bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shannon information entropy for a hyperbolic double‐well potential
Authors: Sun Guo‐Hua , Dong Shi‐Hai , Launey Kristina D. , Dytrych Tomas , Draayer Jerry P.
Published: April 2015

We use the ansatz method to obtain the symmetric and antisymmetric solutions of a hyperbolic double‐well potential by solving the Heun differential equation. The Shannon entropy is studied. The positionSxand momentumSpinformation entropies for the low‐lying two statesN = 1, 2 are calculated. Some interesting features of the information entropy densitiesρs(x) andρs(p) as well as the probability densityρ(x) are demonstrated. We find thatρ(x) is equal or greater than 1 at positionsfor the allowed potential‐depth values ofU0 = 595.84 (symmetric case) andU0 = 1092.8 (antisymmetric case). This arises from the fact that most of the density is less than 1, the curve has to rise higher than 1 to have a total area of 1 as required for all probability distributions. We find that the position information entropySxdecreases with the potential strength but the momentum entropySpis contrary to theSx. The Bialynicki‐Birula–Mycielski inequality is also tested and found to hold for these cases. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Incorporation of individual‐patient data in network meta‐analysis for multiple continuous endpoints, with application to diabetes treatment
Authors: Hong Hwanhee , Fu Haoda , Price Karen L. , Carlin Bradley P.
Published: April 2015

Availability of individual patient‐level data (IPD) broadens the scope of network meta‐analysis (NMA) and enables us to incorporate patient‐level information. Although IPD is a potential gold mine in biomedical areas, methodological development has been slow owing to limited access to such data. In this paper, we propose a Bayesian IPD NMA modeling framework for multiple continuous outcomes under both contrast‐based and arm‐based parameterizations. We incorporate individual covariate‐by‐treatment interactions to facilitate personalized decision making. Furthermore, we can find subpopulations performing well with a certain drug in terms of predictive outcomes. We also impute missing individual covariates via an MCMC algorithm. We illustrate this approach using diabetes data that include continuous bivariate efficacy outcomes and three baseline covariates and show its practical implications. Finally, we close with a discussion of our results, a review of computational challenges, and a brief description of areas for future research. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The acute and chronic toxic effect of cypermethrin, propetamphos, and their combinations in rats
Authors: Eraslan Gökhan , Kanbur Murat , Siliğ Yavuz , Karabacak Mürsel , Soyer Sarica Zeynep , Şahin Serap
Published: April 2015

This study was aimed at determining the acute and chronic toxic effects of cypermethrin, propetamphos, and combined cypermethrin and propetamphos. Four groups, each comprising 10 animals, were established for the acute (a) and chronic (b) toxicity trials, and in total, 80 male Wistar albino rats were used. In the acute toxicity trial, the first group was maintained for control purposes, and groups 2a, 3a, and 4a were administered only once with 80 mg/kg.bw of cypermethrin, 25 mg/kg.bw of propetamphos and 80 mg/kg.bw of cypermethrin combined with 25 mg/kg.bw of propetamphos, respectively, by gavage directly into the stomach. In the chronic toxicity trial, the first group was also maintained for control purposes, while groups 2b, 3b, and 4b were administered daily with 12 mg/kg.bw of cypermethrin, 4 mg/kg.bw of propetamphos, and 12 mg/kg.bw of cypermethrin combined with 4 mg/kg.bw of propetamphos respectively, by gavage directly into the stomach for 60 days. Blood and tissue (liver, kidney, brain, spleen, and testis) samples were taken 24 h after pesticide administration in the acute toxicity trial and at the end of day 60 in the chronic toxicity trial. Oxidative stress (MDA, NO, SOD, CAT, GSH‐Px, and G6PD) parameters, serum biochemical parameters (glucose, triglyceride, cholesterol, HDL, LDL, BUN, creatinine, AST, ALT, ALP, protein, and albumin) and hepatic drug‐metabolizing parameters (CYP2E1, CYPB5, CYTC, GST, and GSH) were investigated in the samples. When administered either alone or in combination, both pesticides inhibited the antioxidant enzymes and increased MDA and NO levels. For the drug‐metabolizing parameters investigated, particularly in the chronic period, either increase (CYP2E1, CYPB5, and CYTC) or decrease (GST and GSH) was observed. Furthermore, some negative changes were detected in the serum biochemical parameters. In result, cypermethrin and propetamphos combinations and long‐term exposure to these combinations produced a greater toxic effect than the administration of these insecticides alone. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 31: 1415–1429, 2016.
Roles of CYP2e1 in 1,2‐dichloroethane‐induced liver damage in mice
Authors: Sun Qi , Wang Gaoyang , Gao Lanyue , Shi Lei , Qi Ying , Lv Xiuqiang , Jin Yaping
Published: April 2015

The aim of this study was to explore the roles of cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) in 1,2‐dichloroethane (1,2‐DCE)‐induced liver damage. Two parts were included in this study: first, effect of 1,2‐DCE on microsomal expression of CYP2E1, and second, potential of an inhibitor of CYP2E1 to reduce 1,2‐DCE‐induced liver damage. In part one, mice were exposed to 0, 0.225, 0.45, or 0.9 g/m3 1,2‐DCE for 10 days, 3.5 h per day through static inhalation. In part two, mice were divided into blank control, solvent control, inhibitor control, 1,2‐DCE‐poisoned group, and low or high intervention group. In part one, compared to the control, serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities and hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in 0.9 g/m3 1,2‐DCE group, and microsomal CYP2E1 protein expression and activity in both 0.45 and 0.9 g/m3 1,2‐DCE groups increased significantly; conversely, hepatic nonprotein sulfhydryl (NPSH) levels in both 0.45 and 0.9 g/m3 1,2‐DCE groups and hepatic SOD activities in 0.9 g/m3 1,2‐DCE group decreased significantly. In part two, microsomal CYP2E1 protein expression and activity decreased significantly in both low and high intervention groups compared to 1,2‐DCE‐poisoned group. Along with the changes of CYP2E1, hepatic MDA levels and serum ALT activities decreased; conversely, hepatic NPSH levels and SOD activities increased significantly in high intervention group. Taken together, our results suggested that 1,2‐DCE could enhance CYP2E1 protein expression and enzymatic activity, which could cause oxidative damage in liver, serving as an important mechanism underlying 1,2‐DCE‐induced liver damage. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 31: 1430–1438, 2016.
Genetics and Personal Insurance: the Perspectives of Canadian Cancer Genetic Counselors
Authors: Lane Michelle , Ngueng Feze Ida , Joly Yann
Published: April 2015

Genetic discrimination in the context of genetic testing has been identified as a concern for symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals for more than three decades. Genetic counselors are often the health care professionals who discuss risks and benefits of genetic testing with patients, thereby making them most appropriate to address patient concerns about genetics and personal insurance (i.e., life, life as related to mortgage or group insurance, disability, critical illness and travel). A pilot study was conducted to ascertain the current practices of Canadian cancer genetic counselors in regard to their discussions with patients about genetic testing and access to personal insurance. Among the 36 counselors surveyed, 100 % reported discussing the issue of genetic testing and personal insurance with their patients. Several factors influenced the content, depth and length of these discussions including age, cancer status, family members, and patients’ current and future insurance needs. Counselors reported discussing with patients the possible impact of genetic test results on access to personal insurance, possible access and use of patient genetic information by insurance companies, and whom patients should contact if they have additional questions. The most commonly reported inquiries from patients included questions about the possible impact of genetic testing on their ability to obtain insurance, and the insurability of family members. While 28 % of counselors reported having been contacted by an insurer requesting access to patient information, only one counselor was aware of or could recall the outcome of such a request. This pilot study revealed that issues concerning genetics and personal insurance are commonly discussed in Canadian cancer genetic counseling sessions. Counselors furthermore expressed a need for additional educational resources on the topic of genetics and personal insurance for themselves and their patients.
Patients' Preferences regarding the Delivery of Health Care in a Hand Surgical Practice
Authors: Caggiano Nicholas M. , Fegley Mark W. , Matullo Kristofer S.
Published: April 2015

Background

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 includes patient satisfaction scores in the calculation of reimbursement for services provided. The Medicare and Medicaid Electronic Health Care Record Incentive Program mandate that physicians provide electronic communication with patients. Little data exists regarding patient preferences that might guide the physician adhering to these guidelines. We performed a survey study to examine patients' attitudes regarding the delivery of their health care.

Methods

We provided an anonymous survey to all outpatient hand surgery patients within a 1-month period at our level I academic center. The survey was structured to ascertain patients' attitudes toward outpatient wait times as well as delivery of patient-specific healthcare-related information. One-hundred and ninety-six surveys were available for review.

Results

Of the 196 patients surveyed, 106 (54 %) were between the ages of 45 and 64. Patients aged 25 to 44 were the least willing to wait for an initial outpatient appointment. The majority of patients in all age groups demonstrated unwillingness to wait more than 1 week for evaluation of a new problem. One hundred and forty patients (71 %) were willing to wait longer for an appointment with an upper extremity specialist rather than have an earlier appointment with a non-upper extremity specialist. Wait times of 30 min after arrival in the office were acceptable to 174 patients (89 %) while 40 patients (20 %) were willing to wait an hour or more. Patients preferred a typed handout detailing their specific problem as opposed to referral to a website or an e-mail containing information.

Conclusions

The results of our study indicate that patients prefer typed information as opposed to e-mail or websites regarding their health care. Our study also suggests that patients are willing to endure longer wait times if they can be given a sooner appointment, and most prefer a specialist for their problems. These results will provide some guidance to the physician regarding what patients find most appealing.
Acute Intake of Plant Stanol Esters Induces Changes in Lipid and Lipoprotein Metabolism‐Related Gene Expression in the Liver and Intestines of Mice
Authors: De Smet Els , Mensink Ronald P. , Konings Maurice , Brufau Gemma , Groen Albert K. , Havinga Rick , Schonewille Marleen , Kerksiek Anja , Lütjohann Dieter , Plat Jogchum
Published: April 2015

The kinetics of plant stanol uptake and routing in 8‐week‐old C57BL/6J mice were determined after a plant stanol ester gavage. In addition, acute changes in intestinal and hepatic gene expression were investigated. Mice were fed a plant sterol/stanol poor diet from weaning. At the age of 8 weeks, they received an oral gavage consisting of 0.25 mg cholesterol + 50 mg plant stanol esters dissolved in olive oil. Animals were euthanized at different time points. In a second comparable set‐up, mesenteric lymph‐cannulated versus sham‐operated mice received the same oral gavage, which was now deuterium labeled. Intestinal and hepatic sitostanol concentrations increased within 15 min post‐gavage. This rapid hepatic appearance was absent in lymph‐cannulated mice, suggesting a very fast lymph‐mediated uptake. Hepatic mRNA expression of SREBP2 and its target genes rapidly decreased, whereas expression of LXR target genes increased. The intestinal SREBP2 pathway was increased, whereas the expression of LXR target genes hardly changed. The fivefold and sixfold increased expression of intestinal LDLr and PCSK9 is suggestive of TICE activation. We conclude that in C57BL/6J mice plant stanol kinetics are fast, and affect intestinal and hepatic gene expression within 15 min postprandial after lymph‐mediated uptake.
From Sticks to Carrots: Electoral Manipulation in Africa, 1986–2012
Authors: van Ham Carolien , Lindberg Staffan I.
Published: April 2015

Over 90 per cent of the world’s states currently select their national leaders through multiparty elections. However, in Africa the quality of elections still varies widely, ranging from elections plagued by violence and fraud to elections that are relatively ‘free and fair’. Yet, little is known about trade-offs between different strategies of electoral manipulation and the differences between incumbent and opposition actors’ strategies. We theorize that choices for specific types of manipulation are driven by available resources and cost considerations for both incumbents and opposition actors, and are mutually responsive. We also suggest that costs of manipulative strategies are shaped by the level of democratization. We test our hypotheses on a time series, cross-sectional data set with observations for 286 African elections from 1986 to 2012. We find that democratization makes ‘cheap’ forms of electoral manipulation available to incumbents such as intimidation and manipulating electoral administration less viable, thus leading to increases in vote buying. The future of democracy in Africa thus promises elections where the administration of elections becomes better and better but at the same time vote buying will increase. Not all things go together, at least not all the time. The future of democracy in Africa will mean more money in politics, more patronage and more clientelistic offers thrown around, at least in the short to medium term.
Thieves, Fools, Fraudsters, and Gamblers? The Ambivalence of Moral Criticism in the Credit Crunch of 2008
Authors: Münnich Sascha
Published: April 2015

This article examines public debates on the legitimacy of banking profits in the 2008 credit crunch. A content analysis of 957 newspaper articles published in Germany and theUKin the early weeks after the Lehman Brothers collapse examines critical statements directed at illegitimate forms of financial profit in order to identify the cultural legitimacy of financial capitalism. The conceptual framework provided by the French sociology of justification points to the role of shared orders of value as a normative reference for public discourses. In both national debates, four important boundaries for legitimate profits were drawn that concerned the problems of ownership, risk-management capacities of traders, fraudulent client relations, and speculative gambling. The meaning of this classical moral criticism of banks was transformed in the context of the 2008 crisis: a line between “normal” and “excessive” financial profits was drawn, defining an area of legitimate profit-seeking that hewed to the basic assumptions of the market model. Economic theory was used as a scheme of public economic morality. The seemingly harsh critical debate effectively reproduced a legitimate image of a functioning financial market, deflecting public attention away from the structural ambivalences of financial profit-seeking and granting legitimacy to the institutional status quo of financial capitalism.
Wither Diversity of Post-Socialist Welfare Capitalist Cultures? Crisis and Change in Estonia and Slovenia
Authors: Lindstrom Nicole
Published: April 2015

The paper considers the impact of the current economic crisis on post-socialist welfare capitalist states through an examination of two most different cases: neo-liberal Estonia and neo-corporatist Slovenia. The crisis prompted the most sustained political contestation with respect to each model in two decades. Considering national public sphere discussions within a broader European context, the paper shows how transnational advocates of austerity reinforced Estonia’s neoliberal model but emboldened critics of the Slovenian model to roll back the state. While public sphere debates within small, peripheral states must be understood within transnational contexts, in both cases we can observe more continuity than change in the collective ideas underlying each model.
Negative emotional reactivity as a marker of vulnerability in the development of borderline personality disorder symptoms
Authors: Stepp Stephanie D. , Scott Lori N. , Jones Neil P. , Whalen Diana J. , Hipwell Alison E.
Published: April 2015

Negative emotionality is a distinguishing feature of borderline personality disorder (BPD). However, this person-level characteristic has not been examined as a marker of vulnerability in the development of this disorder. The current study utilized a multimethod approach to examine the interplay between negative emotional reactivity and cumulative exposure to family adversity on the development of BPD symptoms across 3 years (ages 16–18) in a diverse, at-risk sample of adolescent girls (N= 113). A latent variable of negative emotional reactivity was created from multiple assessments at age 16: self-report, emotion ratings to stressors from ecological assessments across 1 week, and observer-rated negative affectivity during a mother–daughter conflict discussion task. Exposure to family adversity was measured cumulatively between ages 5 and 16 from annual assessments of family poverty, single parent household, and difficult life circumstances. The results from latent growth curve models demonstrated a significant interaction between negative emotional reactivity and family adversity, such that exposure to adversity strengthened the association between negative emotional reactivity and BPD symptoms. In addition, family adversity predicted increasing BPD symptoms during late adolescence. These findings highlight negative emotional reactivity as a marker of vulnerability that ultimately increases risk for the development of BPD symptoms.
Truncus arteriosus communis in combination with cor triatriatum sinsitrum
Authors: Klusmeier Elmar , Haas Nikolaus A. , Sandica Eugen
Published: April 2015

Truncus arteriosus communis is a rare CHD, accounting for only 1% of all congenital cardiac abnormalities. It has been associated with other malformations of the heart, mainly truncal valve (bicuspid/quadricuspid) and aortic arch abnormalities such as right, interrupted, and hypoplastic aortic arch. Cor tratriatrum sinistrum is another rare CHD, and it has been associated with other cardiac defects such as anomalous pulmonary venous drainage, ventricular septal defect, coarctation of the aorta, and tetralogy of Fallot. The combination of truncus arteriosus communis and cor tratriatrum sinistrum has not been reported so far. This case study describes the diagnosis of a unique case, including these two very rare cardiac defects and the successful surgical treatment thereafter.
Two languages, one effect: Structural priming in spontaneous code-switching
Authors: TORRES CACOULLOS RENA , TRAVIS CATHERINE E.
Published: April 2015

We investigate here the contribution of code-switching and structural priming to variable expression of the Spanish first person singular subject pronoun in the New Mexican bilingual community. Comparisons with both Spanish and English benchmarks indicate no convergence of Spanish toward English grammar, including in the presence of code-switching, where the linguistic conditioning of variant selection remains unaltered. We find a language-internal and cross-language priming effect, albeit of differing strength, such that speakers’ preceding coreferential (Spanish and English) subject pronouns favor subsequent pronouns, whereas unexpressed subjects tend to be followed by unexpressed subjects. Given the rarity of unexpressed subjects in English, in the presence of code-switching fewer tokens occur with unexpressed primes. Thus, code-switching has no intrinsic effect. Instead, it results in associated shifts in the distribution of contextual features relevant to priming, contrary to the convergence-via-code-switching hypothesis and in accordance with the contextual distribution-via-code-switching hypothesis, which we put forward here.
Designing Dual-functionalized Gels for Self-reconfiguration and Autonomous Motion
Authors: Kuksenok Olga , Balazs Anna C.
Published: April 2015

Human motion is enabled by the concerted expansion and contraction of interconnected muscles that are powered by inherent biochemical reactions. One of the challenges in the field of biomimicry is eliciting this form of motion from purely synthetic materials, which typically do not generate internalized reactions to drive mechanical action. Moreover, for practical applications, this bio-inspired motion must be readily controllable. Herein, we develop a computational model to design a new class of polymer gels where structural reconfigurations and internalized reactions are intimately linked to produce autonomous motion, which can be directed with light. These gels contain both spirobenzopyran (SP) chromophores and the ruthenium catalysts that drive the oscillatory Belousov-Zhabotinsky (BZ) reaction. Importantly, both the SP moieties and the BZ reaction are photosensitive. When these dual-functionalized gels are exposed to non-uniform illumination, the localized contraction of the gel (due to the SP moieties) in the presence of traveling chemical waves (due to the BZ reaction) leads to new forms of spontaneous, self-sustained movement, which cannot be achieved by either of the mono-functionalized networks.
Argininosuccinate synthetase 1 suppression and arginine restriction inhibit cell migration in gastric cancer cell lines
Authors: Shan Yan-Shen , Hsu Hui-Ping , Lai Ming-Derg , Yen Meng-Chi , Chen Wei-Ching , Fang Jung-Hua , Weng Tzu-Yang , Chen Yi-Ling
Published: April 2015

Gastric cancer metastasis remains a major cause of cancer-related deaths. There is an urgent need to develop new therapeutic approaches targeting metastatic gastric cancer. Argininosuccinate synthetase 1 (ASS1) expression is increased in gastric cancer. We detected the protein expression of ASS1 in human gastric cancer cell lines (AGS, NCI-N87 and MKN45) and in murine gastric cancer cell lines (3I and 3IB2). We used vector-mediated short hairpin RNA (shRNA) expression to silence ASS1 expression in the MKN45 and 3IB2 cell lines and analyzed the effects of this protein on cell migration and metastasis. We demonstrated that ASS1 silencing suppressed cell migration in the MKN45 and 3IB2 cell lines. ASS1 knockdown significantly reduced liver metastasis in mice after the intrasplenic implantation of 3IB2 cancer cell clones. To determine whether arginine restriction may represent a therapeutic approach to treat gastric cancer, the sensitivity of tumor cells to arginine depletion was determined in gastric cancer cells. Arginine depletion significantly inhibited cell migration in the gastric cancer cell line. The silencing of ASS1 expression in MKN45 and 3IB2 gastric cancer cells markedly decreased STAT3 protein expression. In conclusion, our results indicate that the ASS1 protein is required for cell migration in gastric cancer cell lines.
Preclinical Study of Locoregional Therapy of Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Bioelectric Ablation with Microsecond Pulsed Electric Fields (μsPEFs)
Authors: Chen Xinhua , Ren Zhigang , Li Chengxiang , Guo Fei , Zhou Dianbo , Jiang Jianwen , Chen Xinmei , Sun Jihong , Yao Chenguo , Zheng Shusen
Published: April 2015

Unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) needs locoregional ablation as a curative or downstage therapy. Microsecond Pulsed Electric Fields (μsPEFs) is an option. A xenograft tumor model was set up on 48 nude mice by injecting human hepatocellular carcinoma Hep3B cells subcutaneously. The tumor-bearing mice were randomly divided into 3 groups: μsPEFs treated, sham and control group. μsPEFs group was treated by μsPEFs twice in 5 days. Tumor volume, survival, pathology, mitochondria function and cytokines were followed up. μsPEFs was also conducted on 3 swine to determine impact on organ functions. The tumors treated by μsPEFs were completely eradicated while tumors in control and sham groups grew up to 2 cm3 in 3 weeks. The μsPEFs-treated group indicated mitochondrial damage and tumor necrosis as shown in JC-1 test, flow cytometry, H&E staining and TEM. μsPEFs activates CD56+ and CD68+ cells and inhibits tumor proliferating cell nuclear antigen. μsPEFs inhibits HCC growth in the nude mice by causing mitochondria damage, tumor necrosis and non-specific inflammation. μsPEFs treats porcine livers without damaging vital organs. μsPEFs is a feasible minimally invasive locoregional ablation option.
TIGAR regulates DNA damage and repair through pentosephosphate pathway and Cdk5-ATM pathway
Authors: Yu Hong-Pei , Xie Jia-Ming , Li Bin , Sun Yi-Hui , Gao Quan-Geng , Ding Zhi-Hui , Wu Hao-Rong , Qin Zheng-Hong
Published: April 2015

Previous study revealed that the protective effect of TIGAR in cell survival is mediated through the increase in PPP (pentose phosphate pathway) flux. However, it remains unexplored if TIGAR plays an important role in DNA damage and repair. This study investigated the role of TIGAR in DNA damage response (DDR) induced by genotoxic drugs and hypoxia in tumor cells. Results showed that TIGAR was increased and relocated to the nucleus after epirubicin or hypoxia treatment in cancer cells. Knockdown of TIGAR exacerbated DNA damage and the effects were partly reversed by the supplementation of PPP products NADPH, ribose, or the ROS scavenger NAC. Further studies with pharmacological and genetic approaches revealed that TIGAR regulated the phosphorylation of ATM, a key protein in DDR, through Cdk5. The Cdk5-AMT signal pathway involved in regulation of DDR by TIGAR defines a new role of TIGAR in cancer cell survival and it suggests that TIGAR may be a therapeutic target for cancers.
Vasectomy and prostate cancer risk: a meta-analysis of cohort studies
Authors: Shang Yonggang , Han Guangwei , Li Jia , Zhao Jiang , Cui Dong , Liu Chengcheng , Yi Shanhong
Published: April 2015

Some studies have suggested that vasectomy is associated with the increased risk of prostate cancer, however, this conclusion is not supported by all the published studies. In order to examine the relationship between vasectomy and prostate cancer risk, we conducted a meta-analysis of cohort studies to clarify this controversial association. PubMed and Medline were used to identify the cohort studies that reported the association of vasectomy with prostate cancer risk from 1980 to January 2015. Based on a random effects model, the RR and 95% CI were used to assess the combined risk. In total, 10 cohort studies involving more than 7027 cases and 429914 participants were included. There was no significant relationship between vasectomy and prostate cancer risk, the pooled RR (95%CI) was 1.11[0.98, 1.27] (P = 0.109). In subgroup-analysis, the relationship between vasectomy and prostate cancer risk was not significantly modified by the length of follow-up and population distribution except Americans. Omission of any single study had little effect on the pooled risk estimate. Little evidence of publication bias was found. In conclusion, our meta-analysis suggests that vasectomy is not associated with the increased risk of prostate cancer. More studies based on other populations including the Chinese are needed.
Singlet ground state actinide chemistry with geminals
Authors: Tecmer Paweł , Boguslawski Katharina , Ayers Paul W.
Published: April 2015

We present the first application of the variationally orbital optimized antisymmetric product of 1-reference orbital geminals (vOO-AP1roG) method to singlet-state actinide chemistry.
Investigation of the conformation changes of myoglobin by an electrochemical method and a biosensing application based on controlled protein unfolding
Authors: Liu Jianbo , Zheng Jianbin , Zhang Juncai , Bai Wushuang , Liu Jiangtao
Published: April 2015

The conformational changes of myoglobin (Mb) during urea-induced unfolding were investigated using an electrochemical method.
Graphene/Au composites as an anode modifier for improving electricity generation in Shewanella-inoculated microbial fuel cells
Authors: Zhao Cui-e , Gai Panpan , Song Rongbin , Zhang Jianrong , Zhu Jun-Jie
Published: April 2015

Graphene/Au (G/Au) composites were used as a novel anode material for Shewanella-inoculated microbial fuel cells (MFCs) and proved to be effective for enhancing bacterial loading on the anode surface and EET efficiency between the microbe and the electrode.
Synthesis of hollow and trimetallic nanostructures by seed-mediated co-reduction
Authors: Weiner Rebecca G. , Smith Alison F. , Skrabalak Sara E.
Published: April 2015

Seed-mediated co-reduction coupled with galvanic replacement is a new route to structurally defined trimetallic nanoparticles.
Iron-mediated C–H coupling of arenes and unactivated terminal alkenes directed by sulfur
Authors: Cavanagh Craig W. , Aukland Miles H. , Hennessy Alan , Procter David J.
Published: April 2015

A sulfur-directed Fe(iii)-mediated ortho C–H coupling of arenes with unactivated terminal alkenes gives products of regioselective alkene chloroarylation.
Two dimensional porous 3d–4f heterometallic coordination polymers constructed by pyridine-2,3-dicarboxylic acid
Authors: Yang Ting-Hai , Silva Ana Rosa , Shi Fa-Nian
Published: April 2015

Four porous CoIIILnIII 3d–4f heterometallic coordination polymers constructed by the pydcH2 ligand were hydrothermally synthesized and characterized. The adsorption and catalytic properties of compound CoIIIDyIII were investigated.
Borazine: spin blocker or not?
Authors: Bhattacharya Debojit , Shil Suranjan , Misra Anirban , Bytautas Laimutis , Klein Douglas J.
Published: April 2015

Spin-blocker capacity of borazine is investigated formeta-BB,meta-NN andpara-BN structures highlighting the correlation between magnetic properties and aromaticity.
Ethylene/propylene copolymerization catalyzed by vanadium complexes containing N-heterocyclic carbenes
Authors: Zhang Shu , Zhang Wen-Chao , Shang Dan-Dan , Zhang Zhi-Qian , Wu Yi-Xian
Published: April 2015

An ethylene/propylene copolymer with random monomer distribution could be prepared with air-stable vanadium complexes containing the NHC ligand.
A general Pd-catalyzed α- and γ-benzylation of aldehydes for the formation of quaternary centers
Authors: Franzoni Ivan , Guénée Laure , Mazet Clément
Published: April 2015

A palladium-catalyzed benzylation of α-branched aldehydes has been developed using benzyl methyl carbonates.
Facile synthesis of anisotropic single crystalline α-Fe2O3 nanoplates and their facet-dependent catalytic performance
Authors: Rehman Sarish , Yang Wenglong , Liu Fei , Hong Yu , Wang Ting , Hou Yanglong
Published: April 2015

Facet-dependent photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue was carried out using hexagonal and cylindrical hematite nanoplates.
AlCl3-catalyzed O-alkylative Passerini reaction of isocyanides, cinnamaldehydes and various aliphatic alcohols for accessing α-alkoxy-β,γ-enamides
Authors: Lyu Longyun , Xie Han , Mu Huaixue , He Qijie , Bian Zhaoxiang , Wang Jun
Published: April 2015

The inexpensive Lewis acid AlCl3 was found to be an efficient catalyst for the O-alkylative Passerini reaction of isocyanides, cinnamaldehydes and alcohols.
Click grafting of alkyne-containing vinyl polymers onto biosynthesized extracellular matrix protein containing azide functionality and adhesion control of human umbilical vein endothelial cells
Authors: Yamada Tomoki , Takasu Akinori
Published: April 2015

Biosynthesized aECM-CS5-ELF containingp-N3Phe was coupled with alkyne-containing vinyl polymersviaclick reaction. Specific adhesion of human umbilical vein endothelial cells onto the composite surface and subsequent temperature-sensitive detachment were also demonstrated.
Toward elevated light harvesting: efficient dye-sensitized solar cells with titanium dioxide/silica photoanodes
Authors: Yang Peizhi , Tang Qunwei , He Benlin
Published: April 2015

Light harvesting titanium dioxide/silica photoanodes are used for dye-sensitized solar cells.
Low-temperature, solution processed metal sulfide as an electron transport layer for efficient planar perovskite solar cells
Authors: Liu Jiang , Gao Cheng , Luo Lizhu , Ye Qinyan , He Xulin , Ouyang Liangqi , Guo Xiaowei , Zhuang Daming , Liao Cheng , Mei Jun , Lau Woonming
Published: April 2015

Low-temperature, solution processed metal sulfide is introduced as an electron transport layer for perovskite solar cells.
Enhancement of thermoelectric performance of β-Zn4Sb3 through resonant distortion of electronic density of states doped with Gd
Authors: Ren Baojin , Liu Mian , Li Xiaoguang , Qin Xiaoying , Li Di , Zou Tianhua , Sun Guolong , Li Yuanyue , Xin Hongxing , Zhang Jian
Published: April 2015

The thermoelectric properties of Gd-doped β-Zn4Sb3 are investigated.
pH-tunable plasmonic properties of Ag nanoparticle cores in block copolymer micelle arrays on Ag films
Authors: Lee Jiwon , Yoo Seugmin , Shin Myoungsoo , Choe Ayoung , Park Soojin , Ko Hyunhyub
Published: April 2015

Particle-on-film plasmonic systems provide interesting plasmonic properties, which can be easily tuned by controlling the particle–film gaps.
Sheet-like MoSe2/C composites with enhanced Li-ion storage properties
Authors: Liu Yuan , Zhu Minqiang , Chen Di
Published: April 2015

A sheet-like MoSe2/C composite-based Li-ion battery exhibits an excellent Li storage performance, including a high specific capacity, good cyclability and high rate capability.
Graft octa-sulfonated poly(arylene ether) for high performance proton exchange membrane
Authors: Feng Sinan , Wang Guibin , Zhang Haibo , Pang Jinhui
Published: April 2015

A novel octa-sulfonated poly(arylene ether) was combined with a longer hydrophobic backbone and grafted with ionic clusters, exhibiting high proton conductivity and excellent dimensional stability.
Cardioprotective effects and pharmacokinetic properties of a controlled release formulation of a novel hydrogen sulfide donor in rats with acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Tran Ba Hieu , Huang Chengrong , Zhang Qiuyan , Liu Xu , Lin Shizhou , Liu Hongrui , Wang Shujun , Zhu Yi Zhun
Published: April 2015

We previously reported that S-propargyl-cysteine (SPRC) exerts cardioprotective effects by elevating H2S levels via the CSE/H2S pathway. In the present study, we investigated the cardioprotective effects and pharmacokinetic properties of a controlled release formulation of SPRC (CR-SPRC) in an in vivo rat model of myocardial infarction (MI). Rats were randomly assigned to seven groups that were pre-treated with CR-SPRC daily for 7 days prior to ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery to induce MI. Cardiac function and infarct size were determined after MI, and we examined the activity of antioxidant enzymes, expression of anti-inflammation proteins and hydrogen sulfide levels. Mixed-mode, reversed-phase and cation-exchange HPLC–MS/MS were used to compare the pharmacokinetic properties of CR-SPRC and SPRC. CR-SPRC significantly reduced infarct size and creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage and it preserved cardiac function during MI. CR-SPRC displayed antioxidant properties, preserving glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels whereas reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Moreover, CR-SPRC significantly reduced the protein levels of inflammatory biomarkers (phospho-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65, TNF-α) and increased cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE) and Iκ-Bα protein levels. CR-SPRC had better pharmacokinetic properties than SPRC, with a reduced concentration peak (Cmax), prolonged time to reach peak concentration (Tmax), prolonged mean residence time (MRTinf) and increased AUC0–t. CR-SPRC showed protective effects against MI via the CSE/H2S pathway and demonstrated better cardioprotective effects than SPRC by prolonging the release of endogenous H2S.
Nb-doped single crystalline MoS2 field effect transistor
Authors: Das Saptarshi , Demarteau Marcellinus , Roelofs Andreas
Published: April 2015

We report on the demonstration of a p-type, single crystalline, few layer MoS2 field effect transistor (FET) using Niobium (Nb) as the dopant. The doping concentration was extracted and determined to be ∼3 × 1019/cm3. We also report on bilayer Nb-doped MoS2 FETs with ambipolar conduction. We found that the current ON-OFF ratio of the Nb-doped MoS2 FETs changes significantly as a function of the flake thickness. We attribute this experimental observation to bulk-type electrostatic effect in ultra-thin MoS2 crystals. We provide detailed analytical modeling in support of our claims. Finally, we show that in the presence of heavy doping, even ultra-thin 2D-semiconductors cannot be fully depleted and may behave as a 3D material when used in transistor geometry. Our findings provide important insights into the doping constraints of 2D materials, in general.
Hydration water mobility is enhanced around tau amyloid fibers
Authors: Fichou Yann , Schirò Giorgio , Gallat François-Xavier , Laguri Cedric , Moulin Martine , Combet Jérôme , Zamponi Michaela , Härtlein Michael , Picart Catherine , Mossou Estelle , Lortat-Jacob Hugues , Colletier Jacques-Philippe , Tobias Douglas J. , Weik Martin
Published: April 2015

Significance

Protein aggregation into amyloid fibers and oligomers is observed in a variety of neurodegenerative diseases. The fibers formed by the intrinsically disordered human protein tau, for instance, are one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer disease. In this work, we report on the dynamic behavior of tau hydration water, which we found to be more mobile in tau fibers than in nonaggregated tau. This increase in mobility could promote fiber formation through an increase in hydration water entropy. That hydration water is more mobile around the pathological form of tau corroborates that methodologies sensitive to the diffusion of water, such as diffusion magnetic resonance imaging, could be used to diagnose Alzheimer patients in an early stage of the disease.
Ligand deconstruction: Why some fragment binding positions are conserved and others are not
Authors: Kozakov Dima , Hall David R. , Jehle Stefan , Luo Lingqi , Ochiana Stefan O. , Jones Elizabeth V. , Pollastri Michael , Allen Karen N. , Whitty Adrian , Vajda Sandor
Published: April 2015

Significance

Fragment-based drug discovery (FBDD), in which initial screening is done with low-molecular-weight compounds called fragments, relies on the premise that the fragment binding mode will be conserved on subsequent expansion to a larger ligand. We describe a remarkably simple condition for fragment binding conservation that can be tested computationally. The condition can be used for detecting whether a protein is suitable for FBDD, for predicting the size of fragments required for screening, and for determining if a fragment hit can be extended into a higher affinity ligand. The findings also reveal general properties of binding sites, highlighting the role that critical interactions between anchor sites and anchor fragments play in protein–ligand interactions in general.
Artemin promotes functional long-distance axonal regeneration to the brainstem after dorsal root crush
Authors: Wong Laura Elisabeth , Gibson Molly E. , Arnold H. Moore , Pepinsky Blake , Frank Eric
Published: April 2015

Significance

Recovery after a spinal cord injury requires that axons regenerate and reconnect with their original targets. Here we report that after interruption of sensory axons in dorsal roots, systemic treatment with a naturally occurring growth factor, artemin (ARTN), promotes regeneration of these axons 3–4 cm away from their original target region in the brainstem, where they reestablish functional connections. In contrast to earlier studies, we also find that GDNF family receptor, a known receptor for ARTN, is expressed on both myelinated and unmyelinated sensory neurons, consistent with ARTN’s ability to promote regeneration of large and small sensory neurons.
RETRACTED: Inverted formin 2 in focal adhesions promotes dorsal stress fiber and fibrillar adhesion formation to drive extracellular matrix assembly
Authors: Skau Colleen T. , Plotnikov Sergey V. , Doyle Andrew D. , Waterman Clare M.
Published: April 2015

Actin filaments and integrin-based focal adhesions (FAs) form integrated systems that mediate dynamic cell interactions with their environment or other cells during migration, the immune response, and tissue morphogenesis. How adhesion-associated actin structures obtain their functional specificity is unclear. Here we show that the formin-family actin nucleator, inverted formin 2 (INF2), localizes specifically to FAs and dorsal stress fibers (SFs) in fibroblasts. High-resolution fluorescence microscopy and manipulation of INF2 levels in cells indicate that INF2 plays a critical role at the SF–FA junction by promoting actin polymerization via free barbed end generation and centripetal elongation of an FA-associated actin bundle to form dorsal SF. INF2 assembles into FAs during maturation rather than during their initial generation, and once there, acts to promote rapid FA elongation and maturation into tensin-containing fibrillar FAs in the cell center. We show that INF2 is required for fibroblasts to organize fibronectin into matrix fibers and ultimately 3D matrices. Collectively our results indicate an important role for the formin INF2 in specifying the function of fibrillar FAs through its ability to generate dorsal SFs. Thus, dorsal SFs and fibrillar FAs form a specific class of integrated adhesion-associated actin structure in fibroblasts that mediates generation and remodeling of ECM.
Ribosomal protein S6 kinase 1 signaling in prefrontal cortex controls depressive behavior
Authors: Dwyer Jason M. , Maldonado-Avilés Jaime G. , Lepack Ashley E. , DiLeone Ralph J. , Duman Ronald S.
Published: April 2015

Significance

The molecular pathophysiology associated with depression remains largely unknown. Recent evidence suggests that signaling pathways downstream of mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1, such as p70 S6 kinase 1 (S6K1), can lead to structural changes in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of rats, which are associated with antidepressant responses. We used a viral-mediated approach to control S6K1 activity in the mPFC. Enhanced S6K1 activity produced antidepressant-like effects and resilience to chronic stress, whereas decreased S6K1 activity produced prodepressive behavior. Together, these studies demonstrate that aberrant activity of protein synthesis pathways may underlie the pathology of depression, and demonstrate that direct modulation of this pathway can control depressive behavior in a bidirectional manner. Further understanding of these signaling pathways may contribute to improved treatments for major depressive disorder.
Therapeutic effects of cell-permeant peptides that activate G proteins downstream of growth factors
Authors: Ma Gary S. , Aznar Nicolas , Kalogriopoulos Nicholas , Midde Krishna K. , Lopez-Sanchez Inmaculada , Sato Emi , Dunkel Ying , Gallo Richard L. , Ghosh Pradipta
Published: April 2015

Significance

Most common diseases (e.g., cancer, inflammatory disorders, diabetes) are driven by not one, but multiple cell surface receptors that trigger and sustain a pathologic signaling network. The largest fraction of therapeutic agents that target individual receptors/pathways often eventually fail due to the emergence of compensatory mechanisms. Recently, we identified GIV protein as a central platform for receptor cross-talk which integrates signals downstream of a myriad of upstream receptors, and modulates several key pathways within downstream signaling network, all via activation of trimeric G proteins. Here we provide the proof-of-concept that nongenetic exogenous modulation of the GIV-Gi signaling interface using cell-penetrable GIV-derived peptides is an effective strategy to reset pathologic signaling networks downstream of multiple receptors in a diverse array of pathophysiologic conditions.
Structure-relaxation mechanism for the response of T4 lysozyme cavity mutants to hydrostatic pressure
Authors: Lerch Michael T. , López Carlos J. , Yang Zhongyu , Kreitman Margaux J. , Horwitz Joseph , Hubbell Wayne L.
Published: April 2015

Significance

High pressure has emerged as a powerful tool for exploring the energy landscape of proteins, but structural origins of the pressure response remain controversial. The results of this study on a cavity mutant of T4 lysozyme (L99A) provide direct evidence for a structure-relaxation mechanism wherein pressure shifts conformational equilibria toward states with alternative packing arrangements that fill cavities or voids in the core. Both structure relaxation and cavity hydration can occur in response to pressure, and which dominates is found to depend on details of the energy landscape. The results also address conflicting views regarding the pressure response of L99A that have recently been published.
Polyester: simulating RNA-seq datasets with differential transcript expression
Authors: Frazee Alyssa C. , Jaffe Andrew E. , Langmead Ben , Leek Jeffrey T.
Published: April 2015

Motivation: Statistical methods development for differential expression analysis of RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) requires software tools to assess accuracy and error rate control. Since true differential expression status is often unknown in experimental datasets, artificially constructed datasets must be utilized, either by generating costly spike-in experiments or by simulating RNA-seq data.

Results: Polyester is an R package designed to simulate RNA-seq data, beginning with an experimental design and ending with collections of RNA-seq reads. Its main advantage is the ability to simulate reads indicating isoform-level differential expression across biological replicates for a variety of experimental designs. Data generated by Polyester is a reasonable approximation to real RNA-seq data and standard differential expression workflows can recover differential expression set in the simulation by the user.

Availability and implementation: Polyester is freely available from Bioconductor (http://bioconductor.org/).

Contact:  jtleek@gmail.com

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Toll-like receptor 9 trafficking and signaling for type I interferons requires PIKfyve activity
Authors: Hayashi Kachiko , Sasai Miwa , Iwasaki Akiko
Published: April 2015

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) traffic to distinct membranes for signaling. TLR7 and TLR9 recognize viral nucleic acids in the endosomes and induce robust anti-viral program. Signaling from these TLRs bifurcate at the level of distinct endosomal compartments, namely VAMP3+ and LAMP+ endosomes, to mediate the induction of cytokine and type I interferon (IFN) genes, respectively. The formation of the TLR9 endosome competent for IFNs induction requires AP-3. Phosphoinositides (PIs) mark distinct subcellular membranes and control membrane trafficking. However, their role in TLR trafficking and signaling in different dendritic cell (DC) subsets remains unclear. Here, we examined the role of phosphatidylinositol 3P 5-kinase, PIKfyve, in TLR9 trafficking and signaling. We demonstrate that inhibition of PIKfyve activity preferentially blocks TLR9 signaling for type I IFN induction in FLT3L-bone marrow-derived DCs. By confocal microscopy using RAW264.7 cells, we show that trafficking of both TLR9 and CpG to the LAMP1+ compartment was blocked by PIKfyve inhibitor treatment, whereas their trafficking to the VAMP3+ endosome remained intact. Further, AP-3 recruitment to TLR9 endosomes was impaired by PIKfyve inhibition. These data indicate that PIKfyve provides critical PIs necessary for the formation of endosome from which TLR9 signals to induce type I IFNs.