bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On one Uniform Law of Mortality from Birth to extreme Old Age, and on the Law of Sickness
Authors: Gompertz Benjamin
Published: August 2016

The honour I have received by the invitation of the President and members for organising the Fourth Session of the International Statistical Congress, to be held daring the week commencing the 16th July instant, which the state of my health prevents me having the satisfaction to attend, induces me to offer to the notice of the distinguished members some observations which, I think, may be considered of some importance in connexion with the objects of the Congress; having for many years paid attention to the subject of vital statistics, and to the mode of rendering the information derivable from its pursuit interesting, beneficially and scientifically, to the public, who may gain consoling pecuniary advantage from it, and to the student, who may enjoy the contemplation of the paths of science; because the services which have been obtained by the public from Assurance Societies, and from the proper management of Friendly Societies, have been obtained by the attentive and philanthropic study of the subject, and the mode of pursuing that study depends on statistical inquiries, and, I may say, on deep mathematical reflection,—a reflection which, whilst it may and has been of important service to society at large, may offer many new views in philosophical and mathematical branches of enquiry even quite unconnected with statistics or its objects.
On the Means of dispensing with Extra Premiums for Deteriorated Health
Authors: Makeham W. M.
Published: August 2016

There are few things so discouraging to an agent, after successfully canvassing for an assurance, as to find that the medical examiner is unable to recommend the case (which has, perhaps, been secured by a serious expenditure of time and trouble), without an addition to the ordinary rate of premium. Knowing the difficulty he has experienced in persuading the proposer to take the decisive step, the agent feels that, in nine cases out of ten, the demand for an extra premium is tantamount to the rejection of the proposal—for, somewhat unreasonably, perhaps, instead of impressing more strongly upon the party concerned the importance of life assurance, the effect is generally to irritate and annoy—or even to create in his mind a suspicion that he is treated unfairly in being required to pay a higher rate than other persons of the same age.
Notes on the Observations of the Rev. John Hodgson, M. A., on the Mortality of the Clergy of England and Wales, with Remarks on the Tables deduced therefrom by Mr. Samuel Brown
Authors: Bowser Wilfred Arthur
Published: August 2016

In the year 1865, the late Rev. John Hodgson published a pamphlet entitled “Observations in reference to the Duration of Life amongst the Clergy of England and Wales;” to which is added, in the form of a supplement, a letter from Mr. Samuel Brown, containing various tables, having the observations of Mr. Hodgson for their basis, applicable to questions connected with Life Assurance, and the Valuation of Next Presentations to Livings and Advowsons.
Negative Policy Values
Authors: Deuchar J. J. W.
Published: August 2016

The subject of Negative Policy Values has recently been touched upon, more than once, in actuarial discussions, and its bearing upon the general question of insolvency is now beginning to be realized.

That the reserve made by many companies is reduced, by the appearance of some of their policy values as assets instead of as liabilities, is a fact well known, and difference of opinion no doubt exists as to the propriety of such a state of affairs. Although I believe it may be assumed, that the general opinion of competent judges is, that so long as a company is popular, and its valuations otherwise strong, the existence of a moderate amount of negative values among its assets is of small importance,—it is important to bear in mind that these negative values can only be realized under favorable circumstances, and at the first symptoms of unpopularity in a company they begin to disappear. Whenever, therefore, the popularity of an office is on the wane, the extent of negative policy values taken credit for by it, in its reserve, becomes a matter of vital importance. Or, in other words, to those companies which do not require assistance from such a source, credit may be given for negative values; but to those companies which do require such assistance in showing sufficient funds, it is at least doubtful whether such credit should be given; and this, because the realization of negative values depends so entirely on the credit of the office.
The Measure of Expenses in Life Assurance Companies
Authors: Macfadyen James R.
Published: August 2016

Till recently, it does not seem to have occurred to anyone that there was a fatal defect in the usual mode of estimating a life company's expenditure, and we were content to go on in the old way of considering it as the ratio such expenditure bore to the total premium revenue. And, so far as my recollection goes, not even the offices that had been animadverted on for extravagance, thought fit to dispute the dictum on the ground that this method of calculation was erroneous. However, since the reading of Mr. Deuchar's paper, and the more recent publication of Mr. Sprague's letters, these societies have awakened to the fact that they have been much calumniated; and are now ready, as a complete answer to the charge, to point out that it is their new business that has cost the money. No doubt this is a perversion of their theory that Messrs.
On Female, as contrasted with Male Lives
Authors: Walford Cornelius
Published: August 2016

The question of the value of Female Life, actuarially speaking, as compared with that of Male Life, is one of considerable interest, as it is one which has, at least in more modern times, received considerable attention. Its investigation has, so to speak, been attended with many surprises, and more than one false alarm. It is a question which is constantly before the actuary, and in a considerable variety of forms. The want of correct knowledge on the subject led many of the early annuity societies and widows' funds into troubles from which they never recovered. Even yet there are certain “moot points” in practice, the solution of which the series of important facts intended—for the first time—to he presented in form here, is designed to facilitate.
On the proper method of Measuring the Expenses of a Life Insurance Company, so as to show the real Pressure of the Expenditure on the Bonus-giving power of the Company
Authors: Sprague Thomas Bond
Published: August 2016

The following paper was originally ritten simply as a reply to Mr. Macfadyen's, which was redd before the Institute in May last. It has since been carefully revised and to a great extent recast, in consequence of suggestions receivd, to the effect that the subject was of efficient importance to be delt with in an independent paper and submitted afresh to the consideration of the Institute. In consequence of this change, a considerable amount of personal criticism, which might hav been suitable enuf for a personal reply to another paper, has been either struck out altogether, or much modified. It will therefore be understood that, in what follows, I hav somtimes had Mr. Macfadyen's arguments in view when I hav not mentiond his name
The Finance of Fire Insurance
Authors: Walford Cornelius
Published: August 2016

In connexion with a series of articles I have recently prepared for theInsurance Cyclopædia, bearing upon the history and practice of Fire Insurance, the subject of the Finance of Fire Insurance Offices has been very forcibly brought under my consideration. It is no part of the main design of that work, as I believe is very generally understood, to propound new theories in regard to the conduct of insurance companies. Its humbler purpose is to give a faithful record of the past history of insurance, to examine the foundations on which the different branches of the business are based, and to criticise, upon occasion, the data which has been relied on in their establishment; as also to supplement this data by reference to the new and ever increasing sources of information. In all this it has been my aim to present the views of others, rather than my own.
On the Value of Reversionary Life Interests
Authors: Davies Griffith
Published: August 2016

To find the present value of a Survivorship Annuity of £1 on the life of A to be entered on at the death of B, supposing the purchaser to effect an increasing insurance on A's life so that the sum insured may correspond with the amount of his outlay (of purchase money, premiums, and interest) at the end of each year up to the average duration of the joint lives of A and B, and to be at the end of that period of the exact amount which the annuity purchased would cover the annual interest thereon, beside providing for the premiums to keep it insured during the remainder of A's life.
Does vaccination afford any protection against small-pox?
Authors: Sprague T. B.
Published: August 2016

A satisfactory anser to the question I hav placed at the hed of this articl can only be got by means of an examination of statistics carefully compiled. If we coud obtain statistics shoing the rate of mortality from small-pox among two bodies of persons, similarly circumstanst as to ages, occupations, conditions of life, and other things; and differing only to this extent, that all the persons in the one body had been vaccinated, and none at all in the other body; then an examination of such statistics woud giv a conclusiv anser to the question. But such statistics ar clearly unattainabl. Those that ar forthcoming wil be more or less deficient in the accuracy we hav supposed; and our conclusions will therefore only hav a greater or less degree of probability. acording as the statistics ar more or less complete and accurat.
The Computation and Adjustment of Probabilities derived from Observation
Authors: Lazarus Wilhelm
Published: August 2016

All our empirical knowledge depends not only upon the exactness, trustworthiness, and frequency of the observations on which it is founded, but quite as much upon the possibility of drawing general conclusions from the observations. The great variety of form in which the results of observation appear, even independently of the diversity of the nature and the method of observation, will easily explain why the range of the conclusions to be drawn from the observations, differs widely according to the field of the science to which they refer. While the natural philosopher must be satisfied with the mere knowledge of a fact in a field which has not previously been investigated, he goes in other realms of science far beyond this first step of observation; he obtains an explanation about the causes of the phenomenons and the connection of the forces and the laws which govern the events that come under his observation. Such explanations cannot in general be drawn directly; they require a number of intermediate steps in which the observed result has to be critically examined and analyzed into its single elements. The proceeding to be adopted for this purpose depends upon the nature and form of the observation, and it would be a mistake to suppose that we can follow the same method for all kinds of observation.
Position Fixing in Aircraft During Long Distance Flights Over the Sea
Authors: Baker T. Y. , Filon L. N. G.
Published: August 2016

Air navigation has so far been only by dead reckoning; with long distance flights overseas such methods are no longer adequate.—Methods of position fixing by astronomical observations.—Difficulties of taking sights in the air.— Visibility of the horizon.—Cloud horizons.—“Dip.”—The Baker Air Sextant.— Gravity controlled vertical for sight taking.

Difficulties of working out the observations in the air.—The navigation machine.—Curves of constant altitude and constant position angle.—The equations of their mercator projections.—The radii of curvature.—Error of declination treated as a correction to altitude.—Special slide rule.—Star curves.—Chronometers for air work.—Practical construction of altitude and position angle curves.—Checks upon the accuracy.

Run between sights.—Theoretical case.
Dynamic clonal equilibrium and predetermined cancer risk in Barrett’s oesophagus
Authors: Martinez Pierre , Timmer Margriet R. , Lau Chiu T. , Calpe Silvia , Sancho-Serra Maria del Carmen , Straub Danielle , Baker Ann-Marie , Meijer Sybren L. , Kate Fiebo J. W. ten , Mallant-Hent Rosalie C. , Naber Anton H. J. , van Oijen Arnoud H. A. M. , Baak Lubbertus C. , Scholten Pieter , Böhmer Clarisse J. M. , Fockens Paul , Bergman Jacques J. G. H. M. , Maley Carlo C. , Graham Trevor A. , Krishnadath Kausilia K
Published: August 2016

Surveillance of Barrett’s oesophagus allows us to study the evolutionary dynamics of a human neoplasm over time. Here we use multicolour fluorescence in situ hybridization on brush cytology specimens, from two time points with a median interval of 37 months in 195 non-dysplastic Barrett's patients, and a third time point in a subset of 90 patients at a median interval of 36 months, to study clonal evolution at single-cell resolution. Baseline genetic diversity predicts progression and remains in a stable dynamic equilibrium over time. Clonal expansions are rare, being detected once every 36.8 patient years, and growing at an average rate of 1.58 cm2 (95% CI: 0.09–4.06) per year, often involving the p16 locus. This suggests a lack of strong clonal selection in Barrett’s and that the malignant potential of ‘benign’ Barrett’s lesions is predetermined, with important implications for surveillance programs.
Néel-like domain walls in ferroelectric Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 single crystals
Authors: Wei Xian-Kui , Jia Chun-Lin , Sluka Tomas , Wang Bi-Xia , Ye Zuo-Guang , Setter Nava
Published: August 2016

In contrast to the flexible rotation of magnetization direction in ferromagnets, the spontaneous polarization in ferroelectric materials is highly confined along the symmetry-allowed directions. Accordingly, chirality at ferroelectric domain walls was treated only at the theoretical level and its real appearance is still a mystery. Here we report a Néel-like domain wall imaged by atom-resolved transmission electron microscopy in Ti-rich ferroelectric Pb(Zr1−xTix)O3 crystals, where nanometre-scale monoclinic order coexists with the tetragonal order. The formation of such domain walls is interpreted in the light of polarization discontinuity and clamping effects at phase boundaries between the nesting domains. Phase-field simulation confirms that the coexistence of both phases as encountered near the morphotropic phase boundary promotes the polarization to rotate in a continuous manner. Our results provide a further insight into the complex domain configuration in ferroelectrics, and establish a foundation towards exploring chiral domain walls in ferroelectrics.
Divergent synthesis and identification of the cellular targets of deoxyelephantopins
Authors: Lagoutte Roman , Serba Christelle , Abegg Daniel , Hoch Dominic G. , Adibekian Alexander , Winssinger Nicolas
Published: August 2016

Herbal extracts containing sesquiterpene lactones have been extensively used in traditional medicine and are known to be rich in α,β-unsaturated functionalities that can covalently engage target proteins. Here we report synthetic methodologies to access analogues of deoxyelephantopin, a sesquiterpene lactone with anticancer properties. Using alkyne-tagged cellular probes and quantitative proteomics analysis, we identified several cellular targets of deoxyelephantopin. We further demonstrate that deoxyelephantopin antagonizes PPARγ activity in situ via covalent engagement of a cysteine residue in the zinc-finger motif of this nuclear receptor.
Targeting VEGF-A in myeloid cells enhances natural killer cell responses to chemotherapy and ameliorates cachexia
Authors: Klose Ralph , Krzywinska Ewelina , Castells Magali , Gotthardt Dagmar , Putz Eva Maria , Kantari-Mimoun Chahrazade , Chikdene Naima , Meinecke Anna-Katharina , Schrödter Katrin , Helfrich Iris , Fandrey Joachim , Sexl Veronika , Stockmann Christian
Published: August 2016

Chemotherapy remains a mainstay of cancer treatment but its use is often limited by the development of adverse reactions. Severe loss of body weight (cachexia) is a frequent cause of death in cancer patients and is exacerbated by chemotherapy. We show that genetic inactivation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A in myeloid cells prevents chemotherapy-induced cachexia by inhibiting skeletal muscle loss and the lipolysis of white adipose tissue. It also improves clearance of senescent tumour cells by natural killer cells and inhibits tumour regrowth after chemotherapy. The effects depend on the chemoattractant chemerin, which is released by the tumour endothelium in response to chemotherapy. The findings define chemerin as a critical mediator of the immune response, as well as an important inhibitor of cancer cachexia. Targeting myeloid cell-derived VEGF signalling should impede the lipolysis and weight loss that is frequently associated with chemotherapy, thereby substantially improving the therapeutic outcome.
β-arrestin-2 regulates NMDA receptor function in spinal lamina II neurons and duration of persistent pain
Authors: Chen Gang , Xie Rou-Gang , Gao Yong-Jing , Xu Zhen-Zhong , Zhao Lin-Xia , Bang Sangsu , Berta Temugin , Park Chul-Kyu , Lay Mark , Chen Wei , Ji Ru-Rong
Published: August 2016

Mechanisms of acute pain transition to chronic pain are not fully understood. Here we demonstrate an active role of β-arrestin 2 (Arrb2) in regulating spinal cord NMDA receptor (NMDAR) function and the duration of pain. Intrathecal injection of the mu-opioid receptor agonist [D-Ala2, NMe-Phe4, Gly-ol5]-enkephalin produces paradoxical behavioural responses: early-phase analgesia and late-phase mechanical allodynia which requires NMDAR; both phases are prolonged in Arrb2 knockout (KO) mice. Spinal administration of NMDA induces GluN2B-dependent mechanical allodynia, which is prolonged in Arrb2-KO mice and conditional KO mice lacking Arrb2 in presynaptic terminals expressing Nav1.8. Loss of Arrb2 also results in prolongation of inflammatory pain and neuropathic pain and enhancement of GluN2B-mediated NMDA currents in spinal lamina IIo not lamina I neurons. Finally, spinal over-expression of Arrb2 reverses chronic neuropathic pain after nerve injury. Thus, spinal Arrb2 may serve as an intracellular gate for acute to chronic pain transition via desensitization of NMDAR.
Thermal noise and optomechanical features in the emission of a membrane-coupled compound cavity laser diode
Authors: Baldacci Lorenzo , Pitanti Alessandro , Masini Luca , Arcangeli Andrea , Colangelo Francesco , Navarro-Urrios Daniel , Tredicucci Alessandro
Published: August 2016

We demonstrate the use of a compound optical cavity as linear displacement detector, by measuring the thermal motion of a silicon nitride suspended membrane acting as the external mirror of a near-infrared Littrow laser diode. Fluctuations in the laser optical power induced by the membrane vibrations are collected by a photodiode integrated within the laser, and then measured with a spectrum analyzer. The dynamics of the membrane driven by a piezoelectric actuator is investigated as a function of air pressure and actuator displacement in a homodyne configuration. The high Q-factor (~3.4 · 104at 8.3 · 10−3 mbar) of the fundamental mechanical mode at ~73 kHz guarantees a detection sensitivity high enough for direct measurement of thermal motion at room temperature (~87 pm RMS). The compound cavity system here introduced can be employed as a table-top, cost-effective linear displacement detector for cavity optomechanics. Furthermore, thanks to the strong optical nonlinearities of the laser compound cavity, these systems open new perspectives in the study of non-Markovian quantum properties at the mesoscale.
Creation of an engineered APC system to explore and optimize the presentation of immunodominant peptides of major allergens
Authors: Rosskopf Sandra , Jutz Sabrina , Neunkirchner Alina , Candia Martín R. , Jahn-Schmid Beatrice , Bohle Barbara , Pickl Winfried F. , Steinberger Peter
Published: August 2016

We have generated engineered APC to present immunodominant peptides derived from the major aero-allergens of birch and mugwort pollen, Bet v 1142–153 and Art v 125–36, respectively. Jurkat-based T cell reporter lines expressing the cognate allergen-specific T cell receptors were used to read out the presentation of allergenic peptides on the engineered APC. Different modalities of peptide loading and presentation on MHC class II molecules were compared. Upon exogenous loading with allergenic peptides, the engineered APC elicited a dose-dependent response in the reporter T cells and the presence of chemical loading enhancers strongly increased reporter activation. Invariant chain-based MHC class II targeting strategies of endogenously expressed peptides resulted in stronger activation of the reporters than exogenous loading. Moreover, we used Bet v 1 as model allergen to study the ability of K562 cells to present antigenic peptides derived from whole proteins either taken up or endogenously expressed as LAMP-1 fusion protein. In both cases the ability of these cells to process and present peptides derived from whole proteins critically depended on the expression of HLA-DM. We have identified strategies to achieve efficient presentation of allergenic peptides on engineered APC and demonstrate their use to stimulate T cells from allergic individuals.
A transcriptomic analysis of the effect of genistein on Sinorhizobium fredii HH103 reveals novel rhizobial genes putatively involved in symbiosis
Authors: Pérez-Montaño F. , Jiménez-Guerrero I. , Acosta-Jurado S. , Navarro-Gómez P. , Ollero F. J. , Ruiz-Sainz J. E. , López-Baena F. J. , Vinardell J. M.
Published: August 2016

Sinorhizobium fredii HH103 is a rhizobial soybean symbiont that exhibits an extremely broad host-range. Flavonoids exuded by legume roots induce the expression of rhizobial symbiotic genes and activate the bacterial protein NodD, which binds to regulatory DNA sequences called nod boxes (NB). NB drive the expression of genes involved in the production of molecular signals (Nod factors) as well as the transcription of ttsI, whose encoded product binds to tts boxes (TB), inducing the secretion of proteins (effectors) through the type 3 secretion system (T3SS). In this work, a S. fredii HH103 global gene expression analysis in the presence of the flavonoid genistein was carried out, revealing a complex regulatory network. Three groups of genes differentially expressed were identified: i) genes controlled by NB, ii) genes regulated by TB and iii) genes not preceded by a NB or a TB. Interestingly, we have found differentially expressed genes not previously studied in rhizobia, being some of them not related to Nod factors or the T3SS. Future characterization of these putative symbiotic-related genes could shed light on the understanding of the complex molecular dialogue established between rhizobia and legumes.
In vitro comparative studies of resveratrol and triacetylresveratrol on cell proliferation, apoptosis, and STAT3 and NFκB signaling in pancreatic cancer cells
Authors: Duan JingJing , Yue Wen , E JianYu , Malhotra Jyoti , Lu Shou-en , Gu Jun , Xu Feng , Tan Xiang-Lin
Published: August 2016

Resveratrol (RES) has been studied extensively as an anticancer agent. However, the anticancer effects of triacetylresveratrol (TRES, an acetylated analog of RES) which has higher bioavailability have not been well established. We comparatively evaluated their effects on cell proliferation, apoptosis and the molecular changes in STAT3, NFκB and apoptotic signaling pathways in pancreatic cancer cells. Apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry. The nuclear translocation and interaction of STAT3 and NFκB were detected by Western blotting and immunoprecipitation, respectively. Both TRES and RES inhibited cell viability, and induced apoptosis of pancreatic cancer cells in a concentration and incubation time-dependent manner. TRES, similarly to RES, inhibited the phosphorylation of STAT3 and NFκB, down-regulated Mcl-1, and up-regulated Bim and Puma in pancreatic cancer cells. Remarkably, we, for the first time, observed that both TRES and RES suppressed the nuclear translocation, and interrupted the interaction of STAT3 and NFκB in PANC-1 cells. Comparative anticancer effects of TRES and RES on pancreatic cancer suggested that TRES with higher bioavailability may be a potential agent for pancreatic cancer prevention and treatment. Further in vivo experiments and functional studies are warranted to investigate whether TRES exhibits better beneficial effects than RES in mice and humans.
Spherical nucleic acid targeting microRNA-99b enhances intestinal MFG-E8 gene expression and restores enterocyte migration in lipopolysaccharide-induced septic mice
Authors: Wang Xiao , Hao Liangliang , Bu Heng-Fu , Scott Alexander W. , Tian Ke , Liu Fangyi , De Plaen Isabelle G. , Liu Yulan , Mirkin Chad A. , Tan Xiao-Di
Published: August 2016

Milk fat globule-EGF factor 8 (MFG-E8) maintains the intestinal homeostasis by enhancing enterocyte migration and attenuating inflammation. We previously reported that sepsis is associated with down-regulation of intestinal MFG-E8 and impairment of enterocyte migration. Here, we showed that impairment of intestinal epithelial cell migration occurred in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced septic mice. Treatment of RAW264.7 cells (a murine macrophage-like cell line) with LPS increased expression of miR-99b, a microRNA that is predicted to target mouse MFG-E8 3′UTR. Using a luciferase assay, we showed that miR-99b mimic suppressed the activity of a reporter containing MFG-E8 3′UTR. This suggests the role of miR-99b in inhibition of MFG-E8 gene expression. In addition, we developed an anti-miR99b spherical nucleic acid nanoparticle conjugate (SNA-NCanti-miR99b). Treatment of both naïve and LPS-challenged cells with SNA-NCanti-miR99b enhanced MFG-E8 expression in the cells. Administration of SNA-NCanti-miR99b rescued intestinal MFG-E8 expression in LPS-induced septic mice and attenuated LPS inhibitory effects on intestinal epithelial cell migration along the crypt-villus axis. Collectively, our study suggests that LPS represses MFG-E8 expression and disrupts enterocyte migration via a miR-99b dependent mechanism. Furthermore, this work shows that SNA-NCanti-miR99b is a novel nanoparticle-conjugate capable of rescuing MFG-E8 gene expression and maintaining intestinal epithelial homeostasis in sepsis.
Example study for granular bioreactor stratification: Three-dimensional evaluation of a sulfate-reducing granular bioreactor
Authors: Hao Tian-wei , Luo Jing-hai , Su Kui-zu , Wei Li , Mackey Hamish R. , Chi Kun , Chen Guang-Hao
Published: August 2016

Recently, sulfate-reducing granular sludge has been developed for application in sulfate-laden water and wastewater treatment. However, little is known about biomass stratification and its effects on the bioprocesses inside the granular bioreactor. A comprehensive investigation followed by a verification trial was therefore conducted in the present work. The investigation focused on the performance of each sludge layer, the internal hydrodynamics and microbial community structures along the height of the reactor. The reactor substratum (the section below baffle 1) was identified as the main acidification zone based on microbial analysis and reactor performance. Two baffle installations increased mixing intensity but at the same time introduced dead zones. Computational fluid dynamics simulation was employed to visualize the internal hydrodynamics. The 16S rRNA gene of the organisms further revealed that more diverse communities of sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) and acidogens were detected in the reactor substratum than in the superstratum (the section above baffle 1). The findings of this study shed light on biomass stratification in an SRB granular bioreactor to aid in the design and optimization of such reactors.
Set3 contributes to heterochromatin integrity by promoting transcription of subunits of Clr4-Rik1-Cul4 histone methyltransferase complex in fission yeast
Authors: Yu Yao , Zhou Huan , Deng Xiaolong , Wang Wenchao , Lu Hong
Published: August 2016

Heterochromatin formation in fission yeast depends on RNAi machinery and histone-modifying enzymes. One of the key histone-modifying complexes is Clr4-Rik1-Cul4 methyltransferase complex (CLRC), which mediates histone H3K9 methylation, a hallmark for heterochromatin. CLRC is composed of the Clr4 histone methyltransferase, Rik1, Raf1, Raf2 and Pcu4. However, transcriptional regulation of the CLRC subunits is not well understood. In this study, we identified Set3, a core subunit of the Set3/Hos2 histone deacetylase complex (Set3C), as a contributor to the integrity and silencing of heterochromatin at centromeres, telomeres and silent mating-type locus. This novel role of Set3 relies on its PHD finger, but is independent of deacetylase activity or structural integrity of Set3C. Set3 is not located to the centromeric region. Instead, Set3 is targeted to the promoters of clr4+ and rik1+, probably through its PHD finger. Set3 promotes transcription of clr4+ and rik1+. Consistently, the protein levels of Clr4 and Rik1 were reduced in the set3Δ mutant. The heterochromatin silencing defect in the set3Δ mutant could be rescued by overexpressing of clr4+ or rik1+. Our study suggests transcriptional activation of essential heterochromatin factors underlies the tight regulation of heterochromatin integrity.
Two proteolytic fragments of menin coordinate the nuclear transcription and postsynaptic clustering of neurotransmitter receptors during synaptogenesis between Lymnaea neurons
Authors: Getz Angela M. , Visser Frank , Bell Erin M. , Xu Fenglian , Flynn Nichole M. , Zaidi Wali , Syed Naweed I.
Published: August 2016

Synapse formation and plasticity depend on nuclear transcription and site-specific protein targeting, but the molecular mechanisms that coordinate these steps have not been well defined. The MEN1 tumor suppressor gene, which encodes the protein menin, is known to induce synapse formation and plasticity in the CNS. This synaptogenic function has been conserved across evolution, however the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unidentified. Here, using central neurons from the invertebrate Lymnaea stagnalis, we demonstrate that menin coordinates subunit-specific transcriptional regulation and synaptic clustering of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) during neurotrophic factor (NTF)-dependent excitatory synaptogenesis, via two proteolytic fragments generated by calpain cleavage. Whereas menin is largely regarded as a nuclear protein, our data demonstrate a novel cytoplasmic function at central synapses. Furthermore, this study identifies a novel synaptogenic mechanism in which a single gene product coordinates the nuclear transcription and postsynaptic targeting of neurotransmitter receptors through distinct molecular functions of differentially localized proteolytic fragments.
S100A12 is up-regulated in pulmonary tuberculosis and predicts the extent of alveolar infiltration on chest radiography: an observational study
Authors: Berrocal-Almanza Luis C. , Goyal Surabhi , Hussain Abid , Klassert Tilman E. , Driesch Dominik , Grozdanovic Zarko , Sumanlatha Gadamm , Ahmed Niyaz , Valluri Vijayalakshmi , Conrad Melanie L. , Dittrich Nickel , Schumann Ralf R. , Lala Birgit , Slevogt Hortense
Published: August 2016

Pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) results in lung functional impairment and there are no surrogate markers to monitor the extent of lung involvement. We investigated the clinical significance of S100A12 and soluble receptor for advanced glycation end-products (sRAGE) for predicting the extent of lung involvement. We performed an observational study in India with 119 newly diagnosed, treatment naïve, sputum smear positive, HIV-negative PTB patients and 163 healthy controls. All patients were followed-up for six months. Sociodemographic variables and the serum levels of S100A12, sRAGE, esRAGE, HMGB-1, TNF-α, IFN-γ and CRP were measured. Lung involvement in PTB patients was assessed by chest radiography. Compared with healthy controls, PTB patients had increased serum concentrations of S100A12 while sRAGE was decreased. S100A12 was an independent predictor of disease occurrence (OR 1.873, 95%CI 1.212–2.891, p = 0.004). Under DOTS therapy, S100A12 decreased significantly after 4 months whereas CRP significantly decreased after 2 months (p < 0.0001). Importantly, although CRP was also an independent predictor of disease occurrence, only S100A12 was a significant predictor of lung alveolar infiltration (OR 2.60, 95%CI 1.35–5.00, p = 0.004). These results suggest that S100A12 has the potential to assess the extent of alveolar infiltration in PTB.
An electrochemical impedance sensor for simple and specific recognition of G–G mismatches in DNA
Authors: Huang Min , Li Hanying , He Hanping , Zhang Xiuhua , Wang Shengfu
Published: August 2016

A simple EIS sensor was developed for the highly sensitive and specific detection of G–G mismatches in dsDNA using a small molecule-modified gold electrode. Recognition and detection were achieved by ΔRct before and after incubation with target DNA.
A polarized liquid–liquid interface meets visible light-driven catalytic water oxidation
Authors: Rastgar Shokoufeh , Pilarski Martin , Wittstock Gunther
Published: August 2016

A nanostructured BiVO4photocatalyst assembled at a chemically polarized liquid–liquid interface generates an efficient amount of O2with a [Co(bpy)3]3+scavenger in the organic phase.
Composition tunable ternary Pt–Ni–Co octahedra for optimized oxygen reduction activity
Authors: Zhao Zipeng , Feng Miao , Zhou Jihan , Liu Zeyan , Li Mufan , Fan Zheng , Tsen Oshton , Miao Jianwei , Duan Xiangfeng , Huang Yu
Published: August 2016

We report a one-step synthesis method for octahedral Pt–Ni–Co ternary catalysts with tunable compositions and fixed shapes.
Nanocubic KTi2(PO4)3 electrodes for potassium-ion batteries
Authors: Han Jin , Niu Yubin , Bao Shu-juan , Yu Ya-Nan , Lu Shi-Yu , Xu Maowen
Published: August 2016

Novel nanocubic KTi2(PO4)3 was successfully fabricated via a facile hydrothermal method combined with a subsequent annealing treatment and further evaluated as an electrode material for potassium-ion batteries for the first time.
Relative extent of double and single Auger decay in molecules containing C, N and O atoms
Authors: Roos A. Hult , Eland J. H. D. , Andersson J. , Zagorodskikh S. , Singh R. , Squibb R. J. , Feifel R.
Published: August 2016

We show that the proportion of double Auger decay following creation of single 1s core holes in molecules containing C, N and O atoms is greater than usually assumed, amounting to about 10% of single Auger decay in many cases.
Multinuclear NMR as a tool for studying local order and dynamics in CH3NH3PbX3(X = Cl, Br, I) hybrid perovskites
Authors: Roiland Claire , Trippé-Allard Gaelle , Jemli Khaoula , Alonso Bruno , Ameline Jean-Claude , Gautier Régis , Bataille Thierry , Le Pollès Laurent , Deleporte Emmanuelle , Even Jacky , Katan Claudine
Published: August 2016

We report on207Pb,79Br,14N,1H,13C and2H NMR experiments for studying the local order and dynamics in hybrid perovskite lattices.
Adsorption thermodynamics of two-domain antifreeze proteins: theory and Monte Carlo simulations
Authors: Narambuena Claudio F. , Sanchez Varretti Fabricio O. , Ramirez-Pastor Antonio J.
Published: August 2016

In this paper we develop the statistical thermodynamics of two-domain antifreeze proteins adsorbed on ice.
Relativistic effects on the aromaticity of the halogenated benzenes: C6X6, X = H, F, Cl, Br, I, At
Authors: Ramírez-Tagle Rodrigo , Alvarado-Soto Leonor , Villavicencio-Wastavino Andrés , Alvarez-Thon Luis
Published: August 2016

We study the relativistic effects on the aromaticity of the six hexahalogenated compounds C6X6,viaa magnetically induced current density method.
Investigation of reactivity and structure formation in a K–Te–U oxo-system under high-temperature/high-pressure conditions
Authors: Xiao Bin , Kegler Philip , Bosbach Dirk , Alekseev Evgeny V.
Published: August 2016

Under extreme conditions, the potassium uranyl tellurium compounds preferably crystallize in a three-dimensional (3D) framework with complex structural topologies, which is contrary to the widely observed layered structures (2D) obtained from normal synthetic conditions.
Ligand conformations and spin states in open metallocenes of the first row transition metals having U-shaped 2,4-dimethylpentadienyl ligands
Authors: Fan Qunchao , Feng Hao , Sun Weiguo , Li Huidong , Xie Yaoming , King R. Bruce , Schaefer Henry F.
Published: August 2016

The lowest energy (2,4-Me2C5H5)2M structures (M = Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe) have the metal sandwiched between two U-shaped pentahapto pentadienyl ligands. However, those for the later transition metals Co and Ni contain one and two trihapto ligands, respectively.
Hollow silica bubble based immobilized trypsin for highly efficient proteome digestion and buoyant separation
Authors: Jiao Fenglong , Zhai Rui , Huang Junjie , Zhang Yukui , Zhang Yangjun , Qian Xiaohong
Published: August 2016

Tryptic digestion before identification and quantification by mass spectrometry is an indispensable process for most proteomics studies.
Alkali metal complexes having sterically bulky bis-iminopyrrolyl ligands – control of dimeric to monomeric complexes
Authors: Anga Srinivas , Banerjee Indrani , Nayek Hari Pada , Panda Tarun K.
Published: August 2016

Alkali metal salts of {(CHPh2)2-pyr} and {(CPh3)2-pyr} were prepared and in the molecular structures of these complexes a nuclearity shift from the dimer to monomer were observed due to the substitutions of CHPh2 to CPh3 groups in imine nitrogen of the ligand.
Graphene supported nitrogen-doped porous carbon nanosheets derived from zeolitic imidazolate framework for high performance supercapacitors
Authors: Gan Qingmeng , Liu Suqin , Zhao Kuangmin , Wu Yuanzhan , He Zhen , Zhou Zhi
Published: August 2016

A nitrogen-doped porous carbon nanosheet/graphene composite (NPCN/G) with layer-by-layer structure is facilely synthesized on a large scale via pyrolysis of a zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-8)/graphene (2D) mixture.
Optimized preparation conditions of TiO2 deposited on SiO2 solid superacid nanotubes as filler materials
Authors: Zhang Yuqing , Zhao Honglu
Published: August 2016

TSANs were employed as novel filler materials to prepare TSANs/PSF composite membranes with MRLs, improving the integrated properties of the membranes.
Photocatalytic degradation of two different types of dyes by synthesized La/Bi2WO6
Authors: Wang Chunying , Zhu Qingjiang , Gu Chuantao , Luo Xianping , Yu Changlin , Wu Min
Published: August 2016

Parameters, such as inorganic ions and pH have different effects on the photocatalytic removal of X-3B and RhB using La/Bi2WO6.
Water sorption behavior of physically and chemically activated monolithic nitrogen doped carbon for adsorption cooling
Authors: Huber Lukas , Ruch Patrick , Hauert Roland , Matam Santhosh Kumar , Saucke Gesine , Yoon Songhak , Zhang Yucheng , Koebel Matthias M.
Published: August 2016

In this work, nitrogen doped resorcinol–melamine–formaldehyde (RMF) resins were synthesized, pyrolyzed and physically activated with CO2.
Naked eye detection of multiple tumor-related mRNAs from patients with photonic-crystal micropattern supported dual-modal upconversion bioprobes
Authors: Hu Xiaoxia , Wang Yingqian , Liu Haoyang , Wang Jie , Tan Yaning , Wang Fubing , Yuan Quan , Tan Weihong
Published: August 2016

We have designed a biochip-based mRNA detection device by combining a hydrophilic–hydrophobic micropattern with upconversion luminescence (UCL) probes.
Design and synthesis of N-methylene-C linked tetrazole and nitramino-1,2,4-triazole: an approach to promising energetic materials
Authors: Tang Yongxing , He Chunlin , Imler Gregory H. , Parrish Damon A. , Shreeve Jean'ne M.
Published: August 2016

N-Methylene-C-bridged energetic tetrazole and nitramino-1,2,4-triazole compounds were synthesized and showed good detonation properties.
Enhanced preferential CO oxidation on Zn2SnO4 supported Au nanoparticles: support and H2 effects
Authors: Leelavathi A. , Ravishankar N. , Madras Giridhar
Published: August 2016

Although reducible-oxide-supported gold nanostructures exhibit the highest CO oxidation activity at low temperatures, they are not suitable for preferential oxidation (PROX) reactions owing to their limited selectivity towards CO in the presence of H2.
Multi-ionic lithium salts increase lithium ion transference numbers in ionic liquid gel separators
Authors: Chinnam Parameswara Rao , Chatare Vijay , Chereddy Sumanth , Mantravadi Ramya , Gau Michael , Schwab Joe , Wunder Stephanie L.
Published: August 2016

Solid ion-gel separators for lithium or lithium ion batteries have been prepared with high lithium ion transference numbers (tLi+ = 0.36), high room temperature ionic conductivities (σ → 10−3 S cm−1), and moduli in the MPa range.
Chiral 5-phenylpyrimidine liquid crystals with ‘de Vries-like’ properties: dependence of electroclinic effect and ferroelectric properties on carbosilane nanosegregation
Authors: Schubert Christopher P. J. , Müller Carsten , Giesselmann Frank , Lemieux Robert P.
Published: August 2016

The effect of nanosegregation on electroclinic effect and ferroelectric properties in carbosilane-terminated ‘de Vries-like’ mesogens.
Accumulation of biosynthesized gold nanoparticles and its impact on various organs of Sprague Dawley rats: a systematic study
Authors: Aravinthan Adithan , Kamala-Kannan Seralathan , Govarthanan Muthusamy , Kim Jong-Hoon
Published: August 2016

Manyin vivostudies have revealed that the cytotoxic potential of gold nanoparticles results in controversial conclusions.
ApoE deficiency promotes colon inflammation and enhances the inflammatory potential of oxidized-LDL and TNF-α in primary colon epithelial cells
Authors: El-Bahrawy Ali H. , Tarhuni Abdelmetalab , Kim Hogyoung , Subramaniam Venkat , Benslimane Ilyes , Elmajeed Zakaria Y. Abd , Okpechi Samuel C. , Ghonim Mohamed A. , Hemeida Ramadan A.M. , Abo-yousef Amira M. , El-Sherbiny Gamal A. , Abdel-Raheem Ihab T. , Kim Jong , Naura Amarjit S. , Boulares A. Hamid
Published: August 2016

Although deficiency in Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) is linked to many diseases, its effect on colon homoeostasis remains unknown. ApoE appears to control inflammation by regulating nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). The present study was designed to examine whether ApoE deficiency affects factors of colon integrity in vivo and given the likelihood that ApoE deficiency increases oxidized lipids and TNF-α, the present study also examined whether such deficiency enhances the inflammatory potential of oxidized-LDL (oxLDL) and TNF-α in colon epithelial cells (CECs), in vitro. Here we show that ApoE deficiency is associated with chronic inflammation systemically and in colonic tissues as assessed by TNF-α levels. Increased colon TNF-α mRNA coincided with a substantial increase in cyclooxygenase (COX)-2. ApoE deficiency enhanced the potential of oxLDL and TNF-α to induce COX-2 expression as well as several other inflammatory factors in primary CECs. Interestingly, oxLDL enhanced TGF-β expression only in ApoE−/−, but not in wild-type, epithelial cells. ApoE deficiency appears to promote COX-2 expression enhancement through a mechanism that involves persistent NF-κB nuclear localization and PI3 and p38 MAP kinases but independently of Src. In mice, ApoE deficiency promoted a moderate increase in crypt length, which was associated with opposing effects of an increase in cell proliferation and apoptosis at the bottom and top of the crypt respectively. Our results support the notion that ApoE plays a central role in colon homoeostasis and that ApoE deficiency may constitute a risk factor for colon pathologies.
Multi‐frequency precision radar altimetry from space for estimation of sea surface state
Authors: Ka Min‐Ho , Baskakov Aleksandr. I. , Jeon Se‐Yeon , Paek Inchan , Jang Jonghun
Published: August 2016

The measurement performance of the dual‐frequency correlation radar altimetry for the estimation of the sea wave heights is not as accurate in satellite as in airborne platform. Multi‐frequency sensing signals can be applied to obtain sea surface state information while maintaining sensitivity over wide range of sea wave turbulences from space. The proposed method uses a sensing signal with angle modulation with optimum modulation index of m = 4.5, which enables to obtain a spectrum from 11 harmonics, instead of generating 11 frequency transmit signals for spaceborne multi‐frequency radar altimetry. Maximum sensitivity of the measurement to the root‐mean‐square of the sea wave heights was obtained for the optimal frequency gaps between transmit signals.
Low‐complexity energy‐efficient resource allocation for delay‐tolerant two‐way orthogonal frequency‐division multiplexing relays
Authors: Yu Tiantian , Jin Yanliang , Guo Weisi , Fang Changli , Deng Wei , Wang Tao
Published: August 2016

Energy‐efficient wireless communication is important for wireless devices with a limited battery life and cannot be recharged. In this study, a bit allocation algorithm to minimise the total energy consumption for transmitting a bit successfully is proposed for a two‐way orthogonal frequency‐division multiplexing relay system, whilst considering the constraints of quality‐of‐service and total transmit power. Unlike existing bit allocation schemes, which maximise the energy efficiency (EE) by measuring ‘bits‐per‐Joule’ with fixed bidirectional total bit rates constraint and no power limitation, their scheme adapts the bidirectional total bit rates and their allocation on each subcarrier with a total transmit power constraint. To do so, they propose an idea to decompose the optimisation problem. The problem is solved in two general steps. The first step allocates the bit rates on each subcarrier when the total bit rate of each user is fixed. In the second step, the Lagrangian multipliers are used as the optimisation variants, and the dimension of the variant optimisation is reduced from 2N to 2, where N is the number of subcarriers. They also prove that the optimal point is on the bounds of the feasible region, thus the optimal solution could be searched through the bounds.
Intensity modulation‐based fibre optic vibration sensor using an aperture within a proof mass
Authors: Zuo Ze‐Wei , Hao Yi , Choi Sang‐Jin , Song Minho , Kim Young‐Chon , Pan Jae‐Kyung
Published: August 2016

The authors propose an intensity modulation‐based fibre optic vibration sensor (FOVS) using an aperture within a proof mass. It consists of an optical collimator, a mass‐spring structure, a mirror, and a rectangular aperture. They verify its feasibility via experimental demonstration. For the feasibility test, they implement three lab‐based prototype FOVSs with different natural frequencies and measure each FOVS's frequency response according to the base vibration and sensitivity. The experimental results for three lab‐based prototype FOVSs show the sensitivities of 163, 183, and 206 mV/g, the minimum detectable accelerations of 0.082, 0.086, and 0.082 mg, and the dynamic ranges of 18–45, 26–52, and 20–120 Hz, respectively. They also experimentally demonstrate its remote sensing and multipoint sensing characteristics. The proposed FOVS has the virtues of easy controllable sensitivity and dynamic range, simple structure, and remote sensing and multipoint sensing characteristics.