bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
JEKYLL AND HYDE, INC.: LIMITED LIABILITY, COMPANIFICATION, AND GOTHIC SUBJECTIVITY
Authors: Guest Kristen
Published: May 2016

The emergence of limited liabilityover the course of the nineteenth century was marked by intense and sustained feelings of anxiety. Victorians debated it in Parliament and in the periodical press, anatomized its evils in fiction and drama, and theorized its merits and pitfalls in the nascent discipline of economics. Formalized at mid-century through a series of acts that collectively instituted what Paul Johnson describes as “companification” – “the substitution of an impersonal corporate legal entity for the sole proprietorship or partnership” – limited liability was the means by which a corporation was constituted as a legal individual in order to restrict the responsibility of a company's owners for its debts (106). Early response to the practice was tentative: though hailed by some as a means of promoting economic growth, limited liability also inspired fear among the public, for whom it seemed a threat both to moral character and to responsible social behaviour. Wary that it would promote dishonesty in business and legitimize irresponsible speculation among investors, the mid-Victorians did not initially rush to invest. Despite the fact that by the final decades of the century many early fears had been realized and anxieties about investment continued unabated, however, there was a marked shift towards a culture of investment (Taylor 212–13). Summarizing the effects of the “‘Limited-Company’ Craze” in theNineteenth Centuryin 1898, one commentator observed that “Personal ownership has ceased to be the controlling power in trade; and when it left it took along with it that personal care, personal supervision, and personal responsibility which made our business great.” The result, he suggested, is that “we now have, in thousands of instances, mere ‘corporations without bodies to be kicked or souls to be damned’” (Van Oss 734).
STAGING THE STREETS: THE THEATRICALITY OF SCIENCE INFIN-DE-SIÈCLEMARTIAL ARTS
Authors: Katz Peter
Published: May 2016

As they near the conclusionof their 1890 treatiseBroad-Sword and Single-Stick With Chapters on Quarter-Staff, Bayonet, Cudgel, Shillalah, Walking-Stick, Umbrella and Other Weapons of Self-Defense, Baron Headley (Rowland George Allanson-Winn) and C. Phillips-Wolley imagine skeptical readers who resist their admonitions to vigilance: “I can almost hear people say, ‘Oh, this is all rubbish; I'm not going to be attacked; life would not be worth living if one had to be always “on guard” in this way’” (Headley and Phillips-Wolley 111). But, Headley and Phillips-Wolley counter, “this world, from the time we are born to the time we die, is made up of uncertainties” (111). Throughout the text, lurking hoodlums and deceitful beggars embody these “uncertainties,” and at every moment destabilize the security of the unsuspecting gentleman or lady. Uncertainty gathers in these shadowy bodies with such force that the authors declare, “we are never really secure from attack at any moment of our lives” (111). As a remedy for the threat of the uncertain attacker, they suggest “the pursuit of a science,… which may… enable you to turn a defeat into a victory, and save yourself from being mauled and possibly killed in a fight which was none of your own making” (111). In short, the science of self-defense.
An Introduction to David Morgan
Authors: May Timothy
Published: May 2016

The working title for this festschrift was ‘Papers for the Padishah’. It was discarded for the sake of propriety as well as the well-known decree that all academic books must include a colon, a decree which some would say is worthy of Chinggis Khan himself. Nonetheless, I believe it is fair to consider David O. Morgan the Padishah of the study of the Mongol Empire. David, ever humble, would simply wave this title away and offer another scholar the throne. In this sense, David is like Ogodei Khan—generous, well-liked by all, and he laid much of the modern foundations for the study of the Mongols. Yet, David, like Ghazan Khan, always kept one foot firmly in Iranian Studies as well, thus giving him claim to the title of Padishah. David's similarity to the Mongols does not end there, however, as he carved his own intellectual empire.
Textural and Mineralogical Analysis of Volcanic Rocks by µ-XRF Mapping
Authors: Germinario Luigi , Cossio Roberto , Maritan Lara , Borghi Alessandro , Mazzoli Claudio
Published: May 2016

In this study, µ-XRF was applied as a novel surface technique for quick acquisition of elemental X-ray maps of rocks, image analysis of which provides quantitative information on texture and rock-forming minerals. Bench-top µ-XRF is cost-effective, fast, and non-destructive, can be applied to both large (up to a few tens of cm) and fragile samples, and yields major and trace element analysis with good sensitivity. Here, X-ray mapping was performed with a resolution of 103.5 µm and spot size of 30 µm over sample areas of about 5×4 cm of Euganean trachyte, a volcanic porphyritic rock from the Euganean Hills (NE Italy) traditionally used in cultural heritage. The relative abundance of phenocrysts and groundmass, as well as the size and shape of the various mineral phases, were obtained from image analysis of the elemental maps. The quantified petrographic features allowed identification of various extraction sites, revealing an objective method for archaeometric provenance studies exploiting µ-XRF imaging.
Blunted Electrodermal and Psychological Response to Acute Stress in Family Caregivers of People with Eating Disorders
Authors: Ruiz-Robledillo Nicolás , Romero-Martínez Ángel , Moya-Albiol Luis
Published: May 2016

Caring for an offspring with an eating disorder (ED) is associated with high levels of distress, and health problems. Indeed, ED caregivers have to cope with a range of challenges related to their caring role, which represents a chronic stress situation. This tends to alter body homeostasis and caregivers’ health status. This study aimed to analyse the electrodermal reactivity and psychological response to acute stress in ED caregivers compared to non-caregivers. As expected, caregivers showed lower electrodermal (p < .001, η2partial = .269 for SCL and p < .01, η2partial = .214 for NSCRs) and psychological response (p < .05, η2partial = .198) to acute stress than non-caregivers. The findings suggest the existence of physiological adaptation to chronic stress in family caregivers of people with EDs.
Plasma Selenium Protein P Isoform 1 (SEPP1): A Predictor of Selenium Status in Nepalese Children Detected by Plasma Proteomics
Authors: Schulze Kerry J. , Cole Robert N. , Chaerkady Raghothama , Wu Lee S. F. , Nonyane Bareng A. S. , Lee Sun Eun , Yager James D. , Groopman John D. , Christian Parul , West, Jr Keith P
Published: May 2016

Abstract. Selenium deficiency or excess may have public health consequences, yet selenium status is infrequently characterized in populations, perhaps due to challenges in methodology. We are seeking to identify plasma proteins, using proteomics discovery and validation approaches, to serve as proxies for micronutrient status, including selenium, which may in the future be more readily assessed by robust, affordable field methods. In a sample of rural Nepalese children 6 - 8 years old (n = 500), the prevalence of selenium deficiency was 13.6 and 60.9 % at plasma selenium concentrations < 0.60 and < 0.89 µmol/L, respectively, assessed by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Relative abundance of selenoprotein P isoform 1 (SEPP1), glutathione reductase-3, and apolipoprotein A2 from discovery-based experiments was correlated with plasma selenium with a false discovery rate < 10 % (i. e., q < 0.10), all with p < 0.001. In linear mixed effects regression models to predict plasma selenium, only SEPP1 was significant (R2 = 0.63), estimating 8.2 % (95 % CI: 3.9 - 12.6) and 65.5(61.4 - 69.7)% of the in-sample population as deficient at each respective cut-off. Targeted quantification of SEPP1 in a preliminary series of specimens (n = 19) as a validation of the discovery approach revealed a high correlation with plasma selenium (r = 0.757, p = 0.0002). Plasma proteomics can identify valid plasma protein indicators of micronutrient status, as shown with selenium, comprising a step toward making population assessment of selenium status in vulnerable groups more accessible.
Vitamin D Status and Mortality: Meta-Analysis of Individual Participant Data Confirms Strong Association
Authors: Ströhle Alexander , Bohn Torsten
Published: May 2016

Abstract. Scientists and physicians have suggested that poor vitamin D intake can result in increased cardio-vascular mortality. Also total mortality appears to be increased with poor vitamin D status. A research team of the German Cancer Research Center in Heidelberg (DKFZ) headed by Ben Schöttker was able to demonstrate this association in a meta-analysis of 8 European and US-based cohort studies. In addition, serum 25(OH)D concentration (calcidiol) was shown to constitute a prognostic parameter in patients with a history of cancer.
Understanding the Distribution of Juvenile Jumbo Squid
Authors: Cook Terri
Published: May 2016

An expanding zone of shallow, oxygen-depleted water in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean may be vertically restricting the habitat of this important source of food, according to a recent study.
The role of collective motion in the ultrafast charge transfer in van der Waals heterostructures
Authors: Wang Han , Bang Junhyeok , Sun Yiyang , Liang Liangbo , West Damien , Meunier Vincent , Zhang Shengbai
Published: May 2016

The success of van der Waals heterostructures made of graphene, metal dichalcogenides and other layered materials, hinges on the understanding of charge transfer across the interface as the foundation for new device concepts and applications. In contrast to conventional heterostructures, where a strong interfacial coupling is essential to charge transfer, recent experimental findings indicate that van der Waals heterostructues can exhibit ultrafast charge transfer despite the weak binding of these heterostructures. Here we find, using time-dependent density functional theory molecular dynamics, that the collective motion of excitons at the interface leads to plasma oscillations associated with optical excitation. By constructing a simple model of the van der Waals heterostructure, we show that there exists an unexpected criticality of the oscillations, yielding rapid charge transfer across the interface. Application to the MoS2/WS2 heterostructure yields good agreement with experiments, indicating near complete charge transfer within a timescale of 100 fs.
Tunable graphene micro-emitters with fast temporal response and controllable electron emission
Authors: Wu Gongtao , Wei Xianlong , Gao Song , Chen Qing , Peng Lianmao
Published: May 2016

Microfabricated electron emitters have been studied for half a century for their promising applications in vacuum electronics. However, tunable microfabricated electron emitters with fast temporal response and controllable electron emission still proves challenging. Here, we report the scaling down of thermionic emitters to the microscale using microfabrication technologies and a Joule-heated microscale graphene film as the filament. The emission current of the graphene micro-emitters exhibits a tunability of up to six orders by a modest gate voltage. A turn-on/off time of less than 1 μs is demonstrated for the graphene micro-emitters, indicating a switching speed about five orders of magnitude faster than their bulky counterparts. Importantly, emission performances of graphene micro-emitters are controllable and reproducible through engineering graphene dimensions by microfabrication technologies, which enables us to fabricate graphene micro-emitter arrays with uniform emission performances. Graphene micro-emitters offer an opportunity of realizing large-scale addressable micro-emitter arrays for vacuum electronics applications.
Phosphatidylserine exposure is required for ADAM17 sheddase function
Authors: Sommer Anselm , Kordowski Felix , Büch Joscha , Maretzky Thorsten , Evers Astrid , Andrä Jörg , Düsterhöft Stefan , Michalek Matthias , Lorenzen Inken , Somasundaram Prasath , Tholey Andreas , Sönnichsen Frank D. , Kunzelmann Karl , Heinbockel Lena , Nehls Christian , Gutsmann Thomas , Grötzinger Joachim , Bhakdi Sucharit , Reiss Karina
Published: May 2016

ADAM17, a prominent member of the ‘Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase’ (ADAM) family, controls vital cellular functions through cleavage of transmembrane substrates. Here we present evidence that surface exposure of phosphatidylserine (PS) is pivotal for ADAM17 to exert sheddase activity. PS exposure is tightly coupled to substrate shedding provoked by diverse ADAM17 activators. PS dependency is demonstrated in the following: (a) in Raji cells undergoing apoptosis; (b) in mutant PSA-3 cells with manipulatable PS content; and (c) in Scott syndrome lymphocytes genetically defunct in their capacity to externalize PS in response to intracellular Ca2+ elevation. Soluble phosphorylserine but not phosphorylcholine inhibits substrate cleavage. The isolated membrane proximal domain (MPD) of ADAM17 binds to PS but not to phosphatidylcholine liposomes. A cationic PS-binding motif is identified in this domain, replacement of which abrogates liposome-binding and renders the protease incapable of cleaving its substrates in cells. We speculate that surface-exposed PS directs the protease to its targets where it then executes its shedding function.
The complete local genotype–phenotype landscape for the alternative splicing of a human exon
Authors: Julien Philippe , Miñana Belén , Baeza-Centurion Pablo , Valcárcel Juan , Lehner Ben
Published: May 2016

The properties of genotype–phenotype landscapes are crucial for understanding evolution but are not characterized for most traits. Here, we present a >95% complete local landscape for a defined molecular function—the alternative splicing of a human exon (FAS/CD95 exon 6, involved in the control of apoptosis). The landscape provides important mechanistic insights, revealing that regulatory information is dispersed throughout nearly every nucleotide in an exon, that the exon is more robust to the effects of mutations than its immediate neighbours in genotype space, and that high mutation sensitivity (evolvability) will drive the rapid divergence of alternative splicing between species unless it is constrained by selection. Moreover, the extensive epistasis in the landscape predicts that exonic regulatory sequences may diverge between species even when exon inclusion levels are functionally important and conserved by selection.
A patient-level data meta-analysis of standard-of-care treatments from eight prostate cancer clinical trials
Authors: Geifman N. , Butte A.J
Published: May 2016

Open clinical trial data offer many opportunities for the scientific community to independently verify published results, evaluate new hypotheses and conduct meta-analyses. These data provide valuable opportunities for scientific advances in medical research. Herein we present the comparative meta-analysis of different standard of care treatments from newly available comparator arm data from several prostate cancer clinical trials. Comparison of survival rates following treatment with mitoxantrone or docetaxel in combination with prednisone as well as prednisone alone, validated the previously demonstrated superiority of treatment with docetaxel. Additionally, comparison of four testosterone suppression treatments in hormone-refractory prostate cancer revealed that subjects who had undergone surgical castration had significantly lower survival rates than those treated with LHRH, anti-androgen or LHRH plus anti-androgen, suggesting that this treatment option is less optimal. This study illustrates how the use of patient-level clinical trial data enables meta-analyses that can provide new insights into clinical outcomes of standard of care treatments and thus, once validated, has the potential to help optimize healthcare delivery.
Modeling angle-resolved photoemission of graphene and black phosphorus nano structures
Authors: Park Sang Han , Kwon Soonnam
Published: May 2016

Angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) data on electronic structure are difficult to interpret, because various factors such as atomic structure and experimental setup influence the quantum mechanical effects during the measurement. Therefore, we simulated ARPES of nano-sized molecules to corroborate the interpretation of experimental results. Applying the independent atomic-center approximation, we used density functional theory calculations and custom-made simulation code to compute photoelectron intensity in given experimental setups for every atomic orbital in poly-aromatic hydrocarbons of various size, and in a molecule of black phosphorus. The simulation results were validated by comparing them to experimental ARPES for highly-oriented pyrolytic graphite. This database provides the calculation method and every file used during the work flow.
Noise exposure modulates cochlear inner hair cell ribbon volumes, correlating with changes in auditory measures in the FVB/nJ mouse
Authors: Paquette Stephen T. , Gilels Felicia , White Patricia M.
Published: May 2016

Cochlear neuropathy resulting from unsafe noise exposure is a life altering condition that affects many people. This hearing dysfunction follows a conserved mechanism where inner hair cell synapses are lost, termed cochlear synaptopathy. Here we investigate cochlear synaptopathy in the FVB/nJ mouse strain as a prelude for the investigation of candidate genetic mutations for noise damage susceptibility. We used measurements of auditory brainstem response (ABR) and distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE) to assess hearing recovery in FVB/nJ mice exposed to two different noise levels. We also utilized confocal fluorescence microscopy in mapped whole mount cochlear tissue, in conjunction with deconvolution and three-dimensional modeling, to analyze numbers, volumes and positions of paired synaptic components. We find evidence for significant synapse reorganization in response to both synaptopathic and sub-synaptopathic noise exposures in FVB/nJ. Specifically, we find that the modulation in volume of very small synaptic ribbons correlates with the presence of reduced ABR peak one amplitudes in both levels of noise exposures. These experiments define the use of FVB/nJ mice for further genetic investigations into the mechanisms of noise damage. They further suggest that in the cochlea, neuronal-inner hair cell connections may dynamically reshape as part of the noise response.
Sunlight-Sensitive Anti-Fouling Nanostructured TiO2 coated Cu Meshes for Ultrafast Oily Water Treatment
Authors: Liu HaoRan , Raza Aikifa , Aili Abulimiti , Lu JinYou , AlGhaferi Amal , Zhang TieJun
Published: May 2016

Nanostructured materials with desired wettability and optical property can play an important role in reducing the energy consumption of oily water treatment technologies. For effective oily water treatment, membrane materials with high strength, sunlight-sensitive anti-fouling, relative low fabrication cost, and controllable wettability are being explored. In the proposed oily water treatment approach, nanostructured TiO2-coated copper (TNS-Cu) meshes are used. These TNS-Cu meshes exhibit robust superhydrophilicity and underwater oleophobicity (high oil intrusion pressure) as well as excellent chemical and thermal stability (≈250 °C). They have demonstrated high separation efficiency (oil residue in the filtrate ≤21.3 ppm), remarkable filtration flux (≥400 kL h−1m−2), and sunlight-sensitive anti-fouling properties. Both our theoretical analysis and experimental characterization have confirmed the enhanced light absorption property of TNS-Cu meshes in the visible region (40% of the solar spectrum) and consequently strong anti-fouling capability upon direct solar light illumination. With these features, the proposed approach promises great potential in treating produced oily wastewater from industry and daily life.
Humidity influenced capacitance and resistance of an Al/DNA/Al Schottky diode irradiated by alpha particles
Authors: Al-Ta’ii Hassan Maktuff Jaber , Amin Yusoff Mohd , Periasamy Vengadesh
Published: May 2016

Deoxyribonucleic acid or DNA based sensors, especially as humidity and alpha particle sensors have become quite popular in recent times due to flexible and highly optimizable nature of this fundamental biomaterial. Application of DNA electronics allow for more sensitive, accurate and effective sensors to be developed and fabricated. In this work, we examined the effect of different humidity conditions on the capacitive and resistive response of Aluminum (Al)/DNA/Al Schottky barrier structure when bombarded by time-dependent dosages of alpha particles. Based on current-voltage profiles, which demonstrated rectifying behaviours, Schottky diode parameters such as ideality factor, barrier height and series resistance was calculated. Results observed generally pointed towards a decrease in the resistance value from the pristine to the radiated structures. It was also demonstrated that under the effect of humidity, the capacitance of the DNA thin film increased from 0.05894 to 92.736 nF, with rising relative humidity level. We also observed the occurrence of the hypersensitivity phenomena after alpha irradiation between 2 to 4 min by observing a drop in the series resistance, crucial in the study of DNA damage and repair mechanisms. These observations may also suggest the exciting possibility of utilizing Al/DNA/Al Schottky diodes as potentially sensitive humidity sensors.
Muc5ac gastric mucin glycosylation is shaped by FUT2 activity and functionally impacts Helicobacter pylori binding
Authors: Magalhães Ana , Rossez Yannick , Robbe-Masselot Catherine , Maes Emmanuel , Gomes Joana , Shevtsova Anna , Bugaytsova Jeanna , Borén Thomas , Reis Celso A.
Published: May 2016

The gastrointestinal tract is lined by a thick and complex layer of mucus that protects the mucosal epithelium from biochemical and mechanical aggressions. This mucus barrier confers protection against pathogens but also serves as a binding site that supports a sheltered niche of microbial adherence. The carcinogenic bacteria Helicobacter pylori colonize the stomach through binding to host glycans present in the glycocalyx of epithelial cells and extracellular mucus. The secreted MUC5AC mucin is the main component of the gastric mucus layer, and BabA-mediated binding of H. pylori to MUC5AC confers increased risk for overt disease. In this study we unraveled the O-glycosylation profile of Muc5ac from glycoengineered mice models lacking the FUT2 enzyme and therefore mimicking a non-secretor human phenotype. Our results demonstrated that the FUT2 determines the O-glycosylation pattern of Muc5ac, with Fut2 knock-out leading to a marked decrease in α1,2-fucosylated structures and increased expression of the terminal type 1 glycan structure Lewis-a. Importantly, for the first time, we structurally validated the expression of Lewis-a in murine gastric mucosa. Finally, we demonstrated that loss of mucin FUT2-mediated fucosylation impairs gastric mucosal binding of H. pylori BabA adhesin, which is a recognized feature of pathogenicity.
Ultrasensitive, Real-time and Discriminative Detection of Improvised Explosives by Chemiresistive Thin-film Sensory Array of Mn2+ Tailored Hierarchical ZnS
Authors: Zhou Chaoyu , Wu Zhaofeng , Guo Yanan , Li Yushu , Cao Hongyu , Zheng Xuefang , Dou Xincun
Published: May 2016

A simple method combing Mn2+ doping with a hierarchical structure was developed for the improvement of thin-film sensors and efficient detection of the explosives relevant to improvised explosive devices (IEDs). ZnS hierarchical nanospheres (HNs) were prepared via a solution-based route and their sensing performances were manipulated by Mn2+ doping. The responses of the sensors based on ZnS HNs towards 8 explosives generally increase firstly and then decrease with the increase of the doped Mn2+ concentration, reaching the climate at 5% Mn2+. Furthermore, the sensory array based on ZnS HNs with different doping levels achieved the sensitive and discriminative detection of 6 analytes relevant to IEDs and 2 military explosives in less than 5 s at room temperature. Importantly, the superior sensing performances make ZnS HNs material interesting in the field of chemiresistive sensors, and this simple method could be a very promising strategy to put the sensors based on thin-films of one-dimensional (1D) nanostructures into practical IEDs detection.
Cooperative Switching in Nanofibers of Azobenzene Oligomers
Authors: Weber Christopher , Liebig Tobias , Gensler Manuel , Zykov Anton , Pithan Linus , Rabe Jürgen P. , Hecht Stefan , Bléger David , Kowarik Stefan
Published: May 2016

Next-generation molecular devices and machines demand the integration of molecular switches into hierarchical assemblies to amplify the response of the system from the molecular level to the meso- or macro-scale. Here, we demonstrate that multi-azobenzene oligomers can assemble to form robust supramolecular nanofibers in which they can be switched repeatedly between the E- and Z-configuration. While in isolated oligomers the azobenzene units undergo reversible photoisomerization independently, in the nanofibers they are coupled via intermolecular interactions and switch cooperatively as evidenced by unusual thermal and kinetic behavior. We find that the photoisomerization rate from the Z-isomer to the E-isomer depends on the fraction of Z-azobenzene in the nanofibers and is increased by more than a factor of 4 in Z-rich fibers when compared to E-rich fibers. This demonstrates the great potential of coupling individual photochromic units for increasing their quantum efficiency in the solid state with potential relevance for actuation and sensing.
UV-induced inhibition of adipokine production in subcutaneous fat aggravates dermal matrix degradation in human skin
Authors: Kim Eun Ju , Kim Yeon Kyung , Kim Min-Kyoung , Kim Sungsoo , Kim Jin Yong , Lee Dong Hun , Chung Jin Ho
Published: May 2016

Ultraviolet (UV) exposure to the human skin reduces triglycerides contents and lipid synthesis in the subcutaneous (SC) fat. Because adiponectin and leptin are the most abundant adipokines from the SC fat, we aim to investigate how they interact with UV exposure and skin aging. The expressions of adiponectin and leptin were significantly decreased in SC fat of sun-exposed forearm skin, in comparison with that of sun-protected buttock skin of the same elderly individuals, indicating that chronic UV exposure decreases both adipokines. Acute UV irradiation also decreased the expressions of adiponectin and leptin in SC fat. The expressions of adiponectin receptor 1/2 and leptin receptor were significantly decreased in the dermis as well as in SC fat. Moreover, while exogenous adiponectin and leptin administration prevented UV- and TNF-α induced matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 expression, they also increased UV- and TNF-α induced reduction of type 1 procollagen production. Silencing of adiponectin, leptin or their receptors led to an increased MMP-1 and a decreased type 1 procollagen expression, which was reversed by treatment with recombinant human adiponectin or leptin. In conclusion, UV exposure decreases the expression of adiponectin and leptin, leading to the exacerbation of photoaging by stimulating MMP-1 expression and inhibiting procollagen synthesis.
Flow-Induced New Channels of Energy Exchange in Multi-Scale Plasma Dynamics – Revisiting Perturbative Hybrid Kinetic-MHD Theory
Authors: Shiraishi Junya , Miyato Naoaki , Matsunaga Go
Published: May 2016

It is found that new channels of energy exchange between macro- and microscopic dynamics exist in plasmas. They are induced by macroscopic plasma flow. This finding is based on the kinetic-magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) theory, which analyses interaction between macroscopic (MHD-scale) motion and microscopic (particle-scale) dynamics. The kinetic-MHD theory is extended to include effects of macroscopic plasma flow self-consistently. The extension is realised by generalising an energy exchange term due to wave-particle resonance, denoted by δ WK. The first extension is generalisation of the particle’s Lagrangian, and the second one stems from modification to the particle distribution function due to flow. These extensions lead to a generalised expression of δ WK, which affects the MHD stability of plasmas.
Deciphering a unique biotin scavenging pathway with redundant genes in the probiotic bacterium Lactococcus lactis
Authors: Zhang Huimin , Wang Qingjing , Fisher Derek J. , Cai Mingzhu , Chakravartty Vandana , Ye Huiyan , Li Ping , Solbiati Jose O. , Feng Youjun
Published: May 2016

Biotin protein ligase (BPL) is widespread in the three domains of the life. The paradigm BPL is the Escherichia coli BirA protein, which also functions as a repressor for the biotin biosynthesis pathway. Here we report that Lactococcus lactis possesses two different orthologues of birA (birA1_LL and birA2_LL). Unlike the scenario in E. coli, L. lactis appears to be auxotrophic for biotin in that it lacks a full biotin biosynthesis pathway. In contrast, it retains two biotin transporter-encoding genes (bioY1_LL and bioY2_LL), suggesting the use of a scavenging strategy to obtain biotin from the environment. The in vivo function of the two L. lactis birA genes was judged by their abilities to complement the conditional lethal E. coli birA mutant. Thin-layer chromatography and mass spectroscopy assays demonstrated that these two recombinant BirA proteins catalyze the biotinylation reaction of the acceptor biotin carboxyl carrier protein (BCCP), through the expected biotinoyl-AMP intermediate. Gel shift assays were used to characterize bioY1_LL and BirA1_LL. We also determined the ability to uptake 3H-biotin by L. lactis. Taken together, our results deciphered a unique biotin scavenging pathway with redundant genes present in the probiotic bacterium L. lactis.
Efficient Photocatalytic Disinfection of Escherichia coli O157:H7 using C70-TiO2 Hybrid under Visible Light Irradiation
Authors: Ouyang Kai , Dai Ke , Walker Sharon L. , Huang Qiaoyun , Yin Xixiang , Cai Peng
Published: May 2016

Efficient photocatalytic disinfection of Escherichia coli O157:H7 was achieved by using a C70 modified TiO2 (C70-TiO2) hybrid as a photocatalyst under visible light (λ > 420 nm) irradiation. Disinfection experiments showed that 73% of E. coli O157:H7 died within 2 h with a disinfection rate constant of k = 0.01 min−1, which is three times that measured for TiO2. The mechanism of cell death was investigated by using several scavengers combined with a partition system. The results revealed that diffusing hydroxyl radicals play an important role in the photocatalytically initiated bacterial death and direct contact between C70-TiO2 hybrid and bacteria is not indispensable in the photocatalytic disinfection process. Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) of bacteria have little effect on the disinfection efficiency. Analyses of the inhibitory effect of C70-TiO2 thin films on E. coli O157:H7 showed a decrease of the bacterial concentration from 3 × 108 to 38 cfu mL−1 in the solution with C70-TiO2 thin film in the first 2 h of irradiation and a complete inhibition of the growth of E. coli O157:H7 in the later 24 h irradiation.
The novel protein DELAYED PALE-GREENING1 is required for early chloroplast biogenesis in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Liu Dong , Li Weichun , Cheng Jianfeng
Published: May 2016

Chloroplast biogenesis is one of the most important subjects in plant biology. In this study, an Arabidopsis early chloroplast biogenesis mutant with a delayed pale-greening phenotype (dpg1) was isolated from a T-DNA insertion mutant collection. Both cotyledons and true leaves of dpg1 mutants were initially albino but gradually became pale green as the plant matured. Transmission electron microscopic observations revealed that the mutant displayed a delayed proplastid-to-chloroplast transition. Sequence and transcription analyses showed that AtDPG1 encodes a putatively chloroplast-localized protein containing three predicted transmembrane helices and that its expression depends on both light and developmental status. GUS staining for AtDPG1::GUS transgenic lines showed that this gene was widely expressed throughout the plant and that higher expression levels were predominantly found in green tissues during the early stages of Arabidopsis seedling development. Furthermore, quantitative real-time RT-PCR analyses revealed that a number of chloroplast- and nuclear-encoded genes involved in chlorophyll biosynthesis, photosynthesis and chloroplast development were substantially down-regulated in the dpg1 mutant. These data indicate that AtDPG1 plays an essential role in early chloroplast biogenesis and its absence triggers chloroplast-to-nucleus retrograde signalling, which ultimately down-regulates the expression of nuclear genes encoding chloroplast-localized proteins.
Proteome-wide alterations on adipose tissue from obese patients as age-, diabetes- and gender-specific hallmarks
Authors: Gómez-Serrano María , Camafeita Emilio , García-Santos Eva , López Juan A. , Rubio Miguel A. , Sánchez-Pernaute Andrés , Torres Antonio , Vázquez Jesús , Peral Belén
Published: May 2016

Obesity is a main global health issue and an outstanding cause of morbidity and mortality predisposing to type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and cardiovascular diseases. Huge research efforts focused on gene expression, cellular signalling and metabolism in obesity have improved our understanding of these disorders; nevertheless, to bridge the gap between the regulation of gene expression and changes in signalling/metabolism, protein levels must be assessed. We have extensively analysed visceral adipose tissue from age-, T2DM- and gender-matched obese patients using high-throughput proteomics and systems biology methods to identify new biomarkers for the onset of T2DM in obesity, as well as to gain insight into the influence of aging and gender in these disorders. About 250 proteins showed significant abundance differences in the age, T2DM and gender comparisons. In diabetic patients, remarkable gender-specific hallmarks were discovered regarding redox status, immune response and adipose tissue accumulation. Both aging and T2DM processes were associated with mitochondrial remodelling, albeit through well-differentiated proteome changes. Systems biology analysis highlighted mitochondrial proteins that could play a key role in the age-dependent pathophysiology of T2DM. Our findings could serve as a framework for future research in Translational Medicine directed at improving the quality of life of obese patients.
Bidirectional Association between Diabetes and Gout: the Singapore Chinese Health Study
Authors: Pan An , Teng Gim Gee , Yuan Jian-Min , Koh Woon-Puay
Published: May 2016

We aimed to prospectively investigate the bidirectional association between type 2 diabetes (T2D) and gout. We analyzed follow-up data from the Singapore Chinese Health Study, when self-reports of diagnosed diabetes and gout were enquired at follow-ups I and II. Individuals who participated in both follow-ups and were free of cardiovascular disease or cancer at follow-up I were included. For T2D to gout (analysis I), prevalent gout were further excluded (final n = 31,137). For gout to T2D (analysis II), prevalent diabetes were excluded (final n = 28,668). Cox regression models were used to estimate relative risks (RRs). In the analysis I, the RR of diabetes to incident gout (682 cases) was 0.77 (95% CI 0.60–0.97). In the analysis II, the RR of gout to incident diabetes (2223 cases) was 1.36 (1.12–1.63), but became insignificant after adjustment for hypertension and BMI (1.00; 0.83–1.21). The gout to diabetes association was modified by BMI (Pinteraction = 0.04) and hypertension (Pinteraction = 0.007) and it was marginally significant in adults with BMI<24 while significant among non-hypertensive participants, but not in their counterparts. In conclusion, our results suggest that diabetes is associated with a lower risk of incident gout, while gout is positively related to diabetes among normal weight and non-hypertensive adults.
Development of a quantitative fluorescence-based ligand-binding assay
Authors: Breen Conor J. , Raverdeau Mathilde , Voorheis H. Paul
Published: May 2016

A major goal of biology is to develop a quantitative ligand-binding assay that does not involve the use of radioactivity. Existing fluorescence-based assays have a serious drawback due to fluorescence quenching that accompanies the binding of fluorescently-labeled ligands to their receptors. This limitation of existing fluorescence-based assays prevents the number of cellular receptors under investigation from being accurately measured. We have developed a method where FITC-labeled proteins bound to a cell surface are proteolyzed extensively to eliminate fluorescence quenching and then the fluorescence of the resulting sample is compared to that of a known concentration of the proteolyzed FITC-protein employed. This step enables the number of cellular receptors to be measured quantitatively. We expect that this method will provide researchers with a viable alternative to the use of radioactivity in ligand binding assays.
Evaluation of prostate cancer antigen 3 for detecting prostate cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Cui Yong , Cao Wenzhou , Li Quan , Shen Hua , Liu Chao , Deng Junpeng , Xu Jiangfeng , Shao Qiang
Published: May 2016

Previous studies indicate that prostate cancer antigen 3 (PCA3) is highly expressed in prostatic tumors. However, its clinical value has not been characterized. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical value of the urine PCA3 test in the diagnosis of prostate cancer by pooling the published data. Clinical trials utilizing the urine PCA3 test for diagnosing prostate cancer were retrieved from PubMed and Embase. A total of 46 clinical trials including 12,295 subjects were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (+LR), negative likelihood ratio (−LR), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) and area under the curve (AUC) were 0.65 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.63–0.66), 0.73 (95% CI: 0.72–0.74), 2.23 (95% CI: 1.91–2.62), 0.48 (95% CI: 0.44–0.52), 5.31 (95% CI: 4.19–6.73) and 0.75 (95% CI: 0.74–0.77), respectively. In conclusion, the urine PCA3 test has acceptable sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of prostate cancer and can be used as a non-invasive method for that purpose.
First nimravid skull from Asia
Authors: Averianov Alexander , Obraztsova Ekaterina , Danilov Igor , Skutschas Pavel , Jin Jianhua
Published: May 2016

Maofelis cantonensis gen. and sp. nov. is described based on a complete cranium from the middle-upper Eocene Youganwo Formation of Maoming Basin, Guangdong Province, China. The new taxon has characters diagnostic for Nimravidae such as a short cat-like skull, short palate, ventral surface of petrosal dorsal to that of basioccipital, serrations on the distal carina of canine, reduced anterior premolars and absence of posterior molars (M2-3). It is plesiomorphic nimravid taxon similar to Nimravidae indet. from Quercy (France) in having the glenoid pedicle and mastoid process without ventral projections, a planar basicranium in which the lateral rim is not ventrally buttressed and P1 present. The upper canine is less flattened than in other Nimravidae. Maofelis cantonensis gen. and sp. nov. exemplifies the earliest stage of development of sabertooth specialization characteristic of Nimravidae. This taxon, together with other middle-late Eocene nimravid records in South Asia, suggests origin and initial diversification of Nimravidae in Asia. We propose that this group dispersed to North America in the late Eocene and to Europe in the early Oligocene. The subsequent Oligocene diversification of Nimravidae took place in North America and Europe, while in Asia this group declined in the Oligocene, likely because of the earlier development of open habitats on that continent.
White matter microstructure alterations in primary dysmenorrhea assessed by diffusion tensor imaging
Authors: Liu Peng , Wang Geliang , Liu Yanfei , Yu Qingbao , Yang Fan , Jin Lingmin , Sun Jinbo , Yang Xuejuan , Qin Wei , Calhoun Vince D.
Published: May 2016

Primary dysmenorrhea (PDM), a significant public health problem for adolescents and young women, is characterized by painful menstrual cramps. Recent neuroimaging studies have revealed that brain functional and structural abnormalities are related to the pathomechanism of PDM. However, it is not clear whether there are white matter (WM) alterations in PDM. We analyzed diffusion tensor imaging data from 35 patients and 35 healthy controls (HCs) matched for age and handedness. Tract-based spatial statistics and probabilistic tractography were used to measure integrity of WM microstructure. Compared to HCs, patients had increased fractional anisotropy (FA) along with decreased mean diffusivity (MD) and radial diffusivity (RD) in the corpus callosum (CC), superior longitudinal fasciculus (LF), corona radiata (CR), internal capsule (IC) and external capsule (EC). The FA of the splenium CC and right IC positively correlated with PDM duration while FA of the right anterior CR positively correlated with PDM severity in patient group. These WM tracts were found to show connections to other brain regions implicated in sensoimotor, affective, cognitive and pain processing functions through tractography. These findings provide preliminary evidence for WM microstructure alterations in PDM, which is potentially valuable for understanding pathomechanism of PDM.
Nanoparticle fouling and its combination with organic fouling during forward osmosis process for silver nanoparticles removal from simulated wastewater
Authors: Zhao Yanxiao , Wang Xinhua , Wang Zhiwei , Li Xiufen , Ren Yueping
Published: May 2016

The increasing and wide application of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) has resulted in their appearance in wastewater. In consideration of their potential toxicity and environmental impacts, it is necessary to find effective technology for their removal from wastewater. Here, forward osmosis (FO) membrane was applied for Ag NPs removal from wastewater, and single and combined fouling of nanoparticles and organic macromolecules were further investigated during the FO process. The findings demonstrated that FO membrane can effectively remove Ag NPs from wastewater due to its high rejection performance. Fouling tests indicated that water flux declined appreciably even at the beginning of the single Ag NPs fouling test, and more remarkable flux decline and larger amounts of deposited Ag NPs were observed with an increase of Ag NPs concentration. However, the addition of bovine serum albumin (BSA) could effectively alleviate the FO membrane fouling induced by Ag NPs. The interaction between Ag NPs and BSA was responsible for this phenomenon. BSA can easily form a nanoparticle-protein corona surrounded nanoparticles, which prevented nanoparticles from aggregation due to the steric stabilization mechanism. Furthermore, the interaction between BSA and Ag NPs occurred not only in wastewater but also on FO membrane surface.
Smoothed particle hydrodynamics simulation of viscoelastic flows with the slip-link model
Authors: Feng Hualong , Andreev Marat , Pilyugina Ekaterina , Schieber Jay D.
Published: May 2016

We propose a simulation tool that can predict the macroscopic properties of entangled polymers during and after processing, using molecular model whose parameters are determined from first principles.
Separation and complexation of palladium(ii) with a new soft N-donor ligand 6,6′-bis(5,6-dinonyl-1,2,4-triazin-3-yl)-2,2′-bipyridine (C9-BTBP) in nitric acid medium
Authors: Zhang Anyun , Xu Lei , Lei Gaoming
Published: May 2016

Both 1 : 1 and 2 : 1 Pd–C9-BTBP complexes were found in solution by1H NMR titration.
Quantitative real-time detection of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) from pancreatic cyst fluid using 3-D surface molecular imprinting
Authors: Yu Yingjie , Zhang Qi , Buscaglia Jonathan , Chang Chung-Chueh , Liu Ying , Yang Zhenhua , Guo Yichen , Wang Yantian , Levon Kalle , Rafailovich Miriam
Published: May 2016

In this study, a real time potentiometric biosensor based on the 3D surface molecular imprinting was developed for CEA detection.
A multi-responsive turn-on flurogenic probe to sense Zn2+, Cd2+and Pb2+: left-right-center emission signal swing
Authors: Samanta Soham , Datta Barun Kumar , Boral Madhurima , Nandan Abhijit , Das Gopal
Published: May 2016

A rationally designed multi-target probe can sense Zn2+, Cd2+and Pb2+through individual TURN-ON emission signals in physiological pH with signal swing.
Synthesis of isoalkanes over a core (Fe–Zn–Zr)–shell (zeolite) catalyst by CO2 hydrogenation
Authors: Wang Xiaoxing , Yang Guohui , Zhang Junfeng , Chen Shuyao , Wu Yingquan , Zhang Qingde , Wang Junwei , Han Yizhuo , Tan Yisheng
Published: May 2016

An Fe–Zn–Zr@zeolite core–shell catalyst synthesized by a simple cladding method shows an obvious confinement effect on the synthesis of isoalkanes by CO2 hydrogenation.
A pH-responsive DNA nanomachine-controlled catalytic assembly of gold nanoparticles
Authors: Yao Dongbao , Li Hui , Guo Yijun , Zhou Xiang , Xiao Shiyan , Liang Haojun
Published: May 2016

This pH-responsive nanomachine can regulate the reaction rate of DNA–AuNPs assembly using pH in an efficient manner.
Ratiometric detection and imaging of endogenous hypochlorite in live cells and in vivo achieved by using an aggregation induced emission (AIE)-based nanoprobe
Authors: Huang Yong , Zhang Peisheng , Gao Meng , Zeng Fang , Qin Anjun , Wu Shuizhu , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: May 2016

An AIE-based fluorescent nanoprobe was prepared for ratiometric detection and imaging of endogenous hypochlorite in live cells and in vivo.
Fabrication of mixed phase TiO2 heterojunction nanorods and their enhanced photoactivities
Authors: Tiwari Amritanjali , Mondal Indranil , Ghosh Saptarshi , Chattopadhyay Nitin , Pal Ujjwal
Published: May 2016

1-D anatase@rutile TiO2 heterojunction nanorods greatly boosting the photocatalytic activity for H2 generation and dye degradation.
Enhancement of island size by dynamic substrate disorder in simulations of graphene growth
Authors: Enstone Gwilym , Brommer Peter , Quigley David , Bell Gavin R.
Published: May 2016

We demonstrate a new mechanism in the early stages of sub-monolayer epitaxial island growth, using Monte Carlo simulations motivated by experimental observations on the growth of graphene on copper foil.
Physical mixing of TiO2 with sponge nickel creates new active sites for selective CO methanation
Authors: Tada S. , Shoji D. , Urasaki K. , Shimoda N. , Satokawa S.
Published: May 2016

Ni–α-Al2O3, Ni–SiO2, Ni–γ-Al2O3, Ni–TiO2, and Ni–ZrO2 were prepared by physical mixing of metal oxides with sponge Ni, and the effect of physical contact of the metal oxides with sponge Ni on selective CO methanation was examined.
Two pathways of proton transfer reaction to (triphos)Cu(η1-BH4) via a dihydrogen bond [triphos = 1,1,1-tris(diphenylphosphinomethyl)ethane]
Authors: Golub I. E. , Filippov O. A. , Belkova N. V. , Epstein L. M. , Rossin A. , Peruzzini M. , Shubina E. S.
Published: May 2016

The interaction of alcohols of variable strength with the copper(i) borohydride complex (triphos)Cu(η1-BH4) results in a great variety of DHB complexes which encompass different mechanisms involving M–H and E–H bond (E = B, O) activation steps.
Boron difluorides with formazanate ligands: redox-switchable fluorescent dyes with large stokes shifts
Authors: Chang M.-C. , Chantzis A. , Jacquemin D. , Otten E.
Published: May 2016

The synthesis of a series of (formazanate)boron difluorides and their 1-electron reduction products is described.
Photoreaction of adsorbed diiodomethane: halide effects of a series of neutral palladium(ii) coordination cages
Authors: Noh Tae Hwan , Lee Haeri , Kim Doeon , Moon Dohyun , Lee Young-A , Jung Ok-Sang
Published: May 2016

The synthetic aspect of a series of [Pd6X12L4] (X−= Cl−, Br−, I−) cages, including Br/I replacement reaction and halide effects on physicochemical properties, adsorption of CH2I2, and photo-cyclopropanation, has been investigated.