors: Fern Julia , Nitkowski Dennis , Petermann Ulrike , Petermann Franz
Published: October 2016

Zusammenfassung. Fragestellung: Dysfunktionale und funktionale Emotionsregulationsstrategien im Jugendalter wurden bislang häufig separat, jedoch kaum in ihrer Wechselwirkung erforscht. Ziel ist es, eine mögliche Kompensation von dysfunktionalen Regulationsstrategien durch funktionale Strategien bei depressiven Symptomen zu analysieren. Methodik: Mittels des Regulation of Emotions Questionnaire (REQ) wurde bei N = 247 Jugendlichen im Alter von 12 bis 17 Jahren (MW = 14.41; SD = 1.39) die Fähigkeit zur Emotionsregulation erhoben. Die depressive Symptomatik wurde mit der Allgemeinen Depressionsskala (ADS) bestimmt. Ergebnisse: Die Befunde sprechen für eine Kompensation internal-dysfunktionaler Emotionsregulationsstrategien durch internal-funktionale Emotionsregulationsstrategien bei Mädchen. Bei den Jungen hingegen verstärken funktionale Emotionsregulationsstrategien den Zusammenhang zwischen internal-dysfunktionalen Emotionsregulationsstrategien und depressiver Symptomatik; andere Strategien interagieren nicht miteinander. Schlussfolgerungen: Bei Mädchen weisen die Ergebnisse auf einen Kompensationseffekt hin, während bei Jungen die funktionale Emotionsregulation einen Verstärkereffekt auf depressive Symptome zu haben scheint. Es kann vermutet werden, dass Jungen funktionale Strategien in dysfunktionaler Weise nutzen, während Mädchen diese angemessen einsetzen können. Eine Exploration des Verständnisses funktionaler Strategien kann Ansatzpunkte für die Behandlung eröffnen.
Gesundheitsorientierte Führung in der Altenpflege
Authors: Horstmann David , Remdisch Sabine
Published: October 2016

Zusammenfassung. Die Pflegebranche ist durch steigende Belastungen der Mitarbeiter und eine hohe Personalfluktuation gekennzeichnet. Bisherige Studien konnten bereits zeigen, dass Führungskräfte Einfluss auf die Gesundheit und das organisationale Commitment ihrer Mitarbeiter nehmen. Es blieb aber unklar, durch welche Wirkzusammenhänge sich dieser Einfluss beschreiben lässt, zumal weitere Studien die Bedeutung sozialer Belastungen und Ressourcen hervorheben. In der vorliegenden Studie wurden mittels Fragebogen Mitarbeiter der stationären Altenpflege (n = 861) zu ihrem Gesundheitszustand, ihrem organisationalen Commitment, ihren sozialen Belastungen und Ressourcen sowie der Gesundheitsorientierung ihrer Führungskräfte befragt. Die Ergebnisse bestätigten den Zusammenhang zwischen gesundheitsorientierter Führung und Gesundheit und Commitment der Mitarbeiter. Soziale Ressourcen und Belastungen am Arbeitsplatz mediieren diesen Zusammenhang dabei teilweise. Die Ergebnisse untermauern die Bedeutung einer gesundheitsorientierten Führung für die Gesundheit und das Commitment der Mitarbeiter. Die Förderung der sozialen Ressourcen und Reduzierung der Belastungen stellen für Führungskräfte zentrale Ansatzpunkte zur Förderung der Gesundheit und des Commitments ihrer Mitarbeiter dar.
Hill Receives 2016 Geodesy Section Award
Authors:   AGU
Published: October 2016

Emma M. Hill will receive the 2016 Geodesy Section Award at the 2016 American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting, to be held 12–16 December in San Francisco, Calif. The award is given in recognition of major advances in geodesy.
Microbial legacies alter decomposition in response to simulated global change
Authors: Martiny Jennifer B H , Martiny Adam C , Weihe Claudia , Lu Ying , Berlemont Renaud , Brodie Eoin L , Goulden Michael L , Treseder Kathleen K , Allison Steven D
Published: October 2016

Terrestrial ecosystem models assume that microbial communities respond instantaneously, or are immediately resilient, to environmental change. Here we tested this assumption by quantifying the resilience of a leaf litter community to changes in precipitation or nitrogen availability. By manipulating composition within a global change experiment, we decoupled the legacies of abiotic parameters versus that of the microbial community itself. After one rainy season, more variation in fungal composition could be explained by the original microbial inoculum than the litterbag environment (18% versus 5.5% of total variation). This compositional legacy persisted for 3 years, when 6% of the variability in fungal composition was still explained by the microbial origin. In contrast, bacterial composition was generally more resilient than fungal composition. Microbial functioning (measured as decomposition rate) was not immediately resilient to the global change manipulations; decomposition depended on both the contemporary environment and rainfall the year prior. Finally, using metagenomic sequencing, we showed that changes in precipitation, but not nitrogen availability, altered the potential for bacterial carbohydrate degradation, suggesting why the functional consequences of the two experiments may have differed. Predictions of how terrestrial ecosystem processes respond to environmental change may thus be improved by considering the legacies of microbial communities.
Purification of functional human ES and iPSC-derived midbrain dopaminergic progenitors using LRTM1
Authors: Samata Bumpei , Doi Daisuke , Nishimura Kaneyasu , Kikuchi Tetsuhiro , Watanabe Akira , Sakamoto Yoshimasa , Kakuta Jungo , Ono Yuichi , Takahashi Jun
Published: October 2016

Human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can provide a promising source of midbrain dopaminergic (mDA) neurons for cell replacement therapy for Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, iPSC-derived donor cells inevitably contain tumorigenic or inappropriate cells. To eliminate these unwanted cells, cell sorting using antibodies for specific markers such as CORIN or ALCAM has been developed, but neither marker is specific for ventral midbrain. Here we employ a double selection strategy for cells expressing both CORIN and LMX1A::GFP, and report a cell surface marker to enrich mDA progenitors, LRTM1. When transplanted into 6-OHDA-lesioned rats, human iPSC-derived LRTM1+ cells survive and differentiate into mDA neurons in vivo, resulting in a significant improvement in motor behaviour without tumour formation. In addition, there was marked survival of mDA neurons following transplantation of LRTM1+ cells into the brain of an MPTP-treated monkey. Thus, LRTM1 may provide a tool for efficient and safe cell therapy for PD patients.
Spin-polarized surface resonances accompanying topological surface state formation
Authors: Jozwiak Chris , Sobota Jonathan A. , Gotlieb Kenneth , Kemper Alexander F. , Rotundu Costel R. , Birgeneau Robert J. , Hussain Zahid , Lee Dung-Hai , Shen Zhi-Xun , Lanzara Alessandra
Published: October 2016

Topological insulators host spin-polarized surface states born out of the energetic inversion of bulk bands driven by the spin-orbit interaction. Here we discover previously unidentified consequences of band-inversion on the surface electronic structure of the topological insulator Bi2Se3. By performing simultaneous spin, time, and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, we map the spin-polarized unoccupied electronic structure and identify a surface resonance which is distinct from the topological surface state, yet shares a similar spin-orbital texture with opposite orientation. Its momentum dependence and spin texture imply an intimate connection with the topological surface state. Calculations show these two distinct states can emerge from trivial Rashba-like states that change topology through the spin-orbit-induced band inversion. This work thus provides a compelling view of the coevolution of surface states through a topological phase transition, enabled by the unique capability of directly measuring the spin-polarized unoccupied band structure.
Decrease in pH destabilizes individual vault nanocages by weakening the inter-protein lateral interaction
Authors: Llauró Aida , Guerra Pablo , Kant Ravi , Bothner Brian , Verdaguer Núria , de Pablo Pedro J.
Published: October 2016

Vault particles are naturally occurring proteinaceous cages with promising application as molecular containers. The use of vaults as functional transporters requires a profound understanding of their structural stability to guarantee the protection and controlled payload delivery. Previous results performed with bulk techniques or at non-physiological conditions have suggested pH as a parameter to control vault dynamics. Here we use Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) to monitor the structural evolution of individual vault particles while changing the pH in real time. Our experiments show that decreasing the pH of the solution destabilize the barrel region, the central part of vault particles and leads to the aggregation of the cages. Additional analyses using Quartz-Crystal Microbalance (QCM) and Differential Scanning Fluorimetry (DSF) are consistent with our single molecule AFM experiments. The observed topographical defects suggest that low pH weakens the bonds between adjacent proteins. We hypothesize that the observed effects are related to the strong polar character of the protein-protein lateral interactions. Overall, our study unveils the mechanism for the influence of a biologically relevant range of pHs on the stability and dynamics of vault particles.
Allosteric communication pathways routed by Ca2+/Mg2+ exchange in GCAP1 selectively switch target regulation modes
Authors: Marino Valerio , Dell’Orco Daniele
Published: October 2016

GCAP1 is a neuronal calcium sensor protein that regulates the phototransduction cascade in vertebrates by switching between activator and inhibitor of the target guanylate cyclase (GC) in a Ca2+-dependent manner. We carried out exhaustive molecular dynamics simulations of GCAP1 and determined the intramolecular communication pathways involved in the specific GC activator/inhibitor switch. The switch was found to depend on the Mg2+/Ca2+ loading states of the three EF hands and on the way the information is transferred from each EF hand to specific residues at the GCAP1/GC interface. Post-translational myristoylation is fundamental to mediate long range allosteric interactions including the EF2-EF4 coupling and the communication between EF4 and the GC binding interface. Some hubs in the identified protein network are the target of retinal dystrophy mutations, suggesting that the lack of complete inhibition of GC observed in many cases is likely due to the perturbation of intra/intermolecular communication routes.
Experimental demonstration of a quantum shutter closing two slits simultaneously
Authors: Okamoto Ryo , Takeuchi Shigeki
Published: October 2016

The interference between two paths of a single photon at a double slit is widely considered to be the most paradoxical result of quantum theory. Here is a new interesting question to the phenomenon: can a single shutter simultaneously close two slits by effectively being in a superposition of different locations? Aharonov and Vaidman have shown that it is indeed possible to construct a quantum shutter that can close two slits and reflect a probe photon perfectly when its initial and final states are appropriately selected. Here we report the experimental demonstration of their proposal overcoming the difficulty to realize a ‘quantum shutter’ by employing photonic quantum routers. The reflectance ratio of 0.61 ± 0.027 surpasses the classical limit with 4.1 standard deviation, shedding new light on the unusual physical properties of quantum operations. This experimental demonstration, where the strong measurement and non-local superposition seem co-existing, provides an alternative to weak measurements as a way to explore the nature of quantum physics.
Associations of the calcium-sensing receptor gene CASR rs7652589 SNP with nephrolithiasis and secondary hyperparathyroidism in haemodialysis patients
Authors: Grzegorzewska Alicja E. , Paciorkowski Mateusz , Mostowska Adrianna , Frycz Bartosz , Warchoł Wojciech , Stolarek Ireneusz , Figlerowicz Marek , Jagodziński Paweł P.
Published: October 2016

Nephrolithiasis, secondary hyperparathyroidism (sHPT), and cardiovascular complications are associated with disturbances in Ca handling and contribute to morbidity/mortality during haemodialysis (HD). Calcimimetics, activators of the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR), provide an effective means of reducing parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion in sHPT. Polymorphism in CaSR gene (CASR) influences Ca-related parameters, however it was not shown in HD patients for CASR rs7652589. The minor allele at this polymorphism modifies the binding sites of transcription factors and CaSR expression. We hypothesized that CASR rs7652589 variants may also influence CaSR in end stage renal disease (ESRD). We aimed to determine the associations of rs7652589 with nephrolithiasis-related ESRD, Ca, P, ALP, PTH, response to treatment with cinacalcet, prevalence of coronary artery disease, and all-cause/cardiovascular mortality in HD patients (n = 1162). Healthy individuals (n = 918) were controls. This study shows that the A allele of rs7652589 is a risk allele for nephrolithiasis-related ESRD. The AA genotype is associated with more severe sHPT (higher Ca and PTH concentrations). The A allele is associated with reduced CaSR transcript level in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. According to computational analysis, potential binding sites for GLI3, AHR and TP53 are removed by the A allele, whereas binding sites for SOX18 and TP63 are created.
Understanding and controlling the structure and segregation behaviour of AuRh nanocatalysts
Authors: Piccolo Laurent , Li Z. Y. , Demiroglu Ilker , Moyon Florian , Konuspayeva Zere , Berhault Gilles , Afanasiev Pavel , Lefebvre Williams , Yuan Jun , Johnston Roy L.
Published: October 2016

Heterogeneous catalysis, which is widely used in the chemical industry, makes a great use of supported late-transition-metal nanoparticles, and bimetallic catalysts often show superior catalytic performances as compared to their single metal counterparts. In order to optimize catalyst efficiency and discover new active combinations, an atomic-level understanding and control of the catalyst structure is desirable. In this work, the structure of catalytically active AuRh bimetallic nanoparticles prepared by colloidal methods and immobilized on rutile titania nanorods was investigated using aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy. Depending on the applied post-treatment, different types of segregation behaviours were evidenced, ranging from Rh core – Au shell to Janus via Rh ball – Au cup configuration. The stability of these structures was predicted by performing density-functional-theory calculations on unsupported and titania-supported Au-Rh clusters; it can be rationalized from the lower surface and cohesion energies of Au with respect to Rh, and the preferential binding of Rh with the titania support. The bulk-immiscible AuRh/TiO2 system can serve as a model to understand similar supported nanoalloy systems and their synergistic behaviour in catalysis.
FUS/TLS acts as an aggregation-dependent modifier of polyglutamine disease model mice
Authors: Kino Yoshihiro , Washizu Chika , Kurosawa Masaru , Yamada Mizuki , Doi Hiroshi , Takumi Toru , Adachi Hiroaki , Katsuno Masahisa , Sobue Gen , Hicks Geoffrey G. , Hattori Nobutaka , Shimogori Tomomi , Nukina Nobuyuki
Published: October 2016

FUS/TLS is an RNA/DNA-binding protein associated with neurodegenerative diseases including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal lobar degeneration. Previously, we found that a prion-like domain in the N-terminus of FUS/TLS mediates co-aggregation between FUS/TLS and mutant huntingtin, the gene product of Huntington’s disease (HD). Here, we show that heterozygous knockout of FUS/TLS worsened the phenotypes of model mice of (HD, but not spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA). This difference was correlated with the degree of pathological association between disease proteins and FUS/TLS. Co-aggregation between FUS/TLS and mutant huntingtin resulted in the depletion of free FUS/TLS protein in HD mice that was detected as a monomer in SDS-PAGE analysis. Recently, we found that FUS/TLS paralogs, TAF15 and EWS, were up-regulated in homozygous FUS/TLS knockout mice. These two proteins were up-regulated in both HD and FUS/TLS heterozygote mice, and were further elevated in HD-TLS+/−double mutant mice, consistent with the functional impairment of FUS/TLS. These results suggest that FUS/TLS sequestration by co-aggregation is a rate-limiting factor of disease phenotypes of HD and that inclusions may have an adverse aspect, rather than being simply benign or protective. In addition, our results highlight inclusions as repositories of potential modifiers of neurodegeneration.
The Effects of High-fat-diet Combined with Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress on Depression-like Behavior and Leptin/LepRb in Male Rats
Authors: Yang Jin Ling , Liu De Xiang , Jiang Hong , Pan Fang , Ho Cyrus SH , Ho Roger CM
Published: October 2016

Leptin plays a key role in the pathogenesis of obesity and depression via the long form of leptin receptor (LepRb). An animal model of comorbid obesity and depression induced by high-fat diet (HFD) combined with chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) was developed to study the relationship between depression/anxiety-like behavior, levels of plasma leptin and LepRb in the brains between four groups of rats, the combined obesity and CUMS (Co) group, the obese (Ob) group, the CUMS group and controls. Our results revealed that the Co group exhibited most severe depression-like behavior in the open field test (OFT), anxiety-like behavior in elevated plus maze test (EMT) and cognitive impairment in the Morris water maze (MWM). The Ob group had the highest weight and plasma leptin levels while the Co group had the lowest levels of protein of LepRb in the hypothalamus and hippocampus. Furthermore, depressive and anxiety-like behaviors as well as cognitive impairment were positively correlated with levels of LepRb protein and mRNA in the hippocampus and hypothalamus. The down-regulation of leptin/LepRb signaling might be associated with depressive-like behavior and cognitive impairment in obese rats facing chronic mild stress.
NMDA receptors in mouse anterior piriform cortex initialize early odor preference learning and L-type calcium channels engage for long-term memory
Authors: Mukherjee Bandhan , Yuan Qi
Published: October 2016

The interactions of L-type calcium channels (LTCCs) and NMDA receptors (NMDARs) in memories are poorly understood. Here we investigated the specific roles of anterior piriform cortex (aPC) LTCCs and NMDARs in early odor preference memory in mice. Using calcium imaging in aPC slices, LTCC activation was shown to be dependent on NMDAR activation. Either D-APV (NMDAR antagonist) or nifedipine (LTCC antagonist) reduced somatic calcium transients in pyramidal cells evoked by lateral olfactory tract stimulation. However, nifedipine did not further reduce calcium in the presence of D-APV. In mice that underwent early odor preference training, blocking NMDARs in the aPC prevented short-term (3 hr) and long-term (24 hr) odor preference memory, and both memories were rescued when BayK-8644 (LTCC agonist) was co-infused. However, activating LTCCs in the absence of NMDARs resulted in loss of discrimination between the conditioned odor and a similar odor mixture at 3 hr. Elevated synaptic AMPAR expression at 3 hr was prevented by D-APV infusion but restored when LTCCs were directly activated, mirroring the behavioral outcomes. Blocking LTCCs prevented 24 hr memory and spared 3 hr memory. These results suggest that NMDARs mediate stimulus-specific encoding of odor memory while LTCCs mediate intracellular signaling leading to long-term memory.
CRISPR/Cas9 mediated knockout of rb1 and rbl1 leads to rapid and penetrant retinoblastoma development in Xenopus tropicalis
Authors: Naert Thomas , Colpaert Robin , Van Nieuwenhuysen Tom , Dimitrakopoulou Dionysia , Leoen Jannick , Haustraete Jurgen , Boel Annekatrien , Steyaert Wouter , Lepez Trees , Deforce Dieter , Willaert Andy , Creytens David , Vleminckx Kris
Published: October 2016

Retinoblastoma is a pediatric eye tumor in which bi-allelic inactivation of the Retinoblastoma 1 (RB1) gene is the initiating genetic lesion. Although recently curative rates of retinoblastoma have increased, there are at this time no molecular targeted therapies available. This is, in part, due to the lack of highly penetrant and rapid retinoblastoma animal models that facilitate rapid identification of targets that allow therapeutic intervention. Different mouse models are available, all based on genetic deactivation of both Rb1 and Retinoblastoma-like 1 (Rbl1), and each showing different kinetics of retinoblastoma development. Here, we show by CRISPR/Cas9 techniques that similar to the mouse, neither rb1 nor rbl1 single mosaic mutant Xenopus tropicalis develop tumors, whereas rb1/rbl1 double mosaic mutant tadpoles rapidly develop retinoblastoma. Moreover, occasionally presence of pinealoblastoma (trilateral retinoblastoma) was detected. We thus present the first CRISPR/Cas9 mediated cancer model in Xenopus tropicalis and the first genuine genetic non-mammalian retinoblastoma model. The rapid kinetics of our model paves the way for use as a pre-clinical model. Additionally, this retinoblastoma model provides unique possibilities for fast elucidation of novel drug targets by triple multiplex CRISPR/Cas9 gRNA injections (rb1 + rbl1 + modifier gene) in order to address the clinically unmet need of targeted retinoblastoma therapy.
Kinetic Modeling of Phosphate Adsorption by Preformed and In situ formed Hydrous Ferric Oxides at Circumneutral pH
Authors: Mao Yanpeng , Yue Qinyan
Published: October 2016

Kinetics of phosphate removal by Fe(III) was investigated by both preformed and in situ formed hydrous ferric oxides (HFO) at pH 6.0–8.0. A pseudo-second-order empirical model was found to adequately describe phosphate removal in the two cases. The Elovich and intra-particle diffusion models, however, were only capable of describing phosphate adsorption to preformed HFO (PF-HFO). By using surface complexation kinetic models (SCKMs) to describe phosphate adsorption to PF-HFO, the adsorption rate constant (0.0386–0.205 mM−1 min−1 for SCKM-1 and 0.0680–0.274 mM−1 min−1 for SCKM-2) decreased with increasing pH while the protonation reaction rate constant in SCKM-2 (0.0776–0.0947 mM−1 min−1) increased over the pH range 6.0–8.0. Using the rate constants obtained from the process of phosphate adsorption to PF-HFO, the amount of active surface sites on the in situ formed HFO were calculated as 0.955 ± 0.170, 1.46 ± 0.39 and 2.98 ± 0.78 mM for pH = 6.0, 7.0 and 8, respectively. Generally, as the SCKMs incorporate phosphate complexation on HFO surface sites and protons competiting for the surface sites, they could provide a good description of the rate and extent of phosphate removal by both preformed and in-situ formed HFO over a wide range of conditions.
Testing the relationship between mimicry, trust and rapport in virtual reality conversations
Authors: Hale Joanna , Hamilton Antonia F. De C.
Published: October 2016

People mimic each other’s actions and postures during everyday interactions. It is widely believed this mimicry acts as a social glue, leading to increased rapport. We present two studies using virtual reality to rigorously test this hypothesis. In Study 1, 50 participants interacted with two avatars who either mimicked their head and torso movements at a 1 or 3 second time delay or did not mimic, and rated feelings of rapport and trust toward the avatars. Rapport was higher towards mimicking avatars, with no effect of timing. In Study 2, we aimed to replicate this effect in a pre-registered design and test whether it is modulated by cultural ingroup-outgroup boundaries. Forty participants from European or East Asian backgrounds interacted with four avatars, two of European appearance and two of East Asian appearance. Two avatars mimicked while the other two did not. We found no effects of mimicry on rapport or trust ratings or implicit trust behaviour in a novel maze task, and no effects of group status or interactions. These null results were calculated in line with our pre-registration. We conclude that being mimicked does not always increase rapport or trust, and make suggestions for future directions.
Ferroelectric triggering of carbon monoxide adsorption on lead zirco-titanate (001) surfaces
Authors: Tănase Liviu Cristian , Apostol Nicoleta Georgiana , Abramiuc Laura Elena , Tache Cristian Alexandru , Hrib Luminița , Trupină Lucian , Pintilie Lucian , Teodorescu Cristian Mihail
Published: October 2016

Atomically clean lead zirco-titanate PbZr0.2Ti0.8O3(001) layers exhibit a polarization oriented inwards P(−), visible by a band bending of all core levels towards lower binding energies, whereasas introducedlayers exhibit P(+)polarization under air or in ultrahigh vacuum. The magnitude of the inwards polarization decreases when the temperature is increased at 700 K. CO adsorption on P(−)polarized surfaces saturates at about one quarter of a monolayer of carbon, and occurs in both molecular (oxidized) and dissociated (reduced) states of carbon, with a large majority of reduced state. The sticking of CO on the surface in ultrahigh vacuum is found to be directly related to the P(−)polarization state of the surface. A simple electrostatic mechanism is proposed to explain these dissociation processes and the sticking of carbon on P(−)polarized areas. Carbon desorbs also when the surface is irradiated with soft X-rays. Carbon desorption when the polarization is lost proceeds most probably in form of CO2. Upon carbon desorption cycles, the ferroelectric surface is depleted in oxygen and at some point reverses its polarization, owing to electrons provided by oxygen vacancies which are able to screen the depolarization field produced by positive fixed charges at the surface.
Explicating heterogeneity of complex traits has strong potential for improving GWAS efficiency
Authors: Kulminski Alexander M. , Loika Yury , Culminskaya Irina , Arbeev Konstantin G. , Ukraintseva Svetlana V. , Stallard Eric , Yashin Anatoliy I.
Published: October 2016

Common strategy of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) relying on large samples faces difficulties, which raise concerns that GWAS have exhausted their potential, particularly for complex traits. Here, we examine the efficiency of the traditional sample-size-centered strategy in GWAS of these traits, and its potential for improvement. The paper focuses on the results of the four largest GWAS meta-analyses of body mass index (BMI) and lipids. We show that just increasing sample size may not make p-values of genetic effects in large (N > 100,000) samples smaller but can make them larger. The efficiency of these GWAS, defined as ratio of the log-transformed p-value to the sample size, in larger samples was larger than in smaller samples for a small fraction of loci. These results emphasize the important role of heterogeneity in genetic associations with complex traits such as BMI and lipids. They highlight the substantial potential for improving GWAS by explicating this role (affecting 11–79% of loci in the selected GWAS), especially the effects of biodemographic processes, which are heavily underexplored in current GWAS and which are important sources of heterogeneity in the various study populations. Further progress in this direction is crucial for efficient use of genetic discoveries in health care.
Non-destructive determination of Malondialdehyde (MDA) distribution in oilseed rape leaves by laboratory scale NIR hyperspectral imaging
Authors: Kong Wenwen , Liu Fei , Zhang Chu , Zhang Jianfeng , Feng Hailin
Published: October 2016

The feasibility of hyperspectral imaging with 400–1000 nm was investigated to detect malondialdehyde (MDA) content in oilseed rape leaves under herbicide stress. After comparing the performance of different preprocessing methods, linear and nonlinear calibration models, the optimal prediction performance was achieved by extreme learning machine (ELM) model with only 23 wavelengths selected by competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS), and the result was RP = 0.929 and RMSEP = 2.951. Furthermore, MDA distribution map was successfully achieved by partial least squares (PLS) model with CARS. This study indicated that hyperspectral imaging technology provided a fast and nondestructive solution for MDA content detection in plant leaves.
Chimpanzee females queue but males compete for social status
Authors: Foerster Steffen , Franz Mathias , Murray Carson M. , Gilby Ian C. , Feldblum Joseph T. , Walker Kara K. , Pusey Anne E.
Published: October 2016

Dominance hierarchies are widespread in animal social groups and often have measureable effects on individual health and reproductive success. Dominance ranks are not static individual attributes, however, but instead are influenced by two independent processes: 1) changes in hierarchy membership and 2) successful challenges of higher-ranking individuals. Understanding which of these processes dominates the dynamics of rank trajectories can provide insights into fitness benefits of within-sex competition. This question has yet to be examined systematically in a wide range of taxa due to the scarcity of long-term data and a lack of appropriate methodologies for distinguishing between alternative causes of rank changes over time. Here, we expand on recent work and develop a new likelihood-based Elo rating method that facilitates the systematic assessment of rank dynamics in animal social groups, even when interaction data are sparse. We apply this method to characterize long-term rank trajectories in wild eastern chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii) and find remarkable sex differences in rank dynamics, indicating that females queue for social status while males actively challenge each other to rise in rank. Further, our results suggest that natal females obtain a head start in the rank queue if they avoid dispersal, with potential fitness benefits.
Non-random pairing of CD46 isoforms with skewing towards BC2 and C2 in activated and memory/effector T cells
Authors: Hansen Aida S. , Bundgaard Bettina B. , Møller Bjarne K. , Höllsberg Per
Published: October 2016

CD46 is a glycoprotein with important functions in innate and adaptive immune responses. Functionally different isoforms are generated by alternative splicing at exons 7–9 (BC and C isoforms) and exon 13 (CYT-1 and CYT-2 isoforms) giving rise to BC1, BC2, C1 and C2. We developed a novel real-time PCR assay that allows quantitative comparisons between these isoforms. Their relative frequency in CD4+ T cells from 100 donors revealed a distribution with high interpersonally variability. Importantly, the distribution between the isoforms was not random and although splicing favoured inclusion of exon 8 (BC isoforms), exclusion of exon 8 (C isoforms) was significantly linked to exclusion of exon 13 (CYT-2 isoforms). Despite inter-individual differences, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, B cells, NK cells and monocytes expressed similar isoform profiles intra-individually. However, memory/effector CD4+ T cells had a significantly higher frequency of CYT-2 when compared with naïve CD4+ T cells. Likewise, in vitro activation of naïve and total CD4+ T cells increased the expression of CYT-2. This indicates that although splicing factors determine a certain expression profile in an individual, the profile can be modulated by external stimuli. This suggests a mechanism by which alterations in CD46 isoforms may temporarily regulate the immune response.
The oasis effect and summer temperature rise in arid regions - case study in Tarim Basin
Authors: Hao Xingming , Li Weihong , Deng Haijun
Published: October 2016

This study revealed the influence of the oasis effect on summer temperatures based on MODIS Land Surface Temperature (LST) and meteorological data. The results showed that the oasis effect occurs primarily in the summer. For a single oasis, the maximum oasis cold island intensity based on LST (OCILST) was 3.82 °C and the minimum value was 2.32 °C. In terms of the annual change in OCILST, the mean value of all oases ranged from 2.47 °C to 3.56 °C from 2001 to 2013. Net radiation (Rn) can be used as a key predictor of OCILST and OCItemperature (OCI based on air temperature). On this basis, we reconstructed a long time series (1961–2014) of OCItemperature and Tbase(air temperature without the disturbance of oasis effect). Our results indicated that the reason for the increase in the observed temperatures was the significant decrease in the OCItemperature over the past 50 years. In arid regions, the data recorded in weather stations not only underestimated the mean temperature of the entire study area but also overestimated the increasing trend of the temperature. These discrepancies are due to the limitations in the spatial distribution of weather stations and the disturbance caused by the oasis effect.
Selective detection of dopamine with an all PEDOT:PSS Organic Electrochemical Transistor
Authors: Gualandi Isacco , Tonelli Domenica , Mariani Federica , Scavetta Erika , Marzocchi Marco , Fraboni Beatrice
Published: October 2016

An all PEDOT:PSS Organic Electrochemical Transistor (OECT) has been developed and used for the selective detection of dopamine (DA) in the presence of interfering compounds (ascorbic acid, AA and uric acid, UA). The selective response has been implemented using a potentiodynamic approach, by varying the operating gate voltage and the scan rate. The trans-conductance curves allow to obtain a linear calibration plot for AA, UA and DA and to separate the redox waves associated to each compound; for this purpose, the scan rate is an important parameter to achieve a good resolution. The sensitivities and limits of detection obtained with the OECT have been compared with those obtained by potential step amperometric techniques (cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry), employing a PEDOT:PSS working electrode: our results prove that the all-PEDOT:PSS OECT sensitivities and limits of detection are comparable or even better than those obtained by DPV, a technique that employs a sophisticate potential wave and read-out system in order to maximize the performance of electrochemical sensors and that can hardly be considered a viable readout method in practical applications.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Small Diameter Blood Vessels Bioengineered From Human Adipose-derived Stem Cells
Authors: Zhou Renpeng , Zhu Lei , Fu Shibo , Qian Yunliang , Wang Danru , Wang Chen
Published: October 2016

Bioengineering of small-diameter blood vessels offers a promising approach to reduce the morbidity associated with coronary artery and peripheral vascular disease. The aim of this study was to construct a two-layered small-diameter blood vessel using smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and endothelial cells (ECs) differentiated from human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs). The outer layer was constructed with biodegradable polycaprolactone (PCL)-gelatin mesh seeded with SMCs, and this complex was then rolled around a silicone tube under pulsatile stimulation. After incubation for 6 to 8 weeks, the PCL-gelatin degraded and the luminal supporting silicone tube was removed. The smooth muscle layer was subsequently lined with ECs differentiated from hASCs after stimulation with VEGF and BMP4 in combination hypoxia. The phenotype of differentiated SMCs and ECs, and the cytotoxicity of the scaffold and biomechanical assessment were analyzed. Our results demonstrated that the two-layered bioengineered vessels exhibited biomechanical properties similar to normal human saphenous veins (HSV). Therefore, hASCs provide SMCs and ECs for bioengineering of small-diameter blood vessels.
Acoustic Holographic Rendering with Two-dimensional Metamaterial-based Passive Phased Array
Authors: Xie Yangbo , Shen Chen , Wang Wenqi , Li Junfei , Suo Dingjie , Popa Bogdan-Ioan , Jing Yun , Cummer Steven A.
Published: October 2016

Acoustic holographic rendering in complete analogy with optical holography are useful for various applications, ranging from multi-focal lensing, multiplexed sensing and synthesizing three-dimensional complex sound fields. Conventional approaches rely on a large number of active transducers and phase shifting circuits. In this paper we show that by using passive metamaterials as subwavelength pixels, holographic rendering can be achieved without cumbersome circuitry and with only a single transducer, thus significantly reducing system complexity. Such metamaterial-based holograms can serve as versatile platforms for various advanced acoustic wave manipulation and signal modulation, leading to new possibilities in acoustic sensing, energy deposition and medical diagnostic imaging.
Smooth muscle cell-specific Tgfbr1 deficiency promotes aortic aneurysm formation by stimulating multiple signaling events
Authors: Yang Pu , Schmit Bradley M. , Fu Chunhua , DeSart Kenneth , Oh S. Paul , Berceli Scott A. , Jiang Zhihua
Published: October 2016

Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β signaling disorder has emerged as a common molecular signature for aortic aneurysm development. The timing of postnatal maturation plays a key role in dictating the biological outcome of TGF-β signaling disorders in the aortic wall. In this study, we investigated the impact of deficiency of TGFβ receptors on the structural homeostasis of mature aortas. We used an inducible Cre-loxP system driven by a Myh11 promoter to delete Tgfbr1, Tgfbr2, or both in smooth muscle cells (SMCs) of adult mice. TGFBR1 deficiency resulted in rapid and severe aneurysmal degeneration, with 100% penetrance of ascending thoracic aortas, whereas TGFBR2 deletion only caused mild aortic pathology with low (26%) lesion prevalence. Removal of TGFBR2 attenuated the aortic pathology caused by TGFBR1 deletion and correlated with a reduction of early ERK phosphorylation. In addition, the production of angiotensin (Ang)-converting enzyme was upregulated in TGFBR1 deficient aortas at the early stage of aneurysmal degeneration. Inhibition of ERK phosphorylation or blockade of AngII type I receptor AT1R prevented aneurysmal degeneration of TGFBR1 deficient aortas. In conclusion, loss of SMC-Tgfbr1 triggers multiple deleterious pathways, including abnormal TGFBR2, ERK, and AngII/AT1R signals that disrupt aortic wall homeostasis to cause aortic aneurysm formation.
Characterization of factors underlying the metabolic shifts in developing kernels of colored maize
Authors: Hu Chaoyang , Li Quanlin , Shen Xuefang , Quan Sheng , Lin Hong , Duan Lei , Wang Yifa , Luo Qian , Qu Guorun , Han Qing , Lu Yuan , Zhang Dabing , Yuan Zheng , Shi Jianxin
Published: October 2016

Elucidation of the metabolic pathways determining pigmentation and their underlying regulatory mechanisms in maize kernels is of high importance in attempts to improve the nutritional composition of our food. In this study, we compared dynamics in the transcriptome and metabolome between colored SW93 and white SW48 by integrating RNA-Seq and non-targeted metabolomics. Our data revealed that expression of enzyme coding genes and levels of primary metabolites decreased gradually from 11 to 21 DAP, corresponding well with the physiological change of developing maize kernels from differentiation through reserve accumulation to maturation, which was cultivar independent. A remarkable up-regulation of anthocyanin and phlobaphene pathway distinguished SW93 from SW48, in which anthocyanin regulating transcriptional factors (R1 and C1), enzyme encoding genes involved in both pathways and corresponding metabolic intermediates were up-regulated concurrently in SW93 but not in SW48. The shift from the shikimate pathway of primary metabolism to the flavonoid pathway of secondary metabolism, however, appears to be under posttranscriptional regulation. This study revealed the link between primary metabolism and kernel coloration, which facilitate further study to explore fundamental questions regarding the evolution of seed metabolic capabilities as well as their potential applications in maize improvement regarding both staple and functional foods.
Single-chain Nanoparticles
Authors: Cole Justin P. , Lyon Christopher K. , Berda Erik B.
Published: October 2016

In this chapter, we cover the various synthetic routes that have been applied to synthesize single-chain nanoparticles, provide a summary of the characterization methods for these materials, and present a number of potential applications. It is clear that architecturally defined polymeric nanoparticles have great potential as biomimetic structures, and research in this area will continue to grow. The nanostructures presented here were made using a broad range of synthetic approaches, and high-level characterization and modeling techniques were used to understand the folding process. We hope this chapter will serve as an introduction to the field of single-chain nanoparticles, while showcasing the state of the art in manipulation of discrete polymer chains.
Translating Mussel Adhesion: Four Uncertainties about the Interface
Authors: Waite J. Herbert
Published: October 2016

Marine mussels successfully adhere to surfaces that are wet, corroded, encrusted with salts, and coated with bio-films. Effective translation of mussel adhesion has great technological appeal but cannot advance substantively without fundamental insight into mussel adhesive chemistry, processing, and microarchitecture. Recent work has provided mechanistic insight about the role of surface dehydration, interfacial acidification, and redox regulation during mussel attachment that enable a re-evaluation of the process with the corresponding advantages for the design of synthetic platforms.
Mussel Adhesive-inspired Polymers
Authors: Lee Bruce P.
Published: October 2016

Marine mussels secrete adhesive proteins that enable these organisms to bind tenaciously to surfaces in a wet, saline, and turbulent environment. One of the unique structural features of these adhesive proteins is the presence of DOPA, an amino acid consisting of an adhesive catechol side chain. This chapter reviews the reversible and irreversible chemistries of catechol and various methods in creating catechol-functionalized polymeric materials. Finally, recent applications of these biomimetic polymers in designing tissue adhesives, antifouling coatings, delivery vehicles for therapeutic drugs and cells, and smart hydrogels and adhesives are reviewed.
Self-reporting Polymeric Materials with Mechanochromic Properties
Authors: Araujo Jose V. , Rifaie-Graham Omar , Apebende Edward A. , Bruns Nico
Published: October 2016

The mechanical transduction of force onto molecules is an essential feature of many biological processes that results in the senses of touch and hearing, gives important cues for cellular interactions and can lead to optically detectable signals, such as a change in colour, fluorescence or chemoluminescence. Polymeric materials that are able to visually indicate deformation, stress, strain or the occurrence of microdamage draw inspiration from these biological events. The field of self-reporting (or self-assessing) materials is reviewed. First, mechanochromic events in nature are discussed, such as the formation of bruises on skin, the bleeding of a wound, or marine glow caused by dinoflagellates. Then, materials based on force-responsive mechanophores, such as spiropyrans, cyclobutanes, cyclooctanes, Diels–Alder adducts, diarylbibenzofuranone and bis(adamantyl)-1,2-dioxetane are reviewed, followed by mechanochromic blends, chromophores stabilised by hydrogen bonds, and pressure sensors based on ionic interactions between fluorescent dyes and polyelectrolyte brushes. Mechanobiochemistry is introduced as an important tool to create self-reporting hybrid materials that combine polymers with the force-responsive properties of fluorescent proteins, protein FRET pairs, and other biomacromolecules. Finally, dye-filled microcapsules, microvascular networks, and hollow fibres are demonstrated to be important technologies to create damage-indicating coatings, self-reporting fibre-reinforced composites and self-healing materials.
Superwettability of Polymer Surfaces
Authors: Yao Xi , Ju Jie , Jiang Lei
Published: October 2016

Polymers are chain-like molecules comprised of repeating monomer units connected to each other. The surfaces of polymer materials reflect their intrinsic physical and chemical properties, which are close to the properties of biological surfaces and interfaces. Consequently, polymers are considered ideal organic materials to obtain bio-mimetic superwetting properties (i.e. superhydrophobicity, superoleophobicity, superhydrophobicity, or superoleophobicity). In this chapter, we introduce the recent developments on superwetting polymer surfaces according to various applications across fields from scientific research to industry (self-cleaning surfaces, capture of circulating tumor cells, underwater capture of air and methane, oil/water separation, fog-collecting systems, insect robots with the ability to walk on water, switchable water droplet transport systems, artificial ion channels to control ion transport and for energy conversion, etc.). Some superwetting phenomena on bio-surfaces and interfaces will be briefly discussed as the source of inspiration for their artificial counterparts (e.g. lotus leaves, rose petals, spider-silk, fog collection by cactus, water-strider legs, ion channel proteins). Finally, a summary on superwetting polymer surfaces together with the prospect of their future will be given.
Proton-switchable vapochromic behaviour of a platinum(ii)–carboxy-terpyridine complex
Authors: Kobayashi Atsushi , Oizumi Shiori , Shigeta Yasuhiro , Yoshida Masaki , Kato Masako
Published: October 2016

We synthesized a carboxy-functionalized Pt(ii)–terpyridine complex that exhibits vapochromic behavior that is switchable via protonation/deprotonation of the carboxy group.
K3[Mo2(SNO5)4Cl]3[Mo2(SNO5)4]: the first example of a heterometallic extended metal atom node (HEMAN)
Authors: Dolinar Brian S. , Kozimor Stosh A. , Berry John F.
Published: October 2016

We present the synthesis, structure, and electrochemistry of K3[Mo2(SNO5)4Cl]3[Mo2(SNO5)4] (1, HSNO5 = monothiosuccinimide), the first example of a heterometallic extended metal atom node (HEMAN).
STAT3 inhibition suppresses hepatic stellate cell fibrogenesis: HJC0123, a potential therapeutic agent for liver fibrosis
Authors: Nunez Lopez Omar , Bohanon Fredrick J. , Wang Xiaofu , Ye Na , Corsello Tiziana , Rojas-Khalil Yesenia , Chen Haijun , Chen Haiying , Zhou Jia , Radhakrishnan Ravi S.
Published: October 2016

The novel small molecule HJC0123 will inhibit STAT3 activation in human HSCs resulting in decreased fibrogenesis, unveiling a potential role for its use as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of liver fibrosis.
The persistent energy transfer of Eu2+ and Dy3+ and luminescence properties of a new cyan afterglow phosphor α-Ca3(PO4)2:Eu2+,Dy3+
Authors: Guo Haijie , Wang Yuhua , Li Gen , Liu Jie , Li Yanyan
Published: October 2016

The trapping/detrapping processes and persistent energy transfer in a new cyan afterglow phosphor α-Ca3(PO4)2:Eu2+,Dy3+.