bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quasiparticle self-consistent GW study of cuprates: electronic structure, model parameters and the two-band theory for Tc
Authors: Jang Seung Woo , Kotani Takao , Kino Hiori , Kuroki Kazuhiko , Han Myung Joon 
Published: July 2015

AbstractDespite decades of progress, an understanding of unconventional superconductivity still remains elusive. An important open question is about the material dependence of the superconducting properties. Using the quasiparticle self-consistent GW method, we re-examine the electronic structure of copper oxide high-Tc materials. We show that QSGW captures several important features, distinctive from the conventional LDA results. The energy level splitting between "Equation missing" and "Equation missing" is significantly enlarged and the van Hove singularity point is lowered. The calculated results compare better than LDA with recent experimental results from resonant inelastic xray scattering and angle resolved photoemission experiments. This agreement with the experiments supports the previously suggested two-band theory for the material dependence of the superconducting transition temperature, Tc.
Spatiotemporal dynamics of Aurora B-PLK1-MCAK signaling axis orchestrates kinetochore bi-orientation and faithful chromosome segregation
Authors: Shao Hengyi , Huang Yuejia , Zhang Liangyu , Yuan Kai , Chu Youjun , Dou Zhen , Jin Changjiang , Garcia-Barrio Minerva , Liu Xing , Yao Xuebiao 
Published: July 2015

AbstractChromosome segregation in mitosis is orchestrated by the dynamic interactions between the kinetochore and spindle microtubules. The microtubule depolymerase mitotic centromere-associated kinesin (MCAK) is a key regulator for an accurate kinetochore-microtubule attachment. However, the regulatory mechanism underlying precise MCAK depolymerase activity control during mitosis remains elusive. Here, we describe a novel pathway involving an Aurora B-PLK1 axis for regulation of MCAK activity in mitosis. Aurora B phosphorylates PLK1 on Thr210 to activate its kinase activity at the kinetochores during mitosis. Aurora B-orchestrated PLK1 kinase activity was examined in real-time mitosis using a fluorescence resonance energy transfer-based reporter and quantitative analysis of native PLK1 substrate phosphorylation. Active PLK1, in turn, phosphorylates MCAK at Ser715 which promotes its microtubule depolymerase activity essential for faithful chromosome segregation. Importantly, inhibition of PLK1 kinase activity or expression of a non-phosphorylatable MCAK mutant prevents correct kinetochore-microtubule attachment, resulting in abnormal anaphase with chromosome bridges. We reason that the Aurora B-PLK1 signaling at the kinetochore orchestrates MCAK activity, which is essential for timely correction of aberrant kinetochore attachment to ensure accurate chromosome segregation during mitosis.
Stratospheric Ozone destruction by the Bronze-Age Minoan eruption (Santorini Volcano, Greece)
Authors: Cadoux Anita , Scaillet Bruno , Bekki Slimane , Oppenheimer Clive , Druitt Timothy H. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe role of volcanogenic halogen-bearing (i.e. chlorine and bromine) compounds in stratospheric ozone chemistry and climate forcing is poorly constrained. While the 1991 eruption of Pinatubo resulted in stratospheric ozone loss, it was due to heterogeneous chemistry on volcanic sulfate aerosols involving chlorine of anthropogenic rather than volcanogenic origin, since co-erupted chlorine was scavenged within the plume. Therefore, it is not known what effect volcanism had on ozone in pre-industrial times, nor what will be its role on future atmospheres with reduced anthropogenic halogens present. By combining petrologic constraints on eruption volatile yields with a global atmospheric chemistry-transport model, we show here that the Bronze-Age ‘Minoan’ eruption of Santorini Volcano released far more halogens than sulfur and that, even if only 2% of these halogens reached the stratosphere, it would have resulted in strong global ozone depletion. The model predicts reductions in ozone columns of 20 to >90% at Northern high latitudes and an ozone recovery taking up to a decade. Our findings emphasise the significance of volcanic halogens for stratosphere chemistry and suggest that modelling of past and future volcanic impacts on Earth’s ozone, climate and ecosystems should systematically consider volcanic halogen emissions in addition to sulfur emissions.
A pre-screening FISH-based method to detect CRISPR/Cas9 off-targets in mouse embryonic stem cells
Authors: Paulis Marianna , Castelli Alessandra , Lizier Michela , Susani Lucia , Lucchini Franco , Villa Anna , Vezzoni Paolo 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/associated 9 (Cas9) technology has been recently added to the tools allowing efficient and easy DNA targeting, representing a very promising approach to gene engineering. Using the CRISPR/Cas9 system we have driven the integration of exogenous DNA sequences to the X-linked Hprt gene of mouse embryonic stem cells. We show here that a simple fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH)-based strategy allows the detection and the frequency evaluation of non-specific integrations of a given plasmid. FISH analysis revealed that these integrations do not match the software predicted off-target loci. We conclude that the frequency of these CRISPR-mediated off-target DNA cuts is negligible, since, due to the occurrence of spontaneous double-strand breaks, we observed more aspecific plasmid integrations than those corresponding to predicted off-target sites.
Method for Controlling Electrical Properties of Single-Layer Graphene Nanoribbons via Adsorbed Planar Molecular Nanoparticles
Authors: Tanaka Hirofumi , Arima Ryo , Fukumori Minoru , Tanaka Daisuke , Negishi Ryota , Kobayashi Yoshihiro , Kasai Seiya , Yamada Toyo Kazu , Ogawa Takuji 
Published: July 2015

AbstractA simple method for fabricating single-layer graphene nanoribbons (sGNRs) from double-walled carbon nanotubes (DWNTs) was developed. A sonication treatment was employed to unzip the DWNTs by inducing defects in them through annealing at 500 °C. The unzipped DWNTs yielded double-layered GNRs (dGNRs). Further sonication allowed each dGNR to be unpeeled into two sGNRs. Purification performed using a high-speed centrifuge ensured that more than 99% of the formed GNRs were sGNRs. The changes induced in the electrical properties of the obtained sGNR by the absorption of nanoparticles of planar molecule, naphthalenediimide (NDI), were investigated. The shape of the I-V curve of the sGNRs varied with the number of NDI nanoparticles adsorbed. This was suggestive of the existence of a band gap at the narrow-necked part near the NDI-adsorbing area of the sGNRs.
Impact of the Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation on Tropical Cyclone Activity in the North Atlantic and Eastern North Pacific
Authors: Li Wenhong , Li Laifang , Deng Yi 
Published: July 2015

AbstractTropical cyclones (TCs) are among the most devastating weather systems affecting the United States and Central America (USCA). Here we show that the Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation (IPO) strongly modulates TC activity over the North Atlantic (NA) and eastern North Pacific (eNP). During positive IPO phases, less (more) TCs were observed over NA (eNP), likely due to the presence of stronger (weaker) vertical wind shear and the resulting changes in genesis potential. Furthermore, TCs over NA tend to keep their tracks more eastward and recurve at lower latitudes during positive IPO phases. Such variations are largely determined by changes in steering flow instead of changes in genesis locations. Over the eNP, smaller track variations are observed at different IPO phases with stable, westward movements of TCs prevailing. These findings have substantial implications for understanding decadal to inter-decadal fluctuations in the risk of TC landfalls along USCA coasts.
Design and performance of a sericin-alginate interpenetrating network hydrogel for cell and drug delivery
Authors: Zhang Yeshun , Liu Jia , Huang Lei , Wang Zheng , Wang Lin 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAlthough alginate hydrogels have been extensively studied for tissue engineering applications, their utilization is limited by poor mechanical strength, rapid drug release and a lack of cell adhesive ability. Aiming to improve these properties, we employ the interpenetrating hydrogel design rationale. Using alginate and sericin (a natural protein with many unique properties and a major component of silkworm silk), we develop an interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) hydrogel comprising interwoven sericin and alginate double networks. By adjusting the sericin-to-alginate ratios, IPNs’ mechanical strength can be adjusted to meet stiffness requirements for various tissue repairs. The IPNs with high sericin content show increased stability during degradation, avoiding pure alginate’s early collapse. These IPNs have high swelling ratios, benefiting various applications such as drug delivery. The IPNs sustain controlled drug release with the adjustable rates. Furthermore, these IPNs are adhesive to cells, supporting cell proliferation, long-term survival and migration. Notably, the IPNs inherit sericin’s photoluminescent property, enabling bioimaging in vivo. Together, our study indicates that the sericin-alginate IPN hydrogels may serve as a versatile platform for delivering cells and drugs and suggests that sericin may be a building block broadly applicable for generating IPN networks with other biomaterials for diverse tissue engineering applications.
l-Asparaginase from Streptomyces griseus NIOT-VKMA29: optimization of process variables using factorial designs and molecular characterization of l-asparaginase gene
Authors: Meena Balakrishnan , Anburajan Lawrance , Sathish Thadikamala , Vijaya Raghavan Rangamaran , Dharani Gopal , Valsalan Vinithkumar Nambali , Kirubagaran Ramalingam 
Published: July 2015

AbstractMarine actinobacteria are known to be a rich source for novel metabolites with diverse biological activities. In this study, a potential extracellular L-asparaginase was characterised from the Streptomyces griseus NIOT-VKMA29. Box-Behnken based optimization was used to determine the culture medium components to enhance the L-asparaginase production. pH, starch, yeast extract and L-asparagine has a direct correlation for enzyme production with a maximum yield of 56.78 IU mL−1. A verification experiment was performed to validate the experiment and more than 99% validity was established. L-Asparaginase biosynthesis gene (ansA) from Streptomyces griseus NIOT-VKMA29 was heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli M15 and the enzyme production was increased threefold (123 IU mL−1) over the native strain. The ansA gene sequences reported in this study encloses several base substitutions with that of reported sequences in GenBank, resulting in altered amino acid sequences of the translated protein.
Two complementary approaches for intracellular delivery of exogenous enzymes
Authors: Rust Aleksander , Hassan Hazirah H. A. , Sedelnikova Svetlana , Niranjan Dhevahi , Hautbergue Guillaume , Abbas Shaymaa A. , Partridge Lynda , Rice David , Binz Thomas , Davletov Bazbek 
Published: July 2015

AbstractIntracellular delivery of biologically active proteins remains a formidable challenge in biomedical research. Here we show that biomedically relevant enzymes can be delivered into cells using a new DNA transfection reagent, lipofectamine 3000, allowing assessment of their intracellular functions. We also show that the J774.2 macrophage cell line exhibits unusual intracellular uptake of structurally and functionally distinct enzymes providing a convenient, reagent-free approach for evaluation of intracellular activities of enzymes.
A Novel Intravital Imaging Window for Longitudinal Microscopy of the Mouse Ovary
Authors: Bochner Filip , Fellus-Alyagor Liat , Kalchenko Vyacheslav , Shinar Shiri , Neeman Michal 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe ovary is a dynamic organ that undergoes dramatic remodeling throughout the ovulatory cycle. Maturation of the ovarian follicle, release of the oocyte in the course of ovulation as well as formation and degradation of corpus luteum involve tightly controlled remodeling of the extracellular matrix and vasculature. Ovarian tumors, regardless of their tissue of origin, dynamically interact with the ovarian microenvironment. Their activity in the tissue encompasses recruitment of host stroma and immune cells, attachment of tumor cells to mesothelial layer, degradation of the extracellular matrix and tumor cell migration. High-resolution dynamic imaging of such processes is particularly challenging for internal organs. The implementation of a novel imaging window as reported here enabled longitudinal microscopy of ovarian physiology and orthotopic tumor invasion.
Low-cost flexible supercapacitors with high-energy density based on nanostructured MnO2 and Fe2O3 thin films directly fabricated onto stainless steel
Authors: Gund Girish S. , Dubal Deepak P. , Chodankar Nilesh R. , Cho Jun Y. , Gomez-Romero Pedro , Park Chan , Lokhande Chandrakant D. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe facile and economical electrochemical and successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) methods have been employed in order to prepare manganese oxide (MnO2) and iron oxide (Fe2O3) thin films, respectively with the fine optimized nanostructures on highly flexible stainless steel sheet. The symmetric and asymmetric flexible-solid-state supercapacitors (FSS-SCs) of nanostructured (nanosheets for MnO2and nanoparticles for Fe2O3) electrodes with Na2SO4/Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) gel as a separator and electrolyte were assembled. MnO2as positive and negative electrodes were used to fabricate symmetric SC, while the asymmetric SC was assembled by employing MnO2as positive and Fe2O3as negative electrode. Furthermore, the electrochemical features of symmetric and asymmetric SCs are systematically investigated. The results verify that the fabricated symmetric and asymmetric FSS-SCs present excellent reversibility (within the voltage window of 0–1 V and 0–2 V, respectively) and good cycling stability (83 and 91%, respectively for 3000 of CV cycles). Additionally, the asymmetric SC shows maximum specific capacitance of 92 Fg−1, about 2-fold of higher energy density (41.8 Wh kg−1) than symmetric SC and excellent mechanical flexibility. Furthermore, the “real-life” demonstration of fabricated SCs to the panel of SUK confirms that asymmetric SC has 2-fold higher energy density compare to symmetric SC.
Implementation of genome-wide complex trait analysis to quantify the heritability in multiple myeloma
Authors: Mitchell Jonathan S. , Johnson David C. , Litchfield Kevin , Broderick Peter , Weinhold Niels , Davies Faith E. , Gregory Walter A. , Jackson Graham H. , Kaiser Martin , Morgan Gareth J. , Houlston Richard S. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractA sizeable fraction of multiple myeloma (MM) is expected to be explained by heritable factors. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have successfully identified a number of common single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) influencing MM risk. While these SNPs only explain a small proportion of the genetic risk it is unclear how much is left to be detected by other, yet to be identified, common SNPs. Therefore, we applied Genome-Wide Complex Trait Analysis (GCTA) to 2,282 cases and 5,197 controls individuals to estimate the heritability of MM. We estimated that the heritability explained by known common MM risk SNPs identified in GWAS was 2.9% (±2.4%), whereas the heritability explained by all common SNPs was 15.2% (±2.8%). Comparing the heritability explained by the common variants with that from family studies, a fraction of the heritability may be explained by other genetic variants, such as rare variants. In summary, our results suggest that known MM SNPs only explain a small proportion of the heritability and more common SNPs remain to be identified.
Prognostic significance of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in non-small cell lung cancer: a meta-analysis
Authors: Gu Xiao-Bin , Tian Tian , Tian Xiao-Jing , Zhang Xiao-Jun 
Published: July 2015

AbstractPublished data on the prognostic significance of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are controversial. We performed a meta-analysis to more accurately assess its prognostic value. The analysis was performed based on the data from 14 studies with 3,656 patients to estimate the correlation between NLR and overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in NSCLC. Hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated to estimate the effect. We also conducted subgroup analysis and meta-regression analysis. The results demonstrated that elevated pretreatment NLR predicted poorer OS (HR: 1.70, 95% CI: 1.39–2.09) and PFS (HR: 1.63, 95% CI: 1.27–2.09) in patients with NSCLC. Subgroup analysis indicated that cut-off value of 5 showed consistently prognostic value. There was no significant heterogeneity or publication bias for OS and PFS for included studies. This meta-analysis revealed that elevated pretreatment NLR might be a predicative factor of poor prognosis for NSCLC patients.
Anti-Human H1N1pdm09 and swine H1N1 Virus Antibodies among Swine Workers in Guangdong Province, China
Authors: Wu Jie , Yi Lina , Ni Hanzhong , Zou Lirong , Zhang Hongbin , Zeng Xianqiao , Liang Lijun , Li Laiqing , Zhong Haojie , Zhang Xin , Lin Jin-yan , Ke Changwen 
Published: July 2015

AbstractTo assess the potential transmission for zoonotic influenza, sero-antibodies against two kinds of influenza viruses—classical swine H1N1 and human H1N1pdm09 virus were detected in persons whose profession involved contact with swine in Guangdong province, China. Compared to the non-exposed control group, a significantly higher proportion of subjects with occupational contact to pigs exhibited positive seroreaction against the classical H1N1 SIV. Participants aged 26–50 years were at high risk of classic swine H1N1 infections. Seropositive rate to 2009 pandemic H1N1 virus among swine workers was similar with controls. The major impact of age was apparent for younger populations. Our present study has documented evidence for swine influenza virus infection among persons with occupational swine exposures. The differences of seroreactivity for the two tested influenza subtypes emphasize the necessity of regular surveillance both in pigs and human.
High-power THz to IR emission by femtosecond laser irradiation of random 2D metallic nanostructures
Authors: Zhang Liangliang , Mu Kaijun , Zhou Yunsong , Wang Hai , Zhang Cunlin , Zhang X.-C. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractTerahertz (THz) spectroscopic sensing and imaging has identified its potentials in a number of areas such as standoff security screening at portals, explosive detection at battle fields, bio-medical research and so on. With these needs, the development of an intense and broadband THz source has been a focus of THz research. In this work, we report an intense (~10 mW) and ultra-broadband (~150 THz) THz to infrared (IR) source with a Gaussian wavefront, emitted from nano-pore-structured metallic thin films with femtosecond laser pulse excitation. The underlying mechanism has been proposed as thermal radiation. In addition, an intense coherent THz signal was generated through the optical rectification process simultaneously with the strong thermal signal. This unique feature opens up new avenues in biomedical research.
Dynamics of Glass Forming Liquids with Randomly Pinned Particles
Authors: Chakrabarty Saurish , Karmakar Smarajit , Dasgupta Chandan 
Published: July 2015

AbstractIt is frequently assumed that in the limit of vanishing cooling rate, the glass transition phenomenon becomes a thermodynamic transition at a temperature TK. However, with any finite cooling rate, the system falls out of equilibrium at temperatures near Tg(>TK), implying that the very existence of the putative thermodynamic phase transition at TK can be questioned. Recent studies of systems with randomly pinned particles have hinted that the thermodynamic glass transition may be observed for liquids with randomly pinned particles. This expectation is based on the results of approximate calculations that suggest that the thermodynamic glass transition temperature increases with increasing concentration of pinned particles and it may be possible to equilibrate the system at temperatures near the increased transition temperature. We test the validity of this prediction through extensive molecular dynamics simulations of two model glass-forming liquids in the presence of random pinning. We find that extrapolated thermodynamic transition temperature TK does not show any sign of increasing with increasing pinning concentration. The main effect of pinning is found to be a rapid decrease in the kinetic fragility of the system with increasing pin concentration. Implications of these observations for current theories of the glass transition are discussed.
Decline of Yangtze River water and sediment discharge: Impact from natural and anthropogenic changes
Authors: Yang S. L. , Xu K. H. , Milliman J. D. , Yang H. F. , Wu C. S. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe increasing impact of both climatic change and human activities on global river systems necessitates an increasing need to identify and quantify the various drivers and their impacts on fluvial water and sediment discharge. Here we show that mean Yangtze River water discharge of the first decade after the closing of the Three Gorges Dam (TGD) (2003–2012) was 67 km3/yr (7%) lower than that of the previous 50 years (1950–2002) and 126 km3/yr less compared to the relatively wet period of pre-TGD decade (1993–2002). Most (60–70%) of the decline can be attributed to decreased precipitation, the remainder resulting from construction of reservoirs, improved water-soil conservation and increased water consumption. Mean sediment flux decreased by 71% between 1950–1968 and the post-TGD decade, about half of which occurred prior to the pre-TGD decade. Approximately 30% of the total decline and 65% of the decline since 2003 can be attributed to the TGD, 5% and 14% of these declines to precipitation change and the remaining to other dams and soil conservation within the drainage basin. These findings highlight the degree to which changes in riverine water and sediment discharge can be related with multiple environmental and anthropogenic factors.
Coulomb block effect inducing distinctive dielectric properties in electroless plated barium titanate@silver/poly(vinylidene fluoride) nanocomposites
Authors: Ren Li , Meng Xing , Zha Jun-Wei , Dang Zhi-Min 
Published: July 2015

The BT@Ag particles (a) were prepared by depositing Ag nanoparticles on the surface of BT (b). The BT@Ag/PVDF composites have high dielectric constant and the direct current conductivity still keeps a low value when the filler content is high (c).
Optogenetic determination of the myocardial requirements for extrasystoles by cell type-specific targeting of ChannelRhodopsin-2
Authors: Zaglia Tania , Pianca Nicola , Borile Giulia , Da Broi Francesca , Richter Claudia , Campione Marina , Lehnart Stephan E. , Luther Stefan , Corrado Domenico , Miquerol Lucile , Mongillo Marco 
Published: July 2015

Significance
Arrhythmias are potentially life-threatening electrical heart diseases that are difficult to predict and are mostly treated by empirical interventions. The mechanisms of arrhythmia initiation (triggers) are still poorly understood, mostly due to the technical limitations of conventional experimental methods in cardiac electrophysiology. Here, we use optogenetics, a technique based on the expression of photoactivated proteins such as ChannelRhodopsin-2 (ChR2), which allows for noninvasive control of the cell membrane potential through illumination with blue light. By developing mice with cell-specific expression of ChR2, we investigated the role of the different cardiomyocyte types present in the heart and determined the factors triggering arrhythmic beats in the normal heart and during myocardial ischemia, a condition frequently associated with lethal arrhythmias causing sudden cardiac death.