bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
3D scaffold alters cellular response to graphene in a polymer composite for orthopedic applications
Authors: Kumar Sachin , Azam Dilkash , Raj Shammy , Kolanthai Elayaraja , Vasu K.S. , Sood A.K. , Chatterjee Kaushik 
Published: October 2015

AbstractGraphene‐based polymer nanocomposites are being studied for biomedical applications. Polymer nanocomposites can be processed differently to generate planar two‐dimensional (2D) substrates and porous three‐dimensional (3D) scaffolds. The objective of this work was to investigate potential differences in biological response to graphene in polymer composites in the form of 2D substrates and 3D scaffolds. Polycaprolactone (PCL) nanocomposites were prepared by incorporating 1% of graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (RGO). GO increased modulus and strength of PCL by 44 and 22% respectively, whereas RGO increased modulus and strength by 22 and 16%, respectively. RGO increased the water contact angle of PCL from 81° to 87° whereas GO decreased it to 77°. In 2D, osteoblast proliferated 15% more on GO composites than on PCL whereas RGO composite showed 17% decrease in cell proliferation, which may be attributed to differences in water wettability. In 3D, initial cell proliferation was markedly retarded in both GO (36% lower) and RGO (55% lower) composites owing to increased roughness due to the presence of the protruding nanoparticles. Cells organized into aggregates in 3D in contrast to spread and randomly distributed cells on 2D discs due to the macro‐porous architecture of the scaffolds. Increased cell‐cell contact and altered cellular morphology led to significantly higher mineralization in 3D. This study demonstrates that the cellular response to nanoparticles in composites can change markedly by varying the processing route and has implications for designing orthopedic implants such as resorbable fracture fixation devices and tissue scaffolds using such nanocomposites. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 104B: 732–749, 2016.
Pentafluorophenyl Ester‐based Polymersomes as Nanosized Drug‐Delivery Vehicles
Authors: Scherer Martin , Fischer Karl , Depoix Frank , Fritz Thomas , Thiermann Raphael , Mohr Kristin , Zentel Rudolf 
Published: October 2015

In this work, activated ester chemistry is employed to synthesize biocompatible and readily functionalizable polymersomes. Via aminolysis of pentafluorophenyl methacrylate‐based precursor polymers, an N‐(2‐hydroxypropyl) methacrylamide (HPMA)‐analog hydrophilic block is obtained. The precursor polymers can be versatile functionalized by simple addition of suitable primary amines during aminolysis as demonstrated using a fluorescent dye. Vesicle formation is proven by cryoTEM and light scattering. High encapsulation efficiencies for hydrophilic cargo like siRNA are achieved using dual centrifugation and safe encapsulation is demonstrated by gel electrophoresis. In vitro studies reveal low cytotoxicity and no protein adsorption‐induced aggregation in human blood serum occurs, making the vesicles interesting candidates as nanosized drug carriers.
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Determining Free‐Radical Propagation Rate Coefficients with High‐Frequency Lasers: Current Status and Future Perspectives
Authors: Kockler Katrin B. , Haehnel Alexander P. , Junkers Tanja , Barner‐Kowollik Christopher 
Published: October 2015

Detailed knowledge of the polymerization mechanisms and kinetics of academically and industrially relevant monomers is mandatory for the precision synthesis of tailor‐made polymers. The IUPAC‐recommended pulsed‐laser polymerization–size exclusion chromatography (PLP–SEC) approach is the method of choice for the determination of propagation rate coefficients and the associated Arrhenius parameters for free radical polymerization processes. With regard to specific monomer classes—such as acrylate‐type monomers, which are very important from a materials point of view—high laser frequencies of up to 500 Hz are mandatory to prevent the formation of mid‐chain radicals and the occurrence of chain‐breaking events by chain transfer, if industrially relevant temperatures are to be reached and wide temperature ranges are to be explored (up to 70 °C). Herein the progress and state‐of‐the‐art of high‐frequency PLP–SEC with pulse repetition rates of 500 Hz is reported, with a critical collection of to‐date investigated 500 Hz data as well as future perspectives for the field.
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China's strategy in the Arctic: threatening or opportunistic?
Authors: Lasserre Frédéric , Huang Linyan , Alexeeva Olga V. 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACTIn a context of rapid climatic change in the Arctic, the fast melting of permafrost, the decline of glaciers and the melting of sea ice created perceived strategic and economic opportunities for the littoral states. The attention of states beyond the region was also attracted. For example China, without direct access to the Arctic, displays an interest in Arctic research, natural resources, and shipping potential. However, its diplomatic, economic, political and scientific efforts in this region arouse negative reactions among western media. They often draw up a portrait of an ambitious and arrogant China, ready to push aside the sovereignty of the Arctic countries to defend its own interests in the Arctic. From this perspective, it seems relevant to analyse China's activities in the region and to try to assess Beijing's strategy, which seems more driven by opportunism than by a long-term desire to challenge the littoral states’ sovereignty.
Landscape simplification filters species traits and drives biotic homogenization
Authors: Gámez-Virués Sagrario , Perović David J. , Gossner Martin M. , Börschig Carmen , Blüthgen Nico , de Jong Heike , Simons Nadja K. , Klein Alexandra-Maria , Krauss Jochen , Maier Gwen , Scherber Christoph , Steckel Juliane , Rothenwöhrer Christoph , Steffan-Dewenter Ingolf , Weiner Christiane N. , Weisser Wolfgang , Werner Michael , Tscharntke Teja , Westphal Catrin 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBiodiversity loss can affect the viability of ecosystems by decreasing the ability of communities to respond to environmental change and disturbances. Agricultural intensification is a major driver of biodiversity loss and has multiple components operating at different spatial scales: from in-field management intensity to landscape-scale simplification. Here we show that landscape-level effects dominate functional community composition and can even buffer the effects of in-field management intensification on functional homogenization, and that animal communities in real-world managed landscapes show a unified response (across orders and guilds) to both landscape-scale simplification and in-field intensification. Adults and larvae with specialized feeding habits, species with shorter activity periods and relatively small body sizes are selected against in simplified landscapes with intense in-field management. Our results demonstrate that the diversity of land cover types at the landscape scale is critical for maintaining communities, which are functionally diverse, even in landscapes where in-field management intensity is high.
Artemisinin-resistant Plasmodium falciparum clinical isolates can infect diverse mosquito vectors of Southeast Asia and Africa
Authors: St. Laurent Brandyce , Miller Becky , Burton Timothy A. , Amaratunga Chanaki , Men Sary , Sovannaroth Siv , Fay Michael P. , Miotto Olivo , Gwadz Robert W. , Anderson Jennifer M. , Fairhurst Rick M. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractArtemisinin-resistant Plasmodium falciparum parasites are rapidly spreading in Southeast Asia, yet nothing is known about their transmission. This knowledge gap and the possibility that these parasites will spread to Africa endanger global efforts to eliminate malaria. Here we produce gametocytes from parasite clinical isolates that displayed artemisinin resistance in patients and in vitro, and use them to infect native and non-native mosquito vectors. We show that contemporary artemisinin-resistant isolates from Cambodia develop and produce sporozoites in two Southeast Asian vectors, Anopheles dirus and Anopheles minimus, and the major African vector, Anopheles coluzzii (formerly Anopheles gambiae M). The ability of artemisinin-resistant parasites to infect such highly diverse Anopheles species, combined with their higher gametocyte prevalence in patients, may explain the rapid expansion of these parasites in Cambodia and neighbouring countries, and further compromise efforts to prevent their global spread.
Structural isomerism in gold nanoparticles revealed by X-ray crystallography
Authors: Tian Shubo , Li Yi-Zhi , Li Man-Bo , Yuan Jinyun , Yang Jinlong , Wu Zhikun , Jin Rongchao 
Published: October 2015

AbstractRevealing structural isomerism in nanoparticles using single-crystal X-ray crystallography remains a largely unresolved task, although it has been theoretically predicted with some experimental clues. Here we report a pair of structural isomers, Au38T and Au38Q, as evidenced using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and indisputable single-crystal X-ray crystallography. The two isomers show different optical and catalytic properties, and differences in stability. In addition, the less stable Au38T can be irreversibly transformed to the more stable Au38Q at 50 °C in toluene. This work may represent an important advance in revealing structural isomerism at the nanoscale.
Flexible and High Performance Supercapacitors Based on NiCo2O4for Wide Temperature Range Applications
Authors: Gupta Ram K. , Candler John , Palchoudhury Soubantika , Ramasamy Karthik , Gupta Bipin Kumar 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBinder free nanostructured NiCo2O4 were grown using a facile hydrothermal technique. X-ray diffraction patterns confirmed the phase purity of NiCo2O4. The surface morphology and microstructure of the NiCo2O4 analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed flower-like morphology composed of needle-like structures. The potential application of binder free NiCo2O4 as an electrode for supercapacitor devices was investigated using electrochemical methods. The cyclic voltammograms of NiCo2O4 electrode using alkaline aqueous electrolytes showed the presence of redox peaks suggesting pseudocapacitance behavior. Quasi-solid state supercapacitor device fabricated by sandwiching two NiCo2O4 electrodes and separating them by ion transporting layer. The performance of the device was tested using cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge-discharge and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The device showed excellent flexibility and cyclic stability. The temperature dependent charge storage capacity was measured for their variable temperature applications. Specific capacitance of the device was enhanced by ~150% on raising the temperature from 20 to 60 °C. Hence, the results suggest that NiCo2O4 grown under these conditions could be a suitable material for high performance supercapacitor devices that can be operated at variable temperatures.
Light-induced cell damage in live-cell super-resolution microscopy
Authors: Wäldchen Sina , Lehmann Julian , Klein Teresa , van de Linde Sebastian , Sauer Markus 
Published: October 2015

AbstractSuper-resolution microscopy can unravel previously hidden details of cellular structures but requires high irradiation intensities to use the limited photon budget efficiently. Such high photon densities are likely to induce cellular damage in live-cell experiments. We applied single-molecule localization microscopy conditions and tested the influence of irradiation intensity, illumination-mode, wavelength, light-dose, temperature and fluorescence labeling on the survival probability of different cell lines 20–24 hours after irradiation. In addition, we measured the microtubule growth speed after irradiation. The photo-sensitivity is dramatically increased at lower irradiation wavelength. We observed fixation, plasma membrane permeabilization and cytoskeleton destruction upon irradiation with shorter wavelengths. While cells stand light intensities of ~1 kW cm−2 at 640 nm for several minutes, the maximum dose at 405 nm is only ~50 J cm−2, emphasizing red fluorophores for live-cell localization microscopy. We also present strategies to minimize phototoxic factors and maximize the cells ability to cope with higher irradiation intensities.
A Novel Physical Approach for Cationic–Thiolate Protected Fluorescent Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Ishida Yohei , Lee Chaiyathat , Yonezawa Tetsu 
Published: October 2015

AbstractKnowledge on the synthesis of cationically charged fluorescent gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) is limited because the electrostatic repulsion between cationic ligands on the surface of NP hinders the formation of small Au NPs (usually less than ca. 2 nm) during nucleation in solvents. We herein propose a novel methodology for a synthesis of water-dispersible, cationic–thiolate protected fluorescent Au NPs by the sputtering of Au into liquid matrix containing thiolate ligands. By controlling mercaptan concentration the size and photophysical characteristics of Au NPs were directly controlled, resulting in near IR fluorescence with a 0.9% of absolute quantum yield. Cationically charged fluorescent metal NPs are promising, especially in biological fields and this work provides a novel methodology towards the synthesis of a new series of functional metal NPs.
Microhabitat locality allows multi-species coexistence in terrestrial plant communities
Authors: Tubay Jerrold M. , Suzuki Keisuke , Uehara Takashi , Kakishima Satoshi , Ito Hiromu , Ishida Atsushi , Yoshida Katsuhiko , Mori Shigeta , Rabajante Jomar F. , Morita Satoru , Yokozawa Masayuki , Yoshimura Jin 
Published: October 2015

AbstractMost terrestrial plant communities exhibit relatively high species diversity and many competitive species are ubiquitous. Many theoretical studies have been carried out to investigate the coexistence of a few competitive species and in most cases they suggest competitive exclusion. Theoretical studies have revealed that coexistence of even three or four species can be extremely difficult. It has been suggested that the coexistence of many species has been achieved by the fine differences in suitable microhabitats for each species, attributing to niche-separation. So far there is no explicit demonstration of such a coexistence in mathematical and simulation studies. Here we built a simple lattice Lotka-Volterra model of competition by incorporating the minute differences of suitable microhabitats for many species. By applying the site variations in species-specific settlement rates of a seedling, we achieved the coexistence of more than 10 species. This result indicates that competition between many species is avoided by the spatial variations in species-specific microhabitats. Our results demonstrate that coexistence of many species becomes possible by the minute differences in microhabitats. This mechanism should be applicable to many vegetation types, such as temperate forests and grasslands.
Live fast die young life history in females: evolutionary trade-off between early life mating and lifespan in female Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Travers Laura M. , Garcia-Gonzalez Francisco , Simmons Leigh W. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe trade-off between survival and reproduction is fundamental to life history theory. Sexual selection is expected to favour a ‘live fast die young’ life history pattern in males due to increased risk of extrinsic mortality associated with obtaining mates. Sexual conflict may also drive a genetic trade-off between reproduction and lifespan in females. We found significant additive genetic variance in longevity independent of lifetime mating frequency and in early life mating frequency. There was significant negative genetic covariance between these traits indicating that females from families characterized by high levels of multiple mating early in life die sooner than females that engage in less intense early life mating. Thus, despite heritable variation in both traits, their independent evolution is constrained by an evolutionary trade-off. Our findings indicate that, in addition to the well-known male-driven direct costs of mating on female lifespan (mediated by male harassment and harmful effects of seminal fluids), females with a genetic propensity to mate multiply live shorter lives. We discuss the potential role of sexual conflict in driving the evolutionary trade-off between reproduction and lifespan in Drosophila. More generally, our data show that, like males, females can exhibit a live fast die young life history strategy.
Y-chromosome diversity suggests southern origin and Paleolithic backwave migration of Austro-Asiatic speakers from eastern Asia to the Indian subcontinent
Authors: Zhang Xiaoming , Liao Shiyu , Qi Xuebin , Liu Jiewei , Kampuansai Jatupol , Zhang Hui , Yang Zhaohui , Serey Bun , Sovannary Tuot , Bunnath Long , Seang Aun Hong , Samnom Ham , Kangwanpong Daoroong , Shi Hong , Su Bing 
Published: October 2015

AbstractAnalyses of an Asian-specific Y-chromosome lineage (O2a1-M95)—the dominant paternal lineage in Austro-Asiatic (AA) speaking populations, who are found on both sides of the Bay of Bengal—led to two competing hypothesis of this group’s geographic origin and migratory routes. One hypothesis posits the origin of the AA speakers in India and an eastward dispersal to Southeast Asia, while the other places an origin in Southeast Asia with westward dispersal to India. Here, we collected samples of AA-speaking populations from mainland Southeast Asia (MSEA) and southern China and genotyped 16 Y-STRs of 343 males who belong to the O2a1-M95 lineage. Combining our samples with previous data, we analyzed both the Y-chromosome and mtDNA diversities. We generated a comprehensive picture of the O2a1-M95 lineage in Asia. We demonstrated that the O2a1-M95 lineage originated in the southern East Asia among the Daic-speaking populations ~20–40 thousand years ago and then dispersed southward to Southeast Asia after the Last Glacial Maximum before moving westward to the Indian subcontinent. This migration resulted in the current distribution of this Y-chromosome lineage in the AA-speaking populations. Further analysis of mtDNA diversity showed a different pattern, supporting a previously proposed sex-biased admixture of the AA-speaking populations in India.
Effectiveness of Chin-tuck Maneuver to Facilitate Swallowing in Neurologic Dysphagia
Authors: Saconato Mariana , Chiari Brasilia , Lederman Henrique , Gonçalves Maria 
Published: October 2015

Introduction The chin-tuck maneuver is the most frequently employed postural maneuver in the treatment of neurogenic oropharyngeal dysphagia caused by encephalic vascular strokes and degenerative diseases.
Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of this maneuver in patients with neurogenic dysphagia and factors that could interfere in it.
Methods In this retrospective cohort, we analyzed the medical files and videofluoroscopy exams of 35 patients (19 male – 54% and 16 female – 46%; age range between 20 and 89 years old; mean = 69 years).
Results The results suggest that the effectiveness of chin-tuck maneuver is related to the overall degree of dysphagia: the more severe the dysphagia, the less effective the maneuver.
Conclusion Chin-tuck maneuver should benefit dysphagic patients with delay in the swallowing trigger, reduced laryngeal elevation, and difficulties to swallow liquids, but is not the best compensatory strategy for patients with severe dysphagia.
Genetic and socioeconomic study of mate choice in Latinos reveals novel assortment patterns
Authors: Zou James Y. , Park Danny S. , Burchard Esteban G. , Torgerson Dara G. , Pino-Yanes Maria , Song Yun S. , Sankararaman Sriram , Halperin Eran , Zaitlen Noah 
Published: October 2015

Significance
Nonrandom mating in human populations reflects a confluence of socioeconomic and biological factors. In this paper, we integrate population genomics with quantitative social sciences to address fundamental questions about mate selection. In Mexican and Puerto Rican couples, we find that partners share more similar genomic ancestries, which is characterized as the fractions of genome that come from European, Native American, and African ancestries, than random pairs of individuals from the same community. Our analysis shows that this similarity cannot be explained by the individuals’ socioeconomic factors alone. Our mathematical model illustrates how assortative mating can increase the prevalence of recessive diseases in Latino populations.
Examining the effects of birth order on personality
Authors: Rohrer Julia M. , Egloff Boris , Schmukle Stefan C. 
Published: October 2015

SignificanceThe question of whether a person’s position among siblings has a lasting impact on that person’s life course has fascinated both the scientific community and the general public for >100 years. By combining large datasets from three national panels, we confirmed the effect that firstborns score higher on objectively measured intelligence and additionally found a similar effect on self-reported intellect. However, we found no birth-order effects on extraversion, emotional stability, agreeableness, conscientiousness, or imagination. This finding contradicts lay beliefs and prominent scientific theories alike and indicates that the development of personality is less determined by the role within the family of origin than previously thought.
Subdiffusive motion of bacteriophage in mucosal surfaces increases the frequency of bacterial encounters
Authors: Barr Jeremy J. , Auro Rita , Sam-Soon Nicholas , Kassegne Sam , Peters Gregory , Bonilla Natasha , Hatay Mark , Mourtada Sarah , Bailey Barbara , Youle Merry , Felts Ben , Baljon Arlette , Nulton Jim , Salamon Peter , Rohwer Forest 
Published: October 2015

SignificanceBacteriophages (phages) are viruses that infect and kill bacteria. Being inanimate, phages rely on diffusion to search for bacterial prey. Here we demonstrate that a phage that adheres weakly to mucus exhibits subdiffusive motion, not normal diffusion, in mucosal surfaces. Supporting theory and experiments revealed that subdiffusive motion increases bacterial encounter rates for phages when bacterial concentration is low. To the best of our knowledge, no other predator has been shown to effectively use a subdiffusive search mechanism. Mucosal surfaces are vulnerable to infection. Mucus-adherent phages reduce bacterial infection of lifelike mucosal surfaces more effectively than nonadherent phages. These findings provide a basis for engineering adherent phages to manipulate mucosal surface microbiomes for protection from infection and other purposes.
VEGF-B-Neuropilin-1 signaling is spatiotemporally indispensable for vascular and neuronal development in zebrafish
Authors: Jensen Lasse D. , Nakamura Masaki , Bräutigam Lars , Li Xuri , Liu Yizhi , Samani Nilesh J. , Cao Yihai 
Published: October 2015

Significance
We provide one of the few examples of spatiotemporal expression of VEGF-A and VEGF-B, which determine vascular development in zebrafish embryos. Nonoverlapping vascular functions of VEGF-A and VEGF-B are regulated by environmental oxygen tension. We show, for the first time to our knowledge, that downregulation of VEGF-B in zebrafish but not in mouse embryos produces a lethal phenotype owing to vascular defects. These findings indicate that different species use distinct mechanisms by the same factor for vascular development. Our data imply previously unidentified mechanisms for angiogenesis under pathological conditions as compared with healthy counterparts. Thus, differential targeting of the same VEGF-B in pathological and physiological angiogenesis may be potentially achieved by understanding spatiotemporal mechanisms of VEGF-B in relation to VEGF-A.