bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spin-wave excitation and propagation in microstructured waveguides of yttrium iron garnet/Pt bilayers
Authors: Pirro P. , Brächer T. , Chumak A. V. , Lägel B. , Dubs C. , Surzhenko O. , Görnert P. , Leven B. , Hillebrands B.
Published: January 2014

We present an experimental study of spin-wave excitation and propagation in microstructured waveguides consisting of a 100 nm thick yttrium iron garnet/platinum (Pt) bilayer. The life time of the spin waves is found to be more than an order of magnitude higher than in comparably sized metallic structures, despite the fact that the Pt capping enhances the Gilbert damping. Utilizing microfocus Brillouin light scattering spectroscopy, we reveal the spin-wave mode structure for different excitation frequencies. An exponential spin-wave amplitude decay length of 31 μm is observed which is a significant step towards low damping, insulator based micro-magnonics.
Laser induced neutron production by explosion of the deuterium clusters
Authors: Holkundkar Amol R. , Mishra Gaurav , Gupta N. K.
Published: January 2014

The high energy deuterium ions serve as compact source of neutrons when fused with either deuterium or tritium atoms. In view of this, the explosion of the deuterium clusters under the influence of the laser pulse with intensity ranging from 1015 to 1019 W/cm2 is being studied along with the effect of the cluster radius and inter-cluster distance. The objective of this article is to study the efficiency of the deuterium cluster as a compact source of neutrons under various laser and cluster parameters. It is being observed that the cluster density (number of clusters per unit volume) is quite important to gain high neutron yield.
Cellular membrane collapse by atmospheric-pressure plasma jet
Authors: Kim Kangil , Jun Ahn Hak , Lee Jae-Hyeok , Kim Jae-Ho , Sik Yang Sang , Lee Jong-Soo
Published: January 2014

Cellular membrane dysfunction caused by air plasma in cancer cells has been studied to exploit atmospheric-pressure plasma jets for cancer therapy. Here, we report that plasma jet treatment of cervical cancer HeLa cells increased electrical conductivity across the cellular lipid membrane and caused simultaneous lipid oxidation and cellular membrane collapse. We made this finding by employing a self-manufactured microelectrode chip. Furthermore, increased roughness of the cellular lipid membrane and sequential collapse of the membrane were observed by atomic force microscopy following plasma jet treatment. These results suggest that the cellular membrane catastrophe occurs via coincident altered electrical conductivity, lipid oxidation, and membrane roughening caused by an atmospheric-pressure plasma jet, possibly resulting in cellular vulnerability to reactive species generated from the plasma as well as cytotoxicity to cancer cells.
Diradical Character of Benzo- and Naphtho-Annelated Thiophene–Pyrrole Mixed Oligomer Dications
Authors: Kageyama Takuya , Uneme Shunsuke , Takase Masayoshi , Nomura Kotohiro , Nishinaga Tohru
Published: January 2014

Benzo- and naphtho-annelated thiophene–pyrrole mixed octamers Bz8TP-Cm and Np8TP-Cm, comprising benzo- or naphthodithiophene and two dithienylpyrrole units, were synthesised. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations based on B3LYP/6–31G(d) with the broken symmetry method predicted that dications Bz8TP-C12+ and Np8TP-C12+ have stronger diradical character than previously investigated non-annelated thiophene–pyrrole mixed octamer 8TP-C12+ (R1 = R2 = H). Compounds Bz8TP-C8 and Np8TP-C8 showed a one-step, two-electron oxidation process based on cyclic voltammetry analysis. Reaction with SbCl5 involved a two-electron oxidation. Bz8TP-C82+ and Np8TP-C82+ displayed similar absorption spectra to that of nonamer 9TP-C122+ (R1 = R2 = H), rather than that of octamer 8TP-C122+, indicating the stronger diradical characters of octamers Bz8TP-C82+ and Np8TP-C82+, as enhanced by benzo- and naphtho-annelation, and were comparable with that of 9TP-C122+. Time-dependent-DFT calculations supported the conclusion obtained from the experimental results.
Information transfer by leaky, heterogeneous, protein kinase signaling systems
Authors: Voliotis Margaritis , Perrett Rebecca M. , McWilliams Chris , McArdle Craig A. , Bowsher Clive G.
Published: January 2014

Significance

Extracellular concentrations convey information to cells about their environment. To sense these signals, cells use biomolecular networks that exhibit inevitable cell-to-cell variability and basal activity. Basal activity is widespread under physiological conditions (with phenotypic consequences), is often raised in disease, and can eradicate the transfer of information. In an experimental study of ERK signaling by single cells exhibiting heterogeneous ERK expression and basal activity, we verify our central theoretical prediction: Negative feedback substantially increases information transfer to the nucleus by preventing a near-flat average response curve and reducing sensitivity to variation in the ERK expression level. Our results reveal an important role for negative feedback mechanisms in protecting information transfer by saturable cell signaling systems from basal activity.
High-resolution lesion-mapping strategy links a hot spot in rat insular cortex with impaired expression of taste aversion learning
Authors: Schier Lindsey A. , Hashimoto Koji , Bales Michelle B. , Blonde Ginger D. , Spector Alan C.
Published: January 2014

Significance

The lesion-deficit experimental design has been a cornerstone approach in revealing the neural bases of many behaviors. Often, however, studies only qualitatively assess target lesions and, in doing so, fail to fully exploit the information available that can more specifically link subregions of damage to behavioral outcomes. Here, by developing a lesion-mapping system, we provide strong evidence that, in contrast to the prevailing view, normal expression of conditioned taste aversion does not depend on the conventionally defined gustatory cortex. Instead, this approach revealed a strong association between deficits in conditioned taste aversion expression and a subregion encompassing the posterior gustatory cortex and the surrounding insular cortex considered to be visceroceptive.
Pttg1/securin is required for the branching morphogenesis of the mammary gland and suppresses mammary tumorigenesis
Authors: Hatcher Rashieda J. , Dong Jie , Liu Shuang , Bian Guangxing , Contreras Alejandro , Wang Tao , Hilsenbeck Susan G. , Li Yi , Zhang Pumin
Published: January 2014

Significance

Pituitary tumor transforming gene 1 (Pttg1)
has been suggested as an oncogene. Here we show that it could act as a tumor suppressor, at least in mammary glands. Loss of
Pttg1
leads to spontaneous mammary gland tumorigenesis, whereas, in human breast tumors, there is a significant inverse correlation between the expression levels of PTTG1 and the tumor grade. This tumor suppressor function of Pttg1 is likely rooted in its role in the regulation of the proliferation of mammary gland epithelial cells and the morphogenesis of the ductal trees of the gland. We demonstrated that a number of genes related to proliferation and mammary gland branching morphogenesis were misregulated in the absence of Pttg1, which provides in vivo evidence that PTTG1 regulates gene expression.
Lysine deacetylase inhibition prevents diabetes by chromatin-independent immunoregulation and β-cell protection
Authors: Christensen Dan Ploug , Gysemans Conny , Lundh Morten , Dahllöf Mattias Salling , Noesgaard Daniel , Schmidt Søren Fisker , Mandrup Susanne , Birkbak Nikolai , Workman Christopher T. , Piemonti Lorenzo , Blaabjerg Lykke , Monzani Valmen , Fossati Gianluca , Mascagni Paolo , Paraskevas Steven , Aikin Reid A. , Billestrup Nils , Grunnet Lars Groth , Dinarello Charles A. , Mathieu Chantal , Mandrup-Poulsen Thomas
Published: January 2014

Significance

Type 1 diabetes is due to immune-mediated pancreatic β-cell destruction. Lysine deacetylase inhibitors (KDACi) protect β-cells from inflammatory destruction in vitro and are promising immunomodulators. The orally active and clinically well-tolerated KDACi vorinostat and givinostat reverted diabetes in a mouse model of type 1 diabetes and counteracted inflammatory target cell damage. Importantly, these effects were achieved with doses that are safe and effective in human inflammatory diseases. Of note, the mechanism of action was compatible with transcription factor—rather than global chromatin—hyperacetylation, causing inhibition of transcription factor binding and reduction of proinflammatory gene expression in leukocytes and β-cells. These data provide a rationale for clinical trials of safety and efficacy of KDACi in patients with Type 1 diabetes.
Inherent variations in CO-H
2
S-mediated carotid body O
2
sensing mediate hypertension and pulmonary edema
Authors: Peng Ying-Jie , Makarenko Vladislav V. , Nanduri Jayasri , Vasavda Chirag , Raghuraman Gayatri , Yuan Guoxiang , Gadalla Moataz M. , Kumar Ganesh K. , Snyder Solomon H. , Prabhakar Nanduri R.
Published: January 2014

Significance

The carotid body chemosensory reflex is a principal regulator of breathing and blood pressure. Humans and experimental animals display marked interindividual variation in the carotid body chemosensory reflex; however, the underlying mechanisms are not known. Here, we demonstrate differences in carotid body O
2
sensing to be mediated by inherent variations in carbon monoxide-sensitive hydrogen sulfide signaling in three distinct rat strains. Hyposensitivity of the carotid body to hypoxia was associated with higher CO and lower H
2
S levels, poor ventilatory adaptation to hypobaric hypoxia, and pulmonary edema. Hypersensitivity of the carotid body to low O
2
was accompanied by reduced CO, greater H
2
S generation, and hypertension.
Preexisting CD8
+
T-cell immunity to the H7N9 influenza A virus varies across ethnicities
Authors: Quiñones-Parra Sergio , Grant Emma , Loh Liyen , Nguyen Thi H. O. , Campbell Kristy-Anne , Tong Steven Y. C. , Miller Adrian , Doherty Peter C. , Vijaykrishna Dhanasekaran , Rossjohn Jamie , Gras Stephanie , Kedzierska Katherine
Published: January 2014

Significance

The severity of the novel H7N9 influenza A virus (IAV) and the lack of neutralizing antibodies raise real pandemic concerns. In this scenario, CD8
+
T lymphocytes (CTLs) may provide a layer of protection against the H7N9 virus. Our study dissects the extent of preexisting CTL immunity with the potential to respond to H7N9. We identified conserved immunogenic peptides with the capacity to elicit robust CTL responses against any human IAV, including the H7N9 virus, as well as the mutations that abolish CTL recognition. The human leukocyte antigen class I molecules that present these peptides vary in prevalence depending on the ethnicity. Such analyses found that the Alaskan and Australian Indigenous people may be particularly vulnerable to the H7N9 influenza disease.
Analysis of chromatin-state plasticity identifies cell-type–specific regulators of H3K27me3 patterns
Authors: Pinello Luca , Xu Jian , Orkin Stuart H. , Yuan Guo-Cheng
Published: January 2014

Significance

We developed a computational approach to characterize chromatin-state plasticity across cell types, using the repressive mark H3K27me3 as an example. The high plasticity regions (HPRs) can be divided into two functionally and mechanistically distinct groups, corresponding to CpG island proximal and distal regions, respectively. We identified cell-type–specific regulators correlating with H3K27me3 patterns at distal HPRs in ENCODE cell lines as well as in primary human erythroid precursors. We predicted and validated a previously unrecognized role of T-cell acute lymphocytic leukemia-1 (TAL1) in modulating H3K27me3 patterns through interaction with additional cofactors, such as growth factor independent 1B (GFI1B). Our integrative approach provides mechanistic insights into chromatin-state plasticity and is broadly applicable to other epigenetic marks.
Ardipithecus ramidus
and the evolution of the human cranial base
Authors: Kimbel William H. , Suwa Gen , Asfaw Berhane , Rak Yoel , White Tim D.
Published: January 2014

Significance

The Pliocene (4.4 Ma) hominoid species
Ardipithecus ramidus
has been linked phylogenetically to the
Australopithecus
+
Homo
clade by nonhoning canines, a short basicranium, and postcranial features related to bipedality. However, aspects of the foot and pelvis indicative of arboreal locomotion have raised arguments that this taxon may instead exemplify parallel evolution of human-like traits among apes around the time of the chimpanzee-human split. Our investigation of the basicranium shows that
Ar. ramidus
shares with
Australopithecus
and
Homo
a relatively short, broad central cranial base and related modifications of the tympanic, petrous, and basioccipital elements. These similarities support the proposed relationship of
Ar. ramidus
to
Australopithecus
+
Homo
. Reorganization of the central basicranium is among the earliest morphological attributes of this group.
Pro-inflammatory human Th17 cells selectively express P-glycoprotein and are refractory to glucocorticoids
Authors: Ramesh Radha , Kozhaya Lina , McKevitt Kelly , Djuretic Ivana M. , Carlson Thaddeus J. , Quintero Maria A. , McCauley Jacob L. , Abreu Maria T. , Unutmaz Derya , Sundrud Mark S.
Published: January 2014

IL-17A–expressing CD4+ T cells (Th17 cells) are generally regarded as key effectors of autoimmune inflammation. However, not all Th17 cells are pro-inflammatory. Pathogenic Th17 cells that induce autoimmunity in mice are distinguished from nonpathogenic Th17 cells by a unique transcriptional signature, including high Il23r expression, and these cells require Il23r for their inflammatory function. In contrast, defining features of human pro-inflammatory Th17 cells are unknown. We show that pro-inflammatory human Th17 cells are restricted to a subset of CCR6+CXCR3hiCCR4loCCR10−CD161+ cells that transiently express c-Kit and stably express P-glycoprotein (P-gp)/multi-drug resistance type 1 (MDR1). In contrast to MDR1− Th1 or Th17 cells, MDR1+ Th17 cells produce both Th17 (IL-17A, IL-17F, and IL-22) and Th1 (IFN-γ) cytokines upon TCR stimulation and do not express IL-10 or other anti-inflammatory molecules. These cells also display a transcriptional signature akin to pathogenic mouse Th17 cells and show heightened functional responses to IL-23 stimulation. In vivo, MDR1+ Th17 cells are enriched and activated in the gut of Crohn’s disease patients. Furthermore, MDR1+ Th17 cells are refractory to several glucocorticoids used to treat clinical autoimmune disease. Thus, MDR1+ Th17 cells may be important mediators of chronic inflammation, particularly in clinical settings of steroid resistant inflammatory disease.
C/EBPα: critical at the origin of leukemic transformation
Authors: Roe Jae-Seok , Vakoc Christopher R.
Published: January 2014

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a hematopoietic malignancy characterized by clonal expansion of myeloid progenitor cells. A major mechanistic theme in AML biology is the extensive collaboration among fusion oncoproteins, transcription factors, and chromatin regulators to initiate and sustain a transformed cellular state. A new study in this issue describes how the C/EBPα transcription factor is crucial for the initiation of AML induced by MLL fusion oncoproteins, but is entirely dispensable for the maintenance of established disease. These observations provide a unique glimpse into the pioneer round of regulatory events that are critical at the origin of AML formation. Furthermore, this study implies the existence of oncogene-induced positive feedback loops capable of bypassing the continuous need for certain regulators to propagate disease.
Analytic Results in the Position-Dependent Mass Schrödinger Problem
Authors: Cunha M.S. , Christiansen H.R.
Published: January 2014

We investigate the Schrödinger equation for a particle with a nonuniform solitonic mass density. First, we discuss in extent the (nontrivial) position-dependent mass V(x) = 0 case whose solutions are hypergeometric functions in tanh2x. Then, we consider an external hyperbolic-tangent potential. We show that the effective quantum mechanical problem is given by a Heun class equation and find analytically an eigenbasis for the space of solutions. We also compute the eigenstates for a potential of the form V(x) = V0sinh2x.
Effect of Varying Dzyaloshinskii—Moriya Interaction on the Bistable Nano-Scale Soliton Switching
Authors: Kavitha L. , Saravanan M. , Senthilkumar V. , Gopi D.
Published: January 2014

The effect of Dzyaloshinskii—Moriya (D-M) interaction on the bistable nano-scale soliton switching offers the possiblity of developing a new innovative approach for data storage technology. The dynamics of Heisenberg ferromagnetic spin system is expressed in terms of generalized inhomogeneous higher order nonlinear Schrödinger (NLS) equation. The bistable soliton switching in the ferromagnetic medium is established by solving the associated coupled evolution equations for amplitude and velocity of the soliton using the fourth order Runge—Kutta method numerically.
De Broglie—Bohm Interpretation of Canonical Quantum Cosmology Implies Early Stages of the Universe Dominated by Radiation
Authors: Siong Ch'ng Han , Radiman Shahidan
Published: January 2014

The Einstein's general relativity is formulated in the Hamiltonian form for a spatially Bat, isotropic and homogeneous universe. Subsequently, we perform the canonical quantization procedure to the Hamiltonian to obtain the Wheeler—DeWitt equation. Solving the Wheeler—DeWitt equation and employing the de Broglie—Bohm interpretation to the wave function of the universe, we obtain a new version of spatially Bat Friedmann equation for the early universe where the scale factor of the universe is taken to be sufficiently small.
CGAT: computational genomics analysis toolkit
Authors: Sims David , Ilott Nicholas E. , Sansom Stephen N. , Sudbery Ian M. , Johnson Jethro S. , Fawcett Katherine A. , Berlanga-Taylor Antonio J. , Luna-Valero Sebastian , Ponting Chris P. , Heger Andreas
Published: January 2014

Summary: Computational genomics seeks to draw biological inferences from genomic datasets, often by integrating and contextualizing next-generation sequencing data. CGAT provides an extensive suite of tools designed to assist in the analysis of genome scale data from a range of standard file formats. The toolkit enables filtering, comparison, conversion, summarization and annotation of genomic intervals, gene sets and sequences. The tools can both be run from the Unix command line and installed into visual workflow builders, such as Galaxy.

Availability: The toolkit is freely available from http://github.com/CGATOxford/cgat

Contact:  andreas.heger@dpag.ox.ac.uk
Temporal and Spatial Scaling of the Genetic Structure of a Vector-Borne Plant Pathogen
Authors: Coletta-Filho Helvécio D. , Francisco Carolina S. , Almeida Rodrigo P. P.
Published: January 2014

The ecology of plant pathogens of perennial crops is affected by the long-lived nature of their immobile hosts. In addition, changes to the genetic structure of pathogen populations may affect disease epidemiology and management practices; examples include local adaptation of more fit genotypes or introduction of novel genotypes from geographically distant areas via human movement of infected plant material or insect vectors. We studied the genetic structure of Xylella fastidiosa populations causing disease in sweet orange plants in Brazil at multiple scales using fast-evolving molecular markers (simple-sequence DNA repeats). Results show that populations of X. fastidiosa were regionally isolated, and that isolation was maintained for populations analyzed a decade apart from each other. However, despite such geographic isolation, local populations present in year 2000 were largely replaced by novel genotypes in 2009 but not as a result of migration. At a smaller spatial scale (individual trees), results suggest that isolates within plants originated from a shared common ancestor. In summary, new insights on the ecology of this economically important plant pathogen were obtained by sampling populations at different spatial scales and two different time points.
Synergistic Interaction between Fentanyl and Bupivacaine Given Intrathecally for Labor Analgesia
Authors: Ngan Kee Warwick D. , Khaw Kim S. , Ng Floria F. , Ng Karman K. L. , So Rita , Lee Anna
Published: January 2014

Background:

Lipophilic opioids and local anesthetics are often given intrathecally in combination for labor analgesia. However, the nature of the pharmacologic interaction between these drugs has not been clearly elucidated in humans.

Methods:

Three hundred nulliparous women randomly received 1 of 30 different combinations of fentanyl and bupivacaine intrathecally using a combined spinal-epidural technique for analgesia in the first stage of labor. Visual analogue scale pain scores were recorded for 30 min. Response was defined by percentage decrease in pain score from baseline at 15 and 30 min. Dose–response curves for individual drugs were fitted to a hyperbolic dose–response model using nonlinear regression. The nature of the drug interaction was determined using dose equivalence methodology to compare observed effects of drug combinations with effects predicted by additivity.

Results:

The derived dose–response models for individual drugs (doses in micrograms) at 15 min were: Effect = 100 × dose / (13.82 + dose) for fentanyl, and Effect = 100 × dose / (1,590 + dose) for bupivacaine. Combinations of fentanyl and bupivacaine produced greater effects than those predicted by additivity at 15 min (P < 0.001) and 30 min (P = 0.015) (mean differences, 9.1 [95% CI, 4.1–14.1] and 6.4 [95% CI, 1.2–11.5] units of the normalized response, respectively), indicating a synergistic interaction.

Conclusions:

The pharmacologic interaction between intrathecal fentanyl and bupivacaine is synergistic. Characterization and quantification of this interaction provide a theoretical basis and support for the clinical practice of combining intrathecal opioids and local anesthetics.
Scene perception and the visual control of travel direction in navigating wood ants
Authors: Collett Thomas S. , Lent David D. , Graham Paul
Published: January 2014

This review reflects a few of Mike Land's many and varied contributions to visual science. In it, we show for wood ants, as Mike has done for a variety of animals, including readers of this piece, what can be learnt from a detailed analysis of an animal's visually guided eye, head or body movements. In the case of wood ants, close examination of their body movements, as they follow visually guided routes, is starting to reveal how they perceive and respond to their visual world and negotiate a path within it. We describe first some of the mechanisms that underlie the visual control of their paths, emphasizing that vision is not the ant's only sense. In the second part, we discuss how remembered local shape-dependent and global shape-independent features of a visual scene may interact in guiding the ant's path.
The subtlety of simple eyes: the tuning of visual fields to perceptual challenges in birds
Authors: Martin Graham R.
Published: January 2014

Birds show interspecific variation both in the size of the fields of individual eyes and in the ways that these fields are brought together to produce the total visual field. Variation is found in the dimensions of all main parameters: binocular region, cyclopean field and blind areas. There is a phylogenetic signal with respect to maximum width of the binocular field in that passerine species have significantly broader field widths than non-passerines; broadest fields are found among crows (Corvidae). Among non-passerines, visual fields show considerable variation within families and even within some genera. It is argued that (i) the main drivers of differences in visual fields are associated with perceptual challenges that arise through different modes of foraging, and (ii) the primary function of binocularity in birds lies in the control of bill position rather than in the control of locomotion. The informational function of binocular vision does not lie in binocularityper se(two eyes receiving slightly different information simultaneously about the same objects from which higher-order depth information is extracted), but in the contralateral projection of the visual field of each eye. Contralateral projection ensures that each eye receives information from a symmetrically expanding optic flow-field from which direction of travel and time to contact targets can be extracted, particularly with respect to the control of bill position.
Do we have an internal model of the outside world?
Authors: Land Michael F.
Published: January 2014

Our phenomenal world remains stationary in spite of movements of the eyes, head and body. In addition, we can point or turn to objects in the surroundings whether or not they are in the field of view. In this review, I argue that these two features of experience and behaviour are related. The ability to interact with objects we cannot see implies an internal memory model of the surroundings, available to the motor system. And, because we maintain this ability when we move around, the model must be updated, so that the locations of object memories change continuously to provide accurate directional information. The model thus contains an internal representation of both the surroundings and the motions of the head and body: in other words, a stable representation of space. Recent functional MRI studies have provided strong evidence that this egocentric representation has a location in the precuneus, on the medial surface of the superior parietal cortex. This is a region previously identified with ‘self-centred mental imagery’, so it seems likely that the stable egocentric representation, required by the motor system, is also the source of our conscious percept of a stable world.
Human cytomegalovirus suppresses Fas expression and function
Authors: Seirafian Sepehr , Prod’homme Virginie , Sugrue Daniel , Davies James , Fielding Ceri , Tomasec Peter , Wilkinson Gavin W. G.
Published: January 2014

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is known to evade extrinsic pro-apoptotic pathways not only by downregulating cell surface expression of the death receptors TNFR1, TRAIL receptor 1 (TNFRSF10A) and TRAIL receptor 2 (TNFRSF10B), but also by impeding downstream signalling events. Fas (CD95/APO-1/TNFRSF6) also plays a prominent role in apoptotic clearance of virus-infected cells, so its fate in HCMV-infected cells needs to be addressed. Here, we show that cell surface expression of Fas was suppressed in HCMV-infected fibroblasts from 24 h onwards through the late phase of productive infection, and was dependent on de novo virus-encoded gene expression but not virus DNA replication. Significant levels of the fully glycosylated (endoglycosidase-H-resistant) Fas were retained within HCMV-infected cells throughout the infection within intracellular membranous structures. HCMV infection provided cells with a high level of protection against Fas-mediated apoptosis. Downregulation of Fas was observed with HCMV strains AD169, FIX, Merlin and TB40.
Variable region of the 3′ UTR is a critical virulence factor in the Far-Eastern subtype of tick-borne encephalitis virus in a mouse model
Authors: Sakai Mizuki , Yoshii Kentaro , Sunden Yuji , Yokozawa Kana , Hirano Minato , Kariwa Hiroaki
Published: January 2014

Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is a major arbovirus that causes thousands of cases of severe neurological illness in humans annually. However, virulence factors and pathological mechanisms of TBEV remain largely unknown. To identify the virulence factors, we constructed chimeric viruses between two TBEV strains of the Far-Eastern subtype, Sofjin-HO (highly pathogenic) and Oshima 5-10 (low pathogenic). The replacement of the coding region for the structural and non-structural proteins from Sofjin into Oshima showed a partial increase of the viral pathogenicity in a mouse model. Oshima-based chimeric viruses with the variable region of the 3′ UTR of Sofjin, which had a deletion of 207 nt, killed 100 % of mice and showed almost the same virulence as Sofjin. Replacement of the variable region of the 3′ UTR from Sofjin into Oshima did not increase viral multiplication in cultured cells and a mouse model at the early phase of viral entry into the brain. At the terminal phase of viral infection in mice, the virus titre of the Oshima-based chimeric virus with the variable region of the 3′ UTR of Sofjin reached a level identical to that of Sofjin and showed a similar histopathological change in the brain tissue. This is the first report to show that the variable region of the 3′ UTR is a critical virulence factor in mice. These findings encourage further study to understand the mechanisms of the pathogenicity of TBEV, and to develop preventative and therapeutic strategies for tick-borne encephalitis.
An unbiased resource of novel SNP markers provides a new chronology for the human Y chromosome and reveals a deep phylogenetic structure in Africa
Authors: Scozzari Rosaria , Massaia Andrea , Trombetta Beniamino , Bellusci Giovanna , Myres Natalie M. , Novelletto Andrea , Cruciani Fulvio
Published: January 2014

Sequence diversity and the ages of the deepest nodes of the MSY phylogeny remain largely unexplored due to the severely biased collection of SNPs available for study. We characterized 68 worldwide Y chromosomes by high-coverage next-generation sequencing, including 18 deep-rooting ones, and identified 2386 SNPs, 80% of which were novel. Many aspects of this pool of variants resembled the pattern observed among genome-wide de novo events, suggesting that in the MSY, a large proportion of newly arisen alleles has survived in the phylogeny. Some degree of purifying selection emerged in the form of an excess of private missense variants. Our tree recapitulated the previously known topology, but the relative lengths of major branches were drastically modified and the associated node ages were remarkably older. We found significantly different branch lengths when comparing the rare deep-rooted A1b African lineage with the rest of the tree. Our dating results and phylogeography led to the following main conclusions: (1) Patrilineal lineages with ages approaching those of early AMH fossils survive today only in central-western Africa; (2) only a few evolutionarily successful MSY lineages survived between 160 and 115 kya; and (3) an early exit out of Africa (before 70 kya), which fits recent western Asian archaeological evidence, should be considered. Our experimental design produced an unbiased resource of new MSY markers informative for the initial formation of the anatomically modern human gene pool, i.e., a period of our evolution that had been previously considered to be poorly accessible with paternally inherited markers.
2,2′-(1,4-Phenylene)bis(propane-2,2-diyl) bis(benzodithioate)
Authors: Moreno-Fuquen Rodolfo , Grande Carlos , Advincula Rigoberto C. , Tenorio Juan C. , Ellena Javier
Published: January 2014

The title compound, C26H26S4, shows a dihedral angle of 76.64 (15)° between the central and peripheral benzene rings. An inversion center is located at the centroid of the thiobenzoyl ring. In the crystal, weak C—H...S interactions formC(5) chains along [001]. There are no classical hydrogen bonds.
Bis(thiocyanato-κN)[tris(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)amine-κ4N]iron(II)
Authors: Dai Jing-Wei , Li Zhao-Yang , Sato Osamu
Published: January 2014

In the title complex, [Fe(NCS)2(C18H18N4)], the FeIIcation is chelated by a tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine ligand and coordinated by two thiocyanate anions in a distorted N6octahedral geometry. In the crystal, weak C—H...S hydrogen bonds and π–π stacking interactions between parallel pyridine rings of adjacent molecules [centroid–centroid distance = 3.653 (3) Å] link the molecules into a two-dimensional supramolecular architecture. The structure contains voids of 124 (9) Å3, which are free of solvent molecules.
1,3,5-Tris(4-methoxyphenyl)-1,3,5-triazinane-2,4,6-trione
Authors: Fang Li , Li Feifei , Luo Xuemei
Published: January 2014

The complete molecule of the title compound, C24H21N3O6, is generated by the application of threefold rotation symmetry about an axis perpendicular to the central ring. The molecule exhibits a propeller-like shape. The dihedral angle between each benzene ring and the heterocyclic ring is 74.0 (1)°. The molecules pack with no specific intermolecular interactions between them. TheSQUEEZEprocedure inPLATON[Spek (2009).Acta Cryst.D65, 148–155] was used to model disordered solvent molecules, presumed to be acetone; the calculated unit-cell data do not take into account the presence of these.
Poly[tetrakis(μ-1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoropropan-2-olato)iron(II)dipotassium]
Authors: Purdy Andrew P. , Butcher Ray J.
Published: January 2014

The title compound, [K2Fe{OCH(CF3)2}4]n, was formed from the reaction of potassium hexafluoroisopropoxide with iron(II) chloride in toluene. The FeIIatom has a highly distorted tetrahedral coordination environment. All four of the non-equivalent hexafluoroisopropoxy O atoms link the FeIIatoms to one of the K+atoms in an alternating chain of Fe—O—K—O fused four-membered rings, with K—Fe distances of 3.715 (2) and 3.717 (2) Å. This K+atom is also bridged to eight of the F atoms. The other K+atom is bonded to only two of the O atoms, but has seven short K...F contacts, one of which links the chains into a three-dimensional arrangement. Weak hydrogen bonding between the lone H atoms on the hexafluoroisopropoxy groups and F atoms is also present. The crystal studied was refined as an inversion twin.
A complex pseudo-decagonal quasicrystal approximant, Al37(Co,Ni)15.5, solved by rotation electron diffraction
Authors: Singh Devinder , Yun Yifeng , Wan Wei , Grushko Benjamin , Zou Xiaodong , Hovmöller Sven
Published: January 2014

Electron diffraction is a complementary technique to single-crystal X-ray diffraction and powder X-ray diffraction for structure solution of unknown crystals. Crystals too small to be studied by single-crystal X-ray diffraction or too complex to be solved by powder X-ray diffraction can be studied by electron diffraction. The main drawbacks of electron diffraction have been the difficulties in collecting complete three-dimensional electron diffraction data by conventional electron diffraction methods and the very time-consuming data collection. In addition, the intensities of electron diffraction suffer from dynamical scattering. Recently, a new electron diffraction method, rotation electron diffraction (RED), was developed, which can overcome the drawbacks and reduce dynamical effects. A complete three-dimensional electron diffraction data set can be collected from a sub-micrometre-sized single crystal in less than 2 h. Here the RED method is applied forab initiostructure determination of an unknown complex intermetallic phase, the pseudo-decagonal (PD) quasicrystal approximant Al37.0(Co,Ni)15.5, denoted as PD2. RED shows that the crystal is F-centered, witha= 46.4,b= 64.6,c= 8.2 Å. However, as with other approximants in the PD series, the reflections with oddlindices are much weaker than those withleven, so it was decided to first solve the PD2 structure in the smaller, primitive unit cell. The basic structure of PD2 with unit-cell parametersa= 23.2,b= 32.3,c= 4.1 Å and space groupPnmmhas been solved in the present study. The structure withc= 8.2 Å will be taken up in the near future. The basic structure contains 55 unique atoms (17 Co/Ni and 38 Al) and is one of the most complex structures solved by electron diffraction. PD2 is built of characteristic 2 nm wheel clusters with fivefold rotational symmetry, which agrees with results from high-resolution electron microscopy images. Simulated electron diffraction patterns for the structure model are in good agreement with the experimental electron diffraction patterns obtained by RED.
Surface treatment by oxidizing the plates can alter the response of protein crystallization
Authors: Guo Yun-Zhu , Liu Yong-Ming , Yin Da-Chuan , He Jin , Zhang Chen-Yan , Cao Hui-Ling , Hou Hai , Ma Wei , Guo Wei-Hong , Shi Jian-Yu , Cui Chao , Wang Zhe , Shang Peng
Published: January 2014

This report describes the modification of crystallization plates by simply oxidizing the surface of the protein wells. The oxidized crystallization plates were tested in standard protein crystallization screening and reproducibility studies. The results showed that the protein wells of the treated plates were smoother and more optically transparent than those of the untreated plates, and more importantly, protein crystallization was significantly promoted after the oxidation treatment. Because there is no change to the routine screening protocol, this method is simple and easy to apply in protein crystallization.
Precursors in stereo-complex crystals of poly(L-lactic acid)/poly(D-lactic acid) blends under shear flow
Authors: Hemmi Kota , Matsuba Go , Tsuji Hideto , Kawai Takahiko , Kanaya Toshiji , Toyohara Kiyotsuna , Oda Akimichi , Endou Kou
Published: January 2014

To improve the mechanical and the thermal performance of poly(lactic acid) materials, this work focuses on the formation of stereo-complex crystals by blending poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) with poly(D-lactic acid) (PDLA). The resulting structure was analyzed using time-resolvedin situX-ray scattering, optical microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and viscoelastic measurements. The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of shear flow imposed prior to crystallization on higher-order structure formation and acceleration of stereo-complex crystal growth of PLLA and PDLA blends using a wide spatial scale analysis and viscoelastic measurements. Density fluctuations of 100 nm scale were observed prior to nucleation byin situsimultaneous wide- and small-angle X-ray scattering measurements. These density fluctuations grew with time and the intensity increased with increasing shear rate. Furthermore, the results revealed that the PLLA and PDLA chains were only partially interpenetrated; consequently, stereo-complex crystals could grow only in the mixed PLLA/PDLA phase. The correlation length of density fluctuation prior to nucleation was strongly dependent on the mixed phases.
Value methodology in public engagement for construction development projects
Authors: Leung Mei-Yung , Yu Jingyu
Published: January 2014

Purpose

– The use of public engagement (PE) has been encouraged by the Hong Kong government in recent years, with the construction industry under particular pressure to employ it. However, society as a whole has been suffering as a result of various levels of discontent and conflict in many construction development projects. The logical paths to analyze public need and resolve conflict in the PE process are vague. Value methodology (VM), a logical method, is thus proposed as an initial framework to support PE activities in construction projects. The purpose of this paper is to enhance PE performance for the complicated construction development projects with the application of VM principles.

Design/methodology/approach

– Based on an extensive literature review, PE logical team process factors and PE outcomes were identified. A questionnaire survey was conducted to investigate the relationships between the logical PE team decision-making process (VM application in the logical process and team behaviors) and final PE outcomes.

Findings

– The results showed that the PE team process with the application of VM, especially information and analysis phases, influenced PE outcomes positively. Conflict (both destructive conflict and constructive conflict) influenced PE outcomes in different directions.

Practical implications

– It is recommended that the information and analysis phases of VM are applied to PE process in order to achieve consensus, cultivate team spirit, improve project performance, and enhance organizational reputation.

Originality/value

– This paper innovatively proposes the application of VM into the PE team process in order to analyze the project logically and subsequently improve holistic PE project performance and finally promote social cohesion.
Overview of the development and implementation of the mandatory building inspection scheme (MBIS) in Hong Kong
Authors: W.M. Chan Daniel , T.W. Hung Henry , P.C. Chan Albert , K.K. Lo Tony
Published: January 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to provide a concise overview of the problem of building decay in Hong Kong, the current government measures concerning dilapidated buildings and the latest development and implementation of the mandatory building inspection scheme (MBIS). A comparison of various MBISs from other jurisdictions of the world is also given.

Design/methodology/approach

– A desktop study of building inspection procedures, repair and maintenance policies was carried out, followed by an industry-wide opinion survey conducted by means of self-administered questionnaires. Target respondents are within the construction community of Hong Kong. The perceived benefits, potential difficulties and insightful recommendations or good practices are investigated. A comparison of the relative ranking of individual mean scores from various groups of respondents is presented in this paper.

Findings

– The execution of MBIS was found to be effective in enhancing public awareness of the importance of building upkeep and recognition of the property owner's legal responsibilities in this respect. Private property owners were made aware of the necessity to take holistic preventive measures to maintain the overall safety of their own buildings. A comparison of MBIS with other similar MBISs across different cities, revealed similarities as regards the inspection cycle, scope of inspection and qualifications of inspectors. The main difference related to the age rather than the height of target buildings.

Practical implications

– Proper inspection and maintenance is necessary to keep buildings in good condition to avoid injury or loss of life due to sudden collapse of structures or their elements such as concrete spalling and fall of window frames. The official launch of MBIS on 30 June 2012 is one of the proposed effective measures to resolve the long-standing problems of building neglect and deterioration in Hong Kong with particular regard to the existing old private premises.

Originality/value

– The execution of MBIS should be useful in improving the safety and health status of the dilapidated premises and in so doing safeguarding the residents and general public. To further identify the perceived benefits and potential difficulties of MBIS, and to suggest insightful recommendations or good practices for its successful future implementation, an opinion survey was launched among construction practitioners in Hong Kong between March and April of 2012.
How damaged are investment capital markets today?
Authors: El Namaki M.S.S.
Published: January 2014

Purpose

– Investment capital markets have been displaying signs of disarray and are significantly damaged. This is especially manifest in the case of the USA and some countries in Europe. Symptoms of this damage are visible. The operators are declining in number, contracting in scale and losing in asset base. The products are losing glitter and are shunned by investors. The monitors have lost creditably. And the regulators have failed at regulating. This is the focus of the following article. An analysis of damage incurred within the investment capital market and the possible projection of damage parameters within a conceptual and operational model. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper starts with a definition of the damage concept, proceeds to relate damage to four forces, i.e. players, products, monitors and regulators and concludes with a conceptual and operational model for damage analysis. The paper is eclectic relying on finance, macro-economic and strategic management analytically frameworks.

Findings

– A definition of investment capital market damage is proposed and an identification of several strains of this damage is made. Prime among the strains is malignant operator concentration, monitor misleading self-interest and product failure. The damage concept could be contained within a conceptual and operational model.

Practical implications

– The derived model could provide a base for countrywide investment capital market damage level assessment and directions for policy and strategy response especially for organizations as the World Bank and the IMF.

Originality/value

– The issue addressed is possibly never conceptually tackled within investment capital market analysis.
Supply chain integration and firm performance: an empirical study of Swedish manufacturing firms
Authors: M. Beheshti Hooshang , Oghazi Pejvak , Mostaghel Rana , Hultman Magnus
Published: January 2014

Purpose

– This article aims to explore the impact of supply chain integration on the financial performance of Swedish manufacturing firms.

Design/methodology/approach

– The literature review provided the foundation for the development of the survey instrument and hypotheses for the study. In addition, the survey instrument was tested by the experts in the field and modified before it was sent to the managers in the survey group.

Findings

– The findings show that supply chain integration at any level is beneficial to the financial well being of the firm. Companies with total supply chain integration reported the highest level of financial performance.

Research limitations/implications

– Data were collected from Swedish manufacturing firms without regard to the size of the firm. The results show that supply chain integration is beneficial at any level.

Practical implications

– The findings will assist managers with decisions regarding supply chain integration and its role as a critical factor in improving the financial performance of manufacturing companies.

Originality/value

– Limited empirical studies have been conducted in this area, especially in Sweden. This study provides insight for manufacturing managers with regard to the importance of supply chain management and the competitive nature of business in the global market.
Solar trade tariffs
Authors: Abboushi Suhail
Published: January 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to survey the growth of solar energy worldwide, analyze US-China trade dispute in the solar industry, and evaluate the merits of US trade tariffs.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study surveyed archival data, publications by international organizations, government agencies, industry groups, and some academic research papers.

Findings

– Global demand for solar energy has been rising steadily and is projected to generate growing source of electric power. There is worldwide consensus that public support for solar industry in the development stages is necessary. The US Government provides generous support programs and subsidies to US solar industry. Accordingly, US punitive tariffs against China's solar industry on grounds of government subsidies are of questionable merit.

Originality/value

– This paper presents a concise profile of global solar energy and evaluates US trade policy toward China. The findings can be of value to government officials as they consider trade policies and their impact on the future of solar energy.