bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of an acid-labile polymeric prodrug DOX-acetal-PEG-acetal-DOX with high drug loading content for pH-triggered intracellular drug release
Authors: Wang Hairong , He Jinlin , Cao Dongling , Zhang Mingzu , Li Fei , Tam Kam Chiu , Ni Peihong
Published: May 2015

PEGylated doxorubicin (DOX) prodrugs with high drug loading content have been prepared via a combination of CuAAC “click” reaction and ammonolysis reaction, which can be used for pH-triggered delivery of doxorubicin.
Targeted photosensitizer nanoconjugates based on human serum albumin selectively kill tumor cells upon photo-irradiation
Authors: Tang Cheng-Yi , Liao Yong-hui , Tan Guo-Sheng , Wang Xiao-Ming , Lu Gui-Hua , Yang Yong-Hua
Published: May 2015

Small and non-toxic nanoconjugates RGD–HSA–Ce6 could provide targeted and effective photodynamic therapy of tumor cells.
Remarkable influence of alkyl chain lengths on supramolecular hydrogelation of naphthalene diimide-capped dipeptides
Authors: Zhan Fu-Kai , Hsu Shu-Min , Cheng Hsun , Lin Hsin-Chieh
Published: May 2015

The influence of aliphatic chain lengths on supramolecular hydrogelation of naphthalene diimide-capped dipeptides is described.
Coaxial electrospun poly(lactic acid)/silk fibroin nanofibers incorporated with nerve growth factor support the differentiation of neuronal stem cells
Authors: Tian Lingling , Prabhakaran Molamma P. , Hu Jue , Chen Menglin , Besenbacher Flemming , Ramakrishna Seeram
Published: May 2015

Plasma treated PLA/silk fibroin/NGF nanofibers with core–shell structure could enhance the neuronal differentiation of PC12 cells.
Catalytic and filterable polyester-filter membrane electrode with a high performance carbon foam–Fe–Co catalyst improved electricity generation and waste-water treatment in MBR–MFC
Authors: Yu Tingting , Liu Lifen , Yang Qiao , Song Jing , Yang Fenglin
Published: May 2015

Cathode membrane, made of PANI modified polyester cloth, was coated with a new and high-efficiency carbon foam–Fe–Co catalyst, which is filterable, conductive and catalytic. The power density increased 38 times.
An efficient vanillinyl Schiff base as a turn on fluorescent probe for zinc(ii) and cell imaging
Authors: Bhanja Anup Kumar , Patra Chiranjit , Mondal Sudipa , Ojha Durbadal , Chattopadhyay Debprasad , Sinha Chittaranjan
Published: May 2015

Vanillinyl Schiff base (H2L), a nontoxic probe and a fluorescent sensor to Zn2+, LOD 0.018 μM is used for living cell imaging.
In vitro 30 nm silver nanoparticles promote chondrogenesis of human mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: He Wei , Kienzle Arne , Liu Xujie , Müller Werner E. G. , Feng Qingling
Published: May 2015

Silver nanoparticles positively influence chondrogenesis of human mesenchymal stem cells through promoting expression of chondrogenic markers while reducing hypertrophy.
Surface molecularly imprinted polymers with dummy templates for the separation of dencichine from Panax notoginseng
Authors: Xie Hongkai , Ji Wenhua , Liu Dahui , Liu Wei , Wang Daijie , Lv Ruimin , Wang Xiao
Published: May 2015

Surface molecularly imprinted polymers with dummy templates for the targeted separation of dencichine from Panax notoginseng.
Attachment-based growth: building architecturally defined metal nanocolloids particle by particle
Authors: Ataee-Esfahani Hamed , Skrabalak Sara E.
Published: May 2015

This review highlights the principles and recent mechanistic insight into the synthesis of metal nanostructures using nanoparticles as primary building blocks.
Temperature-controlled morphology evolution of graphitic carbon nitride nanostructures and their photocatalytic activities under visible light
Authors: Gu Quan , Gao Ziwei , Zhao Hongan , Lou Zaizhu , Liao Yusen , Xue Can
Published: May 2015

This work provides a simple strategy for exfoliating bulk g-C3N4 and offers in-depth understanding on structure–activity relationship of g-C3N4.
Rapid method for the purification of graphene oxide
Authors: Ceriotti Gabriel , Romanchuk Anna Yu. , Slesarev Alexander S. , Kalmykov Stepan N.
Published: May 2015

A method is presented for rapid, and scalable purification of graphene oxide. This method is useful for its industrial-scale production.
Ultra sensitive and wide-range pH sensor based on the BSA-capped Cu nanoclusters fabricated by fast synthesis through the use of hydrogen peroxide additive
Authors: Xiaoqing Liao , Ruiyi Li , Xiaohuan Long , Zaijun Li
Published: May 2015

This study reports a new pH sensor based on BSA-capped copper nanoclusters. The proposed pH sensor provides better sensitivity and a wider ranging pH response compared with other metal nanoclusters reported in the literature.
The molecular mechanism of conformational changes of the triplet prion fibrils for pH
Authors: Choi Hyunsung , Chang Hyun Joon , Shin Yongwoo , Kim Jae In , Park Harold S. , Yoon Gwonchan , Na Sungsoo
Published: May 2015

The HET-s prion fibril, which is found in the filamentous fungus Podospora anserina, exhibits conformational changes due to variations in pH.
Co3O4nanoparticles/cellulose nanowhiskers-derived amorphous carbon nanoneedles: sustainable materials for supercapacitors and oxygen reduction electrocatalysis
Authors: Silva R. , Pereira G. M. , Voiry D. , Chhowalla M. , Asefa T.
Published: May 2015

Amorphous carbon nanoneedles-supported Co3O4nanoparticles, materials that have electrocatalytic activity for ORR and the ability to store charges, are synthesized with nanoreactors using Co(ii) ions and cellulose nanowhiskers as precursor.
Tuning polymer architecture to manipulate the relative stability of different colloid crystal morphologies
Authors: Mahynski Nathan A. , Kumar Sanat K. , Panagiotopoulos Athanassios Z.
Published: May 2015

The architecture of a polymer adsorbed in a colloidal crystal controls the crystal's thermodynamic stability relative to competing polymorphs.
Construction of a smart microgel glutathione peroxidase mimic based on supramolecular self-assembly
Authors: Yin Yanzhen , Jiao Shufei , Zhang Ruirui , Hu Xiaoxi , Shi Zhongfeng , Huang Zuqiang
Published: May 2015

A microgel artificial glutathione peroxidase was prepared based on supramolecular host–guest self-assembly. The hydrophobic microenvironment and the crosslinker are significant for altering of the temperature responsive catalytic behavior.
High-silica, heulandite-type zeolites prepared by direct synthesis and topotactic condensation
Authors: Schmidt Joel E. , Xie Dan , Davis Mark E.
Published: May 2015

High-silica heulandites prepared via topotactic condensation and direct synthesis that exhibit robust thermal stability, opening possibilities for new applications.
Cation–anion double hydrolysis derived layered single metal hydroxide superstructures for boosted supercapacitive energy storage
Authors: Gu C. D. , Ge X. , Wang X. L. , Tu J. P.
Published: May 2015

A double hydrolysis reaction provides a simple strategy to construct layered single hydroxides with superstructures for electrochemical energy storage.
Bead-like structures and self-assembled monolayers from 2,6-dipyrazolylpyridines and their iron(ii) complexes
Authors: Pukenas Laurynas , Benn Florence , Lovell Edmund , Santoro Amedeo , Kershaw Cook Laurence J. , Halcrow Malcolm A. , Evans Stephen D.
Published: May 2015

Drop-casting [Fe(bpp)2][BF4]2 (bpp = 2,6-di[pyrazol-1-yl]pyridine) onto HOPG affords chain-of-beads nanostructures. SAMs of bpp derivatives with sulfur-containing tethers are also described.
A new animal model for Polygonum multiflorum Thunb-induced liver injury in rats and its potential mechanisms
Authors: Fan Xing , Wang Jiabo , Xie Lihua , Dong Yansheng , Han Gang , Hu Dan , Liu Yue , Yuan Benli , Wang Hemei , Wu Chunqi , Xiao Xiaohe , Ding Rigao , Wang Quanjun
Published: May 2015

The model is established successfully with the activation of LPS. Its pathogenesis is associated with the expression of mTLR4 in rats' liver. MicroRNA-122 is certificated to be an ideal potential serum biomarker for this model.
Deletion of phospholipase A2 group IVc induces apoptosis in rat mammary tumour cells by the nuclear factor-κB/lipocalin 2 pathway
Authors: Nanashima Naoki , Yamada Toshiyuki , Shimizu Takeshi , Tsuchida Shigeki
Published: May 2015

Although some forms of phospholipase A2, the initiator of the arachidonic acid cascade, contribute to carcinogenesis in many organs, the contribution of phospholipase A2 group IVc (Pla2g4c) remains to be clarified and the function of the enzyme in cancer development is unknown. The Hirosaki hairless rat (HHR), a mutant rat strain with autosomal recessive inheritance, derived spontaneously from the Sprague–Dawley rat (SDR). The HHRs showed a lower incidence and much smaller volume of mammary tumours induced by 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene, and a markedly increased number of TUNEL (terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labelling)-positive apoptotic cells was detected. Array comparative genomic hybridization and PCR analyses revealed the deletion of 50-kb genomic DNA on 1q21, including Pla2g4c, in HHRs. The Pla2g4c gene was expressed in the ductal carcinoma cells and myoepithelial cells in SDRs, but not in HHRs. The direct involvement of Pla2g4c in the prevention of cell death was demonstrated through the inhibition of its expression in rat mammary tumour RMT-1 cells using siRNA. This treatment also induced expression of lipocalin 2 (Lcn2) and other NF-κB (nuclear factor κB)-related genes. siRNA-induced apoptosis was inhibited by Lcn2 repression or NF-κB inhibitors. This is the first report on Pla2g4c gene-deficient rats and their low susceptibility to mammary carcinogenesis by enhancing NF-κB/Lcn2-induced apoptosis.
Structural analysis of the diadenylate cyclase reaction of DNA-integrity scanning protein A (DisA) and its inhibition by 3′-dATP
Authors: Müller Martina , Deimling Tobias , Hopfner Karl-Peter , Witte Gregor
Published: May 2015

The identification of the essential bacterial second messenger cyclic-di-AMP (c-di-AMP) synthesized by the DNA-integrity scanning protein A (DisA) has opened up a new and emerging field in bacterial signalling. To further analyse the diadenylate cyclase (DAC) reaction catalysed by the DAC domains of DisA, we crystallized Thermotoga maritima DisA in the presence of different ATP analogues and metal ions to identify the metal-binding site and trap the enzyme in pre- and post-reaction states. Through structural and biochemical assays we identified important residues essential for the reaction in the active site of the DAC domains. Our structures resolve the metal-binding site and thus explain the activation of ATP for the DAC reaction. Moreover, we were able to identify a potent inhibitor of the DAC domain. Based on the available structures and homology to annotated DAC domains we propose a common mechanism for c-di-AMP synthesis by DAC domains in c-di-AMP-producing species and a possible approach for its effective inhibition.
Shear flexoelectric coefficient μ1211 in polyvinylidene fluoride
Authors: Zhang Shuwen , Xu Minglong , Liang Xu , Shen Shengping
Published: May 2015

Defined as a strain gradient-induced electric polarization, flexoelectricity exists in all dielectric materials. The coefficient that exists between the strain gradient and the electric polarization defines the flexoelectric coefficient tensor. The tensor components along the longitudinal and transverse directions have been studied widely. However, little progress has been reported on flexoelectric properties in the shear direction to date. In this work, a novel method for measurement of the shear flexoelectric coefficient μ1211 of polyvinylidene fluoride is presented. An experiment is conducted on a tubular unpolarized specimen, where shear strain gradient is generated along the radial direction by applying torque to the ends of the tube-shaped specimen. Dynamic torque is exerted on specimens with a static bias value and at different frequencies. The generated shear strain gradient is calculated via finite element analysis and the corresponding induced electrical polarization is measured using a charge amplifier. The shear flexoelectric coefficient μ1211 is found to have an average value of 7.318 × 10−10 C/m at room temperature. The experimental results show good agreement with the theoretical predictions and indicate the potential value of this material property for electromechanical device fabrication.
Large-current-controllable carbon nanotube field-effect transistor in electrolyte solution
Authors: Myodo Miho , Inaba Masafumi , Ohara Kazuyoshi , Kato Ryogo , Kobayashi Mikinori , Hirano Yu , Suzuki Kazuma , Kawarada Hiroshi
Published: May 2015

Large-current-controllable carbon nanotube field-effect transistors (CNT-FETs) were fabricated with mm-long CNT sheets. The sheets, synthesized by remote-plasma-enhanced CVD, contained both single- and double-walled CNTs. Titanium was deposited on the sheet as source and drain electrodes, and an electrolyte solution was used as a gate electrode (solution gate) to apply a gate voltage to the CNTs through electric double layers formed around the CNTs. The drain current came to be well modulated as electrolyte solution penetrated into the sheets, and one of the solution gate CNT-FETs was able to control a large current of over 2.5 A. In addition, we determined the transconductance parameter per tube and compared it with values for other CNT-FETs. The potential of CNT sheets for applications requiring the control of large current is exhibited in this study.
A Q-switched Ho:YAG laser assisted nanosecond time-resolved T-jump transient mid-IR absorbance spectroscopy with high sensitivity
Authors: Li Deyong , Li Yunliang , Li Hao , Wu Xianyou , Yu Qingxu , Weng Yuxiang
Published: May 2015

Knowledge of dynamical structure of protein is an important clue to understand its biological function in vivo. Temperature-jump (T-jump) time-resolved transient mid-IR absorbance spectroscopy is a powerful tool in elucidating the protein dynamical structures and the folding/unfolding kinetics of proteins in solution. A home-built setup of T-jump time-resolved transient mid-IR absorbance spectroscopy with high sensitivity is developed, which is composed of a Q-switched Cr, Tm, Ho:YAG laser with an output wavelength at 2.09 μm as the T-jump heating source, and a continuous working CO laser tunable from 1580 to 1980 cm−1 as the IR probe. The results demonstrate that this system has a sensitivity of 1 × 10−4 ΔOD for a single wavelength detection, and 2 × 10−4 ΔOD for spectral detection in amide I′ region, as well as a temporal resolution of 20 ns. Moreover, the data quality coming from the CO laser is comparable to the one using the commercial quantum cascade laser.
Lagrangian formulation of irreversible thermodynamics and the second law of thermodynamics
Authors: Glavatskiy K. S.
Published: May 2015

We show that the equations which describe irreversible evolution of a system can be derived from a variational principle. We suggest a Lagrangian, which depends on the properties of the normal and the so-called “mirror-image” system. The Lagrangian is symmetric in time and therefore compatible with microscopic reversibility. The evolution equations in the normal and mirror-imaged systems are decoupled and describe therefore independent irreversible evolution of each of the systems. The second law of thermodynamics follows from a symmetry of the Lagrangian. Entropy increase in the normal system is balanced by the entropy decrease in the mirror-image system, such that there exists an “integral of evolution” which is a constant. The derivation relies on the property of local equilibrium, which states that the local relations between the thermodynamic quantities in non-equilibrium are the same as in equilibrium.
Rayleigh-Taylor instability at spherical interfaces between viscous fluids: Fluid/vacuum interface
Authors: Terrones Guillermo , Carrara Mark D.
Published: May 2015

For a spherical interface of radius R separating two different homogeneous regions of incompressible viscous fluids under the action of a radially directed acceleration, we perform a linear stability analysis in terms of spherical surface harmonics Yn to derive the dispersion relation. The instability behavior is investigated by computing the growth rates and the most-unstable modes as a function of the spherical harmonic degree n. This general methodology is applicable to the entire parameter space spanned by the Atwood number, the viscosity ratio, and the dimensionless number B=(aRρ22/μ22)1/3 R (where aR, ρ2, and μ2 are the local radial acceleration at the interface, and the density and viscosity of the denser overlying fluid, respectively). While the mathematical formulation herein is general, this paper focuses on instability that arises at a spherical viscous fluid/vacuum interface as there is a great deal to be learned from the effects of one-fluid viscosity and sphericity alone. To quantify and understand the effect that curvature and radial acceleration have on the Rayleigh-Taylor instability, a comparison of the growth rates, under homologous driving conditions, between the planar and spherical interfaces is performed. The derived dispersion relation for the planar interface accounts for an underlying finite fluid region of thickness L and normal acceleration aR. Under certain conditions, the development of the most-unstable modes at a spherical interface can take place via the superposition of two adjacent spherical harmonics Yn and Yn+1. This bimodality in the evolution of disturbances in the linear regime does not have a counterpart in the planar configuration where the most-unstable modes are associated with a unique wave number.
Dye aggregation identified by vibrational coupling using 2D IR spectroscopy
Authors: Oudenhoven Tracey A. , Joo Yongho , Laaser Jennifer E. , Gopalan Padma , Zanni Martin T.
Published: May 2015

We report that a model dye, Re(CO)3(bypy)CO2H, aggregates into clusters on TiO2 nanoparticles regardless of our preparation conditions. Using two-dimensional infrared (2D IR) spectroscopy, we have identified characteristic frequencies of monomers, dimers, and trimers. A comparison of 2D IR spectra in solution versus those deposited on TiO2 shows that the propensity to dimerize in solution leads to higher dimer formation on TiO2, but that dimers are formed even if there are only monomers in solution. Aggregates cannot be washed off with standard protocols and are present even at submonolayer coverages. We observe cross peaks between aggregates of different sizes, primarily dimers and trimers, indicating that clusters consist of microdomains in close proximity. 2D IR spectroscopy is used to draw these conclusions from measurements of vibrational couplings, but if molecules are close enough to be vibrationally coupled, then they are also likely to be electronically coupled, which could alter charge transfer.
Modeling the entrainment of self-oscillating gels to periodic mechanical deformation
Authors: Yashin Victor V. , Levitan Steven P. , Balazs Anna C.
Published: May 2015

Polymer gels undergoing the oscillatory Belousov-Zhabotinsky (BZ) reaction are one of the few synthetic materials that exhibit biomimetic mechano-chemical transduction, converting mechanical input into chemical energy. Here, we consider self-oscillating BZ gels that are subjected to periodic mechanical forcing, and model the entrainment of the oscillatory gel dynamics to this external stimulus. The gel size is assumed to be sufficiently small that the chemo-mechanical oscillations are spatially uniform. The behavior of the system is captured by equations describing the kinetics of the oscillatory BZ reaction in the gel coupled to equations for the variations in gel size due to the inherent reaction and imposed force. We employ the phase dynamics approach for analyzing the entrainment of the BZ gel to force- and strain-controlled compressive deformations. The phase response curves are obtained using Malkin's method, and time-averaging is applied to extract the slow phase dynamics caused by the periodic forcing. We demonstrate that the entrainment of the self-oscillating BZ gel is sensitive to the chemo-mechanical coupling in gel, the mode of deformation, and the level of static compression. Kuramoto's model of phase oscillators is shown to be applicable if the external forcing is purely harmonic.
A novel hierarchical energy management of a renewable microgrid considering static and dynamic frequency
Authors: Rezaei Navid , Kalantar Mohsen
Published: May 2015

The present paper addresses a novel energy management system to efficiently procure the frequency security requirements of an islanded microgrid. The static and dynamic behaviors of the microgrid frequency are modeled based on the droop control and virtual inertia concepts. Two novel frequency dependent indices are formulated and controlled via a centralized hierarchical energy management system. The main objective of the paper is to optimize the microgrid frequency security and also the rate of change of frequency indices by providing a sustainable strategy for managing the energy and reserve resources. It is aimed to schedule the daily primary and secondary frequency control reserves such that security is ensured subject to the techno-economic restrictions. The derived formulation is solved using a mixed integer linear programming approach regarding the comprehensive operational constraints of the microgrids which ensures the system sustainability. Meanwhile, an efficient scenario-based stochastic programming methodology is employed to precisely managing the reserve resources against the system uncertainties. The simulation results are implemented in a typical microgrid and investigated over a 24 h time horizon. Analyzing the results verifies the significance of the frequency modeling in the precise scheduling of the microgrid energy and ancillary service requirements.
High performance of full swing logic inverter using all n-types amorphous ZnSnO and SiZnSnO thin film transistors
Authors: Han Sangmin , Lee Sang Yeol
Published: May 2015

A high performance inverter consisting of amorphous zinc-tin-oxide (a-ZTO) thin film transistor (TFT) with enhancement mode and amorphous silicon-zinc-tin-oxide (a-SZTO) TFT with depletion mode has been fabricated by using only n-type metal-oxide thin film transistors. The turn on voltages of ZTO and SZTO TFTs showed positive value of 1.17 V and negative value of −5 V, respectively. High voltage gain of about 25 has been obtained by using implemented inverter with good switching characteristics even with all n-type thin film transistors.
n-type silicon photocathodes with Al-doped rear p+ emitter and Al2O3-coated front surface for efficient and stable H2 production
Authors: Fan Ronglei , Min Jiawei , Li Yian , Su Xiaodong , Zou Shuai , Wang Xusheng , Shen Mingrong
Published: May 2015

Currently, p-type silicon has been studied as a photocathode in a photoelectrochemical cell for water splitting where an n+ thin layer is usually fabricated on electrode surface in order to increase band bending at the n+p interface relative to the aqueous solution/p-Si interface. However, this leads to high Auger recombination on the reaction interface. We report herein an efficient and stable photocathode based on single-crystal n-type Si with a rear np+ junction, different from the conventional one on p-type Si with a front n+p junction. Using a thin Al2O3 surface protecting layer, it shows no loss in photoelectrochemical performance after 138 h of continuous operation, and the energy conversion efficiency can be nearly doubled to 8.68%, compared with 4.51% for the corresponding normal n+p electrode under 100 mW/cm2 simulated solar illumination and Pt catalyzing. Our np+ Si photocathodes improve the H2 production by providing: (1) high on-set potential due to the rear junction; (2) high carrier life time on the electrode surface due to the low doping level of n-type Si; and (3) excellent passivating effect of Al2O3 on the surface of n-type Si.
Third-rank piezoelectricity in isotropic chiral solids
Authors: Lakes Roderic
Published: May 2015

The highest symmetry in which piezoelectricity was thought to occur is cubic. Here, it is shown that third rank piezoelectricity can occur in isotropic chiral solids. Polarization is coupled via an isotropic third rank tensor to the antisymmetric part of the stress. Asymmetric stress can occur if balanced by moments distributed over area or volume. Such moments occur in heterogeneous solids, in which there exists a characteristic length associated with the microstructure: the Cosserat or micropolar solids. Effects associated with nonzero structure size are predicted, including radial polarization in response to torsion. These effects do not occur in gradient type flexoelectric materials; they are governed by a different tensorial rank and symmetry.
Activation of tumour necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) receptor gene expression following DNA demethylation in placental choriocarcinoma and transformed cell lines
Authors: Wu Pan-Hong , Chen Xue-Mei , Liu Xue-Qing , He Jun-Lin , Feng Qian , Lan Xi , Zhang Xue , Geng Yan-Qing , Wang Ying-Xiong , Ding Yu-Bin
Published: May 2015

We characterised DNA methylation and gene expression of four tumour necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) receptors DR4, DR5, DcR1 and DcR2 in three choriocarcinoma (JAR, JEG-3, BeWo) and two transformed (HTR-8/SVneo and HPT-8) cell lines. DR4 mRNA was detected in JAR, JEG-3, BeWo and HTR-8/SVneo cells, whereas DR5 was present in all detected cells. DcR1 transcripts were expressed only in JAR, JEG-3 and BeWo cells, whereas DcR2 transcripts were detected only in HTR-8/SVneo and HPT-8 cells. Hypermethylated DR4 promoter was observed in JAR, JEG-3, BeWo and HTR-8/SVneo cells, hypermethylated DcR1 promoter in HTR-8/SVneo and HPT-8 cells and hypermethylated DcR2 promoter in JAR, JEG-3 and BeWo cells. Restoration of DR4, DcR1 and DcR2 expression with decreased DNA methylation of these genes was induced by the DNA demethylation agent 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine (5-aza-CdR) in trophoblast cells, whereas DR5 expression did not exhibit any change. Significant negative correlation between the expression and DNA methylation of these genes was also observed. In all tested cell lines, only HPT-8 demonstrated sensitivity to TRAIL-induced apoptosis. Combined treatment with 5-aza-CdR and TRAIL resulted in apoptosis in JAR, JEG-3, BeWo and HTR-8/SVneo cells but not in HPT-8 cells. The results indicate that DNA methylation is associated with TRAIL receptor expression and might be involved in trophoblast apoptosis.
High-resolution mapping of architectural DNA binding protein facilitation of a DNA repression loop in
Escherichia coli
Authors: Becker Nicole A. , Maher L. James
Published: May 2015

Significance

Double-stranded DNA is one of the stiffest polymers in biology, resisting both bending and twisting over hundreds of base pairs. However, tightly bent DNA loops are formed by proteins that turn off (repress) genes in bacteria. It has been shown that “architectural” proteins capable of kinking any DNA molecule without sequence preference facilitate this kind of gene repression. The mechanism of this effect is unknown for DNA loops involving the well-known
Escherichia coli lac
repressor. Here we adapt high-resolution protein-mapping techniques to show that an architectural protein directly binds tightly looped DNA to facilitate gene repression by the
lac
repressor.
On the question of whether lubricants fluidize in stick–slip friction
Authors: Rosenhek-Goldian Irit , Kampf Nir , Yeredor Arie , Klein Jacob
Published: May 2015

Significance

The costs to developed economies of friction and wear in technology are some 4–6% of their gross national product, so improved understanding of frictional dissipation can lead to substantial benefits. A widespread mode of friction is the intermittent motion (stick–slip) between sliding solid surfaces (such as the squeak of hinges, or a bow running over a cello string), which can persist even on adding lubricants, but its origins are not well understood. We now show directly, by capturing the fleeting, individual slip events at millisecond and subnanometer resolution, that, in contrast to accepted and long-standing belief, shear melting (fluidization) of thin lubricant layers does not occur in stick–slip sliding. This new insight may open the way to improved lubricant design.
Algorithmic lattice kirigami: A route to pluripotent materials
Authors: Sussman Daniel M. , Cho Yigil , Castle Toen , Gong Xingting , Jung Euiyeon , Yang Shu , Kamien Randall D.
Published: May 2015

Significance

How can flat surfaces be transformed into useful three-dimensional structures? Recent research on origami techniques has led to algorithmic solutions to the inverse design problem of prescribing a set of folds to form a desired target surface. The fold patterns generated are often very complex and so require a convoluted series of deformations from the flat to the folded state, making it difficult to implement these designs in self-assembling systems. We propose a design paradigm that employs lattice-based kirigami elements, combining the folding of origami with cutting and regluing techniques. We demonstrate that this leads to a pluripotent design in which a single kirigami pattern can be robustly manipulated into a variety of three-dimensional shapes.
Large-scale serum protein biomarker discovery in Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Hathout Yetrib , Brody Edward , Clemens Paula R. , Cripe Linda , DeLisle Robert Kirk , Furlong Pat , Gordish-Dressman Heather , Hache Lauren , Henricson Erik , Hoffman Eric P. , Kobayashi Yvonne Monique , Lorts Angela , Mah Jean K. , McDonald Craig , Mehler Bob , Nelson Sally , Nikrad Malti , Singer Britta , Steele Fintan , Sterling David , Sweeney H. Lee , Williams Steve , Gold Larry
Published: May 2015

Significance

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a rare and devastating muscle disease caused by mutations in the X-linkedDMDgene (which encodes the dystrophin protein). Serum biomarkers hold significant potential as objective phenotypic measures of DMD disease state, as well as potential measures of pharmacological effects of and response to therapeutic interventions. Here we describe a proteomics approach to determine serum levels of 1,125 proteins in 93 DMD patients and 45 controls. The study identified 44 biomarkers that differed significantly between patients and controls. These data are being made available to DMD researchers and clinicians to accelerate the search for new diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic approaches.
Human HLA-G+ extravillous trophoblasts: Immune-activating cells that interact with decidual leukocytes
Authors: Tilburgs Tamara , Crespo Ângela C. , van der Zwan Anita , Rybalov Basya , Raj Towfique , Stranger Barbara , Gardner Lucy , Moffett Ashley , Strominger Jack L.
Published: May 2015

Significance

Fetal extravillous trophoblasts (EVT) invade uterine tissue and interact with maternal immune cells during pregnancy. EVT express human leukocyte antigen-C (HLA-C) and -G (HLA-G). Although polymorphic HLA-C can elicit a maternal immune response, HLA-G has been associated with induction of immune tolerance. We have succeeded in isolating all maternal immune cell types as well as EVT from human placental tissue. These methods were used to elucidate the unique charateristics of EVT as well as their interaction with maternal immune cells. We demonstrate that EVT are specialized cells whose properties are not imitated by HLA‐G–expressing surrogate cell lines. Studies using primary EVT are crucial for understanding maternal–fetal tolerance and development of pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia and miscarriages.
Systematic transcriptome analysis reveals tumor-specific isoforms for ovarian cancer diagnosis and therapy
Authors: Barrett Christian L. , DeBoever Christopher , Jepsen Kristen , Saenz Cheryl C. , Carson Dennis A. , Frazer Kelly A.
Published: May 2015

Significance

Identifying molecules that are specific to tumors for use in early detection, diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy is both a primary goal and a key discovery challenge across diverse areas of oncology. To discover ovarian tumor-specific molecules, we developed custom bioinformatics algorithms to analyze transcriptome sequence data of 296 ovarian cancer and 1,839 normal tissues and validated putative tumor-specific mRNA isoforms by RT–quantitative PCR. The results revealed multiple candidate diagnostic and therapeutic targets with unique sequences that were expressed in most of the cancers examined but not in normal tissues. The process we developed can be readily applied to identify diagnostic and therapeutic targets for any of the 30 or more tumor types for which large amounts of transcriptome data now exist.
hnRNP U protein is required for normal pre-mRNA splicing and postnatal heart development and function
Authors: Ye Junqiang , Beetz Nadine , O’Keeffe Sean , Tapia Juan Carlos , Macpherson Lindsey , Chen Weisheng V. , Bassel-Duby Rhonda , Olson Eric N. , Maniatis Tom
Published: May 2015

Significance

We studied the physiological function of the heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein U (hnRNP U) by generating a conditional knockout mouse in which theHnrnpugene is deleted in the heart. We found that hnRNP U is required for normal pre-mRNA splicing and postnatal heart development and function. Mutant mice develop severe dilated cardiomyopathy and die 2 wk after birth. Phenotypic characterization of mutant hearts coupled with RNA-seq data analyses revealed that mutant hearts display multiple cardiac defects as a result of misregulated gene expression and abnormal pre-mRNA splicing. We also identified the sarcoplasmic reticulum membrane protein Junctin as a splicing target of hnRNP U and provide an interesting example of alternative splicing in controlling the modification and function of proteins.
Estimating the Riverine Abundance of Green Sturgeon Using a Dual-Frequency Identification Sonar
Authors: Mora E. A. , Lindley S. T. , Erickson D. L. , Klimley A. P.
Published: May 2015

To determine the total number of Green Sturgeon Acipenser medirostris present in the Rogue River, Oregon, we compared plot sampling using a dual-frequency identification sonar (DIDSON), a density-based estimation technique combining the number of individuals detected and the area sampled, to a concurrent mark–recapture estimate. Using the DIDSON-based method, we estimated the total abundance of Green Sturgeon to be 223 (95% confidence interval = 180–266). The mark–recapture method resulted in an estimate of 236 individuals (150–424). The noninvasive DIDSON transect estimates resulted in tighter confidence intervals and required fewer technician hours to collect the data than did the mark–recapture method (37 h versus 232 h, respectively). Precise estimates of the abundance and distribution of Green Sturgeon are important components to species recovery and management. Thus, this new technique has the potential to greatly improve population monitoring and is an excellent tool to identify occupied habitats.

Received June 9, 2014; accepted January 28, 2015
A Strategy for Increasing Gill-Net Catch Rates and Minimizing Sampling Mortality of Alligator Gars
Authors: Bodine Kristopher A. , Daugherty Daniel J. , Schlechte J. Warren , Binion Greg R.
Published: May 2015

Management of the Alligator Gar Atractosteus spatula has been hampered by the lack of sampling methods that can efficiently reveal population characteristics or minimize incidental sampling mortality. In a 3-year evaluation of the Alligator Gar population in Choke Canyon Reservoir, Texas, we documented changes in sampling methodology that produced an eightfold increase in multifilament gill-net catch rates (from 0.66 to 5.10 fish/h). The increased sampling efficiency was attributed to the development of an aggressive-predator sampling strategy over the study period; our highest catch rates were achieved by (1) observing surfacing fish before net deployment and (2) relocating to a new sampling site when catch rates were less than 1 fish/h. This aggressive strategy resulted in shorter net soak times, which reduced incidental net mortalities; nets soaking less than 30 min produced zero mortalities. Our results suggest that the aggressive-predator strategy is suitable for the majority of Alligator Gar sampling objectives (e.g., collection for age and growth and mark–recapture), which will improve the ability to manage Alligator Gar populations.

Received August 18, 2014; accepted February 4, 2015
The relationship between prospective memory and episodic future thinking in younger and older adulthood
Authors: Terrett Gill , Rose Nathan. S. , Henry Julie D. , Bailey Phoebe E. , Altgassen Mareike , Phillips Louise H. , Kliegel Matthias , Rendell Peter G.
Published: May 2015

Episodic future thinking (EFT), the ability to project into the future to “preexperience” an event, and prospective memory (PM), remembering to perform an intended action, are both examples of future-oriented cognition. Recently it has been suggested that EFT might contribute to PM performance but to date few studies have examined the relationship between these two capacities. The aim of the present study was to investigate the nature and specificity of this relationship, as well as whether it varies with age. Participants were 125 younger and 125 older adults who completed measures of EFT and PM. Significant, positive correlations between EFT and PM were identified in both age groups. Furthermore, EFT ability accounted for significant unique variance in the young adults, suggesting that it may make a specific contribution to PM function. Within the older adult group, EFT did not uniquely contribute to PM, possibly indicating a reduced capacity to utilize EFT, or the use of compensatory strategies. This study is the first to provide systematic evidence for an association between variation in EFT and PM abilities in both younger and older adulthood and shows that the nature of this association varies as a function of age.
Explanation and the Evolutionary First Law(s)
Authors: Gouvêa Devin Y.
Published: May 2015

Analogies between Newtonian mechanics and evolutionary processes are powerful but not infinitely versatile tools for generating explanations of particular biological phenomena. Their explanatory range is sensitive to a preliminary decision about which processes count as background conditions and which as special forces. Here I argue that the defenders of the zero-force evolutionary law are mistaken in defending their decision as the only appropriate one. The Hardy–Weinberg principle remains a viable option that is consistent with the epistemic role of Newton’s own first law, and the strengths and weaknesses of each analogy are sufficiently distinct to justify their continued coexistence.
Theoretical Health and Medical Practice
Authors: Krueger James
Published: May 2015

Theoretical accounts of health attempt to ground the concept in the relevant underlying biological facts. Discussions of such accounts have largely focused on whether they successfully identify necessary and sufficient conditions for a state to count as pathological. Correctly accounting for examples of pathology, however, is not the only basis for evaluating an understanding of disease. Here I argue that we should expect any understanding of health and disease to be consistent with the view that medicine’s central aim is health promotion. I argue that the theoretical account of health offered by Christopher Boorse faces particular difficulties in this regard.
On cubic elliptic varieties
Authors: Hausen Jürgen , Laface Antonio , Tironi Andrea , Ugaglia Luca
Published: May 2015

Let

π
:
X
→

P

n
−
1

\pi \colon X\to \mathbb {P}^{n-1}

be an elliptic fibration obtained by resolving the indeterminacy of the projection of a cubic hypersurface

Y
Y

of

P

n
+
1

\mathbb {P}^{n+1}

from a line

L
L

not contained in

Y
Y

. We prove that the Mordell-Weil group of

π
\pi

is finite if and only if the Cox ring of

X
X

is finitely generated. We also provide a presentation of the Cox ring of

X
X

when it is finitely generated.
Bioethics as Missionary Work
Authors: De Vries Raymond , Rott Leslie
Published: May 2015

This chapter uses the analogy of “missionary” bioethics and highlights some of the unintentional harms of exporting “the gospel” of good clinical and research ethics theory and practice into the developing world. Western bioethicists have followed a similar shift taken by religious missionaries, from import to indigenous “evangelization”. Now bioethics is attempting “indigenization”, which brings citizens from developing countries to the West to train and import the missionary message back into their own local cultures.
How the Numbers Count
Authors: Parfit Derek
Published: May 2015

This chapter presents a philosophical discussion of Thomas M. Scanlon's Contractualist Formula, which says we ought to follow the principles that no one could reasonably reject. Scanlon makes various claims about what are admissible grounds for rejecting principles. According to his Individualist Restriction, we must appeal to their implications only for ourselves, or for other single people. This restriction is given some support by his appeal to the idea of justifiability to each person. In proposing his Individualist Restriction, one of Scanlon's aims is to avoid certain Utilitarian conclusions. According to Utilitarianism, it can be right to impose a great burden on one person, if we can thereby give small benefits to a large enough number of other people. Scanlon assumes that Utilitarians go astray by adding together these people's benefits. On Scanlon's view, in such cases, the numbers don't count. This chapter argues that, rather than denying that the numbers count, Scanlon should return to a stronger version of one of his earlier claims, known as the Contractualist Priority View.
The Triviality Objection
Authors: Parfit Derek
Published: May 2015

This chapter is about Triviality Objection. It first examines normative concepts and natural properties, including the concept of the natural property that makes acts right and the concept of being blameworthy. It then considers the Naturalists' use of analogies with scientific discoveries, such as the discovery that water is H2O or that heat is molecular kinetic energy, and argues that such analogies partly fail. It also tackles the Non-Analytical Naturalism belief that any true normative claim states some fact that is both normative and natural. If this fact were natural, it could also be stated by some non-normative claim. If these claims stated the same fact, they would give us the same information. Such claims could not state facts that are both normative and natural. When we say that we ought to act in some way, we are making a substantive claim, which might state a positive substantive normative fact. If these forms of Naturalism were true, such claims would not be substantive, but would be trivial. So these forms of Naturalism cannot be true.
Non-Cognitivism and Quasi-Realism
Authors: Parfit Derek
Published: May 2015

This chapter considers Non-Cognitivism and Quasi-Realism. According to Non-Cognitivists, normative claims are not intended to state facts, except perhaps in some minimal sense. Morality essentially involves certain kinds of desire, or other conative attitude. For Expressivists, such attitudes are expressed by moral claims. In his Argument for Non-Cognitivism, John Hume states that if moral convictions were beliefs, we might have moral convictions that did not motivate us. Since that is inconceivable, moral convictions cannot be beliefs, but must be desires or other conative attitudes. This chapter also considers the Naturalist Argument for Non-Cognitivism, the Naturalist Argument for Nihilism, and Samuel Blackburn's defence of Quasi-Realism. Finally, it explores the arguments of Quasi-Realists in support of Non-Cognitivist Expressivism.
Metaphysics
Authors: Parfit Derek
Published: May 2015

This chapter relates metaphysics and ontology with Non-Metaphysical Cognitivism. If some things matter, then there are some irreducibly normative truths. This notion is denied by Allan Gibbard and other proponents of Metaphysical Naturalism who believe that all properties and facts must be natural properties and facts, and that irreducibly normative truths are incompatible with a scientific world-view. When we consider either morality or practical and epistemic reasons, there are several fundamental questions that we haven't answered. Some of these questions are about normativity while others are wider questions about the nature and status of necessary truths. This chapter also examines Possibilism and Non-Metaphysical Non-Naturalist Normative Cognitivism, or Rationalism.
Nietzsche
Authors: Parfit Derek
Published: May 2015

This chapter discusses the normative beliefs of Friedrich Nietzsche. Although we nearly all believe in the double badness of suffering, that does not answer the Argument from Disagreement, since there are other normative questions on which many people have conflicting beliefs. We can justifiably reject this argument if we can justifiably believe that, in ideal conditions, we would nearly all reach sufficient agreement. According to the Convergence Claim: If everyone knew all of the relevant non-normative facts, used the same normative concepts, understood and carefully reflected on the relevant arguments, and was not affected by any distorting influence, we would have similar normative beliefs. This chapter examines Nietzsche's thinking about good and evil and the meaning of life. More specifically, it argues that Nietzsche's main questions were not about what we ought to do, or what is good or bad, but about why humanity exists, and whether the answer can give meaning to our lives. Since Nietzsche's normative concepts were not reason-involving, but imperatival or command-implying, his attempt to avoid Nihilism failed.
What Matters Most
Authors: Parfit Derek
Published: May 2015

This chapter analyses whether, given the horrors of the past, human history has been worth it. The badness of suffering casts doubt on the goodness of the world. In asking whether human history has been worth it, we are asking whether the horrors and the suffering have been outweighed, so that human history has been, on the whole, good. Pessimists answer No. On their view, human existence is on the whole bad, or worse than nothing. Friedrich Nietzsche struggled to avoid this form of Pessimism. One of Nietzsche's responses was his attempt to make the world good, by saying Yes to everything. In other passages, Nietzsche claims instead that we cannot intelligibly ask whether it has all been worth it. This chapter argues that, in Utilitarian hedonistic terms, the past has been worth it, since the sum of happiness has been greater than the sum of suffering. Even if the past has been in itself bad, the future may be good, and this goodness might outweigh the badness of the past.
Tears Run Dry
Authors: Alviso Ric
Published: May 2015

This chapter explores the role of music in the campaign against AIDS in Zimbabwe. It suggests that health practitioners tend to view artists’ relevant works either as a therapy aid, or as an entity that straddles the line between “education” and “entertainment.” It argues that the artists who act within these expectations, such as the Afro-jazz group Mhepo, aim to develop themselves as musicians, thus forcing mediations between originality and conformity; personal expression and group expression; and poverty and steady work. The chapter first outlines the scope of the AIDS epidemic in Zimbabwe in relation to politics before discussing the role of music in dealing with AIDS, and whether these efforts have made any difference. It then shows how traditional and popular music in Zimbabwe today reveal some interesting generational differences in the way music is being used to provide education, express grief, and begin healing.