bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Significant inverse association of equol-producer status with coronary artery calcification but not dietary isoflavones in healthy Japanese men
Authors: Ahuja Vasudha , Miura Katsuyuki , Vishnu Abhishek , Fujiyoshi Akira , Evans Rhobert , Zaid Maryam , Miyagawa Naoko , Hisamatsu Takashi , Kadota Aya , Okamura Tomonori , Ueshima Hirotsugu , Sekikawa Akira
Published: February 2017

Equol, a metabolite of the dietary isoflavone daidzein, is produced by the action of gut bacteria in some individuals who are termed as equol-producers. It is proposed to have stronger atheroprotective properties than dietary isoflavones. We examined a cross-sectional association of dietary isoflavones and equol-producer status with coronary artery calcification (CAC), a biomarker of coronary atherosclerosis, among men in Japan. A population-based sample of 272 Japanese men aged 40–49 years recruited from 2004 to 2007 was examined for serum isoflavones, serum equol, CAC and other factors. Equol-producers were classified as individuals having a serum level of equol >83 nm. The presence of CAC was defined as a coronary Ca score ≥10 Agatston units. The associations of dietary isoflavones and equol-producers with CAC were analysed using multiple logistic regression. The median of dietary isoflavones, equol and CAC were 512·7 (interquartile range (IQR) 194·1, 1170·0), 9·1 (IQR 0·10, 33·1) and 0·0 (IQR 0·0, 1·0) nm, respectively. Prevalence of CAC and equol-producers was 9·6 and 16·0 %, respectively. Dietary isoflavones were not significantly associated with CAC. After multivariable adjustment, the OR for the presence of CAC in equol-producers compared with equol non-producers was 0·10 (95 % CI 0·01, 0·90, P<0·04). Equol-producers had significantly lower CAC than equol non-producers, but there was no significant association between dietary isoflavones and CAC, suggesting that equol may be a key factor for atheroprotective properties of isoflavones in Japanese men. This finding must be confirmed in larger studies or clinical trials of equol that is now available as a dietary supplement.
Vibrio alginolyticusinfections in the USA, 1988–2012
Authors: JACOBS SLIFKA K. M. , NEWTON A. E. , MAHON B. E.
Published: February 2017

Vibrio alginolyticuscauses soft tissue and bloodstream infection; little systematically collected clinical and epidemiological information is available. In the USA,V. alginolyticusinfections are reported to the Cholera and OtherVibrioIllness Surveillance system. Using data from 1988 to 2012, we categorised infections using specimen source and exposure history, analysed case characteristics, and calculated incidence rates using US Census Bureau data. Most (96%) of the 1331V. alginolyticusinfections were from coastal states. Infections of the skin and ear were most frequent (87%); ear infections occurred more commonly in children, lower extremity infections more commonly in older adults. Most (86%) infections involved water activity. Reported incidence of infections increased 12-fold over the study period, although the extent of diagnostic or surveillance bias is unclear. Prevention efforts should target waterborne transmission in coastal areas and provider education to promote more rapid diagnosis and prevent complications.
Market efficiency and government interventions in prewar Japanese rice futures markets
Authors: Ito Mikio , Maeda Kiyotaka , Noda Akihiko
Published: February 2017

This study analyzes how the colonial rice trade in prewar Japan affected its rice market, considering several government interventions in the two rice futures exchanges in Tokyo and Osaka. We explore the interventions in the futures markets using two procedures. First, we measure the joint degree of efficiency in the markets using a time-varying vector autoregression model. Second, we examine historical events that possibly affected the markets and focus on one event at a time. The degree of efficiency varies over time within our sample period (1881-1932). The observation, together with historical analysis, leads to the following conclusions: (1) the two major markets in Tokyo and Osaka were nearly efficient; (2) government interventions involving the delivery of imported rice from Taiwan and Korea often reduced futures market efficiency; finally, (3) this relationship continued as long as the quality difference between imported and domestic rice existed. The government interventions that promoted domestic distributions of the colonial goods resulted in confusion in the commodity markets, and decreased efficiency of the markets in the metropole.
Planning Functional Grasps of Simple Tools Invokes the Hand-independent Praxis Representation Network: An fMRI Study
Authors: Przybylski Łukasz , Króliczak Gregory
Published: February 2017

Objectives: Neuropsychological and neuroimaging evidence indicates that tool use knowledge and abilities are represented in the praxis representation network (PRN) of the left cerebral hemisphere. We investigated whether PRN would also underlie the planning of function-appropriate grasps of tools, even though such an assumption is inconsistent with some neuropsychological evidence for independent representations of tool grasping and skilled tool use. Methods: Twenty right-handed participants were tested in an event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study wherein they planned functionally appropriate grasps of tools versus grasps of non-tools matched for size and/or complexity, and later executed the pantomimed grasps of these objects. The dominant right, and non-dominant left hands were used in two different sessions counterbalanced across participants. The tool and non-tool stimuli were presented at three different orientations, some requiring uncomfortable hand rotations for effective grips, with the difficulty matched for both hands. Results: Planning functional grasps of tools (vs. non-tools) was associated with significant asymmetrical increases of activity in the temporo/occipital-parieto-frontal networks. The greater involvement of the left hemisphere PRN was particularly evident when hand movement kinematics (including wrist rotations) for grasping tools and non-tools were matched. The networks engaged in the task for the dominant and non-dominant hand were virtually identical. The differences in neural activity for the two object categories disappeared during grasp execution. Conclusions: The greater hand-independent engagement of the left-hemisphere praxis representation network for planning functional grasps reveals a genuine effect of an early affordance/function-based visual processing of tools. (JINS, 2017, 23, 108–120)
A NEWLY IDENTIFIED BACH CANTATA FRAGMENT IN A BEETHOVEN MANUSCRIPT
Authors: COOPER BARRY
Published: February 2017

Beethoven's sketch leaves are so numerous and at times so impenetrable that they are bound to throw up the occasional surprise when studied in detail. Around ten thousand such pages survive; they are generally difficult to decipher, and often more than one work appears on a single page. Nevertheless, few surprises will have been as unexpected as the identification of a fragment of a little-known Bach cantata amongst Beethoven's early sketches.
ID2 promotes survival of glioblastoma cells during metabolic stress by regulating mitochondrial function
Authors: Zhang Zhonghua , Rahme Gilbert J , Chatterjee Pranam D , Havrda Matthew C , Israel Mark A
Published: February 2017

Tumor cells proliferate in cellular environments characterized by a lack of optimal tissue organization resulting oftentimes in compromised cellular metabolism affecting nutrition, respiration, and energetics. The response of tumor cells to adverse environmental conditions is a key feature affecting their pathogenicity. We found that inhibitor of DNA binding 2 (ID2) expression levels significantly correlate with the ability of glioblastoma (GBM)-derived cell lines to survive glucose deprivation. ID2 suppressed mitochondrial oxidative respiration and mitochondrial ATP production by regulating the function of mitochondrial electron transport chain (mETC) complexes, resulting in reduced superoxide and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production from mitochondria. ID2 suppression of ROS production reduced mitochondrial damage and enhanced tumor cell survival during glucose deprivation. Bioinformatics analysis of GBM gene expression data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database revealed that expression of ID2 mRNA is unique among ID gene family members in correlating with the expression of nuclear genes involved in mitochondrial energy metabolism and assembly of mETC. Our data indicate that the expression level of ID2 in GBM cells can predict the sensitivity of GBM-derived tumor cells to decreased glucose levels. Low levels of ID2 expression in human GBM tissues may identify a clinical group in which metabolic targeting of glycolytic pathways can be expected to have the greatest therapeutic efficacy.
The complete structure of an activated open sodium channel
Authors: Sula Altin , Booker Jennifer , Ng Leo C. T. , Naylor Claire E. , DeCaen Paul G. , Wallace B. A.
Published: February 2017

Voltage-gated sodium channels (Navs) play essential roles in excitable tissues, with their activation and opening resulting in the initial phase of the action potential. The cycling of Navs through open, closed and inactivated states, and their closely choreographed relationships with the activities of other ion channels lead to exquisite control of intracellular ion concentrations in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Here we present the 2.45 Å resolution crystal structure of the complete NavMs prokaryotic sodium channel in a fully open conformation. A canonical activated conformation of the voltage sensor S4 helix, an open selectivity filter leading to an open activation gate at the intracellular membrane surface and the intracellular C-terminal domain are visible in the structure. It includes a heretofore unseen interaction motif between W77 of S3, the S4–S5 interdomain linker, and the C-terminus, which is associated with regulation of opening and closing of the intracellular gate.
Correction: Corrigendum: Endothelial to mesenchymal transition is common in atherosclerotic lesions and is associated with plaque instability
Authors: Evrard Solene M. , Lecce Laura , Michelis Katherine C. , Nomura-Kitabayashi Aya , Pandey Gaurav , Purushothaman K-Raman , d’Escamard Valentina , Li Jennifer R. , Hadri Lahouaria , Fujitani Kenji , Moreno Pedro R. , Benard Ludovic , Rimmele Pauline , Cohain Ariella , Mecham Brigham , Randolph Gwendalyn J. , Nabel Elizabeth G. , Hajjar Roger , Fuster Valentin , Boehm Manfred , Kovacic Jason C.
Published: February 2017

Nature Communications 8: Article number: 11853 (2016); Published: 24 June 2016; Updated: 16 February 2017 In this Article, the catalogue number for the anti-Fap-Alexa Fluor 647 antibody is listed incorrectly and should have read bs-5758R-A647 instead of bs-5760R-A647.
Erratum: Genome analysis of Campylobacter concisus strains from patients with inflammatory bowel disease and gastroenteritis provides new insights into pathogenicity
Authors: Chung Heung Kit Leslie , Tay Alfred , Octavia Sophie , Chen Jieqiong , Liu Fang , Ma Rena , Lan Ruiting , Riordan Stephen M. , Grimm Michael C. , Zhang Li
Published: February 2017

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 38442; published online: 02 December 2016; updated: 16 February 2017. This Article contains an error in Table 4. The text in the first row ‘CON_PiiA (strain P3UCB1)’ was incorrectly given as ‘CON_PiiB (strain H17O-S1).’
3D printed self-driven thumb-sized motors for in-situ underwater pollutant remediation
Authors: Yu Fen , Hu Qipeng , Dong Lina , Cui Xiao , Chen Tingtao , Xin Hongbo , Liu Miaoxing , Xue Chaowen , Song Xiangwei , Ai Fanrong , Li Ting , Wang Xiaolei
Published: February 2017

Green fuel-driven thumb sized motors (TSM) were designed and optimized by 3D printing to explore their in-situ remediation applications in rare studied underwater area. Combined with areogel processing and specialized bacteria domestication, each tiny TSM could realize large area pollutant treatment precisely in an impressive half-automatically manner.
Neuronally-directed effects of RXR activation in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Mariani M. M. , Malm T. , Lamb R. , Jay T. R. , Neilson L. , Casali B. , Medarametla L. , Landreth G. E.
Published: February 2017

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by extensive neuron loss that accompanies profound impairments in memory and cognition. We examined the neuronally directed effects of the retinoid X receptor agonist bexarotene in an aggressive model of AD. We report that a two week treatment of 3.5 month old 5XFAD mice with bexarotene resulted in the clearance of intraneuronal amyloid deposits. Importantly, neuronal loss was attenuated by 44% in the subiculum in mice 4 months of age and 18% in layer V of the cortex in mice 8 months of age. Moreover, bexarotene treatment improved remote memory stabilization in fear conditioned mice and improved olfactory cross habituation. These improvements in neuron viability and function were correlated with significant increases in the levels of post-synaptic marker PSD95 and the pre-synaptic marker synaptophysin. Moreover, bexarotene pretreatment improved neuron survival in primary 5XFAD neurons in vitro in response to glutamate-induced excitotoxicity. The salutary effects of bexarotene were accompanied by reduced plaque burden, decreased astrogliosis, and suppression of inflammatory gene expression. Collectively, these data provide evidence that bexarotene treatment reduced neuron loss, elevated levels of markers of synaptic integrity that was linked to improved cognition and in an aggressive model of AD.
Regionalization of Chinese Material Medical Quality Based on Maximum Entropy Model: A case study of Atractylodes lancea
Authors: Shoudong Zhu , Huasheng Peng , Lanping Guo , Tongren Xu , Yan Zhang , Meilan Chen , Qingxiu Hao , Liping Kang , Luqi Huang
Published: February 2017

Atractylodes is an East-Asiatic endemic genera that distributed in China, Japan and Russian Far Eastern. As an important resource of medicinal plant, atractylodes has long been used as herbal medicine. To example the significant features in its trueborn quality and geographical distribution, we explored the relationships between medicine quality and habitat suitability in two classifications–lower atractylodin content than the standard of Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2010) and the other has higher content. We found that the atractylodin content is negatively related to the habitat suitability for atractylodes with lower atractylodin, while the atractylodin content is positively related to the habitat suitability for those with higher atractylodin. By analyzing the distribution of atractylodeswith lower atractylodin content than the standard of Pharmacopeia, we discovered that the main ecological factors that could inhibit the accumulation of atractylodin were soil type (39.7%), soil clay content (26.7%), mean temperature in December (22.3%), Cation-exchange capacity (6%), etc. And these ecological factors promoted the accumulation of atractylodin for the atractylodes with higher atractylodin. By integrating the two classifications, we finally predicted the distribution of atractylodin content in China.Our results realized the query of atractylodes quality in arbitrary coordinates, and satisfied the actually cultivation demands of “Planting area based on atractylodin quality”.
A New Joint-Blade SENSE Reconstruction for Accelerated PROPELLER MRI
Authors: Lyu Mengye , Liu Yilong , Xie Victor B. , Feng Yanqiu , Guo Hua , Wu Ed X.
Published: February 2017

PROPELLER technique is widely used in MRI examinations for being motion insensitive, but it prolongs scan time and is restricted mainly to T2 contrast. Parallel imaging can accelerate PROPELLER and enable more flexible contrasts. Here, we propose a multi-step joint-blade (MJB) SENSE reconstruction to reduce the noise amplification in parallel imaging accelerated PROPELLER. MJB SENSE utilizes the fact that PROPELLER blades contain sharable information and blade-combined images can serve as regularization references. It consists of three steps. First, conventional blade-combined images are obtained using the conventional simple single-blade (SSB) SENSE, which reconstructs each blade separately. Second, the blade-combined images are employed as regularization for blade-wise noise reduction. Last, with virtual high-frequency data resampled from the previous step, all blades are jointly reconstructed to form the final images. Simulations were performed to evaluate the proposed MJB SENSE for noise reduction and motion correction. MJB SENSE was also applied to both T2-weighted and T1-weighted in vivo brain data. Compared to SSB SENSE, MJB SENSE greatly reduced the noise amplification at various acceleration factors, leading to increased image SNR in all simulation and in vivo experiments, including T1-weighted imaging with short echo trains. Furthermore, it preserved motion correction capability and was computationally efficient.
Influences of volcano eruptions on Asian Summer Monsoon over the last 110 years
Authors: Ning Liang , Liu Jian , Sun Weiyi
Published: February 2017

Asian summer monsoon (ASM) precipitation is the primary water resource for agriculture in many Asian countries that have experienced rapid economic growth in recent decades, thus implying the necessity for further investigations on both the internal variability of the ASM and the influence of external factors on the ASM. Using long-term high-resolution (0.5° × 0.5°) observed precipitation data, contrary to previous studies on inter-annual timescale, we showed that over the last 110 years, volcanic eruptions have influenced ASM variations on an inter-decadal timescale via teleconnections with the Atlantic Multi-decadal Oscillation (AMO). This relationship was also confirmed by Coupled Model Intercomparison Program Phase 5 (CMIP5) model simulations. During the active volcanic eruption periods (1901–1935 and 1963–1993), significantly lower ASM precipitation was observed compared with that during the inactive volcanic eruption period (1936–1962). We found that during active volcanic eruption periods, which correspond to a negative AMO state, there is an anomalously weakened Walker circulation over the tropical Pacific that transports less moisture to the ASM region and subsequently reduces ASM precipitation. This new finding may help improve decadal predictions of future changes in the ASM.
Virtual human as a new diagnostic tool, a proof of concept study in the field of major depressive disorders
Authors: Philip Pierre , Micoulaud-Franchi Jean-Arthur , Sagaspe Patricia , Sevin Etienne De , Olive Jérôme , Bioulac Stéphanie , Sauteraud Alain
Published: February 2017

Embodied Conversational Agents (ECAs) are promising software to communicate with patients but no study has tested them in the diagnostic field of mental disorders. The aim of this study was 1) to test the performance of a diagnostic system for major depressive disorders (MDD), based on the identification by an ECA of specific symptoms (the MDD DSM 5 criteria) in outpatients; 2) to evaluate the acceptability of such an ECA. Patients completed two clinical interviews in a randomized order (ECA versus psychiatrist) and filled in the Acceptability E-scale (AES) to quantify the acceptability of the ECA. 179 outpatients were included in this study (mean age 46.5 ± 12.9 years, 57.5% females). Among the 35 patients diagnosed with MDD by the psychiatrist, 14 (40%) patients exhibited mild, 12 (34.3%) moderate and 9 (25.7%) severe depressive symptoms. Sensitivity increased across the severity level of depressive symptoms and reached 73% for patients with severe depressive symptoms, while specificity remained above 95% for all three severity levels. The acceptability of the ECA evaluated by the AES was very good (25.4). We demonstrate here the validity and acceptability of an ECA to diagnose major depressive disorders. ECAs are promising tools to conduct standardized and well-accepted clinical interviews.
Blockage of transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 alleviates myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury in mice
Authors: Dong Qian , Li Jing , Wu Qiong-feng , Zhao Ning , Qian Cheng , Ding Dan , Wang Bin-bin , Chen Lei , Guo Ke-Fang , Fu Dehao , Han Bing , Liao Yu-Hua , Du Yi-Mei
Published: February 2017

Transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) is a Ca2+-permeable nonselective cation channel and can be activated during ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). This study tested whether blockade of TRPV4 can alleviate myocardial I/R injury in mice. TRPV4 expression began to increase at 1 h, reached statistically at 4 h, and peaked at 24–72 h. Treatment with the selective TRPV4 antagonist HC-067047 or TRPV4 knockout markedly ameliorated myocardial I/R injury as demonstrated by reduced infarct size, decreased troponin T levels and improved cardiac function at 24 h after reperfusion. Importantly, the therapeutic window for HC-067047 lasts for at least 12 h following reperfusion. Furthermore, treatment with HC-067047 reduced apoptosis, as evidenced by the decrease in TUNEL-positive myocytes, Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, and caspase-3 activation. Meanwhile, treatment with HC-067047 attenuated the decrease in the activation of reperfusion injury salvage kinase (RISK) pathway (phosphorylation of Akt, ERK1/2, and GSK-3β), while the activation of survival activating factor enhancement (SAFE) pathway (phosphorylation of STAT3) remained unchanged. In addition, the anti-apoptotic effects of HC-067047 were abolished by the RISK pathway inhibitors. We conclude that blockade of TRPV4 reduces apoptosis via the activation of RISK pathway, and therefore might be a promising strategy to prevent myocardial I/R injury.
A human programmed death-ligand 1-expressing mouse tumor model for evaluating the therapeutic efficacy of anti-human PD-L1 antibodies
Authors: Huang Anfei , Peng Di , Guo Huanhuan , Ben Yinyin , Zuo Xiangyang , Wu Fei , Yang Xiaoli , Teng Fei , Li Zhen , Qian Xueming , Qin F. Xiao-Feng
Published: February 2017

Huge efforts have been devoted to develop therapeutic monoclonal antibodies targeting human Programmed death-ligand 1 (hPD-L1) for treating various types of human cancers. However, thus far there is no suitable animal model for evaluating the anti-tumor efficacy of such antibodies against hPD-L1. Here we report the generation of a robust and effective system utilizing hPD-L1-expressing mouse tumor cells to study the therapeutic activity and mode of action of anti-human PD-L1 in mice. The model has been validated by using a clinically proven hPD-L1 blocking antibody. The anti-hPD-L1 antibody treatment resulted in potent dose-dependent rejection of the human PD-L1-expressing tumors in mice. Consistent with what have observed in autochthonous mouse tumor models and cancer patients, the hPD-L1 tumor bearing mice treated by anti-hPD-L1 antibody showed rapid activation, proliferation and reinvigoration of the cytolytic effector function of CD8+T cells inside tumor tissues. Moreover, anti-hPD-L1 treatment also led to profound inhibition of Treg expansion and shifting of myeloid cell profiles, showing bona fide induction of multilateral anti-tumor responses by anti-hPD-L1 blockade. Thus, this hPD-L1 mouse model system would facilitate the pre-clinical investigation of therapeutic efficacy and immune modulatory function of various forms of anti-hPD-L1 antibodies.
The influence of AccD5 on AccD6 carboxyltransferase essentiality in pathogenic and non-pathogenic Mycobacterium
Authors: Pawelczyk Jakub , Viljoen Albertus , Kremer Laurent , Dziadek Jaroslaw
Published: February 2017

Malonyl-coenzyme A (CoA) is a crucial extender unit for the synthesis of mycolic and other fatty acids in mycobacteria, generated in a reaction catalyzed by acetyl-CoA carboxylase. We previously reported on the essentiality of accD6Mtb encoding the functional acetyl-CoA carboxylase subunit in Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Strikingly, the homologous gene in the fast-growing, non-pathogenic Mycobacterium smegmatis - (accD6Msm) appeared to be dispensable, and its deletion did not influence the cell lipid content. Herein, we demonstrate that, despite the difference in essentiality, accD6Msm and accD6Mtb encode proteins of convergent catalytic activity in vivo. To identify an alternative, AccD6-independent, malonyl-CoA synthesis pathway in M. smegmatis, a complex genetic approach combined with lipid analysis was applied to screen all five remaining carboxyltransferase genes (accD1-accD5) with respect to their involvement in mycolic acid biosynthesis and ability to utilize acetyl-CoA as the substrate for carboxylation. This approach revealed that AccD1Msm, AccD2Msm and AccD3Msm are not essential for mycolic acid biosynthesis. Furthermore, we confirmed in vivo the function of AccD4Msm as an essential, long-chain acyl-CoA carboxyltransferase, unable to carboxylate short-chain substrate. Finally, our comparative studies unambiguously demonstrated between-species difference in in vivo ability of AccD5 carboxyltransferase to utilize acetyl-CoA that influences AccD6 essentiality in pathogenic and non-pathogenic mycobacteria.
Her2 alterations in muscle-invasive bladder cancer: Patient selection beyond protein expression for targeted therapy
Authors: Kiss Bernhard , Wyatt Alexander W. , Douglas James , Skuginna Veronika , Mo Fan , Anderson Shawn , Rotzer Diana , Fleischmann Achim , Genitsch Vera , Hayashi Tetsutaro , Neuenschwander Maja , Buerki Christine , Davicioni Elai , Collins Colin , Thalmann George N. , Black Peter C. , Seiler Roland
Published: February 2017

Although the introduction of novel targeted agents has improved patient outcomes in several human cancers, no such advance has been achieved in muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). However, recent sequencing efforts have begun to dissect the complex genomic landscape of MIBC, revealing distinct molecular subtypes and offering hope for implementation of targeted therapies. Her2 (ERBB2) is one of the most established therapeutic targets in breast and gastric cancer but agents targeting Her2 have not yet demonstrated anti-tumor activity in MIBC. Through an integrated analysis of 127 patients from three centers, we identified alterations of Her2 at the DNA, RNA and protein level, and demonstrate that Her2 relevance as a tumor driver likely may vary even within ERBB2 amplified cases. Importantly, tumors with a luminal molecular subtype have a significantly higher rate of Her2 alterations than those of the basal subtype, suggesting that Her2 activity is also associated with subtype status. Although some of our findings present rare events in bladder cancer, our study suggests that comprehensively assessing Her2 status in the context of tumor molecular subtype may help select MIBC patients most likely to respond to Her2 targeted therapy.
Quantum non-Markovianity induced by Anderson localization
Authors: Lorenzo Salvatore , Lombardo Federico , Ciccarello Francesco , Palma G. Massimo
Published: February 2017

As discovered by P. W. Anderson, excitations do not propagate freely in a disordered lattice, but, due to destructive interference, they localise. As a consequence, when an atom interacts with a disordered lattice, one indeed observes a non-trivial excitation exchange between atom and lattice. Such non-trivial atomic dynamics will in general be characterised also by a non-trivial quantum information backflow, a clear signature of non-Markovian dynamics. To investigate the above scenario, we consider a quantum emitter, or atom, weakly coupled to a uniform coupled-cavity array (CCA). If initially excited, in the absence of disorder, the emitter undergoes a Markovian spontaneous emission by releasing all its excitation into the CCA (initially in its vacuum state). By introducing static disorder in the CCA the field normal modes become Anderson-localized, giving rise to a non-Markovian atomic dynamics. We show the existence of a functional relationship between a rigorous measure of quantum non-Markovianity and the CCA localization. We furthermore show that the average non-Markovianity of the atomic dynamics is well-described by a phenomenological model in which the atom is coupled, at the same time, to a single mode and to a standard - Markovian - dissipative bath.
Large area and broadband ultra-black absorber using microstructured aluminum doped silicon films
Authors: Liu Zhen , Liu Hai , Wang Xiaoyi , Yang Haigui , Gao Jinsong
Published: February 2017

A large area and broadband ultra-black absorber based on microstructured aluminum (Al) doped silicon (Si) films prepared by a low-cost but very effective approach is presented. The average absorption of the absorber is greater than 99% within the wide range from 350 nm to 2000 nm, and its size reaches to 6 inches. We investigate the fabrication mechanism of the absorber and find that the Al atom doped in silicon improves the formation of the nanocone-like microstructures on the film surface, resulting in a significant decrease in the reflection of incident light. The absorption mechanism is further discussed by experiments and simulated calculations in detail. The results show that the doped Al atoms and Mie resonance formed in the microstructures contribute the broadband super-high absorption.
Engineering a Lys-Asn isopeptide bond into an immunoglobulin-like protein domain enhances its stability
Authors: Kwon Hanna , Young Paul G. , Squire Christopher J. , Baker Edward N.
Published: February 2017

The overall stability of globular protein structures is marginal, a balance between large numbers of stabilizing non-covalent interactions and a destabilizing entropic term. Higher stability can be engineered by introduction of disulfide bonds, provided the redox environment is controlled. The discovery of stabilizing isopeptide bond crosslinks, formed spontaneously between lysine and asparagine (or aspartic acid) side chains in certain bacterial cell-surface proteins suggests that such bonds could be introduced by protein engineering as an alternative protein stabilization strategy. We report the first example of an isopeptide bond engineered de novo into an immunoglobulin-like protein, the minor pilin FctB from Streptococcus pyogenes. Four mutations were sufficient; lysine, asparagine and glutamic acid residues were introduced for the bond-forming reaction, with a fourth Val/Phe mutation to help steer the lysine side chain into position. The spontaneously-formed isopeptide bond was confirmed by mass spectrometry and X-ray crystallography, and was shown to increase the thermal stability by 10 °C compared with the wild type protein. This novel method for increasing the stability of IgG-like proteins has potential to be adopted by the field of antibody engineering, which share similar β-clasp Ig-type domains.
Optical Switching Using Transition from Dipolar to Charge Transfer Plasmon Modes in Ge2Sb2Te5 Bridged Metallodielectric Dimers
Authors: Ahmadivand Arash , Gerislioglu Burak , Sinha Raju , Karabiyik Mustafa , Pala Nezih
Published: February 2017

Capacitive coupling and direct shuttling of charges in nanoscale plasmonic components across a dielectric spacer and through a conductive junction lead to excitation of significantly different dipolar and charge transfer plasmon (CTP) resonances, respectively. Here, we demonstrate the excitation of dipolar and CTP resonant modes in metallic nanodimers bridged by phase-change material (PCM) sections, material and electrical characteristics of which can be controlled by external stimuli. Ultrafast switching (in the range of a few nanoseconds) between amorphous and crystalline phases of the PCM section (here Ge2Sb2Te5 (GST)) allows for designing a tunable plasmonic switch for optical communication applications with significant modulation depth (up to 88%). Judiciously selecting the geometrical parameters and taking advantage of the electrical properties of the amorphous phase of the GST section we adjusted the extinction peak of the dipolar mode at the telecommunication band (λ~1.55 μm), which is considered as the OFF state. Changing the GST phase to crystalline via optical heating allows for direct transfer of charges through the junction between nanodisks and formation of a distinct CTP peak at longer wavelengths (λ~1.85 μm) far from the telecommunication wavelength, which constitutes the ON state.
Effects of miR-146a on the osteogenesis of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells and bone regeneration
Authors: Xie Qing , Wei Wei , Ruan Jing , Ding Yi , Zhuang Ai , Bi Xiaoping , Sun Hao , Gu Ping , Wang Zi , Fan Xianqun
Published: February 2017

Increasing evidence has indicated that bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) coordinates with microRNAs (miRNAs) to form intracellular networks regulating mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) osteogenesis. This study aimed to identify specific miRNAs in rat adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) during BMP2-induced osteogenesis, we selected the most significantly down-regulated miRNA, miR-146a, to systematically investigate its role in regulating osteogenesis and bone regeneration. Overexpressing miR-146a notably repressed ADSC osteogenesis, whereas knocking down miR-146a greatly promoted this process. Drosophila mothers against decapentaplegic protein 4 (SMAD4), an important co-activator in the BMP signaling pathway, was miR-146a’s direct target and miR-146a exerted its repressive effect on SMAD4 through interacting with 3′-untranslated region (3′-UTR) of SMAD4 mRNA. Furthermore, knocking down SMAD4 attenuated the ability of miR-146a inhibitor to promote ADSC osteogenesis. Next, transduced ADSCs were incorporated with poly(sebacoyl diglyceride) (PSeD) porous scaffolds for repairing critical-sized cranial defect, the treatment of miR-146a inhibitor greatly enhanced ADSC-mediated bone regeneration with higher expression levels of SMAD4, Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) and Osterix in newly formed bone. In summary, our study showed that miR-146a negatively regulates the osteogenesis and bone regeneration from ADSCs both in vitro and in vivo.
Two-bead polarizable water models combined with a two-bead multipole force field (TMFF) for coarse-grained simulation of proteins
Authors: Li Min , Zhang John Z. H.
Published: February 2017

(a) Four water molecules contained in the polarizable CG water models in (b) two-bead polarizable water model 1 (TPW1) and (c) two-bead polarizable water model 2 (TPW2).
Bias induced spin transitions of spin crossover molecules: the role of charging effect
Authors: Hao Hua , Jia Ting , Zheng Xiaohong , Zeng Zhi
Published: February 2017

A new mechanism is proposed to understand the recently observed spin transition of spin crossover molecules from low spin to high spin under bias voltages and it is closely related to one additional electron on the spin crossover molecules.
Cytotoxic gold(iii) complexes incorporating a 2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine ligand framework – the impact of the substituent in the 4′-position of a terpy ring
Authors: Czerwińska K. , Golec M. , Skonieczna M. , Palion-Gazda J. , Zygadło D. , Szlapa-Kula A. , Krompiec S. , Machura B. , Szurko A.
Published: February 2017

The possibility of tuning the cytotoxic activity of Au(iii) complexes by structural modifications of a terpy ligand has been examined.
Status and prospects of polymer electrolytes for solid-state Li–O2 (air) batteries
Authors: Yi Jin , Guo Shaohua , He Ping , Zhou Haoshen
Published: February 2017

Further understanding the underpinning chemistry and electrochemistry that govern the properties of polymer electrolytes for solid-state lithium–air batteries.
Unlocking the capacity of iodide for high-energy-density zinc/polyiodide and lithium/polyiodide redox flow batteries
Authors: Weng Guo-Ming , Li Zhejun , Cong Guangtao , Zhou Yucun , Lu Yi-Chun
Published: February 2017

A new concept of exploiting bromide ions as a complexing agent to ‘free-up’ iodide ions for energy storage.
Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of novel Schiff base-bridged tetrahydroprotoberberine triazoles as a new type of potential antimicrobial agents
Authors: Duan Jun-Rong , Liu Han-Bo , Jeyakkumar Ponmani , Gopala Lavanya , Li Shuo , Geng Rong-Xia , Zhou Cheng-He
Published: February 2017

Synthesis of a series of Schiff base-bridged tetrahydroprotoberberine triazoles as a new type of potential antimicrobial agents, and preliminary interactions with DNA indicated the possible interaction mechanism.
Ambipolar azomethines as potential cathodic color switching materials
Authors: Tremblay Marie-Hélène , Gellé Alexandra , Skene W. G.
Published: February 2017

The electrochemical oxidation and reduction reversibility along with the electrochemically mediated color change of triad azomethines were contingent on the central aromatic.
Charge transfer-induced assembly of a gold nanocomposite mediated by N-methylfulleropyrrolidine: excitation energy transfer from Rhodamine B
Authors: Sutradhar Sanjeeb , Patnaik Archita
Published: February 2017

A pH controlled functionalized fullerene-C60-gold NP composite self-assembles via electrostatic as well as aurophilic interactions and acts as an excitation energy acceptor from fluorescent Rhodamine B (3.79 × 6.5 inch).
S-Functionalization of 3,5-bis(2-pyridyl)-1,2,4,6-thiatriazine: probing the effect of alkyl chain length in the development of tethered materials
Authors: Yutronkie Nathan J. , Tami Perrine , Singh Simarpreet , Kleisath Elizabeth , Gabidullin Bulat M. , Davis Rebecca , Brusso Jaclyn L.
Published: February 2017

The preference of S-alkyl-thiatriazines towards intra vs. intermolecular addition is dependent on alkyl chain length, as demonstrated experimentally and computationally.
New quantitative methods of electrode evaluation under continuous voltammetric conditions
Authors: Nigmatullin Raoul R. , Budnikov Herman C. , Sidelnikov Artem V. , Yarkaeva Yulia A.
Published: February 2017

An original method for the quantitative description of voltammograms under different conditions of multisensory analysis and the elaboration of a new generation of high-sensitivity “electronic tongues” is suggested.
Green solid-state synthesis and photocatalytic hydrogen production activity of anatase TiO2 nanoplates with super heat-stability
Authors: Hu Jindou , Cao Yali , Wang Kun , Jia Dianzeng
Published: February 2017

Anatase TiO2 nanoplates with super heat-stability were synthesized via a simple method and used in photocatalytic H2-production.
Unusual enhancement in the electroreduction of oxygen by NiCoPt by surface tunability through potential cycling
Authors: Lokanathan Moorthi , Patil Indrajit M. , Usman Alhasan Kabiru , Swami Anita , Walke Pravin , Navaneethan M. , Kakade Bhalchandra
Published: February 2017

Surface tunability during potential cycling gives unusual enhancement in ORR by NiCoPt.
Fluorocarbene, fluoroolefin, and fluorocarbyne complexes of Rh
Authors: Pell Christopher J. , Zhu Yanjun , Huacuja Rafael , Herbert David E. , Hughes Russell P. , Ozerov Oleg V.
Published: February 2017

The manuscript reports a series of complexes of small perfluorocarbon ligands with the (PNP)Rh fragment, analysis of their electronic structure, and comparison to the hydrocarbon analogues and complexes of CO and NO+.
Convenient fluorescence detection of Cr(iii) in aqueous solution based on the gold nanoparticle mediated release of the acridine orange probe
Authors: Wang Lizhen , Liu Jinshui , Zhou Zihan , Xu Meijiao , Wang Bin
Published: February 2017

A simple and very sensitive method for detecting Cr3+ ions was developed.
Thiocyanates as attractive redox-active electrolytes for high-energy and environmentally-friendly electrochemical capacitors
Authors: Gorska Barbara , Bujewska Paulina , Fic Krzysztof
Published: February 2017

This manuscript reports on the novel insight into the development of high voltage carbon/carbon electrochemical capacitors operating in aqueous solutions of alkali metals and ammonium thiocyanates (KSCN, NaSCN, LiSCN, and NH4SCN).
General solvothermal approach to synthesize telluride nanotubes for thermoelectric applications
Authors: Liu Shuai , Peng Nan , Bai Yu , Xu Huiyan , Ma D. Y. , Ma Fei , Xu Kewei
Published: February 2017

One-dimensional tellurides are good candidates for thermoelectric applications, but the fabrication of telluride nanotubes is still challenging.
Correction: Fluorescein hydrazone-based supramolecular architectures, molecular recognition, sequential logic operation and cell imaging
Authors: Tripathi Kamini , Rai Abhishek , Yadav Amarish Kumar , Srikrishna Saripella , Kumari Niraj , Mishra Lallan
Published: February 2017

Correction for ‘Fluorescein hydrazone-based supramolecular architectures, molecular recognition, sequential logic operation and cell imaging’ by Kamini Tripathi et al., RSC Adv., 2017, 7, 2264–2272.
Design of a thermally controlled sequence of triazolinedione-based click and transclick reactions
Authors: Houck Hannes A. , De Bruycker Kevin , Billiet Stijn , Dhanis Bastiaan , Goossens Hannelore , Catak Saron , Van Speybroeck Veronique , Winne Johan M. , Du Prez Filip E.
Published: February 2017

An unprecedented relay of triazolinedione-based transclick reactions between three different substrates has been demonstrated both on small molecule and macromolecular level.
Size-dependent nonlinear optical properties of black phosphorus nanosheets and their applications in ultrafast photonics
Authors: Xu Yanhua , Jiang Xiao-Fang , Ge Yanqi , Guo Zhinan , Zeng Zhikai , Xu Qing-Hua , Zhang Han , Yu Xue-Feng , Fan Dianyuan
Published: February 2017

Size-dependent third order nonlinearity as well as ultrafast carrier dynamics of BPs is studied, and used in a fiber laser.
RIBEYE(B)-domain binds to lipid components of synaptic vesicles in an NAD(H)-dependent, redox-sensitive manner
Authors: Schwarz Karin , Schmitz Frank
Published: February 2017

Synaptic ribbons are needed for fast and continuous exocytosis in ribbon synapses. RIBEYE is a main protein component of synaptic ribbons and is necessary to build the synaptic ribbon. RIBEYE consists of a unique A-domain and a carboxyterminal B-domain, which binds NAD(H). Within the presynaptic terminal, the synaptic ribbons are in physical contact with large numbers of synaptic vesicle (SV)s. How this physical contact between ribbons and synaptic vesicles is established at a molecular level is not well understood. In the present study, we demonstrate that the RIBEYE(B)-domain can directly interact with lipid components of SVs using two different sedimentation assays with liposomes of defined chemical composition. Similar binding results were obtained with a SV-containing membrane fraction. The binding of liposomes to RIBEYE(B) depends upon the presence of a small amount of lysophospholipids present in the liposomes. Interestingly, binding of liposomes to RIBEYE(B) depends on NAD(H) in a redox-sensitive manner. The binding is enhanced by NADH, the reduced form, and is inhibited by NAD+, the oxidized form. Lipid-mediated attachment of vesicles is probably part of a multi-step process that also involves additional, protein-dependent processes.
Cognitive Assessment in Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Zaninotto Ana Luiza , Guirado Vinícius Monteiro de Paula , De Lucia Mara Cristina Souza , Andrade Almir Ferreira de , Teixeira Manoel Jacobsen , Paiva Wellingson Silva
Published: February 2017

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major public health problem in Western countries. A TBI brings many negative consequences, including behavioral and cognitive changes, which affect social adjustment and the performance of functional activities. Cognitive evaluation after TBI is a complex issue in what pertains to definition of the most appropriate questionnaires for clinical use in a comprehensive analysis of the condition of the patient. In this paper, we described a critical review of the main cognitive assessment tests currently used in clinical and research settings in patients with TBI.
Inhibition of Degranulation of RBL-2H3 Cells by Extracts and Compounds from Armillaria ostoyae
Authors: Merdivan Simon , Jenett-Siems Kristina , Siems Karsten , Niedermeyer Timo , Solis Michael , Unterseher Martin , Lindequist Ulrike
Published: February 2017

Armillaria ostoyae (Romagn.) Herink is an edible honey mushroom from the family Physalacriaceae (Agaricales, Basidiomycota). Dichloromethane extracts of mushroom mycelium and fruiting bodies exhibited a significant degranulation inhibiting effect on RBL-2H3 cells using noncytotoxic concentrations. Bioactivity-guided fractionation of the mycelial dichloromethane extract led to the isolation of sesquiterpen aryl esters. Methyl linoleate could also be isolated. These substances were obtained from A. ostoyae for the first time, with one compound representing an undescribed natural product. Purified compounds melleolide H and J inhibited degranulation significantly. A. ostoyae could be a candidate for support of allergy treatments.
New generation high performance in situ polarized 3He system for time-of-flight beam at spallation sources
Authors: Jiang C. Y. , Tong X. , Brown D. R. , Glavic A. , Ambaye H. , Goyette R. , Hoffmann M. , Parizzi A. A. , Robertson L. , Lauter V.
Published: February 2017

Modern spallation neutron sources generate high intensity neutron beams with a broad wavelength band applied to exploring new nano- and meso-scale materials from a few atomic monolayers thick to complicated prototype device-like systems with multiple buried interfaces. The availability of high performance neutron polarizers and analyzers in neutron scattering experiments is vital for understanding magnetism in systems with novel functionalities. We report the development of a new generation of the in situ polarized 3He neutron polarization analyzer for the Magnetism Reflectometer at the Spallation Neutron Source at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. With a new optical layout and laser system, the 3He polarization reached and maintained 84% as compared to 76% in the first-generation system. The polarization improvement allows achieving the transmission function varying from 50% to 15% for the polarized neutron beam with the wavelength band of 2–9 Angstroms. This achievement brings a new class of experiments with optimal performance in sensitivity to very small magnetic moments in nano systems and opens up the horizon for its applications.
Oblique propagation of solitary electrostatic waves in magnetized plasmas with cold ions and nonthermal electrons
Authors: Verheest Frank , Hellberg Manfred A.
Published: February 2017

Oblique propagation of large amplitude electrostatic waves and solitary structures is investigated in magnetized plasmas, comprising cold fluid ions and Cairns nonthermally distributed electrons, by using a Sagdeev pseudopotential formalism. To perform the analysis, quasineutrality is assumed, so that in normalized variables the electrostatic potential and the occurrence of solitary structures are governed by three parameters: the Mach number M, the typical Cairns parameter β, and the angle ϑ between the directions of propagation and the static magnetic field. Below a critical β, only positive compressive solitons are possible, and their amplitudes increase with increasing β, M, and ϑ. Above the critical β, there is coexistence between negative rarefactive and positive compressive solitons, and the range of negative solitons, at increasing M, ends upon encountering a double layer or a singularity. The double layer amplitudes (in absolute value) increase with β but are independent of ϑ. Roots of the Sagdeev pseudopotential beyond the double layer are not accessible from the undisturbed conditions, because of an intervening singularity where the pseudopotential becomes infinite. Recent claims of finding supersolitons beyond a double layer appear to be based on a misinterpretation of the nature of the singularity.